Mississippi & The Elvis Connection

Did you know: Elvis’s Rise to Fame began in Mississippi?

When many of us think about Memphis, TN Elvis Presley and Graceland are the first things to come to mind. But what do you think about when you hear “Tupelo, Mississippi?” It’s probably not Elvis. Yet, this town, in the northeast part of the state between Memphis and Birmingham, is where it all began for the King of Rock and Roll. This isn’t only where Elvis was born, but also where his mom bought his first guitar and where he was introduced to Southern Gospel music at church. Even though Elvis later called Memphis home, he still returned to Tupelo for benefit concerts in 1956 and 1957, and today there are quite a few reasons for Elvis fans to visit. Here are four reasons to make the 90-minute drive from Memphis, Tupelo to pay homage to the King:

Elvis birthplace and museum in Tupelo, Mississippi

1. Elvis Birthplace, Museum and Church.

In this complex, you can see the little white 2-room home Elvis was born in on January 8, 1935, and where he lived until age three. Next door, see the Assembly of God Church he attended, and where he was exposed to the Southern Gospel music that later influenced his own musical style. The last spot to visit in this complex is the museum, which chronicles his life and the time he spent in Tupelo. You will learn about where he went to school, where he spent time in town and see some of the costumes he wore after gaining fame.

Tupelo Hardware store where Elvis’s mother bough his first guitar

2. Tupelo Hardware

This is where Elvis’s mother, Gladys, bought his first guitar when he was 11 years old. The story goes that Elvis wanted to purchase a .22 caliber rifle, but his mother talked him into a guitar instead (and his pastor later taught him how to play it!). Today, Tupelo Hardware, still run by the same family that opened it in 1926, still sells guitars as well as operating as a hardware store.

Tupelo Automobile Museum, where you will fine a 1976 Lincoln Mark IV that Elvis purchased as a gift for a Denver police officer in charge of his security when he played there

3. Tupelo Automobile Museum

Here you will find a 1976 Lincoln Mark IV that Elvis purchased as a gift for a Denver police officer in charge of his security when he played there. But that’s just the start of the collection- this is one of the world’s largest private collections of cars- find more than 150 cars dating from 1886 to the present. Some of the top finds: A rare 1948 Tucker, 1937 Lagonda, 1929 Duesenberg Model J and a collections of cars from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.

4. Blue Canoe

You can’t visit Tupelo without catching some live music and Blue Canoe, a restaurant and bar in town curates some of the top local talent singing all original songs instead of covers. On the menu, you will find quirkier choices like fried black-eyed peas and fried Avocado Wedges, topped with a sweet crawfish and smoked Gouda chili sauce. For a healthy option try the dirty grains, a combo of grains and veggies.