TUPELO, MS — The First-Day-of-Issue dedication for the new Music Icons: Elvis Presley Commemorative Forever stamp takes place at Graceland in Memphis on August 12. A dedication ceremony will be held at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum the very next morning -- August 13 -- at 11:00 a.m. at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Museum, 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, MS 38801.
In addition to the Music Icons: Elvis Presley Commemorative Forever stamps, souvenir envelopes, and two sizes of framed souvenir artwork, a limited number of licensed souvenir envelopes recently discovered from the 1993 Tupelo stamp ceremony will be available as a merchandise bonus.
“Elvis Presley is a natural addition to our Music Icon Series,” says Acting Mississippi District Manager Susan Aronson. “His life and talents are an incredible story. Spanning from his humble beginnings in a Tupelo two-room house to becoming one of the most legendary performance artists of the 20th Century, Elvis Presley’s works continue to resonate with millions the world over.”
The Postal Service is also proud to announce it has joined with Sony Music’s RCA/Legacy Recordings to offer an exclusive music CD titled ELVIS FOREVER that includes a new performance of Elvis’ inspiring song “If I Can Dream” as you’ve never heard it before. The exclusive CD contains 18 Presley hits and will be available online and in select Post Offices beginning August 12.
“If I Can Dream” has been selected from a forthcoming Fall 2015 Elvis Presley album release. Customers can get this track first by picking up a copy of ELVIS FOREVER at their local Post Office location, or pre-order the stamps and the commemorative $9.99 CD now at this link for delivery shortly after August 12.
Launched in 2013, the Music Icons series consists of beloved musicians whose blend of sound and way of life broke musical boundaries. The first inductees included Lydia Mendoza, Johnny Cash and Ray Charles. Last year’s inductees were Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
The King of Rock and Roll™
Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Known worldwide as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” his music and unique performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences, made him enormously popular. “The King’s” influence continues to inspire many of today’s artists, musicians, designers and social influencers.
During his lifetime, Presley starred in 33 films, recorded 18 number one singles, and racked up 14 Grammy nominations and three Grammy wins. He sold out every one of the 1,140 concerts he performed after serving in the Army. To date, no one has ever surpassed his record for scoring the most Top 40 hits, a total of 114. Presley is the first recording artist to have sold more than one billion albums, cementing his status as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
The Postal Service previously honored Presley on a stamp in 1993. The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum calls that stamp the most popular U.S. commemorative stamp of all time.
The Stamp Image
This stamp features a 1955 black-and-white photograph of Presley taken by William Speer. In the bottom left corner, between the words “Forever” and “USA,” is a small gold crown, a nod to Presley’s nickname, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Presley’s signature, in gold ink, also is featured along the right side of the stamp.
The square stamp pane resembles a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes 16 stamps while the image of a sliver of a record seems to peek out of the top of the sleeve.
The following text borders the block of 16 stamps:
“During his illustrious career, rock-and-roll superstar Elvis Presley starred in dozens of feature films, won three Grammy Awards, and recorded 18 number one singles: Heartbreak Hotel, I Want You, I Need You, I Love You, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, Too Much, All Shook Up , (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, Jailhouse Rock, Don’t, Hard Headed Woman, A Big Hunk O’ Love, Stuck On You, It’s Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Surrender, Good Luck Charm, Suspicious Minds.”
Presley left an indelible mark on American pop music, inspiring and influencing thousands of rock musicians. Nearly 40 years after Presley’s death, more than 600,000 people still visit his Graceland home in Memphis every year.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
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