Happy 74th birthday, Elvis!

[January 09, 2009]  MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Fans gathered for a cake-cutting on Elvis Presley's 74th birthday and got word of two new residents at Graceland.

Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, led several hundred fans in singing "Happy Birthday" on Graceland's front lawn Thursday and announced that two rescue horses -- named Max and Bandit -- have taken up residence on the grounds of the famous white-columned house.

Elvis, who died at Graceland in 1977 at age 42, maintained stables and riding pastures for horses at his longtime Memphis residence.

With the addition of Max and Bandit, Graceland now has four horses residing in its eight-stall barn.

Following the singalong and the reading of a proclamation, fans lined up for pieces of birthday cake handed out at Graceland's sprawling souvenir shopping center.

[Associated Press]

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