The day I played at Graceland

Canada
April 21, 2012 6:25pm CST
Well across the street from his home. I have played music professionally for the last decade or so with a group made up of my best friends. Who could ask for more :). Anyway, a few years ago we won a chance to close a southern music conference and it was being held across the street from Graceland. We played in the building that the "Lisa Marie" (Elvis's personal plane) is parked next to. What an experience !!! A day that I will never forget for as long as I live. My family came down to see us play and they spent their day sightseeing around Memphis, including going into Graceland itself. I never got to make it in and it drove me nuts that we were so busy setting up and doing sound check that I lost my chance to go in. Needless to say that after we played three sets and dove headfirst into the open bar, I found myself sneaking away from the group with a full cup of Jack Daniels and deciding that I was going to visit Graceland on my own. NOT a good idea!! Next thing I know I'm falling over myself in the middle of Elvis Presley Blvd trying to make my way across to the his home. After standing at the gates all alone (I thought I was completely alone) I decided that I was going to visit no matter what. So seconds later I find myself trying to scale the stone wall that was doing such a good job of keeping me out, when out of nowhere (clearly standing there the whole time and watching everything) an older couple were there and suggesting "I wouldn't do that if I were you son". Next thing I know I came to my senses and realized that there was a guard at the front gate making his way to me. :( Needless to say I made it back to the party across the street at full speed having never got to see the inside of the mansion. So close! One of my dreams is make it back down there for a proper visit. One day.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@celticeagle (158672)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Apr 12
How exciting! I had gotten some note cards with an artist's rindering of Elvis on them one time. There was an address on the back. I decided to write to the address for 'more information'. A nice gal wrote back and said she was living just next door to Graceland and was the artist. We corresponded for awhile. I also saw a tv special Lisa Marie's mom did with Barbara Walters I believe that was a personal tour of Graceland. Hope you get to visit there one day.
• Canada
22 Apr 12
I think I saw that special too. I have a movie call "Elvis by the Presely's". It's as close as I'll get to seeing inside for the next little while. One day though!! :)
• Canada
22 Apr 12
Oops! "Presley's" spelling error lol
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (158672)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Apr 12
Yes, one day indeed. Enjoy!
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
22 Jun 12
I never met anyone that lived next door to Elvis but have a met a few that knew Jack. Thing is I would like to visit graceland but might just only be able to listen to the song again someday.
• Chile
18 Mar 13
Yes there a lot of fans that want to go there. Sing his songs, walkand visit his mansion, take pictures and to feel that we are walking right where Elvis was ... oh I hope to go there.
@roberten (3128)
• United States
22 Apr 12
I remember working at a local motel in Memphis years ago where many of the Elvis impersonators stayed. They would give impromptu concerts poolside to entertain our other guests, it was a wonderful time. Like you, I was so close but never actually visited Graceland either. Going to Graceland is a MUST do in Memphis whether you are an Elvis fan or not. Hopefully the next time you are in Memphis you'll get to see the grand estate.
22 Apr 12
I agree
@internaty (257)
• Chile
18 Mar 13
I want to do that too. Each year in August I think about Graceland and the people form all over the world coming to visit his house, and I wish I could go that must be so exciting and to share with other Elvis fans like me. Wow