Elvis Presley fans will be tapping their "Blue Suede Shoes" this week to mark 80 years of the king's legacy. On January 8th the star would have turned 80 and where better to remember the cultural icon, than his birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi and his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Elvis's birthplace

These black and white images are how people usually remember Elvis - the trademark outfit, hair and style. But this is where it all began for the singer, in a humble, wood-frame house built by his father, in Tupelo Mississippi. On January 8th, 1935, Elvis was born. Elvis lived here until 1948, when he and his parents moved to Memphis.

In 1957, the City of Tupelo bought the home and surrounding property - on which now stands a museum dedicated to Elvis and his early life - along with other artefacts and monuments. One such item is a 1939 green Plymouth sedan, a replica of the car owned by Elvis' family and used by them to drive to Memphis when they left Tupelo. For Elvis fans - a visit to his birthplace is an absolute must.

"Being quite an Elvis fan, a lot of people go to Graceland. All of them go to Graceland, but you have to also visit Tupelo, to come here and see where it actually all started. And, the story about Elvis and his childhood, his relationship with his mother and growing up here in Tupelo," said Kenneth Olson, a visitor from Norway.

It was in the Assembly of God church that Elvis was first exposed to, and influenced by, Southern gospel music, which featured prominently in his life, both on and off stage.

"His story - being born into poverty, coming from nothing - and, ending up the greatest the rock and roll entertainer of all times, I think that rings to every generation," said Dick Guyton, the Exec.Director of Elvis Presley birthplace.

The celebration didn't just stop here. Many fans from all around the world flocked to his Graceland home in Memphis to celebrate the man and his music. Elvis' life - and death - is indelibly intertwined with his Graceland home, situated in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. He lived in his Graceland home for over 20 years, and it was the fulfilment of a childhood dream to buy a grand house in Memphis.

"We'll have a king sized celebration here on the front lawn at Graceland. We'll have a cake fit for a king, eight tiers. Eight tiers for 80 years. And, every fan will go home with a piece of cake and celebrate the King's birthday in style," said Kevin Kern, from Elvis Presley Enterprises.

For Elvis fans, visiting Graceland is the ultimate pilgrimage. Every year, as many as 600,000 people visit it, Kern says.

"I've been an Elvis fan for many, many years and I think it's important to be here to celebrate Elvis' 80 years on the planet, whether he's been alive or the legend that carries on to live this day," said Colin Paul, a visitor from UK.

Elvis is still regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. He was 42. But for Elvis fans across the world, the legacy of the "Jailhouse Rock" singer lives on in his timeless classics.

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