Elvis Presley’s music continues to captivate fans around the world. But understanding who controls his legendary catalog can be confusing.
Sony BMG currently owns Elvis’ recordings. They continue to use the RCA Records label for issuing Elvis releases and projects. This ownership primarily applies to recordings made before March 1973. Elvis sold these recordings to RCA (now owned by Sony) in a historic deal.
The rights to Elvis’ song catalog, however, are managed by Universal Music Group. They partnered with Authentic Brands Group in 2022. Meanwhile, Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) manages other aspects of the Elvis legacy. This includes merchandise and Graceland operations. Lisa Marie Presley retained 100% sole personal ownership of Graceland Mansion itself and over 13 acres of the original grounds, along with her father’s personal effects.
The complex web of ownership highlights how valuable Elvis’ legacy remains nearly five decades after his death. Different entities control different aspects of his music and image rights. This includes royalties flowing to various rights holders including Sony for pre-1973 recordings.
Key Takeaways
- Sony BMG owns Elvis’ recording rights while Universal Music manages his song catalog for Authentic Brands Group.
- Lisa Marie Presley maintained ownership of Graceland Mansion and Elvis’ personal effects, but not royalties from recordings made before 1973.
- Elvis’ musical legacy is divided among several corporate entities that control different aspects of his recordings, publishing rights, and image.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Elvis Presley earned his famous nickname “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” through his groundbreaking musical style and electrifying performances. This title isn’t just a casual nickname – it’s actually a registered trademark owned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., showing how valuable his legacy remains.
Elvis’s journey to becoming a music legend began in August 1953. He recorded at Memphis Recording Service under Sam Phillips. His unique blend of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues created something entirely new that changed music forever.
The ownership of Elvis’s royal title matters because it connects directly to who controls his musical legacy. While the trademark “THE KING OF ROCK ‘N ROLL” belongs to Elvis Presley Enterprises, his actual music recordings are owned by Sony BMG, which continues to use the RCA Records label for Elvis releases.
In recent developments, Universal Music Publishing Group partnered with Authentic Brands Group to represent Elvis’s catalog. They called themselves “guardians of Elvis’ incomparable catalog.”
Elvis remains one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century. His impact goes beyond just owning music rights – it’s about preserving the legacy of an artist who fundamentally changed popular music.
Ownership Evolution
The ownership of Elvis Presley’s music has changed hands several times over the decades. Back when Elvis started his career, RCA Records owned all of his music recordings.
In the 1980s, BMG bought the RCA Records label. This acquisition included Elvis’s extensive catalog of hits that had made him a legend in the music world.
A significant change happened in 2004 when BMG merged with Sony Music Entertainment. Today, Sony BMG owns Elvis’s recordings and continues to use the RCA Records label for Elvis projects.
For the Presley family, the business side of Elvis’s legacy is managed through Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). This company handles many aspects of the Elvis brand and business interests.
It’s worth noting that Lisa Marie Presley didn’t own the artist’s royalties for recordings made before March 1973. However, Elvis Presley Enterprises did control his artist’s royalties.
In a major business move, Lisa Marie Presley sold 85% of her father’s estate in 2004. This deal with businessman Robert Sillerman was worth approximately $100 million.
The Presley family, including Priscilla Presley, has worked to protect and promote Elvis’s legacy through various business arrangements and partnerships over the years.
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE)
Elvis Presley Enterprises manages the King of Rock and Roll’s legacy through various business ventures. It handles the iconic Graceland property and controls licensing rights to Elvis Presley’s image and intellectual property.
Formation and Function
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) was created to manage the business interests related to Elvis Presley’s legacy. After Elvis’s death in 1977, his estate faced financial challenges, and EPE became the solution to protect and grow his assets.
EPE was initially wholly owned by the “Elvis Presley Trust” and Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. The company’s main purpose has always been to handle the licensing of Elvis products and his image.
Over the years, EPE developed various income streams including merchandise, music publishing rights, and tourism related to Elvis’s legacy. They organize the annual Elvis Week celebration that brings fans from around the world to celebrate the musician’s life and career.
Acquisition by Authentic Brands Group
In 2013, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) acquired a majority stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises. This marked a significant change in how Elvis’s legacy would be managed going forward.
