Come Celebrate The King in Graceland

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The King is back! In spirit at least, as thousands of fans culminate to Graceland to celebrate this rockers legacy. They call it “Elvis Week” and it runs from August 8th-16th 2006. The week is filled with numerous and varied activities such as the Annual Elvis Art Contest & Exhibit, 2006 Elvis Film Festival, Elvis Week Dance Party, Elvis Presley International Art Show and a special Graceland Scavenger Hunt.

To the fans that attend the festivities, every Elvis Week is special, but this year marks the Golden Anniversary of Elvis’ 'break out year' in 1956, so the festivities have been turned up a notch to commemorate this amazing musician.

Although we all know Elvis as “The King,” he was not born into such high standards. He was born in a two-room house in Mississippi on January 8, 1935. Since his brother was a stillborn, Elvis grew up an only child in Tennessee, where he and his parents moved when Elvis was just a child.

After graduating from high school in 1953, Elvis concentrated on his love of music. His influences were mainly the gospel he heard in church and the R&B he heard on the streets. In 1954 Elvis signed a recording contract with Sun Records in Memphis. But a year later his contract was sold to RCA Victor and in 1956 he had become a sensation! His music was revolutionary and effectively meshed the racial barriers and social challenges of the time. His music was something that anyone from any race could love.

As the years went on, Elvis’ fame and fortune grew into a legend. He starred in a multitude of films, made history with his television appearances, and made many record-breaking albums. The King has sold more albums than any other artist in existence, over one billion! He also has more platinum, gold and multi-platinum albums and singles than any other artist. Through these accomplishments alone, he earned his title of The King.

Elvis’ awards include 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and being named as One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. In addition to all this glory, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

Because of his good looks, charm, talent and achievements in music, Elvis is known throughout the world as one of the most influential forces of the twentieth century. However, Elvis was not blessed with a long life as he died at his home in Graceland, on August 16, 1977. For this reason, Elvis Week is celebrated in Graceland, the place of the great King’s death.

But don’t let all this gloomy talk of death get you down, there’s partying to do at Elvis Week! There are a variety of tours, showrooms, museums, and concerts to attend at Elvis Week this year, including: The Muvico and Peabody Place Present Chris MacDonald’s “Memories of the King,” The Merchandise and Memorabilia Showroom, The Elvis Fan Club Presidents’ Event, and the Elvis Week Dance Party. But don’t fret if you’ve missed the boat this year, there’ll be another fun-filled week in 2007!

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