‘Elvis 45’ yearlong celebration remembers the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
“Elvis 45” recalls the life and legacy of music legend Elvis Presley, commemorating the 45th anniversary of his passing with a year of giveaways, exhibits, and special events.
On Aug. 16, 1977, Presley’s passing took him from musical icon to Rock ‘n’ Roll legend. Now, his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tenn. will play host to 12 months of new exhibits, tribute bands, holiday tours, and themed events, plus a three-day “Elvis’ Birthday Celebration” event, from Jan. 6-9.
Festivities throughout the weekend include a Jan. 6 “Elvis Birthday Bash,” at the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, complete with self-guided tours, a dance party, trivia, scavenger hunts, and photo-ops.
Private evening tours of Graceland Mansion decked out in its holiday décor can also be arranged.
On Jan. 7, Graceland will host a screening of the film, “Viva Las Vegas,” with a sing-along. Guests can also attend a Gospel Dinner in the mansion’s Guest House ballroom, backed by the live music of Terry Blackwood and The Imperials.
At 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 8, Priscilla Presley will be present for the annual “Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony” and cake-cutting. The event will be live-streamed for free on Graceland’s Livestream page.
Priscilla, Terry Blackwood, and Elvis’s jeweler, Lowell Hays, will spend the afternoon regaling guests with stories from their time with Elvis, while the Memphis Symphony Orchestra will perform their annual “Elvis Pops Concert” on the Graceland Soundstage that evening.
In honor of “The King’s” birthday, Graceland will also debut a “Rock On” replica guitar exhibit in cooperation with Gibson Guitars; an “Elvis: Dressed to Rock” display of jumpsuits and other costumes Elvis wore onstage from 1969-1977; the “Graceland: Welcome to My World” exhibit, harkening back to the opening of Elvis’s home to the public 40 years ago; and a “Dear Elvis” homage to “The King’s” fans.
New one-time events for 2022 are the Jailhouse Rock Party in April and the Memphis Music Weekend in September. A special Valentine’s Day Package will be offered in February.
Other events include the annual “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend” on March 4-6; Graceland Performing Arts Camp, Elvis Week 2022, Holiday Lighting Weekend, and Christmas tours, in June, August, November, and December, respectively.
You can view the full 2022 calendar here.
Collectibles are available, such as the Sapphire Collection of limited-edition Elvis 45 records, a collectible case, a 2022 Graceland Annual Pass, and more.
Up to 1,000 visitors who tour on six select dates will receive special Elvis 45 RPM records featuring custom jackets. On three select dates, the give-away will be a record with custom-pressings and an A/B side combination that will not be available anywhere else in the world.
For more information, visit Graceland.com.
