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ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND COUNTS DOWN TO THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROCK ‘n’ ROLL IN 2014 AS MEMPHIS CELEBRATES LANDMARK YEAR WHEN ELVIS CHANGED MUSIC FOREVER
 
Special events and activities, exhibits, projects and more being planned for 2014 to celebrate the 60th Anniversary

Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout 2014, commemorating the first Elvis recording to be played on the radio on July 8, 1954.
 
On July 5, 1954, Elvis walked into Sun Studios in Memphis and recorded “That’s All Right” with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. DJ Dewey Phillips played the song on July 8 on WHBQ radio and the switchboard lit up. Rock ‘n’ Roll was born and the music world changed forever.
 
A year-long celebration is being planned for the year beginning with special activities on New Year’s Eve and Elvis’ birthday in January 2014. In addition, the celebration will also include a 60th Anniversary exhibit which will open at Graceland on March 1, 2014, special events at Graceland, Sun Studio and other locations in Memphis, special entertainment projects, anniversary activities during Elvis Week 2014, 60th Anniversary artwork for licensed products and much more.
 
A full calendar and list of activities and events currently in development will be announced later this year.   

Elvis Presley's Graceland. Also, be sure to see live updates, including photos, video and more by following @VisitGraceland on Twitter and Elvis Presley's Graceland on Facebook. 

Elvis InsiderWatch Elvis' Birthday Proclamation Ceremony LIVE
Join Elvis Radio's DJ Argo tomorrow for exclusive interviews with this year's birthday celebration guests, plus a special ceremony with Graceland/EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials. The LiveStream of the ceremony takes placeWednesday, January 8 beginning at 10:15 a.m. EST/9:15 a.m. CST.

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From Graceland...As we gear up to celebrate 60 Years of Rock 'n' Roll, we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to help celebrate the life and legacy of the man who started it all. The official 2014 Elvis Birthday Celebration will take place January 8 - 11. 

Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8

D&N's and Elvis Meetup's Gospel Tribute to Elvis
12:01 a.m. In front of the Graceland gates. D&N's Elvis Presley Fan Club and the Elvis Meetup Fan Club invite you to join their annual tradition. Meet at the gates of Graceland at midnight on Elvis' birthday as they join fans from across the globe singing familiar gospel songs, and of course, "Happy Birthday" to Elvis.

Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony
9:30 a.m. Graceland's North Lawn. Free admission. Enjoy a ceremony with Graceland/EPE officials, a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials. Memphis music legend Knox Phillips will participate in the Elvis Presley Birthday 2014 festivities by joining fans for the Proclamation Ceremony on January 8th at Graceland. Son of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips, Knox will help cut the cake as the 60 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll celebration kicks off at Graceland during the Elvis Presley birthday week. Phillips has been an important presence behind the scenes of the music industry -- as an engineer, producer and studio owner. While attending college, Phillips began recording local garage bands. As an engineer, he worked on several milestone releases including Willie Nelson’s Shotgun Willie. He has also worked closely with original Sun artist Jerry Lee Lewis, a member of his father’s Million Dollar Quartet. Also, David Thibault, the 16-year-old Canadian YouTube singing sensation will lead Elvis fans from around the world in a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”  Thibault gained worldwide attention on YouTube in early December. Sharing “Blue Christmas” with Canadian radio station CKOI, the version of the song went viral with over eight million views. Fans, who are unable to attend, can watch the ceremony live via Elvis Presley's Graceland LiveStream. 

Birthday Cake & Coffee 
10:30 a.m. Chrome Grille, Graceland Plaza. Complimentary birthday cake and coffee served at the Chrome Grille restaurant across the street from the mansion following the ceremony. Free to all who attend.

Special Birthday Stable Tours
11:00 am, 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 pm. Tour the stables at Graceland! Artifacts on display as part of the Elvis Presley Stable Tour include saddles used by Elvis and his entourage, personal western wear worn by Elvis, checks and documents related to the purchase of some of Elvis’ horses, and home movie footage of Elvis on horseback at Graceland. Dates/times are subject to weather conditions, safety issues and availability. Tickets may be purchased at the Graceland Ticket Pavilion on day of the tour.

Tupelo Birthday Celebration
1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Elvis Presley Birthplace located at 306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS. The afternoon event will include a birthday party with cake for all, entertainment throughout the afternoon, plus free admission to the Elvis Presley Birthplace. 

Graceland Trivia Tour
4:30 p.m. Event starts at the Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion and the Elvis Presley Car Museum while simultaneously answering trivia questions to which answers can be found on the Graceland tour. Adult and junior versions of the trivia tour will be available, including Elvis prizes! Tickets for adults are $34.00; children 7-12 are $15.00; children 7 and under are free. Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.

