Memphis Celebrates Elvis’ Birthday

Elvis Presley is being remembered in the city he called home.  The Memphis "Commercial Appeal" says approximately 200 Elvis fans braved the elements Wednesday to join local officials and invited guests in celebrating what would have been The King's 79th birthday. 

The ceremony included the annual "Elvis Presley Day" proclamation and the presentation of a multi-tiered, six-foot high birthday cake. 

David Thibault, the Canadian teen who became a YouTube sensation last month with his cover of "Blue Christmas," was on hand to lead the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" before helping to cut and serve the cake.

Other tributes came from guest Knox Phillips, son of Sun Records founder Sam Phillips.  He said when he first heard "That's All Right," he discovered "the power of music and especially the power of Elvis." 

Veteran radio and TV personality Wink Martindale, who was at the station that debuted Presley's first single, said Knox wasn't alone in his revelation.  He recalled how "That's All Right" triggered a tremendous reaction from listeners, adding that Elvis "changed music that night." 

Martindale will be the featured guest at Thursday's "Elvis Insiders Reception," one of the many events taking place in conjunction with the 2014 Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration that continues through Saturday. (Metro Networks Inc.)