David Parker wrote: "'I was born about 10,000 years ago'. Well, January 8th 1935 to be exact, and while he was only with us for just 42 years, the impact and influence of Elvis is such that you would think he had been around since the dawn of time."
Elvis Presley’s legacy extends beyond music. He became a cultural icon whose impact is felt in fashion, film, and the very fabric of rock and roll. As we remember him on his birthday, it’s clear that his title as “The King” is well deserved.
Thank you for the music and the legacy you left, we still enjoy it, day by day! And there's no better way to celebrate his legacy than to sit back, relax, listen to the music, and remember a vital, creative artist.
Graceland celebrated Elvis' birthday on the north lawn of Elvis' Mansion. Witness the unveiling of a larger-than-life birthday cake and hear the proclamation of Elvis Presley Day from Memphis and Shelby County officials. EPE also opened the new 90 for 90 Exhibit.
Priscilla Presley Posted: "January. 8th would be Elvis’ 90th birthday. Knowing him, he would still look as handsome as he was at 35. 🥰 -P"
Ginger Alden posted: "It's so hard to think Elvis would be ninety!! I was truly blessed to have been at his side and able to share his 42nd birthday with him in Palm Springs in 1977. Never forgotten, always loved and so deeply missed. With very special memories of a unique and beautiful soul and our time together 🌹Happy Heavenly Birthday wishes to Elvis 🎂🎂❤️❤️❤️❤️!!!!"
EPE posted: "Today, January 8, marks Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. Born in 1935 to humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley achieved legendary status, leaving a legacy that still resonates today. His iconic home, Elvis Presley's Graceland, in Memphis, is celebrating this milestone birthday with four days of festivities and the opening of a new yearlong 90 for 90 Exhibit that celebrates the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life."
New Exhibitions
The new 90 for 90 Exhibit features 90 curated stories told through items specially selected from the over 1.5 million artifacts housed at the Graceland Archives at Elvis’ iconic home in Memphis. These artifacts, each with a unique story, range from iconic items easily recognizable by fans to rare, personal pieces that capture moments in Elvis’ life that were out of the spotlight.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
Groundbreaking Paddle Rackets for Presley Center Court: In the 1970s, Elvis picked up racquetball as a hobby. And, like many Presley hobbies, he went all out – turning this one into a business venture. Presley Center Courts in Memphis, TN was founded in 1976, and the business plan was to open a nationwide chain of branded racquetball and spa facilities. The company broke ground on clubs in Memphis and Nashville, and these paddle rackets were the commemorative racquets created for these groundbreaking events.
Original film reel of The Frank Sinatra Timex Show, the Welcome Home Elvis Special:
From Colonel Parker’s Collection, this original film reel of The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis special has never been on display until now. Elvis’ appearance on the special was deemed historic, with the two icons performing songs they had each made famous, alternating verses to create a unique duet. Elvis sang Sinatra’s “Witchcraft,” while Sinatra delivered a rendition of Elvis’ “Love Me Tender.
Poem “Why God Made Little Girls”: From Elvis had this poem on a bookshelf in his bedroom. The poem summarized what having a daughter meant to him. This poem is referenced in the memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.
“Master Elvis Presley” Engraved Nunchuck: Elvis was known to be an admirer of the martial arts. This nunchuck was found on a bookshelf in Elvis’ bedroom upstairs at Graceland. The engraving on the training weapon reads “Master Elvis Presley.” The nunchuck was on a shelf next to the poem above.
Road Case of Stage Scarves from 1977: On August 16, 1977, the Lisa Marie airplane was fueled up, ready to take Elvis’ entourage on the next leg of the tour, with a show scheduled for August 17 in Portland, Maine. This road case of stage scarves was on the plane, but due to Elvis’ death early the morning of August 16, they went into storage and were never used. The scarves hang in the road case, just as they were on August 16, 1977.
This yearlong exhibit will run through December 2025 and can be toured as part of the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex. Throughout 2025, Graceland will unveil additional new exhibits and refresh some existing spaces to enhance the visitor experience, including:
- Elvis: Dressed to Rock will get an update in early March. Featuring over 100 pieces of stage wear, this fan favorite exhibit will be refreshed with new jumpsuits, outfits, and accessories.
- Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii Experience opens in early April. Visitors will enjoy a new experience that will surround them with captivating visuals, sounds and artifacts from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s historic 1973 performance.
- Graceland in Red opens in August. In 1974, Elvis transformed Graceland’s Living Room to its red era. This eclectic design, with striking French Provencal decor, will be recreated and include the original furniture during this era.
- The Colonel also opens in August. The exhibit will delve into the larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in Elvis’ career.
In addition, Graceland’s newly renovated Elvis in Hollywood section at the Elvis: the Entertainer Career Museum, which already offers photo op movie set vignettes from Elvis’ movie career – including a café, prison setting, and western saloon, will intro more photo ops in 2025, including a beach, a carnival, and a garage.
You can also enjoy BBC's Matt Shepherd 'Golden Years 'Elvis: The King At 90' Special' radio special. In this special edition of the Golden Years he plays live performances from the King, original songs from other artists, which would later appear in Elvis' concert song list and fans who saw and met the King live in concert and in person share their unique and delightful stories.
Go to >>> MixCloud to listen.
(Source: Graceland / Matt Shepherd / David Parker / Memphis Mansion / Soren Kartstensen for tje poster)