On Wednesday morning, thousands of enthusiastic fans from across the globe gathered on the front lawn of Graceland to celebrate what would have been the 90th birthday of Elvis Presley, a legendary figure in music history. Despite chilly temperatures hovering around the 20s, nearly 3,000 attendees showed unwavering dedication to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during this iconic event.
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. The celebrations, which began on Monday, are an annual tradition at Graceland, continuing throughout the week. The ceremony was hosted by Elvis Radio DJ Argo, who humorously noted that the weather during Elvis’s birth was significantly warmer at 63 degrees.
Prominent figures at the event included Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, and Kevin Kane, the head of Memphis Tourism. Both praised Elvis’s talents and the significance of the gathering, with Kane emphasizing that no other entertainer could draw such a crowd at the age of 90.
Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, expressed gratitude to the attendees, highlighting a notable turnout from the United Kingdom, where a new immersive Elvis show is set to debut in May. He also hinted at exciting upcoming projects to commemorate Elvis’s legacy as the 50th anniversary of his passing approaches in 2027, which includes films and documentaries leveraging new technology.
Memphis City Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris also shared their sentiments, illustrating Elvis’s lasting impact on the city and the music world. They both read a proclamation honoring his artistry and contributions before leading the crowd in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”
After the ceremony, attendees moved to the Elvis Presley’s Memphis complex for cake and coffee at Vernon’s Smokehouse and celebrated the grand opening of the new exhibit, “90 for 90.” This display showcases carefully selected artifacts from the Presley archives, offering insights into pivotal moments in Elvis’s life and career. The exhibit will remain open through December.
This celebration of Elvis Presley’s life and legacy brings together fans young and old, showcasing the immense cultural impact he continues to have even decades after his passing. The strong attendance and continued enthusiasm for his work reflect the timeless nature of his music and artistry. As plans for the future unfold, fans can look forward to even more opportunities to engage with Elvis’s remarkable legacy.