40th Anniversary Elvis Presley Death

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Elvis Presley Died August 16, 1977

Today we mark the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death and visitors have flocked to Graceland. 

Elvis was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935.  The family moved to  Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948.

His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn.  

Elvis Week

Elvis Presley fans traditionally gather at Graceland during Elvis Week for the annual candlelight vigil. Until this year, there hasn't been a charge to file past the graves of Elvis and family members, in the memorial garden on the property. This year fans will need to purchase a wristband for $28.75 to walk up the long driveway and past the graves. Graceland told the Associated Press in a written statement that the wristband fee also provides access to a new $45 million entertainment complex at the Memphis tourist attraction.   Security measures are tight for this week's festivities as huge crowds are expected.

Elvis Facts

• Began singing career in 1954 (Sun Records)
• RCA Victor recording contract awarded in 1955
• International sensation by 1956
• Starred in 33 successful films
• Many TV appearances & live concerts
• Sold over 1 Billion records 
• 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins)
• Served in U.S. Army
• Died August 16, 1977. He was 42.

Plan Visit to Graceland

These facts just scratch the surface of Elvis Presley's short but successful career.  For the full Elvis Presley life story and an inside look at Elvis’ life, plan a trip to Memphis for a Graceland tour!

Visitors have left their personal reflections on the wall outside the main Graceland mansion.   This one seems very fitting on the anniversary of his death.   He may be gone but his music lives on forever.

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Drive Down Memory Lane

Elvis Loved Cars

Visit Automobile Museum

 

This week, #FriFotos theme is #CARS and the first thing that came to mind when we started going through our picture archives was our visit to Graceland in Memphis, TN.   As part of the VIP or Platinum tour packages, you have the opportunity to stroll down a tree-lined street with several of Elvis Presley's favorite vehicles on display.

 

(For those that don't know:  #FriFotos is a weekly photo forum by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. Theme is revealed every Tuesday 12pm ET.)    Recently, @spencerspellman joined the team as a permanent co-host.  We even had the chance to co-host one week last year.)

Famous Pink Cadillac

This year marks Elvis Presley's 80th Birthday.   If you missed his birthday celebration on January 8th, you can relive it by visiting the official Graceland website or better yet, plan a visit to Memphis.

Perhaps the most famous of Elvis' cars was the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood.  It was painted pink and first used by him for touring.  He later gave the car to his mom, Gladys.

More than 20 Vehicles

There are several cars and other toys on display in the museum.   Some of the other popular cars include 1960 & 1966 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, a 1975 Ferrari Dino, Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Motorcycle, and 1973 Stutz Blackhawk to name a few.

When you visit Graceland, plan to spend the entire day there or longer so that you can see all the exhibits at your leisure.

If you like Travel & Photography join us each Friday!

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Post your CARS pictures tomorrow.   Hopefully this gives you some inspiration for the theme.

Happy 80th Birthday Elvis

Elvis Presley Born January 8, 1935

Today would have been Elvis Presley's 80th Birthday and the celebration is in full swing at Graceland. 

Elvis was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935.  The family moved to  Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948.

His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn.  

Elvis Facts

• Began singing career in 1954 (Sun Records)
• RCA Victor recording contract awarded in 1955
• International sensation by 1956
• Starred in 33 successful films
• Many TV appearances & live concerts
• Sold over 1 Billion records 
• 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins)
• Served in U.S. Army
• Died August 16, 1977. He was 42.

Plan Visit to Graceland

These facts just scratch the surface of Elvis Presley's short but successful career.  For the full Elvis Presley life story and an inside look at Elvis’ life, plan a trip to Memphis for a Graceland tour!


In Honor of his 80th Birthday, we'll feature more images & stories from our visit to Graceland.