Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home has become a mecca for music fans worldwide. However, it was a family abode before it became a popular tourist destination. Elvis tried to make Graceland a place where he could unwind from the rigors of the road. One of its most unique elements is its Meditation Garden, which draws inspiration from a surprising source.
Elvis Presley’s inspiration for the Meditation Garden hails from a California sanctuary
One of the most unique features of Elvis Presley’s Graceland home remains its Meditation Garden. The peaceful backyard area was modeled after a sanctuary the King of Rock and Roll frequented during his visits to California.
Architectural Digest reports Elvis often visited the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in California while filming his movies. The sanctuary, located in Los Angeles, holds a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes.
The reflective area is serene, with plenty of areas...
Elvis Presley’s inspiration for the Meditation Garden hails from a California sanctuary
One of the most unique features of Elvis Presley’s Graceland home remains its Meditation Garden. The peaceful backyard area was modeled after a sanctuary the King of Rock and Roll frequented during his visits to California.
Architectural Digest reports Elvis often visited the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine in California while filming his movies. The sanctuary, located in Los Angeles, holds a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes.
The reflective area is serene, with plenty of areas...
- 6/4/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s hard to think Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home might not be the iconic historical spot it remains today if his father, Vernon Presley, had his say. The Presley family might have settled in California rather than Memphis if the stately home hadn’t appeared on the market at the right time.
Elvis Presley’s home base could have been in California
According to a story published by The Dispatch, Elvis Presley’s father, Vernon Presley, would have liked to settle in California. Elvis worked so much in the Sunshine State that putting permanent roots down there made sense.
The Presley family lived on Audubon Drive in Memphis, but fans regularly besieged the home. The family needed privacy. Vernon reportedly was eyeing a move to the West Coast, as author Peter Guralnick wrote in the biography Last Train to Memphis.
However, a chance meeting changed all that. Virginia Grant,...
Elvis Presley’s home base could have been in California
According to a story published by The Dispatch, Elvis Presley’s father, Vernon Presley, would have liked to settle in California. Elvis worked so much in the Sunshine State that putting permanent roots down there made sense.
The Presley family lived on Audubon Drive in Memphis, but fans regularly besieged the home. The family needed privacy. Vernon reportedly was eyeing a move to the West Coast, as author Peter Guralnick wrote in the biography Last Train to Memphis.
However, a chance meeting changed all that. Virginia Grant,...
- 5/30/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For nearly all of his career, Elvis Presley worked with controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker. Parker helped Elvis on his rise to success, but he also hindered him in some ways, not allowing him to perform internationally or act in the films Elvis wanted. Elvis occasionally expressed a great deal of resentment toward Parker. Still, they worked together until Elvis’ death, and Parker attended the funeral. His choice of attire shocked everyone there.
Colonel Parker did not dress up for Elvis’ funeral
Elvis died on the afternoon of Aug. 16, 1977. Two days later, his family held a funeral at Graceland. Thousands of mourning fans gathered outside the home’s gates while the singer’s friends, family, and associates attended the service. It was a somber, tragic affair, which made Parker’s choice of clothing stand out all the more.
Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis | Gab Archive/Redferns
Parker arrived at Graceland...
Colonel Parker did not dress up for Elvis’ funeral
Elvis died on the afternoon of Aug. 16, 1977. Two days later, his family held a funeral at Graceland. Thousands of mourning fans gathered outside the home’s gates while the singer’s friends, family, and associates attended the service. It was a somber, tragic affair, which made Parker’s choice of clothing stand out all the more.
Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis | Gab Archive/Redferns
Parker arrived at Graceland...
- 3/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Visitors to Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home can see how the King of Rock and Roll lived. Entering the Memphis abode allows fans a glimpse into his personal history as they tour some of the home’s most iconic rooms. However, the upstairs remains off-limits to visitors and most staff. Only one person is allowed to maintain and preserve Presley’s bedroom; here are the details.
The 1 person allowed to preserve and maintain Elvis Presley’s Graceland bedroom
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has hundreds of employees working throughout the year. The home’s official website states that 350 people are on staff annually. That number grows to 450 during peak season.
Graceland jobs include ground maintenance, security, tour guides, bus drivers, sales representatives, and many behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the home operational for the millions of visitors who arrive yearly.
But even with that large number of staff roles, only one person...
