The King And His Castle

Someday, I’ll make it to Graceland, the mansion-home-now-turned-shrine to Elvis Presley. Located in Memphis, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., ahead of many national monuments and historical sites. As far as private residences are concerned, only The White House has more visitors each year.

OK, he was “King of Rock and Roll”—and I am a fan. The fascination I have with Elvis, however, is more about how someone so successful and wealthy could descend into the pit of drugs and depression that eventually cost him his life.

Of course, there are those who believe that Elvis is still alive. I am not one of them, but were he to walk into my office right now munching on a peanut butter and ‘nana sandwich, I would most likely dissolve into a speechless blob of goo---just like millions of fans.

In fact, my wife and I had the privilege of meeting Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley a few years ago when she played Merrill Auditorium in Portland. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about how this was the daughter, the flesh and blood of ELVIS PRESLEY while I was shaking her hand and posing for photos. Hell, I even thought about her ex-husband Michael Jackson at the time. Rock & Roll Royalty—and she couldn’t have been sweeter.

But I digress.

Elvis paid the down payment for Graceland on this date in 1957. $1,000 bucks—for a house on nearly 14 acres of wooded land—and a mansion that was priced at $102,500. Hard to build a garage for that kind of dough these days.
Twenty three rooms, including 8 bedrooms and bathrooms. Elvis added on, remodeled (including the infamous “Jungle Room”) and generally made the site a castle fit for a King.

Here’s a short video tour of Graceland:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGPMGJzR40

Graceland was where Elvis died—and where he is buried. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Now essentially a museum, it houses his gold records, memorabilia, his Cadillacs and even his Lockheed jet is nearby. From the signature music-themed gates to the burial site to everything housed inside, it is a must-see for anyone going to Memphis….and someday I will join the millions who have made the pilgrimage.

When that happens, I’m sure that I’ll be …..well, “All Shook Up”

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com