Cover Story

USPS Adds One of the Greatest to the Music Icons Series: Elvis Presley

When the U.S. Postal Service^® proudly launched the exciting Music Icons stamp series in 2013, it was inevitable that one of the most iconic performers of all time would need to be included. That finally occurred on August 12, 2015, when the Postal Service™ released the new Elvis Presley Forever^® stamp. Fans of the singer have been quick to add the new stamp to their collections and affix them to their mail.

The selected performers for the series, representing diverse eras and types of music, are featured on stamps with panes that feature the Music Icons logo, so that each issue is branded like a record label release. Each pane resembles the sleeve of a 45 rpm single, with the sliver of a record seeming to peek out the top of one side, and a larger “cover” image on the other.

Lydia Mendoza, one of the first and greatest stars of Tejano music, was the first artist to be honored with such a pane to inaugurate the series on May 15, 2013. The following month, country music star, Johnny Cash, was featured as the second installment of the series. The extraordinary composer, singer, and pianist, Ray Charles, became the third honoree on September 23, 2013.

Continuing its recognition of musical innovation and diversity, guitarist Jimi Hendrix was added as the fourth entry in the Music Icons series in 2014, with rock singer Janis Joplin following later that same year. Now, one of the first true stars of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, joins the series in 2015 to wide acclaim. During his illustrious career, rock-and-roll superstar Elvis Presley starred in dozens of feature films and won three Grammy Awards. His work continues to resonate with millions the world over.

Postmaster General Megan Brennan and Priscilla Presley dedicated the new stamp on the front lawn of Graceland — Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, TN — on August 12 in front of thousands of fans. The festivities were part of the Elvis Week celebrations at Graceland. Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. His music and energetic performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences, made him enormously popular. His music, borrowed from rhythm and blues, gospel, and country, broke down barriers both racial and social. His influence continues to inspire today’s artists, musicians, designers, and social media.

The stamp features a 1955 black-and-white photograph of Elvis Presley taken by William Speer. In the bottom left corner, between the words “Forever” and “USA”, is a small gold crown, which is a nod to his nickname, The King of Rock and Roll™. His signature, also in gold ink, is featured along the right side of the design. Like all the stamps in the Music Icons series, the Elvis Presley pane includes 16 square-format Forever stamps; these panes currently sell for $7.84, the face value for 16 Forever (49-cent) stamps. There are also a number of other related products, including a Collectors’ Folio, framed art, and products featuring the August 12, 2015, first-day postmark from Memphis, TN.