Colonel Parker’s World of Showbusiness and Graceland in Red are available through 2025
Last week, Graceland welcomed fans to Memphis for the annual Elvis Week celebration. During the festivities, Graceland debuted two new exhibits inside Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex.
Colonel Parker’s World of Showbusiness shares the story of Elvis’ legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The exhibit traces his journey from his early years in Holland and work on the carnival circuit, through his time managing country stars like Eddy Arnold and Hank Snow, and ultimately to his defining role as Presley’s manager.
Serving as Elvis’s manager from 1955 until his death in 1977, Colonel Parker was a larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in the direction and success of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s career. While he is hailed for turning Elvis into a global sensation, Colonel Parker remains a controversial figure in the Elvis world, as he faced significant criticism for his management approach and financial practices.
The Colonel’s story comes to life in the new exhibit through artifacts from his collection. See canes, hats, and pipes that defined the Colonel’s look, along with items from his office and the colorful lab coats that he designed and wore on Elvis’ movie sets. Exhibit highlights include his typewriter, awards, rare photographs from his office, and even the 1976 Cadillac Elvis gifted to him.
Graceland in Red 1974 is the second exhibit to open at Graceland during Elvis Week 2025. When Elvis purchased the house in 1957, Elvis’ mother Gladys’ conservative style prevailed with the traditional blue and white décor that one sees when visiting Graceland today.
However, in 1974, Graceland underwent dramatic redecoration with Elvis selecting rich colors, plush textures, and new statement pieces for his home. The living room was transformed into a French Provincial theme, featuring red velvet furniture, red satin draperies, oil lamps, mermaid tables, peacock-stained glass panels, and red shag carpet. The décor was bold and vibrant, reflecting Elvis’ unique style – and a definite break from the conservative style of his mother.
The red décor was in place until 1982, when the living room was reverted to the original blue and white aesthetic before Graceland opened to the public. The red furniture and décor went into warehouse storage. Pieces of the red furniture have been used in small displays at Graceland over the years, but this is the first time guests can see a full replica of how the living room looked in 1974.
A highlight of the exhibit is the pair of oil lamps carefully restored by the Graceland team to their original condition. Each lamp features a gold-tone frame with a Greco-Roman-inspired figure at its center. Often called “goddess rain lamps,” they were especially popular in the 1970s. Clear mineral oil flows along fine filaments, creating a shimmering rain effect around the statue. With built-in lighting and greenery at the base, the lamps added both illumination and a sense of luxury to the room’s dramatic style.
In addition to these two new exhibits, Graceland debuted the 90 for 90 Exhibit in January and refreshed the Elvis Dressed to Rock display in March. All exhibits are now open for touring throughout 2025.
