Elvis ’56: The Homecoming

On Sept. 26, Fairpark will come alive to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s iconic 1956 Homecoming Concert. We asked Stephanie Hall, director of community outreach for the Elvis Presley Birthplace, to share the details.

Interviewed by Emily Welly |  Photos courtesy Elvis Presley Birthplace

Q: What’s special about the upcoming Homecoming concert?

A: We’re not simply commemorating a concert — we are bringing a moment in Tupelo’s history back to life 70 years later. Nick Perkins will recreate the excitement and energy of Elvis’s 1956 homecoming performance, when a 21-year-old Elvis returned to his hometown as the biggest star in the country. We’re partnering with the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau and Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, and the celebration will take place at Fairpark, in the same area where that historic homecoming happened. It’s going to be a night of great music, but also a reminder of the extraordinary connection between Elvis and the hometown he never forgot. 

Q: Is it true that the 1956 concert helped preserve the Birthplace? How?

A: Yes, and this is one of my favorite parts of this story. When Elvis returned to Tupelo in 1956, he was only 21 years old and already a national star. He donated proceeds from his Homecoming Concert to the City of Tupelo, with the desire that the property surrounding the little house where he was born become a park for the children of East Tupelo. The city subsequently purchased the Birthplace and surrounding property. When Elvis returned in 1957, he continued that commitment, donating proceeds toward a youth recreation center. In a very real sense, Elvis helped preserve the place where his own story began — and made sure it could become something for the children who were growing up where he had grown up. Our very own executive director, Roy Turner, is one of those kids who benefited from this generous gift. As a kid in East Tupelo, Roy remembers fondly going to school dances and playing with friends at the youth center. 

Q: How do you see Elvis’ influence on the City of Tupelo today?

A: Elvis’ influence is certainly visible in tourism, but I think it goes much deeper than that. His story is part of Tupelo’s identity. People come here from all over the world because of Elvis, and when they arrive, they discover the community that helped shape him — the gospel, blues and country music he heard, the people and neighborhoods he knew, and the very humble circumstances from which he came. What I love is that we now can use that story to inspire another generation. Elvis’ life reminds young people that where you begin does not determine your success. He came from very little and still went on to influence music and culture around the world. That message of possibility still has tremendous value in Tupelo today.

Q: What is your personal experience as an Elvis fan?

A: One of the things I’ve come to admire most about Elvis is his generosity. The more I learned about the ways he gave back throughout his life — often quietly and without seeking recognition — the more I began thinking about how we could continue that spirit of generosity at the Birthplace. That’s what prompted me to start exploring ways that we can highlight and support other musicians who are still in their “beginning.” Elvis once stood at the beginning of an incredible journey right here in Tupelo. I love the idea that the Birthplace can honor his legacy by being a resource for young and emerging musicians — giving them opportunities, a place to be heard and encouragement as they begin writing their own stories.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Birthplace?

A: I’m still fairly new to the Birthplace, and I think that actually makes this an exciting time for me. I’m still discovering the stories, meeting the fans and learning just how much this place means to people around the world. One of my favorite things is watching someone experience the Birthplace for the first time. You can see what it means to them to stand inside that little house or walk the same grounds where Elvis’s story began. I also love being able to look at the Birthplace with fresh eyes — respecting and preserving its history while thinking about new ways to share that story, engage our community and make sure it continues to mean something to future generations.