All Hail the King: Why Touring Graceland Made Me So Sad

I was so excited about touring Graceland.

In fact, it’s one of the reasons to visit Memphis that really drew me in.

My friend had given me a Buddy Pass on Southwest Airlines to visit her in Florida, but since she had a bundle of them that was expiring, I ended up with an extra that I needed to use within two weeks.

I thought to myself, “Where can I go alone that’s a direct flight from Houston?” When I thought of touring Graceland, the glorious home of Elvis Presley, as well as paying my respects at the National Civil Rights Museum, I knew I wanted to visit Memphis.

But when I arrived at Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116, I didn’t expect to feel so sad. But I did anyway. Here’s why:

Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

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Why Touring Graceland Made Me Sad

I’m not an Elvis super fan.

He died 15 years, 364 days before I was born, so I grew up seeing him as a cultural moment, rather than a musician to invest time and interest in. Sure, I like his songs and know his general story, but my parents were born a little too late to appreciate him, and my grandmothers didn’t have the time to be fangirls, so I didn’t know much more than Jail House Rock.

Before touring Graceland, I only knew of Elvis the phenomenon, not Elvis the person, so I was excited to learn more about his brand of rock n’ roll and the impact he had on a generation.

Seeing his home really shifted my perspective.

Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

From Phenom to Friend

Before visiting, I didn’t know Elvis’ life started in tragedy; that his twin brother Jessie Garon Presley was stillborn in a tiny shotgun home in Tupelo, Mississippi, an event that caused the Presley family to cling together and love each other more fiercely than before.

I knew vaguely of Elvis’ religious background, but the exhibits throughout Graceland painted the picture of a man of great faith with a heart for the nations.

I heard mention after mention of Elvis’ generosity towards his community and fellow man, coupled with his intense desire that his philanthropy be anonymous.

As much as Elvis was “the voice of a generation” or “the king of rock n’ roll,” it really just seemed like he was boy with a voice trying to do a little good. It made me sad to think he was ever portrayed otherwise.

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Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

Too Much Too Fast

It was the little things at Graceland that made the biggest impact.

Like when I learned that Elvis, nervous for his first day on set of his first motion picture, memorized everyone’s lines instead of just his own, just in case, indicating how naive about, and yet wholeheartedly committed to, Hollywood he was. Elvis went on to star in 27 films in the 1960’s. 27. And that’s in addition to all his singing.

It made me sad to hear that his non “teen beach movies” failed, as he wanted to do serious work. The public just didn’t want to buy “off brand Elvis,” so he had to stick to the formula…27 times.

His pompadoured black hair. His guitar. His bedazzled jumpsuits. Even his “thank ya, thank ya very much.” Those weren’t Elvis. Those were his brand; trademarks assigned to him, then taken from him, and exaggerated into something that would sell.

Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

When I went to Guest Services at Graceland to ask a question, there were two women ahead of me in line, both in their late 60s. They were little girls when Elvis was at the top of his game, but they still loooooved him. One of them was even wearing blue suede shoes.

Their enthusiasm was infectious and reminded me of how I speak about literally ever boyband member ever, but it also reminded me of the voyeuristic relationship that the public often has with our favorite celebrities.  We feel like we know them, but we only know their persona. It’s totally one-sided.

While we (the public) were giddy in love with Elvis, he was working himself to death, turning to substances in the process to comfort himself.

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Gone Too Soon

The Meditation Garden at Graceland is what really got to me.

I had to sit down for a moment I was so overwhelmed. Elvis is resting there, along with the family he loved so dearly. His parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, as well as his grandmother, Minnie Mae. There’s even a memorial for his twin brother, Aaron.

Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

I say resting emphatically, because while touring Graceland, I learned resting is something Elvis never really got to while living. 42 years. 27 movies. 19 albums. Countless concerts.

He was tired.

We, the public, took from Elvis. A once poor boy with an extraordinary voice and charismatic smile. A generous man who was overwhelmed by the needs of the world. We could never get enough of him. And eventually we took too much.

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Visiting Graceland Elvis Presley Home

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6 Comments

  1. May 27, 2018 / 7:15 AM

    I really appreciated your post about Elvis. I never was part of his fan club but the way you described his life breaks my heart, too.

  2. Tiffany
    August 29, 2020 / 8:32 PM

    I’m so glad you wrote this. I’ve always felt so sad watching him and I never knew why. I just get the feeling that he wasn’t as happy as he portrayed. I’ve even cried because for some reason, I could tell/feel how sad and lonely he really was. I think I can relate and have so much in common with him as far as being generous, having a big heart and feeling alone. I was born in 1980, but I remember my grandma and aunt talk about how wonderful he was. I think he’s an amazing man and wish he could’ve found the happiness he so deserved. I’d like to visit Graceland one day but I’d probably share in your experience.

    • April 25, 2021 / 6:45 AM

      Thank you for reading! It’s good to know I wasn’t alone in feeling this way.

  3. Salli
    April 7, 2021 / 4:30 PM

    You totally nailed it with your perception of Elvis. I had the distinct honor and privilege to spend time with him in his hotel room between shows in Las Vegas in probably 1968 or 69… We sat there and talked like old friends and I could sense his tiredness and sadness… since he was a friend of my brother-in-law ‘s, and we were both familiar with the Hollywood scene it just wasn’t as big of a deal to me as it might’ve been for someone else to spend time with him… I think he appreciated our compassionate conversation…He ended up having management give me the table next to the stage from the midnight show… Which must’ve really pissed off management… But it was the kindness but he constantly showed to others…

    • April 25, 2021 / 6:47 AM

      Wow! That’s wild that you got to meet him. I’m sorry to hear that how I felt during my visit was his reality though 🙁

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