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Did You Know…? Elvis Presley’s Movies

Posted by on Mar 27, 2015 | 51 comments Elvis was a natural performer who ruled on both the stage and the silver screen. Fans love his movies as much as they do his music. In fact, many Elvis Presley movie songs went on to become wildly popular in their own right. This month, we’re asking fans to vote for their favorite Elvis movies in our March Madness-style bracket, Elvis Movie Madness, to determine the fan favorite. We’re in round three – Elite 8 – right now, with a few more rounds of voting to come before the winner is crowned. Which one do you think will win? “Blue Hawaii,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “King Creole”? Or is your bet on a dark horse? Here are some fun Elvis Presley movie facts about each of the 16 films that made it to the Sweet 16 in Elvis Movie Madness – and don’t forget to vote for your favorite!   LOVE ME TENDER “Love Me Tender” was released Nov. 21, 1956, and it was the first Elvis Presley movie to be broadcast on television, on Dec. 11, 1963. The original title was “The Reno Brothers.” When advanced sales for the single “Love Me Tender” passed the million mark, the film’s name was changed. Actor Neville Brand, whose character kills Elvis’ character, was a highly-decorated GI in World War II.  LOVING YOU This is Elvis’ first color motion picture, and the working titles were “Running Wild” and “Lonesome Cowboy.” Elvis’ parents visited him in Hollywood while he was filming, and they were included as extras in a scene seated in the audience in the fourth row. Elvis’ bandmates, DJ Fonanta, Bill Black and Scotty Moore, are also in the film. Elvis dyed his hair black for this film, believing black would show up better on screen instead of naturally brown hair. Elvis continued to dye his hair like this for the rest of his life, stopping only while he was in the Army. JAILHOUSE ROCK For this film, Elvis was assigned Clark Gable’s former dressing room. When filming wrapped, Elvis boarded a train for Memphis. He was excited to get to his new home, Graceland, so he left the train in Louisiana and rented a car to drive the rest of the way. He spent his first night in Graceland on June 26, 1957. KING CREOLE Working titles for this film were “Danny” and “Sing, You Sinners.” Elvis stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans...
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New Exhibits at Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Posted by on Mar 20, 2015 | 21 comments To get to know the real Elvis Presley – the man and the legendary entertainer – you have to explore Elvis Presley’s Graceland. In addition to touring the home, fans can discover so much more about Elvis through the many exhibits on site – including two brand new ones that just opened this month. “I Shot Elvis” is a photography exhibit that focuses on the iconic photos of Elvis and the photographers and fans who took them. The exhibit includes artifacts, such as clothing and jewelry, that Elvis wore in the photos. Another new exhibit is “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” at 45. It features artifacts and information on this fan-favorite documentary. Let’s explore these exhibits a little more. “I Shot Elvis” celebrates photographers such as Al Wertheimer, Bob Williams and William Speer, who all captured stunning shots of Elvis. Of course, fans snapped pictures of Elvis any chance they could, and some of those photos are included in the exhibit, too. The exhibit starts with pictures of a young performer and takes guests through his entire career. Elvis’ powerful performances in Las Vegas are highlighted, as are some jumpsuits. A few photos of Elvis at home in Graceland are also included, as are pieces of his personal wardrobe. Elvis was always perfectly dressed. Other pieces in the “I Shot Elvis” exhibit include shoes, belts, hats and scarves. There’s even a “Take a Selfie” with Elvis section of the exhibit at the beginning. Tag your photo #ElvisSelfie, and it could be featured on Graceland.com! Our other new exhibit, “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” at 45, celebrates the documentary’s anniversary. The summer of 1970 was such an exciting one for Elvis as he prepared for his Las Vegas performances at the International Hotel (now the Westgate Las Vegas Resorts & Casino). “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” captures Elvis as he prepares for and entertains thousands of fans. It’s a fascinating and unique view into how Elvis worked. “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” was Elvis’ first documentary since the start of his career in 1956. The exhibit features numerous artifacts seen in the film, and from that period of Elvis’ career, including stage costumes, guitars, jumpsuits, contracts, memorabilia and more. Both exhibits will be on display through early 2016. Want to see these two exhibits, as well as Elvis Presley’s Graceland? That’s easy: book your tickets today. We also have hotel packages that include...
