Tupelo, Mississippi
End of the Line
Featured photo: Mural of the King of Rock & Roll in downtown Tupelo.
July 2024
By Polly Dean
Photos by Jimmy Jacobs.
Though Tupelo was a destination for fishing Elvis Presley Lake, we learned the city is pretty proud of their native son. I grew up during the years Elvis first exploded on the scene to awe and impress audiences, and especially the young girls. I admit I was not as enamored with the icon as were a number of my friends.
However, since our fishing trip happened to coincide with Tupelo’s annual Elvis Presley Festival, we were treated to a fun and informative Elvis experience. I came away with great respect for the talented superstar.
Elvis Presley’s birthplace home in Tupelo.
Elvis’ career is all the more admirable due to his truly humble beginnings. The On the Fly South crew visited the modest home in which he was born birthplace, where we got a glimpse of what life was like for Presley’s family. To describe it as “modest,” is an understatement. It was a two-room house, built in 1934 for $180. Vernon Presley, the singer’s father borrowed the money from his employer to build the tiny abode, lit by a single light bulb in each of the two rooms. Vernon was helped by his father and brother. It was in that house that Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935. Elvis had a twin, Jessie Garon that was stillborn, thus the future star grew up as an only child.
The city of Tupelo bought the home and surrounding property in 1957. Elvis wanted a park for the neighborhood children and donated his proceeds from a concert at the Tupelo Fairgrounds to fund the cause. The renovated house still stands at its original location.
The Assembly of God Church Elvis attended as a child.
Growing up in Tupelo, Elvis attended the Assembly of God Church with his family, which greatly influenced his musical style throughout his career. The church was moved a short distance to the home place property and is open to the public. Visitors can enter and view the small church where Elvis was influenced by the rich Southern gospel that became a staple of his music
According to the minister at the time, Brother Frank Smith, Elvis was fascinated with music and learning to play the guitar. Brother Frank taught Elvis how to play a few chords.
Visits to the church now feature a multi-media presentation that shows much of what it was like as Elvis sat in the congregation. Screens on three walls are lowered and a short movie gives visitors the feel of actually being in service. You experience what it was like as the preacher walked about with a lively and intense sermon as the choir sang gospel songs filled with the spirit. Elvis later recorded many of those beloved songs of his youth.
Additionally, visitors can tour the Birthplace Museum in the Welcome Center, as well as stroll the landscaped yards that feature signage about the singer’s early life, along with statues depicting him in his adolescent years.
