What would Elvis think?

[Elizasong]

the Priscilla going back to Elvis thread made me ask what do you think Elvis would think about Priscilla opening Graceland and how it is today? I think he would appreciate the fact that she opened the house to the fans and that they can enjoy seeing his home. There is some controversy over who is connected with the organization from of Elvis's maphia guys but overall I appreciate what she did. (y)

[hounddog]

I don't know if Elvis would have agreed with Priscilla opening Graceland, it was his safe haven, his home, his private world. I tend to think he would be a bit annoyed at her for doing it.

[sasha]

the Priscilla going back to Elvis thread made me ask what do you think Elvis would think about Priscilla opening Graceland and how it is today? I think he would appreciate the fact that she opened the house to the fans and that they can enjoy seeing his home. There is some controversy over who is connected with the organization from of Elvis's maphia guys but overall I appreciate what she did. (y)

I agree with you. It was that or lose it all. Paper work to that fact.
While it used to be his "hide a way" from everything, he used his homes in Ca. as well. He just needed some time away from the crowd, IMO.

To my knowledge ,only Joe E. & Jerry S. are/were a part of Graceland after 1977 .
I appreciate Priscilla saving the whole thing . I bet Memphis does too. They get a lot of revenue from them.

[Brian]

.
I appreciate Priscilla saving the whole thing . I bet Memphis does too. They get a lot of revenue from them.

Did Priscilla really save the whole thing

[Teddy]

Did Priscilla really save the whole thing

Here we go again :rolleyes:

Yes she did because she employed the individuals who had the business acumen to turn it around; The recovery was under her jurisdiction.

[Teddy]

I don't know if Elvis would have agreed with Priscilla opening Graceland, it was his safe haven, his home, his private world. I tend to think he would be a bit annoyed at her for doing it.

This is a ludicrous argument.
Usually when people die, they no longer have any use for their earthly home, other than for the security of their heirs.
In this respect, Elvis Presley would be absolutely ecstatic with what has happened to Graceland.

[sasha]

Did Priscilla really save the whole thing
Guess it's up to what everyone thinks. Graceland/EPE was going broke.
Memphis wanted to buy it, but they backed out. She could have sold it & kept the money for Lisa & stayed in Cal. Put Aunt Delta & Minnie out in the street . Would have saved her a big headache.

[Diane]

Here we go again :rolleyes:

Yes she did because she employed the individuals who had the business acumen to turn it around; The recovery was under her jurisdiction.

Actually, it was the "individuals" who had the brains to think up a solution to save Graceland and present it to Priscilla. She would never have thought it up by herself nor could she have gotten the whole process going hadn't it been for those people. She is simply their "figurehead"....she lucked out big time.

Diane

[sasha]

Sometimes, I wish she had sold it. Took her & Lisa to Cal.& stayed there.
Seems to have been too much jealousy then & still is.
Maybe they'd all have been better off. :hmm:

[Teddy]

Actually, it was the "individuals" who had the brains to think up a solution to save Graceland and present it to Priscilla. She would never have thought it up by herself nor could she have gotten the whole process going hadn't it been for those people. She is simply their "figurehead"....she lucked out big time.


Come off it, they were employed under her authority and wouldn't have wasted their expensive time looking for solutions to save Graceland if she hadn't wanted them to!

That's like saying Sir Christopher Wren simply "lucked out big time" because he didn't actually build St Paul's Cathedral himself! :rolleyes:

[May]

Actually, it was the "individuals" who had the brains to think up a solution to save Graceland and present it to Priscilla. She would never have thought it up by herself nor could she have gotten the whole process going hadn't it been for those people. She is simply their "figurehead"....she lucked out big time.

Diane

Yup! (y)
It's been said numerous times before. Priscilla wanted the Colonel to carry on looking after EPE. :supriced::blink: That judge was the one who (to save me going into details which are on another thread anyway) sorted it all out. At least got the ball rolling.

[Jimmy1966]

i would like to think he would of been proud...cos he loved showing off his beautiful home

[May]

There are so many sides to this aren't there:

If Elvis had wanted Priscilla to "control his empire" (the words of a documentary narrator, not mine) he would have left something in his will to her.
or
Elvis would have been pleased with what has been done, as he loved his fans and liked to show his home off.
or
Elvis would be happy either way, as long as Lisa was well taken care of.

Bottom line, who knows.

[sasha]

Some history : http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19890613&id=rOYxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=MOoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=7016,4909002

[May]

I guess the thing is, even non Elvis fans know Priscilla was once married to Elvis. No-one is really interested in the Judge (even, I as an Elvis fan, don't know his name), or probably even Colonel Parker and what all the intricate details are about Graceland making money. They just see Priscilla as the figurehead, which she is, of EPE. A lot of people don't want to know any more than that. Which is probably why people always say it was her who saved Graceland and don't think any more than that.

