TUPELO: Elvis Presley’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, celebrated the 70th anniversary of his 1956 homecoming concert with a commemorative performance on September 26.
The Elvis ’56 Anniversary concert recreated the singer’s return to his hometown, bringing together longtime admirers and tribute performers.
Among attendees was Martha Crump, who saw Presley’s original 1956 performance. She returned for the anniversary event with her daughter.
Elvis tribute artist Nick Perkins performed during the celebration. Perkins previously won the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition at the Tupelo Elvis Festival in 2018.
The anniversary became the subject of a Gulf States Gumbo podcast episode hosted by Gulf States Newsroom community engagement reporter Elise Catrion Gregg.
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Gregg explored how Tupelo continues to celebrate Presley and spoke with Perkins about his work as an Elvis tribute performer.
The episode also revisited the city’s annual Elvis Festival, where younger performers compete to celebrate the singer’s music and stage performances.
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In June, 14-year-old RJ Hursey travelled from Bloomington, Illinois, to perform at the Elvis Birthplace in Tupelo during the festival.
The anniversary coverage featured the September concert and younger fans continuing to participate in Tupelo’s Elvis celebrations.
