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2011 Graceland Tourism Campaign

January 19, 2011 | Book

Today, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) unveiled the 2011 tourism campaign for Elvis Presley’s Graceland and Heartbreak Hotel.

The campaign features black and white headshots of Elvis Presley against a bright contemporary color palette. Both the images and headlines are a subtle nod to the 55th anniversary of Elvis’ year of firsts.

“1956 was a whirlwind year for Elvis who had only begun breaking new ground with his unique performance and vocal style,” said Scott Williams, VP of Marketing for EPE. “With all the events in his life we will be celebrating throughout the year, it was a great place for us to begin creatively when thinking about our annual tourism campaign.

Remarkably, 55 years ago, Elvis enjoyed his first RCA single and national hit, "Heartbreak Hotel," his first album, "Elvis Presley," his first movie, "Love Me Tender," and his first television appearances on The Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show," "The Milton Berle Show," "The Steve Allen Show" and "Ed Sullivan."

Developed by Combustion Design, a Memphis design firm, all the headlines in the 2011 campaign speak to the king’s journey from a very humble beginning to his triumphant successes in the entertainment business. “From Rock to Riches,” “Started a Revolution, Ended up a king,” and “Broke the Records, Then Broke the Rules” are just a few of the fun headlines.

The campaign will include sweepstakes, online banners, print advertising, and outdoor signage including billboards and a 63’ tall banner on The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Memphis.

Other ways 1956 will be celebrated in 2011 will be with a new exhibit and timeline in the Graceland trophy building which is adjacent to the mansion itself, as well as a free online experience which will take Elvis.com visitors behind-the-scenes with rarely seen photos, videos, artifacts and stories from those who were there that breakthrough year.

Source:Elvis.com
Steve Morse wrote on January 20, 2011
The red picture appears to be from 1963 (Fun In Acapulco) and the dark red one 1957 (Jailhouse Rock).
emjel wrote on January 20, 2011
Yep - definitely Fun In Acapulo and JHR. Oh well at least they haven't included any jumpsuit pics.
GEORGE (GK) wrote on January 21, 2011
I wish they had included "1968 Comeback Elvis" and the "1969 Memphis Recording sessions Elvis" and the"1970s Touring Elvis"- (such as Madison Square Garden 72'-And-Aloha 73 and beyond) in the campaign. It would show a more complete look at his amazing career. Every era, had something special to be proud of.
Jerome wrote on January 21, 2011
wish they had included a picture from Clamblake to make it more complete..
1 BILLION SOLD wrote on February 09, 2011
Just a quick note...it's supposed to be celebrating 1956, thats why ALL pics should be 1956 ONLY. Just a little FYI. : )