Elvis collection

The Elvis collection is President Bill Clinton's personal collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia. The collection is on display among other Clinton Library museum exhibits.

Elvis Aaron Presley (Jan. 8, 1935-Aug. 17, 1977) was perhaps the greatest American rock singer/ musician of all time. He sung classics such as "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Heartbreak Hotel" to many an audience of fanatical female fans. Beginning around 1960, he made thirty-three films which were mostly poorly-made musicals. His music was not limited to rock, as he crossed into country, blues, and gospel genres frequently. He lived at the famous Graceland estate in Memphis, TN, which now permits visitors access to some, but not all, the rooms. Later on, he was plagued by health ailments that stemmed from his excessive use of medications while on tour. His condition worsened, and he was found dead at the premature age of 42 in his estate. Presley was actually one of two twins; his twin was stillborn. His family lived moderately in Tupelo, MS, where they attended the Assembly of God Church. In his youth, Presley was unusually close to his mother, who was described as being "lively" and "full of spunk."

His father hated work and shirked most responsibility. Elvis was an outsider at primary school and was often bullied. On Jan. 18, 1953, Elvis showed up at Sun Studios in Memphis to record "My Happiness" and "That's When My Heartaches Begin" as a gift in song to his mother. He met musicians Scotty Moore and Bill Black there, and the trio set out on a primitive tour; at one event Elvis' legs shook uncontrollably out of nervousness. When he noticed how well this went over with the female fans, he began to do this intentionally to increase his appeal.

To encourage visitor attendance, the Clinton Foundation has worked to include the Library on the route of regional bus tours to Presley's Graceland in Memphis.