Introduction
Due to severe winter weather, Graceland was closed on what would have been Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday on January 10th. However, the planned “Conversations on Elvis” panel discussion continued at The Guest House at Graceland.
While guest speaker Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys couldn’t travel from Nashville, a video interview with him was shown. Sterban fondly recalled his 18 months touring and recording with Elvis as a member of JD Sumner and the Stamps. He described Elvis as “a special person” and said recording with him was “mind-boggling.” He joined the Oak Ridge Boys in 1972. Sterban expressed gratitude for his experience with Elvis, viewing it as a crucial learning period that prepared him for the Oak Ridge Boys’ subsequent success. He noted that the experience of playing to packed arenas with Elvis helped prepare him for the Oak Ridge Boys’ tours. Eventually, both Sterban and Presley became members of the Country Music and Gospel Music Hall of Fames.
The panel also featured appearances by kickboxer Bill “Superfoot” Wallace, who spoke about working with Presley and his passion for martial arts, and Estelle Brown of The Sweet Inspirations, who were inducted as “Graceland Legends.” The Sweet Inspirations, a vocal group formed in 1963, provided backing vocals for numerous artists, including Elvis from 1969 until his death in 1977.
Angie Marchese, Vice President of Graceland’s Archives & Exhibits, discussed the new Elvis “90 for 90” exhibit and preservation efforts at the Meditation Garden.