Greetings from Memphis, Tennessee home to Davis Motor Homes where we took delivery of Roxanne, and Graceland, home of Elvis Presley.

When Elvis was a young boy, he promised his parents that he would make a lot of money and buy them the finest house in town, putting an end to years of struggle. For Elvis, Graceland – a charming and stately colonial revival-style mansion for himself and his parents – was the fulfillment of that childhood promise.

It all really began in 1956 which was a year like no other for the music legend. In January, he was a regional sensation, but by year’s end he had become a national and international phenomenon. He made his first two albums for the RCA label, both became million sellers, signed a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures, and starred in his first movie “Love Me Tender.”

Elvis also appeared on national television 11 times and because of his unconventional appearance and performing style caused nationwide controversy. Elvis outraged adults, mesmerized teenagers and the new youth generation, and soon became the leader of the cultural revolution sweeping across the country.

On Saturday, March 17, 1957, Vernon and Gladys Presley (Elvis’ mother and father) called real estate agent Virginia Grant to see what she had to offer. Grant wasted no time. That day she showed them two properties, leaving Graceland to last. By 6 p.m. she had accepted a $1,000 deposit from the Presley’s and drawn up a provisional sales contract detailing the terms of sale, including an asking price of $90,000.

At 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 19, 22-year-old Elvis, accompanied by his parents, met the realtor at Graceland. At this time, the property was a 13.8-acre ‘farm’ about 10 miles south of downtown Memphis in Whitehaven, an area that was still largely rural at that time.

Elvis surveyed the property for a few minutes, then baptized the house by playing some Rock ‘N’ Roll at a piano. Elvis, Vernon and Gladys Presley signed the sales contract on the spot as purchasers, and a closing date was set for Tuesday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m.

Elvis lived at Graceland until his death in August 1977.

Elvis looks on during playtime of Hound Dog Poppy!