I was 19 when I wrote this article back in 1994 for The Elvis Beat #9, my official Elvis Presley Fan Club newsletter.

---

The Elvis statue on Beale Street in Memphis will soon be moving. Eric Parks’ 1979 bronze statue has fallen prey to erosion and other deterioration in its current location, which is outside at Elvis Presley Plaza. The 10-foot statue, which is a stunning likeness of Elvis, will be completely restored before being moved inside to a new multi-million dollar welcome center being built in downtown Memphis.

Todd Morgan, Director of Communications for Graceland, said, “The center’s lobby is expected to feature imagery celebrating Memphis music, with the Elvis statue dominating the area as its centerpiece.”

Morgan reports that Graceland is planning to place a weather-proof statue or tribute at the old Beale Street location.

The new Memphis welcome center is scheduled to open by the end of this year.