Party preparations planned to preserve Presley's prestige 

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.

Your current subscription does not provide access to this content.

Preparations are underway in Tupelo and Memphis to honor Elvis Presley on what would have been his 84th birthday Tuesday.

Guy Harris, who grew up with Elvis, cuts the first piece of birthday cake at a past celebration for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Tupelo.

Tupelo • Never question the influence of Elvis Presley, even in 2019.

For the first time since 1978, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll returned to Billboard Hot 100’s top 40 singles chart last month with “Blue Christmas” streaming more than 21 million times during the week of Christmas.

Presley was born Jan. 8, 1935, in Tupelo to Gladys and Vernon Presley. The family relocated to Memphis when Elvis was 13, but before that the young man famously acquired a guitar from Tupelo Hardware in 1946.

He is now one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including blues, country, pop and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music and appeared in over 25 films. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame. Last year, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

While he died nearly 42 years ago, Presley’s legacy lives on locally and abroad as evidenced by upcoming events set to honor the King ahead of what would be his 84th birthday on Tuesday.

Celebrations will be held in both Tupelo and Memphis to honor Tupelo’s native son.

Join fans from all over the world as the local hub for all things Presley will cut the cake, share some stories and sing “Happy Birthday” to the King.

The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum attractions include statues of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at different ages, Presley’s childhood church and memorial chapel, fountains, a gift shop and much more.

Sing some Elvis karaoke and support a good cause at the same time with Link Centre’s Elvis showcase contest on Tuesday. Admission is $10 and proceeds go to benefit the Tupelo Homelessness Outreach program. For more information, call (662) 690-4011.

The annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony will be held at Graceland in Memphis, featuring, a birthday cake cutting and proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials. Following the event, complimentary birthday cake and coffee will be available at Vernon’s Smokehouse.

At 12:30 p.m., the Auction at Graceland will take place in The Guest House Theater. Following the record-breaking Auction at Graceland this past August, fans and collectors from around the world will participate on-site and online for this auction, featuring artifacts authenticated by Graceland Authenticated. A portion of the auction will benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. Fifteen lots, including many unique experiences at Graceland, are being offered solely to benefit the EPCF, which was formed by Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. in 1984 to continue Elvis’ own tradition of generosity and community service, and to honor his memory. Online bidding is now open at GracelandAuctions.com. For additional information on all events and to purchase tickets, visit Graceland.com/elvis-birthday.

Features, arts and entertainment reporter for Daily Journal.

Whenever Derek Russell posts new content, you\'ll get an email delivered to your inbox with a link.

Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.

Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

\'A personal legacy\': Quilts seek to honor lynching victims

Ole Miss women at home today against Arkansas

Itawamba County standoff ends with hostage safe and two dead

10-year-old girl safe after 32-hour hostage situation

10-year old girl safe after 32-hour hostage standoff in Itawamba County

Poll: Do educators and the business community need to do more to ensure students are prepared for the future workforce?

Powered by BLOX Content Management System from TownNews.com.