August 16, 1977 is one of my early memories. I was living in Memphis at the time, and I remember that day consisting of a lot of commotion on TV and my mom on the phone. When I asked what was wrong, she sadly told me:
“Elvis died.”
It was a situation where the world stopped–something all us children of the 80’s just experienced recently–and still impacts the music world and legions of fans 32 years later. Elvis Presley’s former home at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. is a testimony to that.
The parking lot is full of cars from at least 20 different states. The wait to get on the shuttle bus that takes you across the street to the mansion is at least 15 minutes, like some theme park. In addition to the tunes of the King playing all around, visitors cans be heard speaking at least five different languages. And it’s not just the fans who bought his original records paying homage–people of all ages are here–even college-aged kids and teenagers. Such is the draw of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the hottest spot of any Memphis vacation package.
Elvis purchased the property at the age of 22 for a mere $100k. By today’s standards, the house is still nice-looking with its classic exterior design. But step inside and you are transported to a world of gaudy excess straight from the rockin’ 70’s. My wife, kids and two teenage cousins were guided through each room along with the rest of our group by personal headsets that gave facts and anecdotal stories about Elvis and his home–some voiced by Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley.
The first floor is composed of a living room–complete with peacock stained glass windows–a dining area and his parents’ bedroom. Just around the corner, you’ll step into the kitchen where he made his famous fried peanut butter banana sandwiches. Past that is the infamous Jungle Room, complete with green shag carpet covering not just the floor, but also the walls and ceiling (the King thought it made for good acoustics)–it also has a water fall Elvis helped design himself.
The upstairs is off-limits–a rule that Elvis had in place even while living there, believing visitors shouldn’t have access to private family quarters. But the basement is open, and was my favorite part of the mansion–particularly the TV room which features three screens on the same wall that Elvis had in place so he could watch each network at the same time, a trick he learned at the White House. This room is decorated with loud blue and yellow furniture and paint, a wet bar, mirrored ceiling and his trademarked TCB lighting bolt painted on the wall. This lower section of the home also housed his pool room with a decor that, well… words just don’t do it justice:
Out back, you’ll see the swing set that Lisa Marie played on as a child, and then enter a building that houses a walking tour of his entire career. It starts with his early memorabilia, journeys through the Hall of Gold commemorating all his hit records, and then leads you through displays of his movie career and personal high marks, such as his wedding to Priscilla, his charitable work and his Las Vegas comeback. The Racquetball Room houses the piano Elvis used to sing a few tunes the day he died, and a large collection of stage costumes, performance highlights and other accolades.
The last stop on the tour is a somber one, the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried next to his parents. It’s a place where those who still love him tender shed tears even to this day.
Away from the mansion, Graceland also includes tours of his planes, his car collection, restaurants, souvenir stores and other exhibits dedicated to his larger-than-life legacy. When you visit, be prepared to have a whole lotta shaking going on inside your pocketbook with $33 USD adult tickets and all the different souvenirs you’ll want to take home. But it’s worth the price of admission to say you’ve been there and witness all the amazing things there are to see–it’s certainly an experience my family will never forget.
Long live (the legacy) of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
For more info, visit www.elvis.com.
All photos: (c)EPE, Inc., (c) EPE, Reg. U.S. Pat & TM Off.
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who could have not known the greatest musician of the decade. Elvis is the king.”.”