Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Elvis’ twin brother, Jesse Garon, died in stillbirth that same day. The home where Elvis was born is now a museum open to the public in Tupelo. The Presleys lived in and near Tupelo until Vernon moved the family to Memphis. Those were tough years for the Presleys, the poverty of the Depression weighing heavily upon them. But Elvis found salvation through music- first through his church, and then from the neighborhoods and radio programs that surrounded him. While some say that Elvis stole rock and roll music, it might also be argued that it was culturally embedded within him.
Throughout the city of Tupelo, there are many markers, statues and reminders of the King’s presence. Here is a list of locations related to Elvis in Tupelo, MS.
Tupelo, MS
- Elvis Presley’s birthplace– Located in Tupelo, this location is now a museum open to the public.
- Parchman Penitentiary– The jail where Elvis’ father was imprisoned for forgery in June of 1938.
- Shakerag (or Shake Rag)- The neighborhood with a predominantly African-American population where Elvis and his family lived in Tupelo.
- Lawhon Elementary School– The elementary school that Elvis attended.
- Elvis Homecoming statue, former location of Mississippi-Alabama Dairy and Farm Show- Where ten-year-old Elvis performed “Old Shep” at his teacher’s encouragement, the site of Elvis’ 1956 and 1957 homecoming shows, and current location of an Elvis statue.
- Milam Junior High School– The junior high where Elvis would bring his guitar and perform at lunch everyday.
- Old Lee County Courthouse– The former home of WELO radio, where Elvis performed on Mississippi Slim’s radio jamboree.
- Johnnie’s Drive-In– A restaurant where Elvis used to frequent when he lived in Tupelo that now has an Elvis booth.
- Tupelo Hardware Company, Inc.- The hardware where Gladys Presley bought her son his first guitar.
- Priceville Cemetery– Where Elvis’ twin brother, who died at birth, is buried.