Jane McDonald overwhelmed at visiting Graceland
Back in 1956, Elvis Presley skyrocketed to fame and a year later moved his extended family into the Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. The 22-year-old decided to give his parents Vernon and Gladys the master bedroom out of respect for them. His mother, who died at just 46 in 1958, famously decorated the room, which can be viewed early on in the tour, in her favourite colour purple. But did you know that inside she treasured a first piece of The King’s music career, which can be seen from the entrance?
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On the wall, framed in the left-hand corner, is Elvis’ very first publicity photo shot. The photograph of the rock and roll star was taken in 1955 at Memphis’ William Speer Studios before he hit the big time. Express.co.uk found out this fun fact during a previous live virtual tour of Graceland.
Elvis expert and archivist Angie Marchese was showing us around and shared that the photograph had previously been on display at The Presley’s previous home in Memphis at 1034 Audubon Drive. Angie said: “This photo hung proudly in the Audubon house in the living room and then moved here to Gladys’ room when they moved here to Graceland in 1957.”
Elvis’ mother slept in the bedroom until her death a year later and The King’s grandmother Minnie Mae later moved in. Also in the room are some touching family photos and clothes of Gladys’ hanging up.
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The Elvis expert shared how The King’s mother lived a very simple life, even when her son could afford to buy her whatever she wanted. Angie revealed how Gladys kept the same clothes and would mend them all the time despite the Presley family’s newfound wealth. The humble woman also did the laundry herself despite them having maids.
After she died, Elvis’ mother was buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee, before later being moved to Graceland. There she now rests next to her son, husband Vernon and his mother Minnie Mae Presley.
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