[presley31]

Really doesn't interest me who the figurehead was of opening graceland but i'am happy its open to the fans all over the world. Elvis would be alittle shocked that graceland is a money making place now but he loved money and his fans so he would over over joyed with people seeing where he come to got away from the maddness of his life. Priscilla did have a big hand in graceland the way it has become and to me i'am pleased the way things has turned out. I think elvis would be happy to know his ex wife come though in the end even though she really didn't show all that much after and before elvis died. Guess years can make people realise that its not all about sex and money but respect for the people for who made them.

[Teddy]

They just see Priscilla as the figurehead, which she is, of EPE. A lot of people don't want to know any more than that. Which is probably why people always say it was her who saved Graceland and don't think any more than that.

Nonsense! That's the very reason that she doesn't get any credit for saving the family's a$s!! :mad:

[Donut]

http://www.elvisinfonet.com/saleofestate_memphisflyer.html

From the Memphis Flyer:

COMMENTARY: ANALYSIS OF THE GRACELAND DEAL

“The King is Dead. The King is Dead. Long Live the King.”


In 1979 Memphis Mayor Wyeth Chandler wanted the city to buy Graceland (asking price rumored to be $10-11 million). Jack Soden’s business partner, who handled Lisa Marie Presley’s estate for Priscilla Presley, wanted to sell Graceland in 1981. It is a good thing for Lisa Marie Presley that neither got their wish. Soden’s business partner, Morgan Maxfield, died an untimely death in a private jet crash over Labor Day weekend in 1981, leaving Soden to pursue his vision of opening Graceland to a very hungry public.

When Soden took over Graceland and the formation of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Graceland itself hemorrhaged money. Colonel Parker’s “accounting” for Vernon Presley had bled the estate dry. The IRS wanted a big chunk of change from the estate, too. Fans wanted to visit Graceland, but security costs and upkeep kept the estate finances in negative territory to the tune of approximately $500,000 a year. Elvis’ reputation had taken a beating by the Dr. George Nichopolous trial as well as the tawdry details of Albert Goldman’s book Elvis. Elvis’ world did not look so good.

Elvis’ chronicler Bill Burk wrote in June, 1982: “When Graceland swings its doors open Monday, it will be like the founding of a new industry in Memphis.” And right he was! Admission was $5.00 a head and thousands of fans (and fanatics) lined up every morning for the new tour. Graceland could handle three thousand per day, and in the first year Elvis Presley Enterprises took in $1.35 million. Cash poured through the doors The next task Soden had was to corral all of the unlicensed Elvis products on the market and create a new paradigm for the intellectual property (trademark and copyrights) of a celebrity’s image.

Soden and company did not just re-write the book on the celebrity image business; they created the rules of the industry. There is no doubt that they were the force behind the 1984 Tennessee statute regarding Protection of Personal Rights. EPE has used its war chest and lawyers to pursue the rights of Elvis’ image to the ends of the earth, at times at a major negative publicity cost. Seldom has Soden’s team lost, and when they have, it has been over inconsequential financial circumstances. Their litigiousness has made hucksters reconsider illegally using the King’s image and has increased the negotiation value of the estate with any legitimate licensees.

[sasha]

Thanks, Donut. I was looking for that too. (y)

[Donut]

Thanks, Donut. I was looking for that too. (y)

You're welcome.

I had read this story in a book but I didn't want to quote from it because is a little "unpopular" amongst some members :whistling

[Teddy]

There isn't a single thing in there which contradicts what I've been saying.

[May]

Really doesn't interest me who the figurehead was.

Me either.:blink:

[debtdbruno]

Ultimately, I think Elvis would be concerned about Lisa being looked after.............
He did invite people upto 'the house', so he wasn't opposed to showing it off. The main thing IMO, is that the upstairs, which was his private domain, remains off limits..........

Whether Priscilla can be said to be one that saved Graceland or not, you would hope she thought about the interests of Lisa first and foremost.......

[Donut]

There isn't a single thing in there which contradicts what I've been saying.

Uh? :blink::blink::blink:

[sasha]

I was mainly wanting to find the story of how Priscilla came to know of
Soden through Morgan Maxfield. Plus some court filings about Parker.
It was a terrible thing the way Elvis was done,business-wise, IMO.
But, he really should have had tax attorneys,etc. looking after all that.
Just glad the attorney for Lisa looked into it & saved her some money & her heritage.
Might be the wrong words I used in what Priscilla did.
But, she was the one in charge along with the bank exec. to do something or lose it all. ;)

[Donut]

What I don't understand is why it took so long to open Graceland. They had already talked about opening the trophy room to help support the house while Vernon was alive and the city was interested (although they finally didn't do it) to buy the house and turn it into a museum. Why did they wait untill 82? The idea was already there years before...

[debtdbruno]

I brought the Graceland dvd back from Memphis, and it says on there that Elvis was at some point going to open the Trophy room to fans.........

[sasha]

What I don't understand is why it took so long to open Graceland. They had already talked about opening the trophy room to help support the house while Vernon was alive and the city was interested (although they finally didn't do it) to buy the house and turn it into a museum. Why did they wait untill 82? The idea was already there years before...

