World video travel guide

NewsArkansasUnited States • 2011-05-12

Select the country and object's type Rare Elvis Photos Exhibit Opens June 4 at Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock

The Natural State has several connections to Elvis. When he was first starting his career in the early 1950s, Arkansas provided many a location for his performances. Numerous communities across the state hosted the future King of Rock ’n’ Roll: Helena, West Memphis, Texarkana, Marianna, Augusta, Leachville, El Dorado and Dermott are just a few towns where Elvis sang. Little Rock, Camden, Hope, Pine Bluff, Newport...the list continues. Sadly, there are no monuments or markers denoting these historic appearances.

A major Arkansas tie to Elvis is Fort Chaffee where, in 1958, he received his famous GI haircut. According to ElvisPresleyMusic.com, it was at the barber shop where Elvis coined the phrase “hair today, gone tomorrow,” in a comment to the news media. Today visitors can experience this epic event at the Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum in Fort Smith.

This summer Arkansas has another link to The King, albeit a temporary one. From June 4 to August 21, the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock hosts the acclaimed exhibit entitled “Elvis at 21.” The photos by Alfred Wertheimer comprise a new Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition which shows Elvis just on the threshold of stardom before he was “The King of Rock ’n’ Roll.”

In describing the collection of stunning black and white photography, the Smithsonian says “What is so remarkable about Wertheimer’s documentary portraits of Elvis is how fresh and contemporary the pictures still seem, utterly unlike any other portraits of this endlessly scrutinized figure.”

Forty large-format photographs depict the emergence of Elvis during 1956. One of the events Wertheimer captured is Elvis recording “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” in New York City. Both songs became number one hits, the first and only time in history a single record achieved this distinction. Another preserved moment in time is his concert at Russwood Park in Memphis, the first time he had to have a police escort in his hometown.

Why did the Clinton Library book this particular event? According to Clinton Foundation spokesperson Rebecca Tennille, the former president’s musical background made the exhibit a natural choice. “President Clinton's love of music and the influence of Elvis Presley have been well-documented. But beyond that, Elvis is an international icon. His life and his music continue to capture our collective attention. We are thrilled to have an exhibit of this caliber come to the center.”

The display also meets one of the presidential library’s on-going goals. “The Clinton Foundation and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) staffs strive to bring new and exciting temporary exhibits to the center,” Tennille said. “Each year, we host three or four temporary exhibits. When considering a temporary exhibit, several factors have to be weighed, such as schedules, logistics, space need versus the available exhibit space allocation in the center, and subject-matter relevance. “Elvis at 21” met all criteria and is going to be a wonderful addition to the 2011 calendar, she continued.

The Clinton Presidential Center and Library is located in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District at 1200 President Clinton Avenue. There is no charge for the exhibit. Admission to the library is $7 ages 18-61, $5 ages 62 and over, $5 for college students with valid ID, $3 for ages 6-17, and free for those under age 6. Retired U.S. military are admitted for $5 with active U.S. military allowed in free. School groups with reservations are complimentary. Other groups of 20 or more that have made reservations are $5 per person.

For more information, visit www.clintonlibrary.gov/ or contact the Clinton Presidential Library by calling 501-374-4242.

RSS RSS All news

 

Related objects

United States

World Countries United States

A trip to the United States will bring pleasure to the most sophisticated tourist. It is a country of immense size and capabilities

Eureka Springs

Cities Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a tiny piece of good old alpine Europe in the heart of Arkansas. It’s a nice destination with Victorian buildings and lifestyle.

Arkansas Folk Festival Mountain View

Traditions and Crafts Arkansas Folk Festival Mountain View

The Mountain View Folk Festival is being held annually on the third weekend of April since 1963. Oceans of folk music and sheer fun are guaranteed.

Buffalo River State Park

National parks, Nature reserves Buffalo River State Park

Buffalo River is a real treasure of U.S. with no dams along all the 135 miles of length. You can enjoy its beauty in the Buffalo River State Park.

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Popular tourist places Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park has the unique policy of «finders keepers»: if you find a gem, you can keep it – no matter how valuable it is.

Hogskin Holidays, Hampton

Traditions and Crafts Hogskin Holidays, Hampton

The Hogskin Holidays are your chance to take part in lots of contests, see the vintage tractor exhibition and taste a delicious pork barbecue.

Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart

Museums, historical monuments Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie, Stuttgart

The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie is home to more than 10,000 artifacts which tell visitors about the history of farming in this region.

Riddle`s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary

Animal World, zoos Riddle`s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary

In the Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary visitors can not only see Asian and African elephants and learn about them but also “adopt” a one.

Terra Studios, Fayetteville

Traditions and Crafts Terra Studios, Fayetteville

Do you want to catch your personal Bluebird of Happiness? Then go to Terra Studios near Fayetteville and get the one from glass and pottery masters.