The 1 person allowed to preserve and maintain Elvis Presley’s Graceland bedroom
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has hundreds of employees working throughout the year. The home’s official website states that 350 people are on staff annually. That number grows to 450 during peak season.
Graceland jobs include ground maintenance, security, tour guides, bus drivers, sales representatives, and many behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the home operational for the millions of visitors who arrive yearly.
But even with that large number of staff roles, only one person...
- 1/31/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1977, Elvis Presley collapsed at Graceland, sending the household into chaos. Nobody seemed sure what to do with themselves, and the situation grew even more grievous when they received news that Elvis had died. According to one of the paramedics who arrived at the home, Graceland fell into complete hysteria.
Everyone at Graceland was stunned by the news of Elvis’ death
On Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis’ fiancée, Ginger Alden, awoke in the afternoon and realized Elvis wasn’t in bed with her. When she investigated, she found him unresponsive on his bathroom floor.
Paramedics rushed the musician to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Elvis’ doctor left the hospital and returned to Graceland to inform the musician’s family and friends. This news hit the already-grieving Graceland with a crushing blow.
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
“[Graceland] was filled with hysteria,” Emt Ulysses S. Jones, Jr. said, per the book Careless Love: The...
Everyone at Graceland was stunned by the news of Elvis’ death
On Aug. 16, 1977, Elvis’ fiancée, Ginger Alden, awoke in the afternoon and realized Elvis wasn’t in bed with her. When she investigated, she found him unresponsive on his bathroom floor.
Paramedics rushed the musician to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Elvis’ doctor left the hospital and returned to Graceland to inform the musician’s family and friends. This news hit the already-grieving Graceland with a crushing blow.
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
“[Graceland] was filled with hysteria,” Emt Ulysses S. Jones, Jr. said, per the book Careless Love: The...
- 1/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s cousin Danny Smith, who lived at Graceland with his parents while Priscilla Presley was wed to the king of rock and roll, slams the idea that Priscilla Presley should be buried in the family graveyard. “She was his ex-wife,” Smith declares.
Danny Smith doesn’t think Prisiclla Presley should be buried in Graceland’s Meditation Garden
In a YouTube video uploaded to his “Memphis Mafia Kid” channel, Danny Smith, Elvis Presley’s cousin, spoke out after Priscilla Presley’s tearful interview with Piers Morgan. There, she declared her eternal love for Elvis Presley and their life together, and the love she continued to feel for him after their marriage ended.
However, even though Priscilla and granddaughter Riley Keough agreed on a Graceland burial after Riley was named sole trustee, Smith is against it. Here’s what he had to say.
“She [Priscilla] was his ex-wife,” Smith said. “However,...
Danny Smith doesn’t think Prisiclla Presley should be buried in Graceland’s Meditation Garden
In a YouTube video uploaded to his “Memphis Mafia Kid” channel, Danny Smith, Elvis Presley’s cousin, spoke out after Priscilla Presley’s tearful interview with Piers Morgan. There, she declared her eternal love for Elvis Presley and their life together, and the love she continued to feel for him after their marriage ended.
However, even though Priscilla and granddaughter Riley Keough agreed on a Graceland burial after Riley was named sole trustee, Smith is against it. Here’s what he had to say.
“She [Priscilla] was his ex-wife,” Smith said. “However,...
- 11/21/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Rumors surrounding Elvis Presley‘s 1977 death continue to swirl around the entertainer. Some theories claim Elvis’ death was a hoax, while others believe the king of rock and roll remains alive and well and living in the sealed-off upstairs area of his Graceland home. Elvis’ cousin Billy Smith addresses these theories head-on in a new video upload, revealing if Elvis is buried at the stately Memphis, Tn home.
Is Elvis Presley buried at Graceland? His cousin Billy Smith weighs in
In a new video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Memphis Mafia Kid, Danny Smith shared his thoughts about rumors that Elvis Presley was not buried at his Graceland home. Subsequently, the entertainer has a plot in the meditation garden in the home’s backyard.
“It’s just a rumor,” he explained. “Y’all know that.”
He continued, “There are going to be so many rumors and so much bull crap.
Is Elvis Presley buried at Graceland? His cousin Billy Smith weighs in
In a new video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Memphis Mafia Kid, Danny Smith shared his thoughts about rumors that Elvis Presley was not buried at his Graceland home. Subsequently, the entertainer has a plot in the meditation garden in the home’s backyard.