I've no idea. Except Vernon died in 1979. Would have probably been at least 1980 or 1981 until paper work all done & settled. Then Memphis thought of buying it, couldn't or wouldn't . Taxes increased & danger of losing it.
It really wasn't too long if you think about it. They had to come to some decision . Priscilla was going with that Maxwell & he was killed in a plane crash. That's how she met Soden. Looking at it with everything going on, they took a big risk & got it presentable for visitors. I thank her, the bankers & all involved ,or else it might be gone.

{I didn't like Priscilla for a long time, nor do I approve of everything EPE did or has done. I will give them all credit for the parts they played in this though .;) }

[sasha]

Come to think of it . Vernon allowed visitors/fans to walk up to Meditation Garden as early as late 1977, no charge .
I have a friend that went & has pictures.

[Donut]

Come to think of it . Vernon allowed visitors/fans to walk up to Meditation Garden as early as late 1977, no charge .
I have a friend that went & has pictures.

Yes, I know. There are pictures of fans visiting the grave while Vernon was alive.

[Diane]

You're welcome.

I had read this story in a book but I didn't want to quote from it because is a little "unpopular" amongst some members :whistling

Well I think you and May cut the cake Cake(y)(y)(y)

Diane

[KPM]

The prime goal of a probate judge is to guard the principal of an estate and to grow the estate beyone that principal. Judge Evans took his job seriously and after reviewing all ways of doing this for Elvis's estate he agreed to opening it to the public for a fee to visit. He saw this as a way to continually grow the principal, and to keep the estate solvent-and proof is in the pudding.... it has grown and grown-a model for similar celebrity situations for the families of dead entertainers.
10 million for Graceland was a ludicrous idea, first off it would have to be not just "an idea mentioned by the mayor" it would have to go thru normal city channels to agree to buy it-and that takes a lot of time,(Sillerman bought Elvis's image in 2004 and many plans were announced-construction would begin in 2005 for a huge expansion and speculation said in 2 years it might all be done... 5 full years ago now)
The city council would have had much to say about it all, to agree on a price and then to take over the mansion for what purpose???
The lawyers who brokered the deal with the city would get their 15-20 percent and all the hidden charges that lawyers work into final bills for services so lets say that left 7-8 million.....not much compared to perpetual income for many lifetimes.
I would assume it would have been opened to the public for a fee to visit. Why else would the Mayor want to buy it? Sure to see it from going under would be motivation-but taxpayers who foot the bill for 10-12 million want to know how the money would be recouped. (regardless of how much they loved Elvis)
So the estate would most likely been opened for a fee to the public-and his home would be exactly what it is today-except that the state would get the profits for the last 33 years.
As I have said many times being a father who loves his kids I feel Elvis would have said-keep it in Lisa's hands and make as much money as you can for her and my future grandkids.
No doubt in my mind the best deal for the estate was just as it happened.

Elvis put the estate in a position of having to do something because he just did not plan well he did not expect to die at 42 and thought anytime I need money I can tour, cut a record, make a film and make a couple million its understandable, then Parker took more than he should have and made some mistakes in his management over the years so you end up with a situation like this one.

[debtdbruno]

succulently put Ken...........

[KPM]

There are so many sides to this aren't there:

If Elvis had wanted Priscilla to "control his empire" (the words of a documentary narrator, not mine) he would have left something in his will to her.
or
Elvis would have been pleased with what has been done, as he loved his fans and liked to show his home off.
or
Elvis would be happy either way, as long as Lisa was well taken care of.

Bottom line, who knows.
Exactly correct-the goal was to keep the estate growing and to keep it in Lisa's hands until she came of age-this was done easily by opening the home to fans.

[Brian]

Here we go again

Yes she did because she employed the individuals who had the business acumen to turn it around; The recovery was under her jurisdiction.

They didn't work for Priscilla nor did she hire them it was Vernon who appointed them in his will.

get that through your head

They told Priscilla what they thought the estate needed and then they did it.
She had no clue what to do.

[KPM]

They didn't work for Priscilla nor did she hire them it was Vernon who appointed them in his will.

get that through your head

They told Priscilla what they thought the estate needed and then they did it.
She had no clue what to do.
That may be a little harsh-she was in on the meetings discussing what was the best approach to saving the estate for Lisa-her opinion as Lisa's mom and Elvis's ex carried a lot of weight in those meetings (much more than just interested parties) but in those discussions "she listened to the options" and listened to the advice of the probate judge-and then they chose from those options. I mean she may have not been the driving force-but she could have very easily stopped(or slowed)any action she did not like-because she was Lisa's Mom-and as I said that carried weight.
The other executors did not have to worry about how the decisions would be perceived by fans and the world in general-they were pretty much anonymous figures where Priscilla was upfront in the public scrutiny-she is not dumb she had to know no matter how involved she was in this decision she would be the one to catch the ire or praise.

