My wife, Bethany, is an entertainment writer.
It affords me an occasional opportunity to explore a hobby of taking pictures and going to musical events. I have talked football with Darius Rucker, basketball with Scotty McCreery, and baseball with Joe Nichols. I talk education with nearly all I meet if given a chance.
I have met so many awesome individuals and journalists along the way. One of her latest projects was covering Baz Luhrmann’s anticipated 2026 film EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, which debuted in the United States in Memphis on his birthday, January 8th.
My three-day stay in the land of the Delta Blues served as a reminder of the city of Memphis’s incredible allure and the reasons behind its moniker, the Bluff City. Memphis fails to garner the admiration it rightfully deserves. The people of Memphis are warm, gracious, and embody a lost art of kindness and Southern hospitality.
I was able to visit Graceland for the first time and take a private tour. It is smaller than you think, but redesigned for Elvis with his distinct style and interests. While I have always liked Elvis, and his music, I was never a really big fan, like my mom.
Elvis Presley fans are a vibrant and diverse community that transcends generations, backgrounds, and even continents. In fact, I met journalists from the UK, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and Italy. Nearly 50 years after the King’s passing in 1977, his devoted followers remain fiercely loyal, keeping his music and movie legacy alive.
Since Elvis’s death, approximately 25 million visitors have made the journey to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, the iconic mansion that served as his home. This historic site is the centerpiece for any Elvis enthusiast, located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, and serves as a testament to his lasting influence.
Tennessee would be wise to really invest in the area for the economic impact alone. I also recommend staying at the Graceland Guest House for the full experience, and by all means, visit the state-of-the-art entertainment and exhibit complex.
Elvis fans come from all walks of life and span generations. From Baby Boomers who cheered for him in the 1950s to younger fans discovering his charm and talent through music and films, streaming platforms, and family traditions, the community is as varied as it is passionate.
This fan base crosses socioeconomic lines, encompassing everyone from corporate executives, lawyers, teachers, nurses, people in Mercedes, and people on a motorcycle, to everyday individuals united by their admiration for the King. Elvis’s reach is truly global, with fans traveling from all corners of the world, many drawn to the glamour associated with his legacy.
Today’s fans include third- and fourth-generation admirers, indicating that Elvis’s appeal continues to grow. While core support remains strong among older generations, new projects, such as Luhrmann’s anticipated 2026 film, are introducing his music and persona to younger audiences.
While making the 2022 movie Elvis, which documented Presley’s rise to superstardom and the changing cultural landscape, Luhrmann found an extensive archive of previously unseen film negatives and footage within the Warner Brothers vaults. These included rare 8mm footage and unpublished audio recordings of Elvis discussing his life.
EPiC, features this restored, never-before-seen footage that captures Elvis at the height of his fame and showcases his humor, charisma, and electrifying performances. Elvis had an extraordinary ability to connect with people through direct eye contact, establishing a deep and personal bond that translates effectively in this film.
A soundtrack for the movie will also be released, featuring 27 songs combining newly restored live performances with fresh remixes and medleys created from his original recordings. The film will make you feel like you are there, the soundtrack will remind you of the music you hear as you sing along.
Elvis fans are not merely passive listeners of his music; they are custodians of a cultural revolution. Their enthusiasm reflects the generosity that Elvis himself embodied through his philanthropic efforts. This community thrives on nostalgia, joy, and a spirited passion for his legacy.
Whether they approach their fandom quietly or express it flamboyantly through impersonations, one thing is clear for fans: at Graceland, Elvis has never truly left the building.
In essence, the King lives on through his fans, who keep his spirit and memory alive. To those, I say: Thank you, thank you very much!
JC Bowman is the executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee. He is a Contributing Editor for TriStar Daily.
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