Graceland is the quintessential mansion of rock ‘n’ roll history. The mansion, which was located in Memphis, Tennessee, had also been the home of none other than Elvis Presley — affectionately referred to as The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The estate continues to be one of the most frequented sites in America, with millions visiting every year.
Graceland: The Profile of History
The original Graceland was constructed by Dr. Thomas Moore in 1939. It was here that he gave his farm the famous name in honor of his daughter Grace. The original property was 500 acres. At the age of 22, in 1957, it was bought by Elvis Prestley for $102,500. His little sanctuary away from the madness where he could decompress with his family and friends.
Elvis Presley Graceland Makeover
As soon as Elvis moved in, he started to do things his way at Graceland. He built rooms, put in elaborate decor, and added more exciting features, such as the Jungle Room, which came about due to his love for Hawaiian culture. The room, with its lime green carpet and wooden furniture, was to remain at the heart of the house. Elvis also installed a pool, built his racquetball court, and constructed the Meditation Garden, where he erred with his parents.
Graceland – A Mirror To Elvis’ Life
Graceland is the real-life manifestation of that life and career. Elvis’ eccentric lifestyle comes through in each room of the mansion: his penchant for luxury and indulgence. Furnishings in the living room include a grand piano, chandeliers, and a 15-foot-long sofa. Upstairs, the iconic “Jungle Room” is a nod to Presley’s love of bright and tropical designs and showcases Elvis’ more laidback, fun-loving character. He also boasts massive expositions of Elvis memorabilia, like his clothes, records, and even personal possessions in Graceland.
The Influence of Graceland on Elvis’ Music
Home to Elvis, Graceland also was a place that inspired him. In the mansion, he wrote and recorded several of his later career songs. It was the safest place for him to work, with family and friends nearby. During his twilight years, he recorded his final recordings in the Jungle Room, which he also used as an ad hoc studio.
Graceland Post Elvis Death
Elvis Presley was found dead in his Graceland mansion on August 16, 1977, at the age of just 42. It is now the place where his fans come to worship after he has passed away. His family opened the house to the public in 1982 as a means of honoring his memory. It has since drawn millions of global travelers. Elvis fans continue to visit the Meditation Garden, where they pay their respects at Elvis’s burial site, although it has now become little more than a curiosity.
Graceland, a Tourist Attraction
Today, Graceland offers visitors a glimpse into Elvis’ world. The estate, however, boasts more than 13 acres and several exhibits like the Elvis Presley Car Museum and The Trophy Building. Visitors can take an in-depth tour of the mansion, view Elvis’ jumpsuits, and even walk through his private plane, The Lisa Marie. Graceland won National Historic Landmark status in 2006, another reminder of its cultural significance.
Graceland Forever
Since Elvis passed on, Graceland has reinvented itself many times. The estate frequently holds events like “Elvis Week” in August, honoring his life and music. Launched in 2010, the annual event includes concerts and awards ceremonies like BETT’s legendary Tributes to Film & Television Talent and Visionaries luncheon, which celebrates talent from around the world. The legacy of Graceland goes well beyond the iconic mansion to shape how people remember and celebrate Elvis Presley. It remains an evergreen in popular music and pop culture of the 20th century.
The Expansion
In recent years, Graceland has added more-friendly attractions. The “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” visitor center opened in 2017, exhibiting several items from his life on the campus. The center will also feature interactive displays, allowing visitors to interact with his career. To give fans another way to experience life near the estate fully, The Guest House at Graceland also offers luxury accommodations in the area.