Club Elvis 
8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Come hang out and enjoy a private party with your fellow Elvis fans as your favorite Elvis disc jockey spins Elvis records for your listening and dancing pleasure. Cash bar featuring adult beverages (ID's checked) and soft drinks. Outdoor smoking area designated - no smoking inside. A wristband allows you to come and go from Club Elvis as often as you like during the evening. Tickets are $25. Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.


THURSDAY, JANUARY 9

Fan Club Presidents’ Event
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. University of Memphis's Fogelman Executive Conference Center located at 330 Innovation Drive, Memphis,TN. Elvis fans are invited to celebrate the work of Elvis Presley fan clubs during this special event. In addition to celebrating and recognizing the work of fan clubs, the event will feature a program of EPE company updates and special announcements, including the latest on EPE media, marketing, licensing, merchandise, new exhibits and more. Special guestWayne Mann, Elvis’ cousin and witness to the start of Elvis' career at Sun Studio, shares stories as the city of Memphis gears up to celebrate 60 Years of Rock 'n' Roll. Fan club presidents will get an invite to the event directly from EPE. Tickets are $12. Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.

Official Elvis Insiders Reception and Graceland Tour
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. An event exclusively for members of the Elvis Insiders. A private evening tour of Graceland Mansion in all its holiday splendor and a reception across the street in Graceland Plaza. The reception will be a progressive event moving about the plaza area and will include Elvis' airplanes, the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Sincerely Elvis and the Elvis Lives exhibit. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bars will be available. The special evening tour of the mansion includes the audio tour presentation, plus Elvis Christmas music playing in the background. Decorations for the 2014 holiday season will be in place. Special guests include Sandra Ferra Martindale and Wink Martindale who will be answering questions during an exclusive Q & A session located inside the Elvis Presley Car Museum. Popular radio and television personality Wink Martindale witnessed the historic night at WHBQ in July of 1954, when Sam Phillips brought DJ Dewey Phillips the acetate copy of Elvis' first Sun Record "That's All Right" to be played on "Red, Hot, and Blue." After meeting that evening, Wink and Elvis remained friends throughout the course of Elvis' life. Wink's wife, Sandra Ferra Martindale, who also dated Elvis off and on for several years, will also share stories about spending time with the king. Performances by David ThiBault, the 16-year-old Canadian YouTube singing sensation who gained over eight million views after sharing “Blue Christmas” with Canadian radio station CKOI. Elvis Insiders may purchase only three additional guest tickets in addition to their own. Membership card will be required when picking up tickets. Parking in the main Graceland parking lot is free beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.00 for adults; $26.00 for children 7-12; children 7 and under are free. Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.


FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

Elvis Morning Movie at Malco Theatres
9:30 a.m. Malco Theatre located at 7130 Malco Blvd, Southaven, MS. Elvis fans had the opportunity to vote between "This is Elvis" or "Girl Happy" and enjoy a special Elvis presentation by Malco Theatres. "This is Elvis" will be the featured film during this year's celebration. This film explores Elvis at different stages of his life, comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those close to the king. Fans can see rare video of Graceland and the king while on-stage, plus behind-the-scenes footage. All proceeds will benefit the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. Tickets are $10. Tickets are available for purchase at Graceland Guest Services or at the door of the event, pending availability. Tickets to Elvis Birthday Celebration events are non-refundable.

Memphis Grizzlies' Elvis Birthday Night
7:00 p.m. FedExForum located at 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN. Join Elvis fans in town for the 2014 Elvis Birthday Celebration as they honor the life and career of a Memphis legend – Elvis Presley. The Memphis Grizzlies will be playing the Phoenix Suns in an arena filled with Elvis-themed music, movie clips, and live entertainment. Come watch the Grizzlies in their “blue suede shoes” defend their home court while honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased by visitingGrizzlies.com.


SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

60 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour with Backbeat Tours
1:00 p.m.  Enjoy a tour of Memphis. Tour departs from Backbeat Tours window at Blues City Café, located at 140 Beale Street. Join Backbeat Tours for an Elvis-themed tour with a twist! As unique as the man himself, the 60 Years of Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour takes a one-of-a-kind approach to sharing Elvis’ legacy in a high-energy concert and sightseeing tour all rolled into one. Hear all your favorite Elvis hits performed live on Memphis’ only music bus while seeing where he grew up, where he went to school, where he worked, and where he dreamed, as well as sites important to his early career. This special 90-minute tour also includes an optional visit inside the Presley family apartment at Lauderdale Courts – second only to Graceland, the Memphis home where Elvis lived the longest. Meticulously restored to its 1950s appearance, a visit to Apartment 328 of the Courts is like taking a step back in time, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Vernon, Gladys, and young Elvis. (If you choose to visit Lauderdale Courts, the tour will last approximately 2.5 hours). The tour includes exciting sites such as Sun Studio, Elvis’ high school, the Overton Park Shell (the amphitheater where he performed his first big show in 1954), Lansky Bros. clothing store, the Memphian Theater and the Chisca Hotel (home of the WHBQ radio station). The Hound Dog Tour has become an Elvis fan tradition, with many passengers returning year after year. Come celebrate the man behind the legend: whether you’re a longtime fan or a new admirer, we guarantee fun for all! The price of the 90-minute tour is $28/adults, $26/seniors and $16/child (7-12 years). The price of the 2.5 hour tour that includes Lauderdale Courts is $47/adults, $45/seniors and $32/child (7-12 years). Elvis Insiders receive a 10% discount. Tickets may be purchased online at BackbeatTours.com, or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370 or Backbeat Tours at 901-527-9415.

