The schedule includes a Proclamation Ceremony, three live concerts, a 90 for 90 exhibit & more
Elvis Presley’s Graceland will celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s 90th birthday this year with four days of events in Memphis on January 8-11. Born in 1935 in humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Presley achieved legendary status, leaving a legacy that still resonates today.
Highlights of the 90th Birthday Celebration include the annual Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on January 8th, the Elvis Birthday Pops Concert featuring Terry Mike Jeffrey and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra also on January 8th; the Elvis Music Salute on January 9th featuring those who knew and shared the stage with Elvis; Conversations on Elvis panel on January 10th; the Elvis: Live on Stage screen show, also on January 10th, featuring Elvis’ vocals backed by a live band; plus Graceland’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Birthday Bash, bus tours, dance party, and much more!
Singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin will appear at the Elvis Music Salute on January 9th to share his Elvis memories. Elvis recorded two of Gatlin’s songs – “Help Me” and “Bitter They Are, Harder They Fall.”
The Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban, who sang backup for Elvis as part of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet in the 1970s, will appear at Elvis Music Salute on January 9th and share stories at Conversations on Elvis on January 10th.
Singer Terry Blackwood, who sang backup for Elvis as a member of The Imperials from 1969-1971 will perform at the Elvis Music Salute on January 9th.
Estelle Brown, a member of The Sweet Inspirations, who sang backup for Elvis from 1969 to 1977 will appear at the Elvis Music Salute on January 9th and Conversations on Elvis on January 10th.
Martial arts legend Bill “Superfoot” Wallace who worked for Elvis in the 1970s will share his favorite stories and memories at Conversations on Elvis on January 10th.
SiriusXM Elvis Radio DJ Argo, Pat Dunn, Tom Brown, Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Dean Z, and Terry Mike Jeffrey, among others, will appear at various events throughout the celebrations.
In honor of Elvis’ birthday, on January 8th, Elvis Presley’s Graceland will open a new yearlong exhibit entitled 90 for 90. This new exhibit will feature 90 curated items specially chosen from the over 1.5 million artifacts housed at Graceland. These artifacts, each with a unique story, will range from iconic items easily recognizable by fans to rare pieces that played a pivotal role in significant moments of Elvis’ professional career or personal life. Featured artifacts include a sketchbook used by Elvis; a pair of checkered boots; a 1954 Blackwood Brothers Quartet performance card; plus a realtor card for his home at 1034 Audubon Drive. The 90 for 90 Exhibit will be included in all Graceland tour options and will be open through December 2025.
As part of Conversations on Elvis on January 10th, Graceland will also honor the musical group The Sweet Inspirations with an induction into Graceland Legends. Graceland Legends is designed to honor and recognize the musicians and musical groups who were an integral part of Elvis Presley’s legendary career. The Sweet Inspirations started working with Elvis in 1969 during his first Las Vegas engagement at the International Hotel and continued with him through his passing in 1977. Members during the group’s years with Elvis were Estelle Brown, Cissy Houston, Sylvia Shemwell, and Myrna Smith.
Fans who are unable to make it to Memphis for the celebrations can watch the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony online for free via Graceland’s Vimeo page on January 8th at 8:30 am CST. The ceremony, streamed from the north lawn of Graceland Mansion will feature EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting, and the official proclamation of Elvis Presley Day for Memphis and Shelby County.
