Tuscaloosa Alabama Has Deep Ties To Elvis Presley

I don't think I have ever met anyone who hasn't heard the name Elvis Presley. We have all heard the name and the music that has made Elvis Presley a legendary performer.

So why is this name coming back into the limelight?

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Well tomorrow, Thursday, June 23rd, the movie “Elvis” hits our area theaters. A day earlier than most cities! This is slated as the most anticipated summer movie of 2022.

Let's talk Elvis.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo Mississippi. In 1954 at Sun Records in Memphis Tennessee, Elvis began what would become a sound that changed the world and the way we look at music. Rumor has it that B.B.King himself said “Elvis has the voice to change the world.”

Courtesy of Graceland.com

Elvis was a man that was hailed as a rebellious performer. He was even labeled as a sexual exhibitionist onstage. His dance moves were definitely risque for the times. People have described his music as African-American-inspired. His sound crossed the race lines and influenced many.

So has our area ever been a stomping ground for the Legend we call Elvis?

Courtesy of Graceland.com

The answer is yes.

Elvis has performed at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Coliseum, which is now called The Coleman Coliseum. In 1971, 1975, and lastly in 1976. Each show was sold out.

Courtesy of LasVegas360.com

Where did he stay when he was here? Well upon doing some digging, researching, and plain old asking around, Elvis apparently chose the Ramada Inn on Skyland Blvd. Of course, no one is sure which room it was but… employees believe it would have been room 215.

I believe I may have to book an overnight stay in room 215. To be able to spend time where the Legend Elvis may have slept while in Tuscaloosa is not something I can pass up.

So back to the premiere of the movie named after the Legend. Austin Butler, who portrays Elvis, and Tom Hanks, who plays Colonel Tom Parker, are among the star-studded cast. This movie is being hailed as nothing is off-limits. They even touched base with his hysteria, which was known to affect his personal life, his performances, and even his Las Vegas residency.

Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley, his ex-wife, both approve of the film.

So when the movie is released tomorrow, I suggest we should all see it. Maybe just maybe, we get mentioned in the film…you never know.

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