PHOENIX, AZ.- The
Musical Instrument Museum is All Shook Up with the introduction of an Elvis Presley exhibit in the museums newly renovated Artist Gallery. Guests get to experience The King of Rock n Roll® through a collection of personal items, clothing, and musical instruments. One highlight of the exhibit is the priceless 1975 Martin D-28 acoustic guitar that Elvis played during his 1977 tours, including his last concert on June 26 in Indianapolis, Ind. In addition to displaying it, MIM has been chosen by Elvis Presley Enterprises to restore the guitar to the condition in which Elvis last played it.
The new Elvis exhibit features a collection of items on loan from Elvis Presleys Graceland in Memphis, TN and tells the story of Elvis through three main periods of the Kings career:
· The early rock n roll years, culminating in his years of Army service (19561960)
· His Hollywood years (19601968)
· His triumphant return to live performance (19681977)
The Elvis exhibit is featured in MIMs popular Artist Gallery, which celebrates the worlds most revered musical legends by exhibiting iconic instruments such as the piano John Lennon used to compose Imagine, Eric Claptons Brownie Stratocaster guitar played on Layla, and equally historic instruments played by artists such as Paul Simon, Carlos Santana, George Benson, Eddie Palmieri, and many others.
In addition to the Elvis exhibit, the updated Artist Gallery features a new Steve Vai exhibit and include additional items in the R. Carlos Nakai exhibit. More exhibits will be added to the Artist Gallery throughout Fall 2011, representing artists including Roy Orbison, Toby Keith, Glen Campbell and Buck Owens.
While the Artist Gallery is currently closed to the public as it undergoes renovation, the rest of the 192,000-square-foot museum is open as normal.
Musical Notes
· Elvis starred in 33 successful films
· Elvis has sold more than one billion records, more than any other artist ever
· His accolades include three Grammy wins, 14 nominations, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
· The MIM collection includes more than 14,000 instruments from 200 countries and territories around the world
· The oldest instrument in the museum is a collection of six carillon bells cast in 1659 in Belgium by the famous Amsterdam bell maker Pieter Hemony