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Scouts Rock at Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Posted by on Mar 12, 2015 | 1 comment Hundreds of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will descend on Elvis Presley’s Graceland next weekend for a day of fun, learning and, of course, rock ‘n’ roll. Scouts Rock at Graceland is a day for Scouts to discover Elvis, play games, get crafty and learn about music, animals, safety and much more. Scouts from more than 10 states gather at the King’s castle one day each spring, and the next Scouts Rock at Graceland is March 21. Scouts Rock at Graceland includes, of course, a tour of Graceland. Scouts can explore Elvis’ home, as well as the Racquetball Building, Vernon’s business office and the Archives Studio. They can also explore Elvis’ cars in the car museum, as well as three Elvis exhibits. This year they’ll explore a brand-new exhibit, “I Shot Elvis.” It focuses – no pun intended – on famous photos of Elvis and the photographers who took them. There’s even a place to take a selfie with Elvis. This year also marks the first time the Scouts can tour the mansion using iPads. Graceland’s iPad tours launched last fall, and fans love using the iPad to see extra photos and videos as they’re guided through the mansion. Scouts can also take a peek inside the studio at SiriusXM Elvis Radio, located across the street from Graceland. Scouts Rock at Graceland is a busy day. In addition to touring Elvis’ home, they also learn and play games. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office teaches the kids about safety and, and officers can even fingerprint them. Tennessee State Parks officials bring live animals and teach the Scouts about wildlife. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency brings animal pelts, and the Memphis Zoo and Aquarium will be there, too. Memphis’ Playhouse on the Square will be there this year, as will Shelby Farms Park, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the Memphis Grizzlies,  and the Memphis Archaeological & Geological Society. Putt Putt Golf & Games sets up a putt-putt golf game for the kids to play, and there will be, of course, Elvis-themed karaoke. There’s even a service project included in the day. An arts and crafts station is set up in the car museum. There they’ll create thank-you cards to send to U.S. Troops, via the American Red Cross. This year, they’ll make picture frames out of popsicle sticks, too. Graceland also asks that Scouts bring a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the...
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Spring Break, Memphis Style

Posted by on Mar 6, 2015 | 9 comments There are plenty of places to visit during Spring Break, but none quite like Memphis, Tennessee. The Bluff City has it all, from amazing music and food to sports, arts and culture. There’s history, there’s the mighty Mississippi, there’s the unique Beale Street. No wonder Elvis Presley loved this city. Oh, and did we mention you can visit the king’s castle? Memphis is the only city where you can experience the home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – the man who started it all. Graceland is everything, really: it’s American history, music history and a pop culture icon, just like its owner. It’s a must-see for fans who love music of any genre, for those who want a glimpse into the life of the world’s biggest rock star. The mansion itself is amazing, but at Graceland, you can also visit the Meditation Garden where Elvis and his family are buried, as well as his car museum and private jets. A brand new exhibit, “I Shot Elvis,” which focuses on iconic photos of Elvis and the photographers who took those pictures, just opened, and soon a new VIP exhibit will open. Memphis is truly a pilgrimage for music and rock ‘n’ roll fans. If you want even more music history, check out Sun Studio, where it all started for Elvis, as well as artists like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. You can’t miss the Stax Museum, either. The museum was home to the iconic Stax Records, a label that produced hit records by Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staples Singers, Rufus & Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett and many, many more. Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum, located in downtown Memphis at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum offers a powerful and moving experience as it chronicles the Civil Rights Movement from the 17th century through present day. There are exhibits on topics such as student sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, slavery and Freedom Rides. Take a walk on the wild side at the Memphis Zoo. Explore Penguin Rock, Cat Country, Tropical Birdhouse, Once Upon a Farm, Dragon’s Lair, Animals of the Night and much more. This month, the zoo opens a new show, Memphis Zoo Takes Flight, a free flight bird show featuring more than 30 birds from 17 species. These Grizzlies aren’t in any zoo – during...
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