Memphis Symphony Orchestra Presents Elvis Birthday Pops
7:30 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, Memphis. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra celebrates Elvis’ birthday and songs from the King that helped bring Memphis the distinction of the Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll. Concert event featuring fan-favorite Terry Mike Jeffrey. Tickets start at $15. Students only $5. Tickets are on sale now through the Memphis Symphony Orchestra website or by calling the Memphis Symphony box office at 901-537-2525.

Lisa Marie Presley goes from
Elvis Week to Grand Ole Opry

Memphis - Lisa Marie Presley is a very busy woman these days. The only child of Elvis and Priscilla, is busy promoting her new CD "Storm and Grace," but she also will make an appearance in Memphis for Elvis Week 2012. In the Media by Tim O'Brien

Aug. 15 - I hate estimates but Memphis police are noting 75,000 here. Which means, when I wake up, they will still be filing past the grave. This into OBNS: MemphisPop #Elvisweek - via ELVIS PRESLEY -75,000 Elvis fans at Elvis Presley's Graceland for candlelight vigil via Memphis... fb.me/1S6oj95NC
NOT DONE FROM HERE, BUT AM ON HERE..MANY THINGS STILL TO DO AS MEMPHIS IS IN CENTRAL TIME ZONE...

Graceland welcomes Elvis
fans with open arms
Being an Elvis fan means August is special. For me, it means taking a trek to Memphis when I can. I do not do it every... by Tim O'Brien

PHOTO: THROUGH THIS HAUNTING IMAGE LIES ELVIS PRESLEY - - You are given a candle from Graceland folk. They light it as you walk through the gates. Along the way, if they candle burns out, they will light it again. Before approaching Meditation Garden, once again, that is taken care of if needed. Plus, the conversation stops and a peaceful reflection takes place. Tears of loss and tears of joy are all shed. It is truly a sight to experience. There is no hatred, no jealousy and no need for theatrics. One will get it after going through this. You will never be the same and that Gospel and inspirational music will live in your body and soul forever. This is more just a walk by past a grave of an icon. It will be forever etched between the pages of your minds - and hearts.
- By Tim O'Brien
Songs I noted before the ceremony: for the troops ("America the Beautiful" and as the candles were lit, "If I Can Dream" - - theme this year is "I'll Never Know" as noted by Elvis Country Fan Club...and then "The Lord's Prayer." Yes, he sang it...and "I Believe" --- see rock and rockabilly doesn't dominate this night ...or week, to be honest...closing song was "Can't Help Falling in Love."

ELVIS 35 FEEDS - CANDLELIGHT VIGIL - *8:30 P.M. CT - it takes 8 hours for 30,000 people to get by and there will be more than that who want to get by...that is this one event (100,000 or more are here...)..feed will be in the comment zone...Like · · Share

• O'Brien News Service ‎@Israelmc About to head over to the candle light vigil #ElvisWeek 25 seconds ago2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service ‎@ShirleyLucianaS profile
  
  ShirleyLucianaS RT @ElvisPresley: #ElvisWeek #trending - let's make it happen. 35 years - #king #legend #TCB2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Elvis Presley @ElvisPresley
  
  RT @AP: #Elvis Presley fans descend on Graceland for candlelight vigil on 35th anniversary of his death: http://apne.ws/QAXibX - VWThousands of Elvis fans head to Graceland vigil bigstory.ap.orgMEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tens of thousands of Elvis Presley fans are expected to pa...See More2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service GlobalPost @GlobalPost
  
  Thousands of #Elvis Presley fans head to #Graceland vigil http://glpo.st/TFGCUOThousands of Elvis Presley fans head to Graceland vigil www.globalpost.comElvis Presley fans are expected to pay their respects at Graceland to mark the 35th anniversary of his death.2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service Yahoo! Music @yahoo_music
  
  Thousands of Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil http://yhoo.it/RX8W6Ohttp://yhoo.it/RX8W6O music.yahoo.com2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service WLSAM890 @wlsam890
  
