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Today is the 40th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. The King of Rock n Roll suffered a heart attack at just 42 years old on 16th August 1977 in his Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. What can you say about Elvis? He was rocks first superstar and it’s estimated he’s sold over a BILLION records.

Elvis began his singing career in 1954 aged 19 with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. In 1958 he entered the US Army where he served in Germany for 18 months, it was during this time he met Priscilla Wagner who was 14 at the time. They met up again in America in 1962 and she moved to Graceland the next year, marrying the star in 1966. Elvis’s schedule put a strain on them and they split in 1973.

And now 40 years on Priscilla cherishes his memory and has been at the front of the events to mark his anniversary.

This week in Graceland thousands of fans will be descending to stay in the new Elvis hotel, visit the complex with a collection of his cars, motorcycles, clothing and records. She is also joining the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra for the Elvis In Concert: Live On Stage Tour with songs from the albums If I can Dream and The Wonder of You.

Elizabeth Alker spoke to Priscilla Presley to find out how she is feeling about the 40th Anniversary, about Elvis’ music tastes and how despite Elvis being in the music industry for 14 years it was the ‘68 Comeback Special’ - a TV broadcast of Elvis jamming in front of a small audience - where she saw him perform live for the first time…

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