[Diane]

That may be a little harsh-she was in on the meetings discussing what was the best approach to saving the estate for Lisa-her opinion as Lisa's mom and Elvis's ex carried a lot of weight in those meetings (much more than just interested parties) but in those discussions "she listened to the options" and listened to the advice of the probate judge-and then they chose from those options. I mean she may have not been the driving force-but she could have very easily stopped(or slowed)any action she did not like-because she was Lisa's Mom-and as I said that carried weight.
The other executors did not have to worry about how the decisions would be perceived by fans and the world in general-they were pretty much anonymous figures where Priscilla was upfront in the public scrutiny-she is not dumb she had to know no matter how involved she was in this decision she would be the one to catch the ire or praise.

Hate to admit it, but you're right. :D

[lvs2day]

as the story goes it had to be done if lisa was to have an inheritence and not sell it over to the city[they were very interested in aquiring it] , aparently cilla said time and time again that not much money was left over from ELVIS estate for the up keep. I think ELVIS would do anything to hold on to GRACELAND even if that meant having fans comming into his living room while he was watching a football game , luckily durring his lifetime he didn't have to do this.

[Brian]

That may be a little harsh-she was in on the meetings discussing what was the best approach to saving the estate for Lisa-her opinion as Lisa's mom and Elvis's ex carried a lot of weight in those meetings (much more than just interested parties) but in those discussions "she listened to the options" and listened to the advice of the probate judge-and then they chose from those options. I mean she may have not been the driving force-but she could have very easily stopped(or slowed)any action she did not like-because she was Lisa's Mom-and as I said that carried weight.
The other executors did not have to worry about how the decisions would be perceived by fans and the world in general-they were pretty much anonymous figures where Priscilla was upfront in the public scrutiny-she is not dumb she had to know no matter how involved she was in this decision she would be the one to catch the ire or praise.

I think it was more Priscilla didn't know what to do and she knew it so she did what they wanted without much if any disagreement .
When you think about it the decision to open Graceland means continual income year to year if you sold the house it would just be one big payment and that's it.
I'm sure when the Co-executors explained this to her she was in agreement with them.

I think the probate judge flat out ordered the estate not to do business with Colonel Parker and a look into his dealings it wasn't his advice.

I don't think Priscilla cares about how fans perceive the decisions that were and are made.
She seems to be happy or content with whatever they do and they never seem to stop doing what fans get upset about.

[Teddy]

They didn't work for Priscilla nor did she hire them it was Vernon who appointed them in his will.

get that through your head


The bottom line is that it ultimately happened because she wanted it to.
If she hadn't wanted it to it wouldn't have happened.

Get that through yours.

[Brian]

The bottom line is that it ultimately happened because she wanted it to.
If she hadn't wanted it to it wouldn't have happened.

Get that through yours.

No, that's not true

Lots of other things could've happened like all executors could've sold it and then the buyer probably would've realized it's potential as a museum and opened for the $$$$$$$.

I understand you like Priscilla but it's best to realize she was just a pretty face.
get that through yours.

[Brian]

Could anyone imagine what would've happened with estate if Priscilla was the only one in charge.
No other executors, Jack Soden, The probate judge etc.

[Tommy]

Let's play nice.

[Teddy]

Could anyone imagine what would've happened with estate if Priscilla was the only one in charge.
No other executors, Jack Soden, The probate judge etc.

But that's an arbitrary consideration, since no executor or co-executor of such an undertaking would sensibly approach these matters single-handedly.
Especially one who represents the deceased's familial interests :doh:

As usual, Cilla's detractors are content to overlook the bleeding obvious.

[monk37]

I think Priscilla did what needed to be done to make sure Lisa had an estate to inherit

Elvis probably didn't plan to outlive his father, so he didn't think into the future of what Vernon outliving him meant.

But Priscilla taking over after Vernon made sense - she had Lisa's best interests at heart.

People forget that Priscilla started out an Elvis fan too.

Sometimes I think that if she hadn't opened Graceland, and let Memphis buy it - Elvis's legacy wouldn't have survived the horror of the 80's

when all the scandals about drugs and sex stuff - all the losers claiming to be love children - all that nonsense could easily have sunk Elvis with him not being around to fight against it.

Lesser artists disappear for far less scandals

[Brian]

But that's an arbitrary consideration, since no executor or co-executor of such an undertaking would sensibly approach these matters single-handedly.
Especially one who represents the deceased's familial interests :doh:

As usual, Cilla's detractors are content to overlook the bleeding obvious.

It's not really it just points out that Priscilla couldn't do it by herself.
If she were the only executor which i'm sure is what she wanted.

Priscilla's undertaken other business ventures by herself and it hasn't turned out well.

The success of Graceland cames down to the loyal fans though not the executors.
other homes of famous people have been turned into museums and they don't do as well.

I bet if James Brown's home gets turned into museum their won't much interest.

[cbg84]

I think that as long as they keep the upstairs off limits he would probably not be too opposed. I think she is doing right about keeping that private cause that was were it was most private to him.

[Elizasong]

Wow! Good thread going. I think Elvis was proud of his home and would want his fans to see it. I didn't realize the background of Jack Soden and his partner and I'm glad Jack Soden won out. If his partner had survived some things might have been very different. By the way Priscilla is getting paid a yearly salary to be the family rep. Her pay check is pretty hefty. Not sure the exact figure. I hope Lisa Marie and her kids keep in touch with the estate and don't walk away from it. I know they don't own the Elvis image anymore but it is their family.

