Beale Street Brass Notes Walk of Fame
Memphis TN
2016

http://www.bealestreet.com/brass-notes

Saluting the legends of Beale Street
On the page facing chapter one of Beale Black & Blue by Margaret McKee is a 1973 photograph of Nat D. Williams standing in front of the rubble which was once the Palace Theater. The photo sums up the sense of utter despondence the community experienced as a result of the urban renewal program on Beale Street, which left the street boarded up and abandoned. Not only had the booming establishments of the past disappeared, so had a sense of place and pride. The early, failed efforts to redevelop Beale Street gave every reason to believe the once-enlivened community was gone forever.

The key to the street’s successful redevelopment began in the mind of developer, John Elkington, who envisioned attractions and amenities that would connect the street’s rich past with the future. Elkington’s idea for the Beale Street Brass Note Walk of Fame offered this connection, as visitors from all over the world can read the names of the talented people who put Memphis music and Beale Street on the map. Below are brief biographies of the honorees, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the musicians, composers, disc jockeys, promoters, and music supporters whose names grace the sidewalks of Beale Street.


4 – Elvis Presley
(1935 – 1977)
Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley moved with his parents to Memphis in 1948. His curiosity and fascination with music began at a young age, leading him to explore all kinds of music and learn from performers of all styles. Elvis met Sam Phillips at Sun Studios in 1953 when he came to record two songs for his mother’s belated birthday present. With manager Col. Tom Parker, Elvis gained national exposure performing on The Steve Allen Show and The Ed Sullivan Show. During his time in the U.S. Army, Elvis met his future wife, Priscilla. Elvis Presley’s career included significant accomplishments in the music world and in Hollywood films. Elvis charted more songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 than any artist before him. The King of Rock & Roll died in Memphis in 1977, but continues to be a worldwide icon and an inspiration to the music world. His home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.