The Nine Days Of Elvis

Elvis Presley was a larger-than-life celebrity, so it's only fitting that the week celebrating his life and career would be nine days instead of seven.

Elvis Week runs from Aug. 8 through Aug. 16, with events at Presley's home, Graceland, and surrounding locations in Memphis, Tenn. The event grew out of the annual pilgrimage by fans to Presley's grave in memory of his death on Aug. 16, 2006.

This year's activities include the 2006 Elvis Film Festival, Elvis Week Dance Party, Elvis Presley International Art Show and a scavenger hunt at Graceland.

The largest event of the week is the annual candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Aug. 15, when fans will gather around Presley's grave.

This year is also a "golden anniversary" of Elvis' breakout year. Among his career highlights in 1956 were his network television debut, his first No. 1 single ("Heartbreak Hotel") and the release of his first movie, "Love Me Tender." Presley also released the songs "Don't Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," and "Hound Dog," that year.

According to his official biography, Elvis Presley was born "in the humblest of circumstances" on Jan. 8, 1935, in a two-room house in Tupelo, Miss.

His family moved to Memphis in 1948, and Presley began his singing career with Sun Records six years later. He has sold over 1 billion records and was given the Grammy Lifetime Achievement award when he was only 36.

This year Presley topped Forbes' list of celebrities who continue to generate income after their death. The magazine estimated that Elvis Presley Enterprises earned $52 million in 2005.

By Judy Faber