New Elvis "ICON" Exhibit at Graceland

The yearlong 35th anniversary commemoration of the life and legacy of Elvis Presley continues in Memphis, TN with the third and largest exhibit to launch at Graceland in 2012. "ICON: The Influence of Elvis Presley Presented by Fender" opened this week and will run through February 2013.


photo from Goldmine Magazine

The exhibit features mementos from today's musicians who have been inspired and influenced by Elvis Presley over the years, and have tailored their own work and design to reflect that nod to the original King of the Hipsters.

Curated by the Graceland archives team in partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, this groundbreaking exhibit features 75 artifacts on loan from the famed Cleveland museum, along with items from the collections of many of today’s biggest names in music who have been influenced by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The exhibit celebrates Elvis’ status as a music pioneer and icon that paved the way for many of today’s artists and celebrities.

Items on display in this exhibit include Bono’s “MacPhisto” suit from U2’s Zooropa performances, Bob Dylan’s leather jacket that appears on the album cover "Real Live,” James Brown’s jumpsuit and vest worn in concert in the 1970s, along with artifacts from Elton John, Trisha Yearwood, Joan Jett, Wanda Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Katy Perry and many others.

Here's a promo clip about the background for this exhibit by Graceland's Director of Archives: