

"At Graceland, there is no chintz, no fringe tassels, no Staffordshire dogs or sisal rugs, no tiresome Colefax and Fowler-esque testament to good taste. No. Graceland is a midnight house. The ultimate bachelor pad. Even Bruce Springsteen once vaulted over the wall and tried to race up the driveway to introduce himself to Elvis. With over 600,000 visitors a year -- second only to the White House -- Graceland is an amazing place to visit... a 70's style phenomenon caught forever in sepia, and a testament to one man's dream.
As a poor boy born in a shotgun shack in Tupelo, MS, Graceland was Presley's dream -- the sign that he had truly 'made it.' Elvis took great pride in his home, decorated it largely on his own (because really, what other straight man would have the courage, or the vision, to conceive of the Jungle Room?), strictly forbid any wives or girlfriends (of which there were many) from touching the place, and hightailed it from the road, or L.A., or wherever he was on tour or making movies, to come back to Memphis. 'Graceland is the one place where I really feel at home,' he said."
Keogh is the author of these biographies...

Update: 9:26 P.M.
This post was put together before news broke about the seriousness of the snow storms currently hitting the mid-atlantic states. My thoughts are with everyone who may be stranded or without power.
9 comments:
I do like Graceland as a historically valuable place to the music world-& would actually love to see it. as a place to revere for Elvis' decor-not for me. He may have benefited from some help from a wife, gfriend, or designer- Who was decorating in Nashville during the time-that would be a fun project to ponder! My pick is White Christmas-the original my Bing Crosby and fitting today as there is about 5 inches on the ground here and it continues! Gaye
Gaye --
Graceland's decor is not for me either. Truth be told, I'd never thought much about it until Pamela shared her perspective. Made me remember Jonathan Adler's words that home should make you happy :)
Hope you have that snowy Christmas!
This is truly one of the best post of all...that I have read to date!!
thank you, maureen
Hi Maureen,
So glad you think so. Pamela is an excellent writer with fascinating experiences to share.
I adore Audrey she is such a style icon!
For some reason I never even wanted to see it. Was in the area too.
I have snow here and playing the Christmas song MEL TORME. Fireplace is going and forgot the chestnuts.
Enjoyed the post
happy holiday season.
I would have enjoyed the snow a bit more if I hadn't spent over 6 hours on the phone trying to reschedule my flight home. When I finally got through at 4:00am, it was like a gift...there was a seat available later this week. I am one of the lucky ones. It all reminds me that the important thing is family and friends, and that "I'll be home for Christmas..."
Merry Christmas Courtney!
Merry Christmas Janet!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Really a nice post.............
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