Most of you probably recall, or have heard, about the Elvis stamp that was released on his 58^th birthday, January 8, 1993. Well, now, a brand new Elvis stamp is coming. The postal service has announced that Elvis will be the sixth entertainer featured in the Music Icons series. So far, the series has released stamps of Johnny Cash, Lydia Mendoza, Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin.

For the previous stamp, Americans were given the opportunity to vote on which artwork should appear on the stamp:

Young Elvis by Mark Stutzman

70’s Elvis by John Berkey

Young Elvis won by 75% and this is the stamp:

How awesome is it that the US Postal Service allowed the public to choose the image? That has never happened before, or since. The Elvis stamp is the most popular commemorative stamp of all time. Of course, I’m not at all surprised. 🙂

For the upcoming stamp, Graceland will hold a First-Day-of-Issue dedication ceremony on August 12, during this year’s Elvis Week celebration. The hashtag #ElvisForever is being used to tweet about the event.

Postmaster General Megan Brennan released this statement:

“Elvis is a natural addition to our Music Icon Series. His life and talents are an incredible story. Spanning from his humble beginnings in a Tupelo, Mississippi, two-room house to becoming one of the most legendary performance artists of the 20th Century, Elvis Presley’s works continues to resonate with millions the world over.”

I, for one, cannot disagree.

So…what image do you think should be used for the new stamp?

50’s Elvis?

 

68 special?

70’s Elvis?

I find them all delightful, so no matter what, I’ll be pleased. 🙂

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

 

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**** LAST DAY to get my short story, End of Lonely Street, for 99 cents ****

On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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