We are very excited to announce that our special guests for the Elvis Insiders Graceland Tour and Reception will be the Memphis Boys. January 13, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ historic recording sessions at American Sound Studios. Gene Chrisman, Bobby Wood, Bobby Emmons, Reggie Young and Mike Leach are all part of the self-named rhythm section that served as the house band on those recording sessions. The Memphis Boys also served as the house band for many different hits with many artists like Dusty Springfield ("Son of a Preacher Man"), Herbie Mann ("Memphis Underground"), The Boxtops ("The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby"), BJ Thomas ("Hooked on a Feeling," "I Just Can't Help Believing"), and many more.

In twelve days, Elvis cut 36 sides at American Sound and the sessions produced some of his best work. “In the Ghetto,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “Don’t Cry Daddy” all went gold, and “Kentucky Rain” was also a huge success. Two albums also came from the sessions: From Elvis in Memphis and From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis, and they both went platinum.

View the full 2009 Elvis Birthday Calendar.