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Beyond Graceland: Discover Elvis Presley’s Memphis Home on Audubon Drive
While Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland mansion stands as the second most visited private residence in the United States after the White House, many are unaware of his other Memphis abode. Nestled east of downtown in a suburban area, this lesser-known property offers a glimpse into the early years of the King of Rock and Roll’s burgeoning career.
Early Days at Audubon Drive
Following his meteoric rise to fame in 1956, Elvis Presley, then a young star, sought to provide a better life for his family. He purchased a home at 1034 Audubon Drive for himself and his parents, leaving behind their previous circumstances.
On March 12th, at the age of 21, Presley made a $500 down payment on the $29,500 property – equivalent to approximately $316,000 today. This purchase was made possible thanks to the financial success of his hit song, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
The single-story, ranch-style dwelling featured a two-car attached garage, four bedrooms, and two bathrooms, offering ample space for the young musician and his family.
Fan Frenzy and a Swift Move to Graceland
Shortly after they settled into their new home, “Heartbreak Hotel” soared to the top of the Billboard charts. The surge in Presley’s popularity led to enthusiastic fans gathering around the Audubon Drive residence. To manage the growing crowds, the Presleys installed a brick and metal fence to create a boundary.
During this period, Elvis also had the largest private swimming pool in the city constructed in the backyard, adding a touch of celebrity luxury to the suburban property.
However, his time at 1034 Audubon Drive was brief. After just 13 months, the overwhelming attention from fans and the media became excessive. Consequently, Elvis Presley made the decision to sell the Audubon Drive house and acquire Graceland. In a unique real estate transaction, he reportedly exchanged homes with Graceland’s owner, Ruth Moore, as part of the purchase agreement.
Since then, the property at 1034 Audubon Drive has changed hands approximately eight times.
Historic Significance and Current Status of Elvis’s Former Home
Recognizing its historical value, 1034 Audubon Drive was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March 2006. A few months later, the historic home was listed for public auction on eBay.
Reportedly, paranormal investigator Uri Geller was believed to have placed the winning bid at $905,100. Ultimately, however, the property was sold for $1 million to record company executive Mike Curb.
Under subsequent ownership, the house was repainted green, restoring its appearance to resemble its look during Elvis’s residency. The swimming pool has since been removed. The location is now officially known as Elvis Presley House.
In 2017, the historic residence sustained fire damage. Fortunately, most of the contents had been removed as the property was undergoing renovations at the time.
Unlike the famed Graceland, Elvis Presley’s Audubon Drive home is not open for public tours. Instead, it functions as a venue for exclusive VIP events and private musical performances.
Visiting Elvis Presley House Today
Although public access inside is restricted, fans can still visit Elvis Presley House and view it from beyond the perimeter fence. A commemorative plaque affixed to the fence provides historical context:
Plaque Inscription:
- “On March 20, 1956, Elvis Presley and parents Vernon and Gladys, moved into 1034 Audubon Drive purchased with royalties from his first million-dollar-selling record, Heartbreak Hotel. It was the year that defined his career.”
- “The home is now owned by the Mike Curb Family Foundation, dedicated to the support of music education and restoration of historic music locations.”
- “In 2006, the foundation created the Mike Curb Institute for Music at Rhodes College to advance music-related preservation and research.”