“It’s just a rumor,” he explained. “Y’all know that.”
He continued, “There are going to be so many rumors and so much bull crap.
- 10/23/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Linda Thompson lived with Elvis Presley at Graceland for four years until 1976. Their relationship is historically the closest the entertainer has ever experienced. As Elvis’ longtime companion, Linda was keenly aware of his day-to-day behavior. This included a touching Graceland habit, including his beloved grandmother, “Dodger.”
Linda Thompson said Elvis Presley had this habit before leaving Graceland each day
As a special guest for Elvis Week 2023 at Graceland, Linda Thompson sat down for a lengthy interview to discuss her life with Elvis Presley. She shared little-known details of Elvis’ home life and their relationship.
Elvis had “inordinate affection” for his grandmother, Minnie Mae “Dodger” Presley. Minnie Mae lived at Graceland with Elvis and his parents, Gladys and Vernon.
Sadly, she outlived her grandson and son, who died in 1977 and 1979. Minnie Mae died in 1980.
Linda spoke of her affection for “Dodger.” She revealed, “His grandmother lived with him; we called her Dodger.
Linda Thompson said Elvis Presley had this habit before leaving Graceland each day
As a special guest for Elvis Week 2023 at Graceland, Linda Thompson sat down for a lengthy interview to discuss her life with Elvis Presley. She shared little-known details of Elvis’ home life and their relationship.
Elvis had “inordinate affection” for his grandmother, Minnie Mae “Dodger” Presley. Minnie Mae lived at Graceland with Elvis and his parents, Gladys and Vernon.
Sadly, she outlived her grandson and son, who died in 1977 and 1979. Minnie Mae died in 1980.
Linda spoke of her affection for “Dodger.” She revealed, “His grandmother lived with him; we called her Dodger.
- 10/3/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Riley Keough Will Be ‘Happy’ With Priscilla Presley, Now That Lisa Marie Presley’s Estate Is Settled
Shortly after Elvis Presley‘s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, died in January 2023, it appeared her mother, Priscilla Presley, and daughter, Riley Keough, were at odds regarding Elvis Presley’s estate. Four days after Lisa Marie’s memorial service, her loved ones headed to court after Priscilla filed a petition questioning the validity of a 2016 amendment to her daughter’s living trust. Months later, all appears to be well between grandmother and granddaughter. Riley says she is “happy” now that Lisa Marie’s estate is settled.
Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley went to court over Graceland
Four days after Lisa Marie Presley’s Graceland memorial and burial, Priscilla’s lawyers questioned an amendment to Lisa Marie’s living trust. The change removed both Priscilla and Barry Siegel as cotrustees.
Subsequently, the trust was handed over to Riley Keough and her brother, Benjamin. This meant they owned Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion...
Riley Keough and Priscilla Presley went to court over Graceland
Four days after Lisa Marie Presley’s Graceland memorial and burial, Priscilla’s lawyers questioned an amendment to Lisa Marie’s living trust. The change removed both Priscilla and Barry Siegel as cotrustees.
Subsequently, the trust was handed over to Riley Keough and her brother, Benjamin. This meant they owned Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion...
- 8/29/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It has been 46 years since Elvis Presley‘s death on Aug. 16, 1977. Fans remember the king of rock and roll by visiting his beloved Memphis, Tn home, Graceland, listening to his music, and keeping his memory alive. However, upon news of his passing, grief-stricken fans swarmed Elvis’s home to get close to him one last time.
Elvis Presley photographed in September 1962 in Culver City, California at MGM Studios | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Grieving fans flocked to Graceland upon news of Elvis Presley’s death
Fans flocked to Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard in the Whitefern section of Memphis upon news of his death. They lined up in droves to mourn his passing. Fans’ shared grief turned the private home’s exterior into a memorial for their beloved entertainer.
Variety spoke to Pat Rainer, then a graduate student, who covered Elvis’ funeral procession for a video production company. She shared...
Elvis Presley photographed in September 1962 in Culver City, California at MGM Studios | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Grieving fans flocked to Graceland upon news of Elvis Presley’s death
Fans flocked to Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard in the Whitefern section of Memphis upon news of his death. They lined up in droves to mourn his passing. Fans’ shared grief turned the private home’s exterior into a memorial for their beloved entertainer.
Variety spoke to Pat Rainer, then a graduate student, who covered Elvis’ funeral procession for a video production company. She shared...
