The story has it that as a young boy, Elvis and his friends would run the hills and hollows of these 15 acres of property. After one of those days, near the end of the day, perhaps Elvis at 11 picked up his guitar and walked up to the Overlook. His hair was mussed from play. A hole was in his sock from wear. His clothes were several sizes larger than needed. All symbolizing the poor circumstances of the Presley family. He sat on a milk crate, playing his guitar, then looked west toward the lights of the town. Perhaps it was here that Elvis “Dreamed the Dream” of a better life for himself and his family. Who’s to know for sure? But we do know the rest of the story.
Standing atop the overlook for all to see, two statues standing on a creaked soil base known by one name – “BECOMING.” It symbolizes the transformation from Elvis, “The Boy,” to Elvis, “The Entertainer.” Both statues represent a slice of life of the same person. Elvis became a larger-than-life personality with a revolutionary influence on music worldwide. Yet, he always maintained his humble and generous spirit in keeping true to his roots and formative values in East Tupelo.
BECOMING at The Overlook
On the pinnacle of the Birthplace property stands a bronze statue of Elvis “The Entertainer,” portrayed larger than life at 7-feet, 2-inches tall, and standing in his “end of performance” stance, with arms outstretched, and cape flared, head tilted to acknowledge the adulations of the audience. Just below and sitting on an old milk crate is Elvis “The Boy,” life-size statue, picking out notes on his Tupelo Hardware Store birthday guitar. It’s from this position that Elvis “The Boy,” peering west to the lights of Tupelo, dreamed his dream of a better life for him and his family. In the “end-of-performance stand,” it’s as if Elvis “The Entertainer” is symbolically protecting Elvis “The Boy” and his stillborn brother Jessie Garon, who was always on Elvis’ mind. If only at 11 Elvis, “The Boy,” could see his dreams fulfilled would even be greater than he could imagine.
On the backwall are placards with lyrics and first six musical notes from three songs key to the evolution of “Elvis, The Entertainer.” “Old Shep,” his very first song performed outside of his church family; “That’s All Right, Mama” that introduced Elvis to the fans, radio DJs and the recording industry; and “Hound Dog,” performed on the Ed Sullivan Show, that catapulted him into stardom.
It’s About What’s Possible. From the story of “Becoming” one realizes the possibility of extraordinary success in life is possible as one pursues their Dreams!! Elvis from Tupelo is a great example.