The 17th annual Collecting The King Memorabilia Show 2009 had a successful launch in our new location in the PEABODY HOTEL in downtown Memphis TN.  Collectors, fans and hotel guests stopped by to BUY, SELL or TRADE all things Elvis like records, CDs, DVDs, movie posters, vintage RCA promotional items, magazines, 1956 memorabilia, Las Vegas concert souvenirs, and one-of-a-kind rare collectibles. 

One of the great things about being at the Peabody is that it’s THE place to meet celebrities.  Some of them included Ernst Mikael Jorgensen (the man in charge of Elvis’ music catalog for BMG), D.J. Fontana (Elvis’ drummer and recent inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame), Darlene Thompkins (Elvis’ co-star in Blue Hawaii), James Burton (Elvis’ lead guitarist), Joe Guercio (Orchestra conductor for Elvis’ tours), Ronnie McDowell (Singer), and Terry Mike Jeffrey (Singer/Musician). 

One of the highlights of the show was when Ernst Jorgensen dropped by to check out the Elvis memorabilia on display and talk with several of the attendees. Ernst’s knowledge of Elvis’ music is amazing and I was thrilled to be able to share thoughts and opinions on Elvis’ musical career. D.J. Fontana also dropped by to sign autographs and meet with the fans. It was also fun bumping into songwriter Mark James (Suspicious Minds) even if it was only because he asked for directions to another event in the hotel. 

Collector Gary Brown (who is not a technically and Elvis dealer) had other Elvis Presley collectors drooling over the mega rare Elvis records he had for sale from his own private collection. Gary has been an Elvis fan his whole life and has one of the most impressive Elvis collections in the world. Collectors will be glad to know that Gary plans to return next year with MORE items from his private collection!

Howard Dvorin was on hand selling many items from his father Al Dvorin’s huge inventory of official memorabilia from the many years that Al worked with Elvis on tour. Howard and his wife Shirley are wonderful people who love talking to the fans about Al and his illustrious career with Elvis and the Colonel.

As always, record price guide author Jerry Osborne on hand to talk to collectors and promote and sign copies of Presleyana VI – Elvis Presley Record and Memorabilia Price Guide. Jerry’s vast knowledge of records in general always has collectors approaching him with questions.

We have BIG plans for the next show in August of 2010. Heritage Auction Galleries will be holding their first LIVE Elvis PresleyAUCTION at the PEABODY HOTEL on August 12 – 15. There will be a 2-day preview in the auction room displaying all the items to be auctioned off.  The Collecting The King Record & Memorabilia Show 2010 is scheduled for those same four days. This will be a big event, so be sure to put it on your list of things to do next year.