- 8/16/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Graceland’s Meditation Garden has become a place where fans of Elvis Presley can pay their respects to not only the king of rock and roll but his family. However, the garden has recently become a hot-button topic among Elvis’ fans, who recently learned his ex-wife Priscilla would someday be interred there. Elvis’ cousin Billy Smith weighed in on the debate calling the decision “kind of strange.”
Priscilla Presley at the advance screening event photo call for Netflix’s “Agent Elvis” at Tudum Theater on March 07, 2023 | Monica Schipper/Getty Images Billy Smith finds it odd Priscilla Presley will be buried near Elvis Presley in Graceland’s Meditation Garden
Elvis Presley’s cousin Billy Smith runs a YouTube channel named Memphis Mafia Kid. There, he interacts with Elvis’ fans and shares details about growing up at Graceland in Memphis, Tn.
In a video uploaded on June 20, Smith shared his thoughts about...
Priscilla Presley at the advance screening event photo call for Netflix’s “Agent Elvis” at Tudum Theater on March 07, 2023 | Monica Schipper/Getty Images Billy Smith finds it odd Priscilla Presley will be buried near Elvis Presley in Graceland’s Meditation Garden
Elvis Presley’s cousin Billy Smith runs a YouTube channel named Memphis Mafia Kid. There, he interacts with Elvis’ fans and shares details about growing up at Graceland in Memphis, Tn.
In a video uploaded on June 20, Smith shared his thoughts about...
- 6/29/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Millions of fans have toured Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home since it first opened to the public in 1982. The mansion was where the king of rock and roll could unwind and reconnect with family and friends. However, one room of the home was strictly Gladys Presley’s domain and remains off-limits to fans.
Vernon, Elvis, and Gladys Presley posed together in 1956 | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Gladys Presley’s proud domain is not included in Graceland’s tour
Elvis Presley’s parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley found the stately home located in the Whitehaven section of Memphis. They placed a $1,000 down payment on the home and surrounding property on March 16, 1957. They moved in two months later, in May.
At the time, Elvis was away filming Jailhouse Rock. The king of rock and roll did not join his family at home until one month later, on June 26, 1957.
The Presleys settled into life at their new home.
Vernon, Elvis, and Gladys Presley posed together in 1956 | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Gladys Presley’s proud domain is not included in Graceland’s tour
Elvis Presley’s parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley found the stately home located in the Whitehaven section of Memphis. They placed a $1,000 down payment on the home and surrounding property on March 16, 1957. They moved in two months later, in May.
At the time, Elvis was away filming Jailhouse Rock. The king of rock and roll did not join his family at home until one month later, on June 26, 1957.
The Presleys settled into life at their new home.
- 6/26/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The infamous first meeting between Priscilla and Elvis Presley occurred in Germany in 1959. He was 24, and she was just 14. It set the stage for a relationship that lasted over 14 years. Surprisingly, Priscilla claims she didn’t see Elvis perform live until almost a decade after they began dating.
Elvis Presley performing during the 1968 comeback memorable on NBC | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley’s live show was new to Priscilla in the late 1960s
In her book Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley discussed what it was like to finally see Elvis Presley in concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. It was nine years since he last performed live.
“Though it had been nine years since Elvis had given a live performance, you never would have known it from his opening,” Priscilla wrote. “The audience cheered when he stepped onstage and never stopped the entire two hours as Elvis sang.
Elvis Presley performing during the 1968 comeback memorable on NBC | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Elvis Presley’s live show was new to Priscilla in the late 1960s
In her book Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley discussed what it was like to finally see Elvis Presley in concert at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. It was nine years since he last performed live.
“Though it had been nine years since Elvis had given a live performance, you never would have known it from his opening,” Priscilla wrote. “The audience cheered when he stepped onstage and never stopped the entire two hours as Elvis sang.
- 6/21/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After initially being denied the opportunity to be someday laid to rest near Elvis Presley at his beloved Graceland, his only wife, Priscilla Presley’s wish, has been approved. However, according to a new report, Priscilla will be interred near her only husband, daughter Lisa Marie Presley and son Benjamin Keough.
Priscilla Presley and Elvis Presley married in February 1967 | Bettmann/Getty Images New court docs reveal Prisiclla Presley’s final resting place will be at Graceland: report
Court documents obtained by USA Today report Prisiclla Presley’s wish to be buried near Elvis Presley, daughter Lisa Marie and grandson Benjamin Keough has been approved. Therefore, Priscilla will someday be laid to rest on Graceland’s grounds in the home’s Meditation Garden.