[hounddog]

I don't know what happened but part of my message disappeared, i guess when i spell checked it i didn't past it all back in.

So the rest of my thoughts on this topic are.

That in the end because his upstairs area is closed to the public i think Elvis would have seen Graceland opening as a way of providing an income for his child. And that after he was gone Graceland could then become a place where his fans could still connect with him.

I think he would have been both proud and amazed at how many people have visited there.

I also think he would have been very pleased that Priscilla stepped up and protected the way his image can be used.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

There are always going to be Priscilla detractors, always!

However the deal took place Graceland has become a national and international treasure. The initial opening had to be fraught with all sorts of misgivings both by the executor and Cilla, it could easily have gone sideways, they only had a finite amount of money to get the venture up and running and if there had been a poor response it could have closed and been gone forever.

I have more of an issue with what Cilla has done to Graceland over the prevailing years! Artefacts have been sold off at whim, decoration has taken place etc, my bet is that if Elvis walked into Graceland today he would struggle to recognise it as home :hmm:

To to answer the question, I believe that Elvis would be happy that the estate is making revenue for his extended family. He would be happy that the fans see his achievements and are still very much interested in his life.

[Teddy]

It's not really it just points out that Priscilla couldn't do it by herself.


NOBODY would do it by themselves! This is a completely ridiculous point! :doh:

[Teddy]

... my bet is that if Elvis walked into Graceland today he would struggle to recognise it as home :hmm:


Several people have said this, but I've always thought it's stretching things somewhat.

After all, it's still his house with his stuff in it! :doh:

[Sweet_One_E.]

If Elvis had wanted her input, she would have been in his will. It was his father's choice. And prob. only because she had the upper hand because Elvis still owed her half of the divorce settlement and he allowed a rider put on the deed that she would recover that, if the house was ever sold. Once Elvis died, all child support and alimony stopped and she would have to survive and raise Lisa on her own. She was used to a very nice life prior, due to the income he provided. Once dead, her life would have changed drastically. I don't think she wanted that for herself or Lisa. They were used to luxury. If the house was sold, she would have gotten her settlement paid and the other portion would have gone into the trust. Then all his personal belongings would be Lisa's as well and could have been sold or stored.
But instead she opened it up as an investment for herself and Lisa. If anyone thinks it was all about Lisa's future income that is ridiculous. Why would Cilla settle for the other half of her settlement instead of life long financial income/security?? That would be just plain stupid.

[debtdbruno]

I wouldn't dispute that Priscilla was looking out for financial security for herself.............as she has the right to do actually.

However, she is a Mother, and she would have thought about the long term implications of Lisa having 'something' of her Father's to hold onto, into the future...........

[May]

Come to think of it . Vernon allowed visitors/fans to walk up to Meditation Garden as early as late 1977, no charge .
I have a friend that went & has pictures.

Yes, we went in 1978. You could walk up the drive, round the Meditation Gardens and chat to whoever was manning the gate, which at our time there was Vester. He was more than happy to have photos taken too. Nice man.(y)

[May]

There are always going to be Priscilla detractors, always!

However the deal took place Graceland has become a national and international treasure. The initial opening had to be fraught with all sorts of misgivings both by the executor and Cilla, it could easily have gone sideways, they only had a finite amount of money to get the venture up and running and if there had been a poor response it could have closed and been gone forever.

I have more of an issue with what Cilla has done to Graceland over the prevailing years! Artefacts have been sold off at whim, decoration has taken place etc, my bet is that if Elvis walked into Graceland today he would struggle to recognise it as home :hmm:

To to answer the question, I believe that Elvis would be happy that the estate is making revenue for his extended family. He would be happy that the fans see his achievements and are still very much interested in his life.


A great post. (y)(y) Agree with it.(y);)

[Donut]

It was his father's choice. And prob. only because she had the upper hand because Elvis still owed her half of the divorce settlement and he allowed a rider put on the deed that she would recover that, if the house was ever sold.


Is that kind of debt still valid after the ex death?

[sasha]

What do you think would have happened to Graceland, if it was just the bank that had the say so? :hmm:
Does anyone really think they'd care ?

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Several people have said this, but I've always thought it's stretching things somewhat.

After all, it's still his house with his stuff in it! :doh:

You can have a house full of things, but still not a home..

[May]

Oh Jumpsuit Junkie, I'm a little bit in love with you today. You are reading my mind.:cheers:

[N777]

Thankx to Cilla we still have graceland to visit.i think she was not ready to let elvis go just like that.Graceland was elvi's home,but in a way it was hers,and lisa's too.After all lisa was born there,his things are there for us to see.......

[Brian]

NOBODY would do it by themselves! This is a completely ridiculous point! :doh:

You miss my point

[Teddy]

You miss my point

You don't have one!

[Teddy]

You can have a house full of things, but still not a home..