  Thousands of #Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil http://bit.ly/Rhs7cxThousands of Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil www.wlsam.comWLS-AM 890 Radio Chicago2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service MemphisFlyer @MemphisFlyer
  
  Tonight: The annual Elvis Week Candlelight Vigil in front of Graceland http://ow.ly/cZ0dZCandlelight Vigil at Graceland www.memphisflyer.comFans are invited to walk up the Graceland driveway to Elvis' grave site carrying...See More2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service ‎@RKdreamer profile
  
  RKdreamer What could be better than this? In line for the vigil at #ElvisWeek 35th anniversary instagr.am/p/OXq3s1DIDh/2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Timobns O'Brien News Service - ELVIS 35 obriennewsservice.com/8/post/2012/08… the Vigil - 8:30 p.m. start time and streamed for the first two hours.2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service joeysulipeck profile
  
  joeysulipeck The crowd at Graceland is ready for the Vigil to begin. #ELVISWEEK yfrog.us/jw3u4arduehaee…2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Tim O'Brien @Timobns
  
  O'Brien News Service - Home http://www.obriennewsservice.com/#/ via @Timobns #ElvisWeek - Paul Simon's "Graceland" is very popular here in Memphis ...O'Brien News Service www.obriennewsservice.comNot your ordinary news service. Tim mixes his own experience in Hollywood with his journalism duties.2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service ‎8:11 p.m. awaiting words from Lisa Marie and Priscilla on this special anniversary year.2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service I have been told Graceland website and Elvis site having trouble keeping up...great deal of interest online for this one...2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service TNAUKRepresent #ElvisWeek i am in UK and we cannot watch the Candlelight Vigil online what is going on???2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service The music listened to the most here at the VIGIL is GOSPEL..'nuff said. and this one comes in to the site, too:
  Israelmc profile
  
  Israelmc Hundreds of thousands of Elvis fans at the candle light vigil, listening to gospel music #ElvisWeek2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Tennessee @RFTennessee
  
  #US Thousands of Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil: MEMPHIS, Tenn.—Elvis Presley fans hois... http://bit.ly/OgFz93 #News #USA #MemphisThousands of Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil regiofora.comThousands of Elvis fans flock to Graceland vigil2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service RunaroundSue Vintage @runaroundsuevtg
  
  The Today Show will be broadcasting live from Graceland tomorrow! Worth the early rise I think!2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service This is the first time Lisa Marie and Priscilla have been at the vigil...2 hours ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service CNN Live @CNNLive
  
  Fans of Elvis unite at Graceland to mark the 35th anniversary of his death, watch live: http://on.cnn.com/cnndcl2CNN video on Facebook - CNN.com Video www.cnn.comCNN video on Facebook - CNN.com Video2 hours ago · Like ·
• O'Brien News Service The vigil is now underway but will be completed around 5 a.m. - Aug. 16 - the day Elvis died...in 1977...about an hour ago · Like
• Karen Voss Troubles with the Elvis site and Graceland site are correct. Fans were encouraged to pre-register for the live broadcasts.about an hour ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service HallsguyJake
  
  HallsguyJake God bless ya, Elvis. You'll always be The King to me. #ElvisWeekabout an hour ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service God, the Gospel music as you progress in the line can rip your heart out...about an hour ago · Like
• Karen Voss Streaming cam for fans now back online on a limited basis.58 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service laura4sure
  
  laura4sure I'm such a huge Elvis fan. LIVE: Candlelight Vigil: elvis.com/index.htm #ElvisWeek #King53 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service By far the funniest one I got tonight..and all you with Twitter, please re-tweet this one ...@Kaitlyn_Kelly I took a fart in the face to get this picture... Can i get a RT #ELVISWEEK #ELVIS35 #JUMPSUIT pic.twitter.com/J6JHVhOf51 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Now playing "Always on my Mind" - his song, not Willie nelson's ..more painful for him....50 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Spacing is much better this year...people can breathe and walk so far...44 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Thanks Karen for that website update...so true, crashes reported all over...stay with us...my site has a web cam shot, too...I will work to get the stream for the site later...stay tuned...at least some of it...42 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Really, I ask: dreneegable I asked my boss if I could have tomorrow off from work so I could stay home and watch Elvis movies~he said yes! #TCB #ElvisWeek39 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service By the way, TCB is "Taking Care of Business" - - in a flash - - it was his motto ..there is jewelry with TCB with lightning bolts....real cool...nothing to do with Usain Bolt....38 minutes ago · Like
• O'Brien News Service Recap:...live speech at the vigil..."Welcome once again to a great tradition..." EP Enterprises...INC...now another first...light as many candles as you have got ....will do for the media, too..but now...light em up for Lisa Marie and Priscilla" - that was a recap of how it started...Lisa noted how she thought it would be too emotional to be a part of of..."Elvis would have never believed this would take place here" - Priscilla...