subject: Spirit Of 76: Elvis Birthday Celebrated On Friday [print this page] Although most students who currently receive a college education were not alive when Elvis Presley was topping the musical charts, the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" was a hot topic on Friday as fans throughout the world celebrated Presley's birthday.
The man who captivated millions of Americans with his swiveling hips and curled lip would have turned 76 on January 7. Radio stations and art venues throughout the U.S. staged tributes to Presley this past week, but the biggest party took place in Memphis, Tennessee the city where the pop icon grew up.
According to CNN, the Chilean miner who led Elvis sing-alongs while he and his colleagues were trapped underground for 69 days was a special guest at a birthday celebration in Memphis. Edison Pena appeared at an event held at Graceland, the mansion in which Presley lived. Through a translator, he spoke about his admiration for one of music's biggest legends.
"I can't describe it," Pena said about visiting Graceland. "It's something that makes an impact on me, visually. And being able to see it myself, is like, I feel in the clouds."
Like Pena, college students who have a desire to view American history may consider taking a tour of Graceland. Some scholars, however, don't have to leave their college classes to learn about the King. Institutions that offer pop culture or music appreciation classes are likely to include Presley in their lessons, if not for his musical contributions, then certainly for his influence on U.S. culture in the 20th century.
At Indiana University, Bloomington, students have the opportunity to earn college credits for studying the history of rock 'n' roll. The school offers specific college courses on artists such as The Beatles, Frank Zappa and Bob Dylan. There is a class devoted to the roots of rock music, which covers the arrival of Presley and how he changed the pop music landscape.
While Presley's legacy remains strong among baby boomers, his impact is felt at some colleges and universities, whether it be his image on dorm room poster or his vocals emanating from an iPod. Some students who attend the University of Memphis are getting help from the King in the their college tuition payments. Elvis.com states that the Elvis Presley Endowed Scholarship Fund was created in 1995.
Scholars who are majoring in areas that relate to Presley's career such as music, film, television or theater are eligible to receive a grant in the King's namesake.
