The King of Rock and Roll is long gone but his fame and influence continue to live on even in the present day. In fact, most of the things he used to own are still fetching thousands of dollars at auctions and other sale events.
First Song
Before making it big in the 50s, Presley recorded a song called ‘My Happiness‘ in 1948. As the story goes, the shy young man went into a recording studio in Memphis where he was assisted by the owner to record and press his first song.
Not having his own player, Presley then went to the house of a friend, Ed Leek, to listen to it. For some reason, the musician left the record at his house and it would stay there for over 60 years before being found by Leek’s niece. Soon, ‘My Happiness’ was auctioned off for around $287,000.
Blue Jumpsuit
Another valuable Elvis memorabilia is an aqua blue jumpsuit that the King reportedly wore during many Las Vegas performances in the early 70s. The elaborate number was designed by Bill Belew with a little help from Gene Doucette, an embroiderer.
One of the most detailed and flamboyant costumes Presley wore to perform, the jumpsuit sold for $311,000 in 2016.
Custom-made Gibson
Of course, the list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of one of the many iconic guitars that Presley used in his long career. Gifted to the musician in 1971, this Black Gibson Dove guitar features many custom-made elements. Most notable of them is the imprint of his name on the fingerboard done in mother of pearl.
A Kenpo Karate detail can also be seen on the guitar’s body. The King used the guitar for four years before graciously giving it away to a young fan, Mike Harris. After 40 years, Harris then resold the precious instrument for more than $300,000.
Gold Piano
But the gift-giving within the Presley family didn’t stop there. The King also gifted his mom a piano that would eventually become one of the centerpieces of the Presleys’ Graceland home.
It wasn’t always so extravagant-looking though. The piano actually got its gold-plating when Presley wife Priscilla gave it a makeover as a present to celebrate their anniversary. This is probably one of the contributing reasons why the piano fetched such a large amount when auctioned selling for around $570,000.
A Private Jet
It’s not too uncommon today for celebrities to own private planes. But back in Presley’s time, the privilege of owning such luxury was only reserved for a few members of the elite. So you know just how much of a big deal Presley truly was knowing that he owned a couple of planes during his lifetime.
One of the most popular ones is his 1962 Lockheed Jetstar JT 12-5. Auctioned off in 2008, the plane fetched a sum of over $570,000 becoming the most expensive Elvis memorabilia ever sold.