Tuesday, August 16, 2016

August 16 - Elvis Presley Died 39 Years Ago

On this day in 1977 Elvis Presley died of a heart attack in the bedroom suite area of his Graceland Mansion in Memphis. Gone 39 year, still not forgotten. 

Let’s play some Elvis music today, let’s play it loud!

Elvis Memento Given to Springfield History Museum 

On Tuesday, The History Museum celebrated the donation of an artifact from the widow of Springfield native John Wilkinson. Wilkinson first met Elvis at a concert at the shrine mosque in 1956 -- and later became a guitarist in Elvis' TCB band, which stood for taking care of business. Each member of the band received a TCB necklace.

Wilkinson's has also been given to The History Museum to become part of a permanent display honoring the king of rock and roll and Wilkinson's role in music history.

John Sellar, Executive Director of the history museum said, " I think it's going to be very exciting for people to see and I think this will add to the attraction, as far as visitors and people coming from other places that will want to stop and see the museum just because of this Elvis related memorabilia." 

Visitors can see the necklace and other items when museum renovations are complete next spring. Wilkinson passed away in 2013. Tuesday's dedication took place on the 39th anniversary of Elvis' death.

(Source: Ozarks First)