“I want to entertain people. That’s my whole life. To my last breath.” –Elvis Presley

Still the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley is well remembered as a music legend. In addition to being a cultural icon, his performances on the stage as well as the screen exemplified his unique performance style and his ability to captivate audiences all over the world.

Born Elvis Aaron Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi, he would develop a strong love of music by the time his family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, in his preteen years. Initially, his interest in music began at church and stayed with him as he began elementary school. In first grade, he placed fifth in his school’s singing contest. Later, he would receive a guitar on his birthday, and began lessons, though he was initially shy about performing. By the time he started middle school, he brought his guitar to school daily, playing and singing during lunch.

In 1948, his family moved to Memphis. There, Presley began to cultivate a distinct image, which often was the cause for bullying by his classmates. Nonetheless, he maintained his sideburns and hairstyle while becoming enraptured by the Memphis blues scene.

Presley’s professional music career began at Sun Records in 1954 with a notable single pressed that featured “That’s All Right” as well as “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Two years later, his single, “Heartbreak Hotel” would become a number-one hit in the United States, paving the way for many more chart-topping records and newfound status as a symbol of rock and roll.

His 1956 appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was seen by a record 60 million viewers, during which Presley performed “Love Me Tender.” The appearance made Presley a national celebrity and secured one million advance orders of the single. Presley brought about a shift in pop culture that celebrated the influence of rock’n’roll.

In the same year, Presley would make his film debut in Love Me Tender (1956). After being drafted and serving in the military, Presley resumed his recording career as well as his film career, including releases of Blue Hawaii (1961), Kissin’ Cousins (1964), Viva Las Vegas (1964). As his film career waned, Presley worked on a televised comeback special, which led him to concert residency in Las Vegas as well as numerous successful tours.

Tragically, Presley passed away in 1977 at his Graceland home due to years of prescription drug use taking a toll on his health. He was 42 years old and buried on the Graceland grounds.

Of course, there are several tributes to Presley all over the world. Due to the breadth of tributes to him, this article will focus upon tributes to Presley that focus upon his early life and career.

Presley’s birthplace is now a historic museum site, marked with a plaque. It stands at 306 Elvis Presley Dr. in Tupelo, Mississippi. The Mississippi Blues Train marker commemorating Presley is also located on the same grounds.

Presley’s royalties from “Heartbreak Hotel” allowed for the purchase for a new family home, which still stands at 1034 Audubon Dr. in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sun Studio is marked with a plaque at 706 Union Ave. in Memphis. One of the original microphones that Presley used also remains.

Presley’s Graceland home also stands at Elvis Presley Blvd. in Memphis, remaining a global point of interest to Elvis fans.

In Palm Springs, California, Presley is remembered with a Golden Palm star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, located at 100 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California.

Additional Palm Springs tributes exist in the form of Presley’s residences. One of Presley’s homes stands at 845 W. Chino Canyon Rd., Palm Springs, California.

Presley’s honeymoon home stands at 1350 Ladera Cir., Palm Springs, California.

Presley also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his work in recording. The star is located at 6777 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California.

Presley’s Beverly Hills home stands at 1174 N. Hillcrest Rd., Beverly Hills, California.

In the Midwest, Presley is remembered at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. Apparently, he was a big fan of their burgers. This tribute is in the hotel lobby at 35 W. 5th St, Cincinnati, Ohio.

In Indiana, there is a plaque outside the Market Square Arena commemorating Presley’s final concert on June 26, 1977. The Arena was razed in 2001, but the plaque remains. After a brief absence, the Elvis plaque and time capsule were put back on display and rededicated in 2018. It is located at 320 E. Market St., Indianapolis, Indiana.

Presley is also remembered in Waikiki, Hawaii, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village via several display boards about the hotel’s history.

Presley is also celebrated with a TV Land statue located at 777 Ward Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii. This statue honors the “World’s First Satellite TV Concert” performed here on January 14, 1973. The statue stands near the parking lot of the Neal Blaisdell Center. I left my lei in his outstretched hand on my way out of Honolulu on the date of his birth albeit in in 2023.

Though Presley’s life ended far too soon, his legacy continues to be celebrated through his fans as well as through his long list of creative output.