Insiders Artifact: 1954 Memphis State University Yearbook

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Insiders Artifact: 1954 Memphis State University Yearbook

July 13, 2012

This week's Elvis Insiders artifact is a page from the 1954 Memphis State University yearbook which features Elvis. In November of 1954, Elvis made a guest appearance for the Memphis State Student Government Association's blood drive. Elvis is not even listed in the caption and is photographed under a section titled "Seniors." Elvis never attended Memphis State University. The mayor at the time, Mayor Frank Tobey, is the man holding the guitar pictured with Elvis. This photo was captured at a time when Elvis was on the brink of stardom and only a few months after signing his first contract with Sun Records. In July of 1954, at 19 years old, Elvis and his parents agreed to have Scotty Moore manage their group which featured Elvis, Scotty, and Bill Black. At the time Elvis worked at Crown Electric until the group began to gain moderate success with their records and personal appearances.

Each week, a rare or never-before-seen photo or document from the Graceland archives is added to the Elvis Insiders artifacts gallery. This gallery is exclusive to Elvis Insiders Basic and Plus members. Not an Elvis Insider? Learn more about becoming one!