Sure, but sentimental embroidery aside, I think he'd probably recognize it! :rolleyes:

[debtdbruno]

you can't really expect a house that nobody lives in to feel like a home anymore..........

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Sure, but sentimental embroidery aside, I think he'd probably recognize it! :rolleyes:

I'm pretty sure he would recognise the house from the outside, however if someone completely redecorated and sold your personal items you would be far from happy. the idealised view Priscilla has created within Graceland is far from the home Elvis lived in ;)

Just because you admire Priscilla doesn't mean all that she does is for the greater good. It's far worse than that, I fear she doesn't care for Graceland other than the monetary support it provides..

[debtdbruno]

they've got rid of the red era, but is it because it's Linda's mark on the house......or they decided it looked less garish?:hmm::hmm::hmm:

[Diane]

they've got rid of the red era, but is it because it's Linda's mark on the house......or they decided it looked less garish?:hmm::hmm::hmm:

I think Priscilla thought both. When she reverted it to the blue was it at all similar to what it was when she and Elvis lived there. That is what has me wondering.....?

Diane

[sasha]

I've heard the color scheme talked about before.
Since I wasn't there at the time, I've no idea.
Except my personal preference would be the blue instead of the red.
I honestly think Elvis would have changed it if he didn't like it though.

[debtdbruno]

our Man did have rather unusual taste........LOL

So I can see how the decor now is more acceptable to the general masses............

[Donut]

I think Priscilla thought both. When she reverted it to the blue was it at all similar to what it was when she and Elvis lived there. That is what has me wondering.....?

Diane

I think she was ashamed of Elvis and his taste.

[Diane]

I think she was ashamed of Elvis and his taste.

I've always thought that too.

Diane

[Teddy]

I'm pretty sure he would recognise the house from the outside, however if someone completely redecorated and sold your personal items you would be far from happy. the idealised view Priscilla has created within Graceland is far from the home Elvis lived in ;)

Just because you admire Priscilla doesn't mean all that she does is for the greater good. It's far worse than that, I fear she doesn't care for Graceland other than the monetary support it provides..

I thought the living room/dining room contained his own decor from the mid-60s which had been in storage? :doh:

It is as he lived in it- it's just not entirely as he died in it.

It's only been restored to the more sober state it was before 'the Linda years' left it looking like a bordello! Not quite the same as redecorating it beyond his ability to recognize it!
On the contrary, it's probably more familiar to a hypothetical returning 'ghost Elvis', since he spent the later years in a medicated fog.

It's still his furnishings and I'd much rather see it as it was before the malaise set in (and his aesthetic judgement was impaired) which also happens to be the period before Priscilla left, not that my affection for her has anything to do with it! :closedeye

[Donut]

I've no idea. Except Vernon died in 1979. Would have probably been at least 1980 or 1981 until paper work all done & settled. Then Memphis thought of buying it, couldn't or wouldn't . Taxes increased & danger of losing it.
It really wasn't too long if you think about it. They had to come to some decision . Priscilla was going with that Maxwell & he was killed in a plane crash. That's how she met Soden. Looking at it with everything going on, they took a big risk & got it presentable for visitors. I thank her, the bankers & all involved ,or else it might be gone.

{I didn't like Priscilla for a long time, nor do I approve of everything EPE did or has done. I will give them all credit for the parts they played in this though .;) }

I don't think it was a big risk. If that failed they could still have sold it. This doesn't mean Graceland wouldn't be exactly where it is now, it would be a real home for someone or exactly what is today.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I thought the living room/dining room contained his own decor from the mid-60s which had been in storage? :doh:

It is as he lived in it- it's just not entirely as he died in it.

It's only been restored to the more sober state it was before 'the Linda years' left it looking like a bordello! Not quite the same as redecorating it beyond his ability to recognize it!
On the contrary, it's probably more familiar to a hypothetical returning 'ghost Elvis', since he spent the later years in a medicated fog.

It's still his furnishings and I'd much rather see it as it was before the malaise set in (and his aesthetic judgement was impaired) which also happens to be the period before Priscilla left, not that my affection for her has anything to do with it! :closedeye

All a matter of opinion of course ;)

[May]

I'm pretty sure he would recognise the house from the outside, however if someone completely redecorated and sold your personal items you would be far from happy. the idealised view Priscilla has created within Graceland is far from the home Elvis lived in ;)

Just because you admire Priscilla doesn't mean all that she does is for the greater good. It's far worse than that, I fear she doesn't care for Graceland other than the monetary support it provides..

I agree.
Plus, Priscilla redecorated with the colour scheme that was there at the time she lived there. blue and white. there are some items that are still there from when he lived there (the long settee being one of the ones I remember off the top of my head). But one only has to look at pictures to see somewhere such as the dining room is completely different.:bye:

[sasha]

I don't think it was a big risk. If that failed they could still have sold it. This doesn't mean Graceland wouldn't be exactly where it is now, it would be a real home for someone or exactly what is today.
According to the paperwork ; it was not worth very much. At least according to what it's become. All the money that was left was put into getting the house, grounds, etc. to be presentable for tourists/fans. You're right, it could have been sold as a private home. I'm not sure if the owners would have done anything to assure anyone else could have seen it. It was a risk .IF the tourists/fans had not come; not only Priscilla but the bank would have lost it and all the money they'd put into it. It was a tough call. Not sure I'd have done so well. Who could have known Elvis would have been such a "money maker" ? :)

[debtdbruno]

I'm glad they opened it up for us to see.
I don't think Elvis would have a problem with his fans sharing his home with him...........

