Memphis’ Graceland: The rock’n'roll estate fit for a King – Main Line Media News
By Dr. Lori
Elvis Presley was born on Jan. 8, 1935, and he died on Aug. 16, 1977. He left a legacy that continues to inspire many fans to this day. In addition to his mansion, Graceland, his mountain of hit records and his popular movies, Elvis still connects with collectors decades after his untimely death. Beloved by millions, Elvis was a star among stars.Recently I made my way to Memphis, Tennessee, to pay homage to the King of Rock’n’Roll. Visiting Graceland, the home of the late Elvis Presley, was a truly moving experience.
Elvis’ famous home is both a museum and a memorial. While the living room and kitchen certainly were throwbacks to the 1970s, the upstairs bedrooms were off-limits in keeping with Elvis’ tradition of only meeting guests on the main floor of the home. Graceland visitors are only allowed to tour the main floor and lower areas of the main house. The most interesting room was the famed Jungle Room located just off of the kitchen. Decorated in typical late-1960s/early-1970s-era exotica furniture and accessories, this room was Elvis’ informal music room where he played the guitar and sang with his friends.
My visit was met with a few surprises. For instance, I did not realize that Elvis was a twin. I did not know that he was born in Tupelo, not Memphis. At Graceland, there were significant yet respectful crowds. The staff members were true professionals; helpful in every way.
Collectors are devoted to Elvis and what some call “Elvis-abilia” in a manner that differs from that of other celebrities or rock stars. Elvis was an icon, and while his hit records are valuable on today’s secondary market, it is his global appeal that has attracted so many collectors to Elvis objects. Elvis made a career out of connecting with his audiences. What’s more, his personal decisions to serve in the military and to support American causes contribute to his widespread popular appeal. The King of Rock’n’Roll raised funds to help construct Hawaii’s famed U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, assisted in the fight against drug abuse, and helped underprivileged children. He was immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp in 1992. The Elvis stamp remains the most publicized stamp in U.S. history, yet its collectible value is rather low since so many – over 500 million – were distributed.
Many Elvis collectibles are quite pricey. His bejeweled stage costumes are on view at Graceland and some have been sold to collectors for prices ranging from $ 30,000 to $ 300,000. An early-career leather jacket brought $ 37,000 from one collector at a sale.
In the costume exhibition area at Graceland, fans can see Elvis’ gold records and movie costumes, Priscilla Presley’s wedding gown and daughter Lisa Marie’s infant clothes.
Elvis was an avid collector of American automobiles, namely Cadillacs dating from the 1950s through the 1970s. His classic cars are on display in a special exhibit at Graceland.
In addition, Elvis recordings continue to bring high prices. A Sun Records 45-rpm recording of “That’s All Right” in its original paper sleeve sold for $ 1,100.
Major fine artists also helped to further immortalize Elvis. Andy Warhol’s pop-art masterpiece of Elvis Presley from 1963, entitled “Single Elvis,” in silkscreen ink on a silvered background sold at auction for $ 3.3 million. It’s good to be king. It’s even better to collect the King. Continued…
Elvis Presley was born on Jan. 8, 1935, and he died on Aug. 16, 1977. He left a legacy that continues to inspire many fans to this day. In addition to his mansion, Graceland, his mountain of hit records and his popular movies, Elvis still connects with collectors decades after his untimely death. Beloved by millions, Elvis was a star among stars.Recently I made my way to Memphis, Tennessee, to pay homage to the King of Rock’n’Roll. Visiting Graceland, the home of the late Elvis Presley, was a truly moving experience.
Elvis’ famous home is both a museum and a memorial. While the living room and kitchen certainly were throwbacks to the 1970s, the upstairs bedrooms were off-limits in keeping with Elvis’ tradition of only meeting guests on the main floor of the home. Graceland visitors are only allowed to tour the main floor and lower areas of the main house. The most interesting room was the famed Jungle Room located just off of the kitchen. Decorated in typical late-1960s/early-1970s-era exotica furniture and accessories, this room was Elvis’ informal music room where he played the guitar and sang with his friends.
My visit was met with a few surprises. For instance, I did not realize that Elvis was a twin. I did not know that he was born in Tupelo, not Memphis. At Graceland, there were significant yet respectful crowds. The staff members were true professionals; helpful in every way.
Collectors are devoted to Elvis and what some call “Elvis-abilia” in a manner that differs from that of other celebrities or rock stars. Elvis was an icon, and while his hit records are valuable on today’s secondary market, it is his global appeal that has attracted so many collectors to Elvis objects. Elvis made a career out of connecting with his audiences. What’s more, his personal decisions to serve in the military and to support American causes contribute to his widespread popular appeal. The King of Rock’n’Roll raised funds to help construct Hawaii’s famed U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, assisted in the fight against drug abuse, and helped underprivileged children. He was immortalized on a U.S. postage stamp in 1992. The Elvis stamp remains the most publicized stamp in U.S. history, yet its collectible value is rather low since so many – over 500 million – were distributed.
Many Elvis collectibles are quite pricey. His bejeweled stage costumes are on view at Graceland and some have been sold to collectors for prices ranging from $ 30,000 to $ 300,000. An early-career leather jacket brought $ 37,000 from one collector at a sale.
In the costume exhibition area at Graceland, fans can see Elvis’ gold records and movie costumes, Priscilla Presley’s wedding gown and daughter Lisa Marie’s infant clothes.
Elvis was an avid collector of American automobiles, namely Cadillacs dating from the 1950s through the 1970s. His classic cars are on display in a special exhibit at Graceland.
In addition, Elvis recordings continue to bring high prices. A Sun Records 45-rpm recording of “That’s All Right” in its original paper sleeve sold for $ 1,100.
Major fine artists also helped to further immortalize Elvis. Andy Warhol’s pop-art masterpiece of Elvis Presley from 1963, entitled “Single Elvis,” in silkscreen ink on a silvered background sold at auction for $ 3.3 million. It’s good to be king. It’s even better to collect the King.
A celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents antiques-appraisal events nationwide. As seen on NBC’s “The Tonight Show” and Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” Dr. Lori appears on Lifetime Television. Visit www.DrLoriV.com and www.Facebook.com/DoctorLori, or call 888-431-1010.
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