A Tupelo tourism attraction which attracts over 75,000 visitors each year is about to receive a large face-lift. City leaders held a ground breaking at the place where Elvis Presley was born as it will soon expand 10,000 plus square-feet.
Project plans estimate to cost about $6.6 million including a theater, reception hall, walking trail, and other displays.
Two and a half million dollars for this upgrade comes from the Mississippi Legislature, a wise investment according to some of our tourism experts.
"For every dollar we spend in advertising and marketing in the state of Mississippi we get about seven dollars returned on that one dollar," says Neal McCoy, Director of the Tupelo Convention and Visitor's Bureau. "So this is a good sound investment we think will attract visitors."
"We're the number one tourist attraction for the State of Mississippi. The state tourism people realize that and they're not afraid to put money into a project like this," believes Executive Director of the Elvis Presley Memorial, Dick Guyton.
Records show in 2010, the birthplace brought visitors in from all 50 states as well as 50 foreign countries.
Elvis Gold
The U.K. based Gold radio station published the Top 300 songs of all time. Elvis Presley makes his presence felt with 28 classics in the Top 300.
The King's highest song is 'Suspicious Minds' at #2 with a further 10 sitting in the Top 50. The #1 spot was taken by 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen. Here is a complete run-down of Elvis' songs and places on the Top 300 chart.
002 – Suspicious Minds
006 – An American Trilogy
007 – The Wonder Of You
008 – Always On My Mind
011 – Can’t Help Falling In Love
014 – Jailhouse Rock
016 – In The Ghetto
030 – Heartbreak Hotel
032 – Burning Love
046 – Don’t Be Cruel
048 – Suspicion
055 – It’s Now Or Never
068 – I Just Can’t Help Believing
070 – All Shook Up
083 – If I Can Dream
084 – Devil In Disguise
107 – His Latest Flame
109 – Wooden Heart
110 – Love Me Tender
128 – Return To Sender
139 – Moody Blue
143 – Girl Of My Best Friend
172 – A Fool Such As I
188 – Teddy Bear
194 – Way Down
204 – Hound Dog
270 – Don’t
296 – Are You Lonesome Tonight
(Source: Elvis Unlimited / Brian Quinn Elvis Express)