According to Assembly of God minister, Brother Frank Smith, Elvis was fascinated with music and the prospect of learning to play the guitar.īrother Frank taught Elvis how to make D, A, and E chords…all he needed to play “Ole Shep”. It was here that Elvis was first exposed to the rich, Southern gospel that became a staple of his musical repertoire. The actual building where the Presley family attended church services has been moved to the Elvis Birthplace, Museum, Chapel and Park for visitors to experience and enjoy. It is one of the most popular photo opportunities at the Park. In August 2002, the statue was unveiled and dedicated to fans worldwide. The statue is positioned with the chapel on his right and the museum to his left symbolizing the strong spiritual values he learned in Tupelo and the challenge of materialism he would eventually face in Memphis. The sculptor envisioned Elvis walking to the Tupelo Overlook where he would sit and play his guitar and dream of a better life. His height was calculated from a sixth grade class picture by comparing him to the height of another classmate in the picture and by measuring the brick and mortar in the background wall. The sculptor worked from photographs now displayed in the museum to determine Elvis’ facial features, hairline and general body size.

The statue is life-sized and displayed at ground level so that fans can more directly relate to Elvis as a person.

At the suggestion of an Elvis fan from Ireland, the Elvis Presley Foundation commissioned an impressionistic bronze likeness of Elvis at age 13 to be displayed at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park.Įlvis is portrayed in oversized overalls, a full open-collar shirt and plain shoes as evidence of the poverty and humbleness of those early years.

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