Elvis Presley's rock 'n' roll roadmap
Walk in the footsteps of ‘the King’ across five iconic locations that shaped his extraordinary life.
Strap in, rock ‘n’ roll fans: Netflix’s brand-new documentary feature, Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley, has just landed and it promises a deeper dive into the private life of ‘the King’ than ever before. Told by an all-star cast of those that Elvis influenced most, the film showcases the man behind the music, from his most vulnerable moments to his triumphant return to form in 1968.
Few musicians have carved their names into the history books quite like Elvis Presley and, in honour of Netflix's new release, we’ve been looking back on the life of one of the world’s most celebrated artists. Rising from humble shotgun-house beginnings in Tupelo to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Elvis’ story is well documented, but what about the places that shaped his life? Take in the King’s castle at Graceland, see his honeymoon suite in idyllic Palm Springs and witness the Memphis recording studio which propelled him to worldwide fame with five of the USA’s most iconic sites from Elvis’ illustrious life.
Elvis Presley’s birthplace, Tupelo
Despite becoming a household name as an adult, Elvis’ childhood was relatively modest. Starting life in Mississippi, the aspiring musician grew up impoverished in a small shotgun house in Tupelo. While financial hardships forced the Presley family to move between apartments throughout their time in the city, their original home, known today as the Elvis Presley birthplace, has since become a shrine to ‘the King’ himself. Visitors can see where Elvis’ story began with a tour of his childhood home, neighbouring park and the Assembly of God church that first introduced him to the Gospel music that would inspire his music later in life.
Recommended tour – Elvis Presley’s Memphis, New Orleans & Nashville
Sun Studio, Memphis
A short trip across state borders showcases Memphis, one of the most influential cities in Elvis’ life, where you can experience the lively rhythms of the blues bars that kick-started his love affair with R&B music. Stop at Sun Studio, which saw ‘the King’ make his first forays into the music industry and stand in the exact spot that a young Elvis stood when he recorded his very first single, ‘That’s All Right’. Afterwards, why not explore vibrant Beale Street, one of Tennessee’s most famous musical landmarks, and its bustling bars?
Recommended tour – Ultimate Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton Experience
Graceland, Memphis
Memphis had such an impact on Elvis’ life, having rocketed him to stardom, that the King bought his very first house, the iconic Graceland Mansion, in the city at just 22 years of age. Today, the mansion is a popular pilgrimage spot for Elvis fans across the world, having been visited by over 20 million visitors since its opening in 1982. Spend the night at the neighbouring Guesthouse at Graceland for a night of luxury within touching distance of Elvis’ beloved home and final resting place.
Recommended tour – Memphis, Nashville & Elvis Presley’s Gulf Coast Beach Retreat
Little Church of the West, Las Vegas
Marking a personal milestone in Elvis’ life, Las Vegas features the same redwood chapel that witnessed ‘the King of Rock’s’ marriage to his wife, Priscilla. Having originally planned to be wed in California’s Palm Springs, the couple famously hoodwinked crowds of clamouring paparazzi by switching their wedding destination at the last minute to Las Vegas’ Little Church of the West aboard Frank Sinatra’s private jet. Visitors can now explore this intimate setting which has become a wildly popular wedding destination. Afterwards, be sure to spend time taking in some of Presley’s favourite stops along the Las Vegas Strip where you might encounter The King himself – or at least one of the city’s notorious Elvis impersonators!
Recommended tour – Hollywood, San Diego, Vegas & the Grand Canyon
Honeymoon Hideaway, Palm Springs
Following their Las Vegas wedding, Elvis and Priscilla retreated to the building which was originally intended to be their wedding venue for a relaxing (and press-free) honeymoon. The charming hotel, based in California’s idyllic Palm Springs, has since been nicknamed the ‘Honeymoon Hideaway’ and offers tours of the suite that the newlyweds stayed in with vintage 50s décor recreating the spirit of the time.
Recommended tour – America's Golden West & Las Vegas
Follow in the footsteps of ‘the King’ with Newmarket Holidays
Whether you’re an Elvis aficionado or simply enjoy the classics, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Americana of the 1950s than with a toe-tapping pilgrimage across the King’s musical south! Visit our website, or give one of our expert holiday planners a call, to get the ball rolling on your dream Elvis tour today.
Why not channel your inner rock ‘n’ roll by checking out our Elvis-themed Spotify playlist, here?