[LuckyJackson]

How could they sell Graceland as a private home when Elvis, Gladys, Vernon and Minnie Mae are buried there?

[debtdbruno]

they can't now surely with it being a burial site..............

[sasha]

The city/or state could make them move the graves .
But,since it was declared a National Historical Landmark in 2006, that should take care of it. (y)

[Brian]

You don't have one!

oh, Yes I do.

[Teddy]

Oh, ok then.
What is it?
That Elvis's multitudinous fans made the difference? Because that is obvious.
That they'd be in a position to bankroll his daughter this handsomely in the absence of Priscilla's enabling influence? Nope!

To address the original question: What would Elvis think??
I'm pretty sure he'd be delighted. Money can't buy a parent's dedication.
That was the whole point of Cilla being co-executor, and it's to everyone's advantage that Vernon was able to make such a salient decision in the twilight of his days.

[Brian]

Oh, ok then.
What is it?
That Elvis's multitudinous fans made the difference? Because that is obvious.
That they'd be in a position to bankroll his daughter this handsomely in the absence of Priscilla's enabling influence? Nope!

To address the original question: What would Elvis think??
I'm pretty sure he'd be delighted. Money can't buy a parent's dedication.
That was the whole point of Cilla being co-executor, and it's to everyone's advantage that Vernon was able to make such a salient decision in the twilight of his days.

Yes, they would have be able to in Priscilla's absense


The point is Priscilla couldn't or wouldn't do it all by herself so it is completely ludicrous to give her all the credit for making Graceland a success.

And that's just the way it is.

[Teddy]

... it is completely ludicrous to give her all the credit for making Graceland a success.


Who said anything about giving her all of the credit?! :doh:
Frankly, as Elvis fans we're lucky she was involved at all.

I dread to think what the State of Tennessee would have done with it between the late 70s and now. Alternative theories are little more than a Cilla-hater's fantasy with zero foundation in economics or history as it has actually elapsed.

Think about it!

[Elizasong]

When Vernon got the permit to have a burial place in the backyard he had by law to allow certain times for people to view the plots for free being a cemetery. So he was obligated to let the public (mostly Elvis fans) see the graves for free.

From what I read Priscilla was not an executor on the will until she convinced Vernon to put her on in the interest of her daughter.

Whether they put the 60's furniture on display in the house or 70's it's still Elvis's furniture. I like that some rooms are circa 60's and some are circa 70's and the downstairs bedroom is circa 50's. This way we get an idea of the decades he lived there.

[Brian]

Who said anything about giving her all of the credit?! :doh:
Frankly, as Elvis fans we're lucky she was involved at all.

I dread to think what the State of Tennessee would have done with it between the late 70s and now. Alternative theories are little more than a Cilla-hater's fantasy with zero foundation in economics or history as it has actually elapsed.

Think about it!

From you're previous posts I've gathered that you do give her all the credit for Graceland.

The other executors without Priscilla could've easily decided to open it.

So it doesn't really matter if she's involved or not.

[sasha]

IMO, no bank executive would or could take it upon themselves to run a museum. Which is pretty much what it's turned out to be.

Maybe we could let the hatred & jealousy go ? :blink:Who cares anyway ?
Elvis lived with that all his life. How about some peace & love now ?

[Brian]

IMO, no bank executive would or could take it upon themselves to run a museum. Which is pretty much what it's turned out to be.

Maybe we could let the hatred & jealousy go ? :blink:Who cares anyway ?
Elvis lived with that all his life. How about some peace & love now ?

What the hell are you talking about

Bank executives did run Graceland

[May]

When Vernon got the permit to have a burial place in the backyard he had by law to allow certain times for people to view the plots for free being a cemetery. So he was obligated to let the public (mostly Elvis fans) see the graves for free.

From what I read Priscilla was not an executor on the will until she convinced Vernon to put her on in the interest of her daughter.

Whether they put the 60's furniture on display in the house or 70's it's still Elvis's furniture. I like that some rooms are circa 60's and some are circa 70's and the downstairs bedroom is circa 50's. This way we get an idea of the decades he lived there.

I had never thought of it like that, about the public, by law, having a right to view the graves as in a 'normal' cemetery.

Thats correct. Priscilla was named as an executor a short while before Vernon died. He wanted to look after Lisa's interests (and respect his sons wishes) and putting any reservations aside of his personal thought on Priscilla, assumed Priscilla being her mother would be the best person.

There are some pieces of furniture that were in the house originally. A lot of it is circa 60's or 70's but not necessarily Elvis's furniture. Jack Soden and Priscilla actually stated this.

