Memphis, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Elvis Presleyโs early years in Memphis were marked by his familyโs move to Lauderdale Courts in 1949, where he laid the foundation for his music career. After purchasing Graceland, he lived there for 20 years, transforming it into a significant landmark. Priscilla Presley’s efforts turned Graceland into a tourist attraction, drawing thousands annually. Recent exhibits showcase Elvis’s connection to music and style, making Memphis a pilgrimage site for fans.
Memphis – On September 20, 1949, Elvis Presley and his family moved into a modest two-bedroom apartment at Lauderdale Courts in Memphis, marking a significant chapter in his life as it was the longest the Presleys ever spent in one location before relocating to Graceland. They paid $35 a month for the rental, and it was here that Elvis would cultivate lasting friendships and immerse himself in music during his formative years.
By 1957, at the age of 22, Elvis made a monumental investment in his future by purchasing Graceland for $102,500, where he subsequently lived with his parents, Gladys and Vernon. Elvis remained a resident of Graceland for two decades until his passing in 1977. This iconic estate is not only a cherished family home but has also become a central site for honoring Elvisโs legacy.
In 1982, Priscilla Presley took an important step towards preserving Elvisโs memory by proposing the transformation of Graceland into a tourist attraction. This move was aimed at both celebrating his contributions to music and generating revenue for the estate. Today, Graceland is the second most visited home in America after the White House, attracting thousands of fans and generating an estimated $10 million annually.
Recently, in August 2025, Graceland welcomed two new exhibits: Colonel Parker’s World of Show Business and Graceland in Red 1974. The first exhibit showcases artifacts belonging to Elvisโs manager, Colonel Tom Parker, emphasizing his influence on Elvisโs illustrious career. The second exhibit highlights Elvisโs unique taste by revealing how he re-decorated the living room in bold red and satin styles, a sharp contrast to the traditional aesthetic originally favored by his mother.
Every year, Elvis Week is celebrated, drawing fans from around the world to Memphis to honor the life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. During this week, fans engage in various activities and visit key locations that shaped Elvisโs career, such as Sun Studio, known for its pivotal role in his early recordings, the Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, and the Peabody Hotel. Elvis also performed at the Overton Park Shell, which is considered one of his first public performances in 1954.
Elvisโs personal style also evolved significantly during his years in Memphis, aided by the Lansky Brothers, a clothing store known for dressing the rockabilly star. Fans visiting the city can find a wide variety of Elvis-themed merchandise at Boulevard Souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of the legacy home. Additionally, Humes Preparatory Academy, where Elvis attended school, operates to this day and features the auditorium where he performed. While American Studios, the site where Elvis recorded timeless hits like “Suspicious Minds,” has been replaced, it holds an honored place in history, marked by a historic sign.
This move to Lauderdale Courts established the foundation for one of music history’s most iconic figures, shaping not just Elvis but the cultural landscape of Memphis itself.
FAQ
When did Elvis Presleyโs family move to Lauderdale Courts in Memphis?
Elvis Presleyโs family moved into their Lauderdale Courts home in Memphis on September 20, 1949.
How much did the Presleys pay for their Lauderdale Courts apartment?
The family moved into a two-bedroom apartment at Lauderdale Courts, paying $35 a month.
How long did Elvis live at Graceland?
Elvis lived in Graceland for 20 years until his death in 1977.
What is Graceland today?
Today, Graceland is the second most visited home in America after the White House and generates an estimated $10 million annually.
What are some recommended locations for Elvis fans in Memphis?
Recommended Memphis locations for Elvis fans include Sun Studio, the Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, and the Peabody Hotel.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| First Move | September 20, 1949 |
| Apartment Cost | $35/month |
| Time Spent at Graceland | 20 years |
| Graceland Purchase Price | $102,500 |
| Annual Revenue from Graceland | $10 million |
| Exhibits Opened in 2025 | Colonel Parker’s World of Show Business, Graceland in Red 1974 |
| Key Memphis Locations | Sun Studio, Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum, Peabody Hotel |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Elvis Week 2025 Set to Honor the King in Memphis
Memphis Recognized as a Top Travel Destination
Memphis Named a Top North American Destination by Lonely Planet
Memphis Gears Up for a Weekend of Arts and Culture
Memphis Celebrates B.B. King’s 100th Birthday with 100 Days of Blues
Couple Arrested in Memphis for Copper Theft and Forgery
Memphis Community Faces Health Crisis as Football Games Continue
Memphis Celebrates Arts and Culture This Weekend
Elvis Presley Fans Gather for Annual Candlelight Vigil
Virginia Family Entertainment Business Expands to Memphis
Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Elvis Presleyโs Family Moves into Lauderdale Courts
- Graceland: New Exhibits at Graceland
- Star Magazine: Gracelandโs Revenue for Elvisโs Heirs
- Commercial Appeal: Things to Do in Memphis Related to Elvis Presley
- Graceland: Elvis Week 2025 Celebration
- Wikipedia: Elvis Presley
- Google Search: Elvis Presley
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Elvis Presley
- Google Scholar: Elvis Presley
- Google News: Elvis Presley
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
