Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
"The King's" reign continues. Elvis Presley's hot items are calling the Valley home. Check out how you can experience the icon's rich history...
“The King” is coming to the Valley…kind of.Graceland might be the rock & roll icon’s H.Q., but his famed memorabilia is calling Arizona home. In August, Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum is kicking off their Elvis Presley exhibit stocked with the superstar’s invaluable items.
The main attraction: Presley’s Martin D-28 guitar--the one he played during his final tour in 1977, including his last concert ever, June 26th that same year.
According to the Museum’s spokesperson, the Martin D-28 was found in Presley’s Memphis home in 1982, and had apparently suffered some damage all over the body. That’s why the pros took to his once-prized possession, repairing and restoring the guitar to close perfection.
And now the instrument is anxiously waiting its big unveiling—the Phoenix Museum is the first to debut this Elvis artifact alongside Presley's other treasured pieces.
Presley devotees will be blown away by the entire exhibit, including his other instruments, clothing, and personal items. The rich selection of “The King’s” stuff will visually document his life …his early rock & roll years, his time in the service, his appearances in movies, and his triumphant comeback. And turns out this Grammy award winner and world-renowned musician has savvy ties to the Valley.
Yep, according to the Elvis Presley Enterprise Corporation, the pop icon made some pit-stops in AZ over his reign as king.
In 1956, Elvis played at Phoenix’s State Fairgrounds Grandstand, and returned to the Coliseum in 1970. Obviously he had a love for the desert heat; so once again, Presley came back for a 1973 concert. And if only you were a Sun Devil in 1977…that’s when Elvis rocked the college crowd at A.S.U.
But he also ventured to the Valley of the Sun for the big screen.
