Elvis Statue — Beale Street, Memphis

Beale Street was the musical education of Elvis Presley. As a teenager living at Lauderdale Courts just blocks away, he would walk down to Beale to absorb the blues, R&B, and gospel sounds that white Memphis largely ignored. He bought his clothes at Lansky Brothers on Beale — the flashy pink and black outfits that set him apart from every other kid at Humes High School. The street's influence on his style and sound was total.

The bronze Elvis statue stands on the corner of Beale Street, capturing the young Presley mid-stride with his guitar. It was sculpted by Andrea Lugar and erected in 1997, placing Elvis permanently on the street that shaped him. The statue has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Memphis, a natural stop for anyone walking Beale's neon-lit strip of blues clubs and barbecue joints.

The statue is on the pavement at the western end of Beale Street, free and accessible at any time. Beale Street itself is a pedestrianised entertainment district, especially lively at night with live music pouring out of every door. The statue sits near other Memphis music landmarks including the Blues Hall of Fame and B.B. King's Blues Club, making it an easy addition to any Beale Street walk.