Graceland, the iconic home of music legend Elvis Presley, is celebrating 30 years as a tourist attraction this month.
Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the mansion/attraction has seen almost 18 million tourists pass through its doors over the years.
The house, which has not changed either inside or out since the singer was alive, has become a Mecca for Elvis fans around the world.
The house was opened to the public in 1982, five years after Elvis’s death. Originally used as a way to pay for massive inheritance tax bills, no one knew if Graceland would be a success.
But the King has loyal fans the world over, and they flocked in their millions. The popularity of Graceland helped kick start a worldwide merchandising business that generates around £20 million every year.
Graceland is one of the most recognisable music-based attractions in the world. But where else can you see musical history?
San Francisco
The Californian city is a must-visit for any music fans, as some of the greatest artists of the 20th century have performed in the city.
In the 1960s, San Francisco became the centre of the psychedelic music movement, with the Fillmore Auditorium playing host to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Carlos Santana.
Liverpool
Liverpool is the birthplace of the biggest band the world has ever seen – The Beatles. Such was The Beatles’ worldwide success and influence, that fans still flock to the city.
Fans can visit both John Lennon’s and Paul McCartney’s childhood homes, and of course take a walk down the world-famous Penny Lane.
Seattle
This metropolitan American city was the birthplace of grunge, a musical genre that took the world by storm in the 1990s and whose influence can still be heard today.
Bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and, of course, Nirvana, all came from Seattle, making it a must-see for any rock fans.
(Images: Jan Kronsell, total13, Lander777, GFDL-self-en)
