Elvis Presley died 36 years ago on August 16, 1977. As the first global rock and roll star, Elvis was one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century. This month is the perfect time to learn about the King’s legacy at the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge.
Meeting the King
The Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge was started by Mike L. Moon, a businessman involved with the Stamps Quartet, a Southern gospel group that became Elvis’s backup singers in 1971. Moon became enamored with Elvis after meeting him at a party. At the event, Moon complemented the King on his black leather belt, and Elvis immediately removed the belt and gave it to Moon as a gift. Hugely impressed with this act of kindness, Moon became a stalwart fan and began collecting Elvis memorabilia.
When Elvis died in 1977, J.D. Sumner, the leader of the Stamps Quartet, encouraged Moon to found a museum honoring the King. Two years later, Moon opened the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge, the first museum dedicated to Presley outside of Graceland. The Elvis Museum is currently run by Mike L. Moon’s daughter Lynn Moon McAllister and her husband Donald.
Exhibits
As the “World’s Largest Private Collection of Elvis Memorabilia”, the Pigeon Forge museum has exhibits dedicated to the King’s cars, jewelry, pastimes, personal effects and musical instruments. Visitors can see the Cadillac Elvis bought on his honeymoon, the uniform he practiced Karate in, and his 1968 Fender electric guitar. Kids can participate in a special Elvis Trivia Hunt that comes with an official lanyard, a Backstage Pass, and set of trivia postcards.
Live Shows
The Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge is also the only place to see nightly musical tributes to Presley in the Smokies. The TCB Theater offers three different Elvis shows. “Good Rockin’ Tonight”, stars 17 year old Will Reynolds as the “Teen King” accompanied by Sunni Lynn on saxophone, and vocalists Kelsey Wypych and Ashlie Denise. Another show at the TCB theater stars Matt Cordell, an Elvis impersonator who has been portraying the King of Rock and Roll on stage for almost 20 years. The third show features Robert Keefer, a lifelong musician and Elvis fan.
When you come to visit the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge, be sure to say at one of Aunt Bug’s fabulous cabins. With spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains and the Little Pigeon River, Aunt Bug’s cabins have the best amenities and the perfect location. To find out more about our cabin specials and deals, give us a call at 1-800-953-5655. We look forward to seeing you soon!
