Elvis Presley's rise to fame in the late fifties called for heightened security measures at Graceland, his Tennessee home. Uncle Travis Smith was stationed at the entrance gates, and surveillance systems were installed throughout the property, including two-way mirrors.
Reports suggest Elvis became "paranoid" due to prescription medication and the threat of overzealous fans. Graceland's security system featured CCTV cameras in various locations, allowing Elvis to monitor activities from his bedroom. The property also included a privacy wall with one-way mirrors on the first-floor landing.
In 1976, Bruce Springsteen famously attempted to meet Elvis by sneaking onto the property after a show in Memphis. However, he was intercepted by security guards and politely escorted off the premises. Springsteen later recounted the incident, expressing his youthful enthusiasm.
Elvis' tech-savvy nature extended to his security measures, as he frequently monitored the cameras in his bedroom before making appearances. While Graceland welcomed guests, access to certain areas, such as the upstairs rooms, required personal invitations from the King himself.
Despite the elaborate security arrangements, Elvis maintained an open-door policy for friends visiting Graceland, ensuring a sense of home for those he trusted. The legacy of Elvis Presley's security measures at Graceland remains a testament to his enduring influence and the lengths he went to protect his cherished home.
