Biography

Post-1977

June 7, 1982
Graceland opens to the public.

1984
Elvis' record sales top one billion worldwide.

January 23, 1986
Elvis is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of
Fame during the first induction dinner.

January 26, 1987
Elvis receives the first posthoumous presentation of the Award of Merit from the American Music Awards.

January 8, 1993
Elvis stamp is released by the U.S. Postal Service. In 1992, the U.S. Postal Service announced that Elvis’ image would be used for a commemorative postage stamp. The Postal Service narrowed the artwork choices down to two images - one of Elvis in the 1950’s as a sizzling young rocker, and one of him as a concert superstar in his 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special. In an unprecedented move, the USPS put the decision to the American people and distributed ballots coast to coast. Over 1.2 million votes were cast and the image of the young rocker won. The stamp was released on January 8, 1993, with extravagant first day of issue ceremonies at Graceland. The Elvis stamp is the most widely publicized stamp issue in the history of the U.S. Postal Service and it is the top selling commemorative postage stamp of all time. The USPS printed 500 million of them, three times the usual print run for a commemorative stamp. Several countries outside the U.S. also have issued Elvis stamps over the years.

August 16, 1997
Elvis, via video, stars in a concert production at the Mid-South Coliseum where he is accompanied live on stage by former band mates and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

1998
Elvis is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

July 2001
Presley Place opens in Memphis. Presley Place is a 12-unit housing community constructed in 2001 and funded by Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. In the same way that Lauderdale Courts provided low-income, transitional housing for families like the Presleys, Presley Place shelters homeless families until they can make it on their own.

November 26, 2001
Elvis is inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.

June 2002
A remix of Elvis' song "A Little Less Conversation" hits #1 on charts in countries around the world.

October 2, 2002
BMG and RCA announce that "Elvis 30 #1 Hits" release as debuted at #1 in 17 countries.

2004
Elvis is inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural group.

March 27, 2006
Graceland is named a National Historic Landmark. President Bush at Graceland

June 30, 2006
U.S. President George Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi visit Graceland.

August 2007
Over 75,000 people descend on Memphis for Elvis Week 2007, the 30th anniversary of Elvis' passing. The week consists of many events celebrating the life and legacy of Elvis. Elvis - The Concert sells out the FedEx Forum in Memphis.

February 2010
New Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil show opens in Las Vegas.