Elvis Inducted into Memphis Music Hall of Fame
Elvis Presley, among other Memphis music greats, were inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Thursday evening during a musical tribute held at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis. According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Priscilla Presley accepted on behalf of Elvis and noted that Elvis' musical influences included several of his fellow inductees.
"I know he would be humbled and pleased to be included in standing with them tonight at this inaugural event," said Priscilla in a video message presented during the ceremony.
Memphis is often known as the cradle for legendary musicians in blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. Sponsored by the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the ceremony consisted of 25 inductees who maintained strong ties to the Memphis community and were pioneers in the music industry. Other Memphians honored were Sun Studio founder Sam Phillips, DJ Dewey Phillips, blues legends B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Isaac Hayes, among many others.
Elvis Presley Day
While official Washington is preoccupied with such serious matters as averting sharp tax increases and severe government spending cuts Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.) is focusing his efforts on passing an official declaration to observe Jan. 8 as “Elvis Presley Day.” The resolution introduced this week is cosponsored by eight House Democrats and a lone Republican, and would recognize Presley’s birth in Tupelo, Miss. in 1935. “Elvis Presley remains one of the most famous American entertainers of all time whose influence on music and whose cultural impact continues today,” the resolution said. The legislation also notes that in addition to Presley’s vast catalogue of work — 750 songs and one billion records sold worldwide — the King of Rock and Roll also served honorably in the Army.
“Whereas Elvis Presley often shared his success with the less fortunate through benefit concerts and contributions to charity … (he also) exemplified the American dream by pulling himself up from poverty through hard work and personal talent,” the resolution said.
“Whereas in a time when the trade deficits of the United States continue to grow, the sustained export of American music and culture is a uniquely American product that can never be replaced by foreign competitors,” the resolution said.
Presley’s home Graceland is designated as a National Historic Landmark while in 1993, the Post Office issued a first class stamp featuring Presley’s likeness, and is one of the most popular stamps sold. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration, but with only a few weeks left in the congressional session, it does not stand a strong chance of passage.
(Source: EPE / Elvis Matters / Elvis Information Network)