The documents reveal Prisiclla’s burial spot and how the estate will be split between Lisa Marie’s surviving children. Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s eldest daughter, was...
Priscilla Presley and Elvis Presley married in February 1967 | Bettmann/Getty Images New court docs reveal Prisiclla Presley’s final resting place will be at Graceland: report
Court documents obtained by USA Today report Prisiclla Presley’s wish to be buried near Elvis Presley, daughter Lisa Marie and grandson Benjamin Keough has been approved. Therefore, Priscilla will someday be laid to rest on Graceland’s grounds in the home’s Meditation Garden.
The documents reveal Prisiclla’s burial spot and how the estate will be split between Lisa Marie’s surviving children. Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s eldest daughter, was...
- 6/19/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lisa Marie Presley’s fans were surprised to see Alanis Morisette perform at her memorial service in Jan. 2023. Many were unaware the women were friends as the singer performed her 2021 single “Real” in front of the Memphis estate. However, the longtime pals’ first meeting was “Ironic.” They bonded over Elvis Presley‘s infamous peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Lisa Marie Presley and Alanis Morisette were friends for over 25 years | Christopher Polk/Tim Roney/Getty Images Lisa Marie Presley’s death shocked the entertainment industry
After experiencing cardiac arrest at her Calabasas home, Lisa Marie Presley died in January 2023, reported People Magazine. On Jan. 12, Presley’s mom, Priscilla, shared on social media that her daughter was rushed to the hospital.
Shortly after Priscilla’s initial remarks, a statement about Lisa Marie’s death was released. “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,...
Lisa Marie Presley and Alanis Morisette were friends for over 25 years | Christopher Polk/Tim Roney/Getty Images Lisa Marie Presley’s death shocked the entertainment industry
After experiencing cardiac arrest at her Calabasas home, Lisa Marie Presley died in January 2023, reported People Magazine. On Jan. 12, Presley’s mom, Priscilla, shared on social media that her daughter was rushed to the hospital.
Shortly after Priscilla’s initial remarks, a statement about Lisa Marie’s death was released. “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie,...
- 3/15/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Weeks before Elvis Presley died at age 42, he and his father, Vernon Presley, shared an extended conversation at Graceland. According to the elder Presley, the six-hour confab concluded with Elvis saying, “I really enjoyed this.” Those were the last words he’d ever hear from his son.
Now that Vernon’s dead, no one will know whether the pair discussed the time Elvis’s dad spent in prison.
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ movie got two things right Elvis Presley with his father Vernon Presley in 1958 | Bettmann/Contributor
The recently-released Elvis biopic depicts a lot of inaccuracies, but some scenes are spot on. For instance, Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker did hire Vernon to act as a “business manager.” But Elvis Presley Enterprises didn’t form until after the entertainer died, says Looper.
Another completely true inclusion in the movie: The singer’s dad was convicted of forgery and sent to prison.
Now that Vernon’s dead, no one will know whether the pair discussed the time Elvis’s dad spent in prison.
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ movie got two things right Elvis Presley with his father Vernon Presley in 1958 | Bettmann/Contributor
The recently-released Elvis biopic depicts a lot of inaccuracies, but some scenes are spot on. For instance, Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker did hire Vernon to act as a “business manager.” But Elvis Presley Enterprises didn’t form until after the entertainer died, says Looper.
Another completely true inclusion in the movie: The singer’s dad was convicted of forgery and sent to prison.
- 2/28/2023
- by Kaanii Powell Cleaver
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Benjamin Keough has been laid to rest three months after his death. According to Elvis Presley's Graceland Facebook page, the son of Lisa Marie Presley was laid to rest in the Meditation Garden at the Memphis estate alongside his family, including his grandfather, great-grandmother, Gladys Presley, great-grandfather, Vernon Presley and great-great-grandmother, Minnie Mae Presley. Ben, the son of Lisa Marie and Danny Keough and brother of actress Riley Keough, passed away on July 12 at the age of 27. According to the Los Angeles County Dept. of Medical Examiner-Coroner's office, his cause of death was intraoral shotgun wound, while the manner of death was ruled a suicide. "She is completely...
- 10/2/2020
- E! Online
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