Reference Number
ARC-0257
Level of description
collection
Title
Collection on Elvis Presley
Date
1957-1993, undated
Size
9.34 (Linear feet)
Scope and Contents
The Collection on Elvis Presley spans the years 1934 to 1993, with the bulk of the materials dating between 1970 and 1980. The collection consists of Presley calendars from the early 1990s; newspaper clippings of articles and photographs related to Presley (primarily from tabloid style publications); 8-track audiotape cartridges of Elvis recordings; two reels of 8mm film footage of Presley; VHS recordings of some of Presley's films and television appearances, and television programs about Presley that were taped from television broadcasts. There are also photo booklets (potentially from LP boxsets, one of which is dedicated to Glenn Miller), posters, and album flats showcasing various stages of Presley's career. The collection provides a glimpse into Presley's film career, the reaction to his death in 1977, and the merchandising of his image thereafter. Seen in a broader context, the collection provides insight to tabloid journalism and the merchandising of a celebrity after their death. The materials are separated by format, in their original order.
Biography / Administrative History
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935-August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," or simply "the King."
Notes
Processing Information: Processed by Rachel Somerville, Project Archivist. Completed December 8, 2011. Revised by Dianna Ford, Audiovisual Archivist. Completed February 9, 2012. Revised by Stasia Karel, Archivist. Completed May 1, 2013. Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS and local processing manual.
Citation: [Identification of Item], Collection on Elvis Presley, Library and Archives, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Language Note: English
Acquisition Note: The Collection on Elvis Presley was received by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. as a gift from Lois Frye on August 27, 1996.
Separated Materials: Books, periodicals, and LP records have been transferred to the library collection. Please search for the "Collection on Elvis Presley" in the library catalog for a list of donated titles. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, consult the Library and Archives staff to ensure these materials are available.
Access
Collection is open for research. Patrons must sign the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights statement on the Researcher Registration form before using this collection. The condition of some of these materials has not yet been determined for playback purposes and they are, therefore, RESTRICTED. Some of the audiovisual materials in the collection are on defunct media formats and, therefore, are RESTRICTED. Access copies of these materials may have to be created prior to use. Consult the Library and Archives staff in advance of your visit to ensure access to these materials is available.
Use
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. For more information, please consult the staff of the Library and Archives.
Associated Persons
Associated Subjects