Elvis Statue — Attraction in Memphis

October 1, 2024 - Memphis & Elvis are intertwined as the heart of Rock & Roll ! There’s so much to explore & experience. . . but our bus group only had a quick lunch stop! My wife and I have to return to Memphis!

After lunch ( B.B. King’s Restaurant across Beale Street) my wife & I took an hour to explore the area, and stopped at this Elvis Statute.

Did you know:

In 1980, Eric Parks designed the 1st Memphis statute of Elvis , placed in this park

Due to weather erosion, Parks’ statue of Elvis was removed in 1994

In 1997 a new bronze statue of Elvis, designed by Andrea Lugar was installed

And a circular fence was added to help distance the public from the Elvis statue

As you walk around, you’ll notice plaques on buildings, and musical notes in the sidewalk, highlighting the musical history of Memphis.

Looking across the street from the Elvis statue , you’ll notice the Lansky Brothers building, where Elvis had several famous outfits designed for his appearances on tv, movies, and concerts!

A block away, my wife & I visited the Memphis Music Hall of Fame ! It’s a small museum, but will add details to those rising artists in the music industry.

Fun Facts about Elvis Presley 🎵🎵😎

1935 Elvis had a twin , but twin died at birth

Elvis born in Tupelo, Miss.

Elvis received 1st guitar at age 11

1st recording 1954, at Sun Records

1956 Big year, 1st hit, Heartbreak Hotel

1956 + Big Album . . . Elvis Presley

1956 - 1st time Ed Sullivan tv show

1956 - 1st movie. . . Love Me Tender

1956 famous Quartet Dec. 4 th - Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis

Elvis called into Army service 1958 - 1960

1961 - Blue Hawaii movie

1964 - Viva Las Vegas movie

1967 - Elvis marries Priscilla, 1 daughter

1968 - Comeback tv special ( Steve Binder)

1969 - Elvis touring U.S.

1970 - Elvis visits Nixon at White House

1977 - Aug. 16, Elvis died , “Dr. Nick” prescribed painkillers, later suspended license

1982 Graceland mansion opened to public

1986 Elvis enters Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

1991 - Elvis enters Gospel Music Hall of Fame

1991 - Graceland on National Registry of Historic Places

1998 - Elvis enters Country Music Hall of Fame

2006 - Graceland a National Historic Landmark

Elvis awarded 3 Grammies, also Lifetime...

Elvis Presley, Beale Street, and the blues are inextricably linked, forming a captivating trifecta that embodies the heart and soul of American music. Elvis, the "King of Rock and Roll," emerged from the vibrant Beale Street scene, drawing inspiration from the raw, soulful sounds of the blues. His music, a fusion of blues, gospel, and country, ignited a cultural revolution and transformed the landscape of popular music. Beale Street, the historic Memphis thoroughfare, served as a cradle for blues musicians, a melting pot of talent where legends like B.B. King and Muddy Waters honed their craft. The blues, the soulful expression of African American experiences, provided the foundation upon which Elvis built his iconic sound. Together, they represent a beautiful entanglement of musical artistry, cultural heritage, and the enduring power of...

The statue is ok, because of the importance of the man it represents. But the area around it is mostly occupied by "yesterday fans", begging for money etc, which makes it inconvenient to stay there for a while and remember, like Elvis really would deserve.. A better local environment would be helpful...