Importance Score: 15 / 100 🟠
Graceland, the iconic mansion of Elvis Presley, remains a focal point of fascination for fans worldwide. Since 1957, when Elvis first took residence, the upstairs area served as his private sanctuary. To ensure seclusion, Presley immediately implemented security measures, including the installation of a one-way mirror privacy wall on the upper landing of Graceland. This area, a haven for Elvis and his inner circle, the Memphis Mafia, holds secrets and is meticulously preserved to this day.
Inside Elvis Presley’s Graceland Sanctuary
While Graceland maintained an open-door policy for his associates, access to the upstairs quarters was strictly by personal invitation. This upper level encompassed Elvis Presley’s personal spaces, including his bedroom, office, and the bathroom, the location of his untimely death on August 16, 1977.
Preservation of a Private World
Graceland archivist Angie Marchese is tasked with the meticulous upkeep of this significant space. Marchese has revealed that the bed remains made and a Styrofoam cup sits undisturbed on a bookshelf, creating a scene reminiscent of the King of Rock and Roll’s last moments there. Marchese stated, “It’s like he just got up and left,” emphasizing the preserved atmosphere of Elvis’s private world.
The King’s Bedroom: A Glimpse into Personal Life
Amongst numerous books on theology and spirituality, a record player rests, still holding the last record Elvis played – a demo by JD Sumner and the Stamps. Intriguingly, this was just two days before they performed at his funeral, marking a poignant detail of his final days.
Memphis Mafia Memories
Beyond authorized personnel with special access, surviving members of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis Presley’s close entourage, retain vivid memories of time spent with him in his bedroom sanctuary. Among them are Jo and Billy Smith, with Billy being Elvis Presley’s cousin, predating his rise to global stardom.
Bedroom Ambiance: Dark and Cold
During a Q&A session on their son Danny Smith’s YouTube channel, “Memphis Mafia Kid,” the Smiths addressed inquiries about Elvis’s preference for a dark and cool bedroom environment.
Confirmed Preference for Darkness and Cold
Danny Smith, who spent his formative years at Graceland with Elvis, corroborated this detail. He affirmed, “Yes, Elvis liked it dark and he liked it very, very cold.” This preference for a chilled environment was pronounced.
Extreme Temperatures: A Running Joke
The frigid temperature was so notable that Memphis Mafia member Lamar Fike reportedly joked about it being suitable for meat storage. This anecdote underscores the consistently cold conditions maintained in Elvis Presley’s bedroom.
Hospitality Amidst the Chill
Recognizing that not all visitors were comfortable with the low temperature, Elvis Presley reportedly offered sweaters and racquetball jackets to his guests, ensuring their comfort during bedroom gatherings. This demonstrates his consideration for his companions despite his personal preference for a cold room.
Foil on Windows: Enhancing Darkness
Elvis’s cousin further recalled instances of the singer employing aluminum foil to cover hospital windows, showcasing an extreme measure to minimize light entry and maximize darkness, even in external environments.
Intimate Gatherings and Spiritual Practices
Billy and Jo Smith frequently spent evenings on the bed alongside Elvis Presley and his girlfriend from the 1970s, Linda Thompson. These gatherings involved shared recreation and deeper conversations.
Conversations and Shared Moments
During these intimate bedroom meetings, they would watch television, exchange stories, and delve into discussions about spirituality and paranormal occurrences, including UFOs, highlighting the diverse range of topics entertained within Elvis’s private space.
“Christ Love, Christ Life, Christ Peace”: A Bedtime Ritual
As these evenings drew to a close in the early hours, a unique ritual was enacted: all participants would join hands and recite, “Christ love, Christ life, Christ peace.”
A Protection Chant for the Inner Circle
This phrase, according to Elvis Presley, served as a protective incantation for himself and his trusted Memphis Mafia inner circle, signifying a spiritual dimension to their close bond and shared experiences within the confines of his Graceland bedroom.