[Donut]

Alternative theories are little more than a Cilla-hater's fantasy with zero foundation in economics or history as it has actually elapsed.

Think about it!

No, sentences like "Priscilla saved Graceland" or "Thanks to Priscilla" are a fantasy. It is Priscilla who had zero fundation in economics, so don't blame us for stating the obvious ;)

[Teddy]

The other executors without Priscilla could've easily decided to open it.


But without her approval they couldn't! That's the point!

[Teddy]

No, sentences like "Priscilla saved Graceland" or "Thanks to Priscilla" are a fantasy. It is Priscilla who had zero fundation in economics, so don't blame us for stating the obvious ;)

I suppose it might feel obvious if you hate Priscilla Presley :rolleyes:

[Donut]

I suppose it might feel obvious if you hate Priscilla Presley :rolleyes:

Since you have mentioned the word "hate" I assume you have ran out of arguments. Typical :rolleyes:

[Teddy]

Since you have mentioned the word "hate" I assume you have ran out of arguments. Typical :rolleyes:

Not at all- it's just that this is the most frustrating of all Elvis subjects because all the Cilla-haters seem leave their common sense at the door.

Priscilla's primary motivating factor in her decision-making was her daughter's inheritance. Being a parent tends to override most other considerations.
That is obvious.

By the very nature of co-executing, the other executors' hands were completely tied without her approval, and even they have said that Cilla had the last word among them, in respect for her position as the only familial representative. That's quite normal and also incredibly obvious.

Now what exactly is the counter-argument? :doh:

[Donut]

Not at all- it's just that this is the most frustrating of all Elvis subjects because all the Cilla-haters seem leave their common sense at the door.

Priscilla's primary motivating factor in her decision-making was her daughter's inheritance. Being a parent tends to override most other considerations.
That is obvious.

By the very nature of co-executing, the other executors' hands were completely tied without her approval, and even they have said that Cilla had the last word among them, in respect for her position as the only familial representative. That's quite normal and also incredibly obvious.

Now what exactly is the counter-argument? :doh:

That has nothing to do with what I was telling you...
But she as one of the executors was obliged to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiary. If she as mother of the heir wanted to keep the house for her, she had no option. I've heard her say she didn't really want to do it, I guess you have too...

[Sweet_One_E.]

Priscilla's primary reason was making sure she and her daughter retained the lifestyle they had gotten used to. The reason Vernon made her executor was because money was still owed to her from the divorce settlement. So she used that to bargin with Vernon. She hadn't been getting child support or alimony for a while. Let's face it, she had been dependant on Elvis for her lifestyle for a long time. Anyone actually think she was going to give that up. So she made a wise decision. She and Lisa would have income for the rest of their lives.

[debtdbruno]

Not at all- it's just that this is the most frustrating of all Elvis subjects because all the Cilla-haters seem leave their common sense at the door.

Priscilla's primary motivating factor in her decision-making was her daughter's inheritance. Being a parent tends to override most other considerations.
That is obvious.

By the very nature of co-executing, the other executors' hands were completely tied without her approval, and even they have said that Cilla had the last word among them, in respect for her position as the only familial representative. That's quite normal and also incredibly obvious.

Now what exactly is the counter-argument? :doh:



You seem to be battling this one your own Teddy..........but I am with you on this one!!!!!

Nobody can say she did it alone, without advice.
99% of the population would have to get legal advice on such matters.
We have to go with Vernon's decision, that he thought Priscilla would be the best one to look after Lisa's interests as her Mum.

I can't be the only one that is thankful Graceland remains in the families hands and was not sold on..................

[debtdbruno]

Priscilla's primary reason was making sure she and her daughter retained the lifestyle they had gotten used to. The reason Vernon made her executor was because money was still owed to her from the divorce settlement. So she used that to bargin with Vernon. She hadn't been getting child support or alimony for a while. Let's face it, she had been dependant on Elvis for her lifestyle for a long time. Anyone actually think she was going to give that up. So she made a wise decision. She and Lisa would have income for the rest of their lives.

Are you saying Prsicilla had no money of her own?

She got her divorce payout, and was working on tv????

[Diane]

In spite of all the controversy I think Elvis would be pleased that Graceland has stayed in the family and I don't think he would be upset about his fans viewing his home.

Diane

[debtdbruno]

well said Diane..........total agreement!!!!

[presley31]

In spite of all the controversy I think Elvis would be pleased that Graceland has stayed in the family and I don't think he would be upset about his fans viewing his home.

Diane

agree there diane. We can think the not to nice things of priscilla but she did have a hand in what happened to graceland and me thinks elvis may of gotten used to the idea and liked it after awhile since his daughter is well looked after and not to mention his grandchildren too.

[Sweet_One_E.]

Are you saying Prsicilla had no money of her own?

She got her divorce payout, and was working on tv????

She only got half and she had invested in the boutique. (but didn't have it then) Her acting career hadn't taken off yes. She had every right to do what was needed to live as Elvis would have wanted her.

[Teddy]

Nobody can say she did it alone, without advice.
99% of the population would have to get legal advice on such matters.


Exactly. :notworthy