Post 1977

Even after his death, the Elvis legacy and influence continues to grow. His place in American culture has been cemented and younger generations have recognized him for the icon he is. From Elvis postage stamps to the opening of Graceland and founding of Elvis Week, the star has continued to capture the hearts and minds around the world.

June 7, 1982

Graceland opens to the public. Around 3,000 fans are the first to experience the place that the King of Rock 'n' Roll called home. During the early years, Elvis' cars and motorcycles were lined up in the carport and fans would exit the tours through the carport door. The trophy building consisted of his gold record collection, awards, costumes, gun collection and several other pieces of memorabilia. The Mansion tour included the living room, music room, dining room, TV room, pool room, and the trophy building. 

1984

Elvis' record sales–which include vinyl, cassette, cd and digital–top one billion worldwide.

January 23, 1986

Elvis is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame during the first induction dinner. 

January 26, 1987

Elvis receives the first posthumous presentation of the Award of Merit from the American Music Awards.

January 8, 1993

Elvis postage stamps are released by the U.S. Postal Service. In 1992, the U.S. Postal Service announced that Elvis’ image would be used for a commemorative postage stamp. The Postal Service narrowed the artwork choices down to two images - one of Elvis in the 1950’s as a sizzling young rocker, and one of the singer in a suit as a concert superstar in his 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special. In an unprecedented move, the USPS put the decision to the American people and distributed ballots coast to coast. Over 1.2 million votes were cast and the image of the young rocker won. The stamp was released on January 8, 1993, with extravagant first day of issue ceremonies at Graceland. Elvis postage stamps are the most widely publicized stamp issue in the history of the U.S. Postal Service and it is the top selling commemorative postage stamp of all time. The USPS printed 500 million of them, three times the usual print run for a commemorative stamp. Several countries outside the U.S. also have issued Elvis postage stamps over the years–a tribute to his status as an international music star.

August 16, 1997

Elvis, via video, stars in a concert production at the Mid-South Coliseum where he is accompanied live on stage by former bandmates and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. 

1998

Elvis is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

July 2001

Presley Place opens in Memphis. Presley Place is a 12-unit housing community constructed in 2001 and funded by Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. In the same way that Lauderdale Courts provided low-income, transitional housing for families like the Presleys, Presley Place shelters homeless families until they can make it on their own – a cause befitting the charitable Elvis legacy. 

November 26, 2001

Elvis is inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.

June 2002

A remix of Elvis' song "A Little Less Conversation" hits #1 on charts in countries around the world.

October 2, 2002

BMG and RCA announce that "Elvis 30 #1 Hits" release has debuted at #1 in 17 countries, a testament to the long-lasting Elvis legacy. 

2004

Elvis is inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural group. 

March 27, 2006

Graceland, a key piece of the Elvis legacy, is named a National Historic Landmark. 

June 30, 2006

President Bush, Prime Minister Koizumi and first lady Laura Bush visit Elvis Presley's Graceland. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley welcome them at the front door and give them a private tour of the mansion. Following the tour, the presidential party visits the Jungle Room where President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi posed for press photographs and talked about Elvis' popularity. The prime minister also sang a few phrases from popular Elvis songs. Watch video of their tour.

August 2007

Over 75,000 people descend on Memphis for Elvis Week 2007, the 30-year anniversary of Elvis' passing. The week consists of many events celebrating the life and legacy of Elvis. Elvis - The Concert sells out the FedEx Forum in Memphis. 

September 2011

Elvis receives the first Diamond certification from the RCAA for his 1970 "Elvis Christmas Album." 

February 2012

Lisa Marie Presley opens her own VIP exhibit at Graceland called "Elvis...Through His Daughter's Eyes." The exhibit looks at Lisa Marie's experience of growing up with a famous father and features items assembled by Lisa Marie and the Graceland Archives team. Home movies, toys and rarely-seen family mementos are among the many items that were on display. 

June 2012

Graceland celebrates the 30th anniversary of opening its doors to Elvis fans with over 18 million guests since opening in 1982. At this point, Graceland has been visited by fans, music lovers, political leaders and celebrities. 

August 2012

Thousands return to Memphis for Elvis Week 2012, the 35th anniversary of Elvis' passing. There is record attendance at the annual Candlelight Vigil where Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley greet fans at the gates for the first time 

September 2012

The grand opening of the "Elvis Experience" brings Graceland to South America for the first time. Elvis fans from Brazil and throughout South America get to enjoy the largest exhibition of personal items of Elvis' ever displayed outside of the United States. 

October 2012

"Elvis Presley in Concert," the worldwide popular production travels to Brazil. The show has six sold out presentations in Brasilia, Rio and Sao Paulo – and was seen by more than 50,000 people, extending the Elvis legacy to new parts of the globe. 

January 2013

Elvis fans from around the world gather in Hawaii to mark the 40th Anniversary Celebration of "Aloha From Hawaii." On the evening of January 14, 2013, "Aloha from Hawaii" returned to the same place for a one-night only enhanced screening celebrating the concert seen by over a billion people worldwide. The anniversary screening featured re-mastered video projected on multiple screens recreating the thrill of being there 40 years ago to the day.

September 2013

Graceland is named "The Most Iconic Attraction" by USA Today and Best10.com readers. 

October 2013

According to SoundExchange, Elvis ranks as the most frequently digitally streamed artist of the past decade. 

November 2013

Following ITV's "The Nation's Favourite Elvis Song" documentary and self-titled studio album's rise to #7 in the UK charts, Elvis Presley is officially the first artist to secure 50 United Kingdom Top Ten Albums.

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Want to follow the Elvis legacy? View a complete list of Elvis' achievements and keep up with the latest Elvis news by following @VisitGraceland on Twitter and Elvis Presley's Graceland on Facebook.