A vibrant crowd of music enthusiasts from across the globe gathered at Graceland on Wednesday morning to celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. Despite chilly temperatures in the 20s, nearly 3,000 fans converged on the iconic site in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the annual Elvis birthday festivities which began earlier in the week.
The celebration, hosted by Elvis Radio DJ Argo, included the reading of official city and county proclamations honoring Presley, as well as a ceremonial cake cutting and a sing-along of “Happy Birthday.” Among the speakers were Jack Soden, the longtime CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, and Kevin Kane, head of Memphis Tourism, both of whom highlighted Presley’s enduring legacy.
Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, expressed gratitude to the fans, particularly those from the United Kingdom, and shared exciting plans for the future. Centrally, he referenced the upcoming 50th anniversary of Presley’s passing in 2027, hinting at various new projects, including movies and documentaries that will employ cutting-edge technology to celebrate the King’s contributions to music.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris also spoke, emphasizing Elvis’s significant impact on the city and his lasting musical legacy. The event concluded with fans enjoying cake and coffee at Vernon’s Smokehouse and exploring the newly opened “90 for 90” exhibit, which displays a curated selection of artifacts from the Presley archives that illuminate significant moments in Elvis’s life and career.
This celebration not only honors Elvis Presley’s monumental influence on music and culture but also brings together fans from around the world, reinforcing the idea that great art transcends generations and continues to inspire. As Presley’s legacy continues to evolve, the anticipation for future projects promises to keep the spirit of the King alive for years to come.