MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, January 8, marks Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday. Born in 1935 to humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley achieved legendary status, leaving a legacy that still resonates today. His iconic home, Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, is celebrating this milestone birthday with four days of festivities and the opening of a new yearlong 90 for 90 Exhibit that celebrates the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s life.
The new 90 for 90 Exhibit features 90 curated stories told through items specially selected from the over 1.5 million artifacts housed at the Graceland Archives at Elvis’ iconic home in Memphis. These artifacts, each with a unique story, range from iconic items easily recognizable by fans to rare, personal pieces that capture moments in Elvis’ life that were out of the spotlight.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
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Family Photo ca. 1938
Never-Before on Display
This is the earliest known photo of the Presley family and is cataloged as inventory no. 1 in the Graceland Archives Collection database. This is the original black and white photo found inside the family’s steamer trunk. The exact date of the picture is unknown, but Elvis appears to be two or three years old. This photo captures an early moment in the life of this young family. -
Groundbreaking Paddle Rackets for Presley Center Court
Never-Before on Display
In the 1970s, Elvis picked up racquetball as a hobby. And, like many Presley hobbies, he went all out – turning this one into a business venture. Presley Center Courts in Memphis, TN was founded in 1976, and the business plan was to open a nationwide chain of branded racquetball and spa facilities. The company broke ground on clubs in Memphis and Nashville, and these paddle rackets were the commemorative racquets created for these groundbreaking events. -
Original film reel of The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis Special ca. 1960
Never-Before on Display
From Colonel Parker’s Collection, this original film reel of The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis special has never been on display until now. Elvis’ appearance on the special was deemed historic, with the two icons performing songs they had each made famous, alternating verses to create a unique duet. Elvis sang Sinatra’s “Witchcraft,” while Sinatra delivered a rendition of Elvis’ “Love Me Tender.” -
Poem “Why God Made Little Girls” from Upstairs at Graceland
Never-Before on Display
Elvis had this poem on a bookshelf in his bedroom. The poem summarized what having a daughter meant to him. This poem is referenced in the memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. -
“Master Elvis Presley” Engraved Nunchuck
Never-Before on Display
Elvis was known to be an admirer of the martial arts. This nunchuck was found on a bookshelf in Elvis’ bedroom upstairs at Graceland. The engraving on the training weapon reads “Master Elvis Presley.” The nunchuck was on a shelf next to the poem above. -
Road Case of Stage Scarves from 1977
On August 16, 1977, the Lisa Marie airplane was fueled up, ready to take Elvis’ entourage on the next leg of the tour, with a show scheduled for August 17 in Portland, Maine. This road case of stage scarves was on the plane, but due to Elvis’ death early the morning of August 16, they went into storage and were never used. The scarves hang in the road case, just as they were on August 16, 1977.
This yearlong exhibit will run through December 2025 and can be toured as part of the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex.
Throughout 2025, Graceland will unveil additional new exhibits and refresh some existing spaces to enhance the visitor experience, including:
- Elvis: Dressed to Rock will get an update in early March. Featuring over 100 pieces of stage wear, this fan favorite exhibit will be refreshed with new jumpsuits, outfits, and accessories.
- Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii Experience opens in early April. Visitors will enjoy a new experience that will surround them with captivating visuals, sounds and artifacts from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s historic 1973 performance.
- Graceland in Red opens in August. In 1974, Elvis transformed Graceland’s Living Room to its red era. This eclectic design, with striking French Provencal decor, will be recreated and include the original furniture during this era.
- The Colonel also opens in August. The exhibit will delve into the larger-than-life figure who played a crucial role in Elvis’ career.
In addition, Graceland’s newly renovated Elvis in Hollywood section at the Elvis: the Entertainer Career Museum, which already offers photo op movie set vignettes from Elvis’ movie career – including a café, prison setting, and western saloon, will intro more photo ops in 2025, including a beach, a carnival, and a garage.
Elvis’ Birthday Celebration kicks off today in Memphis in runs through Saturday, January 11. This morning, fans celebrated the king’s birthday with a larger-than-life birthday cake and Proclamation Day Ceremony on the front lawn of Graceland. Over the next four days, fans will enjoy three live concerts at the Graceland Soundstage, plus panel discussions, dance parties, special tours and much more. A full schedule of events going on now is here: Graceland.com/Birthday.
For the latest information on Graceland and upcoming events and openings, visit Graceland.com.
About Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland and its related properties, including Elvis Presley's Memphis, Graceland's entertainment and exhibition complex over 200,000 square feet in size; the new 80,000 square feet Graceland Exhibition Center featuring rotating exhibits; the AAA Four Diamond Guest House at Graceland 450-room resort hotel; and the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career. EPE also produces and licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours, and attractions worldwide. Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker, is the majority owner of EPE. Graceland is the only attraction worldwide to ever receive 13 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards including “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour,” “Best Tennessee Attraction and Iconic Landmark,” “Best Musical Attraction,” “Best Historic Southern Attraction,” and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction.” The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named Graceland the most popular attraction in Tennessee and one of the top 25 landmarks in the world and Rolling Stone named it one of 10 Great American Music Landmarks. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.graceland.com
Stay connected to Elvis Presley’s Graceland:
Graceland.com
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@ElvisPresleysGraceland on Facebook
@VisitGraceland on Twitter (X) and Instagram
@OfficialGraceland on YouTube
GracelandLive.com
@GracelandLive on Facebook
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@LiveGraceland on Twitter
SiriusXM’s Elvis Radio, Channel 76