The Presley family maintained some ownership through Lisa Marie Presley, though their percentage decreased substantially. This acquisition allowed for greater commercial expansion of the Elvis brand.
ABG is known for managing celebrity brands and has used its expertise to increase Elvis’s global presence. They’ve focused on modernizing the approach to licensing while respecting the integrity of Elvis’s legacy.
The partnership has led to new merchandise deals, media projects, and innovative ways to introduce Elvis to younger generations.
Managing Elvis’ Assets
EPE’s most recognizable asset is Graceland, Elvis’s former home in Memphis, which opened as a museum in 1982. The mansion attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and serves as the physical center of Elvis’s legacy.
Beyond Graceland, EPE manages the licensing of Elvis’s image for products, advertisements, and entertainment. This includes approving uses of his likeness and music in films, commercials, and merchandise.
While RCA Records (now owned by Sony Music Entertainment) controls most of Elvis’s recordings, EPE manages other intellectual property rights. They’ve developed new entertainment venues near Graceland and created exhibits that travel worldwide.
EPE also oversees digital initiatives including social media accounts, streaming partnerships, and virtual experiences to keep Elvis relevant in the digital age.
Priscilla and Lisa Marie’s Role
Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley played crucial roles in managing Elvis Presley’s estate and music rights after his death. Both women worked to protect and grow Elvis’s legacy through different periods of ownership and management decisions.
Trust and Ownership
After Elvis’s death in 1977, Priscilla Presley became a co-executor of his estate. She stepped in when the estate was in financial trouble, owing millions in taxes and expenses.
In 1993, when Lisa Marie Presley turned 25, she inherited full ownership of her father’s estate. The inheritance included Graceland mansion and Elvis’s personal belongings.
Lisa Marie had complete control of Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) for many years. She retained 100% ownership of Graceland mansion itself and the surrounding 13-acre grounds, along with her father’s personal effects.
The Presley family created a trust to manage these assets, with Lisa Marie serving as the primary beneficiary and decision-maker for Elvis’s legacy.
Involvement in EPE
Priscilla proved to be a savvy businesswoman in her handling of Elvis Presley Enterprises. She transformed Graceland into a tourist attraction that opened to the public in 1982.
Under Priscilla’s guidance, EPE grew into a profitable business that preserved Elvis’s legacy. Her involvement helped turn around the financial situation of the estate.
In 2005, Lisa Marie made a significant business decision when she sold 85% of EPE’s assets. This sale included rights to Elvis’s name and image, but she kept ownership of Graceland and personal items.
Lisa Marie remained active in Elvis-related projects and decisions about how his music and image were used commercially. She worked to protect her father’s artistic legacy while allowing it to reach new generations of fans.
Commercial and Licensing Deals
Elvis Presley’s image and music continue to generate substantial revenue through various business arrangements managed by different entities. These deals span merchandise, music rights, and broader cultural impact initiatives that maintain his relevance decades after his death.
Merchandising and Endorsements
The rights to Elvis Presley’s merchandising are primarily controlled by Authentic Brands Group, which purchased his intellectual property rights from CORE Media Group. This acquisition allows them to license Elvis’s name and likeness for various products worldwide.
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE), created by “The Elvis Presley Trust,” previously managed these rights and continues to play a role in his commercial legacy. EPE oversees Graceland operations and works with licensees to create official Elvis products.
Fans can find Elvis-branded items ranging from clothing to collectibles, all bearing the distinctive EPE silver logo that indicates official merchandise. In a notable recent deal, IGT secured exclusive lottery licensing rights to use Elvis’s image on lottery products through a multi-year agreement with Authentic Brands Group.
Music Publishing and Rights
Sony BMG currently owns Elvis’s recordings and continues to release them under the RCA Records label—the company that originally signed Elvis. They’ve also created a special collectors label dedicated to Elvis releases.
The ownership of Elvis’s music is split between recording rights (the actual songs) and publishing rights (the compositions). While Sony controls the recordings, the publishing rights are more complex and involve multiple parties.
Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker established Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) to manage these assets. Music royalties now flow through these corporate structures to his heirs and other rights holders.
Digital streaming has created new revenue streams for Elvis’s music catalog, introducing his legacy to younger generations while generating ongoing royalties for rights holders.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Elvis’s commercial appeal has remained strong for over 60 years, making him one of the most commercially successful deceased celebrities. His image appears on products worldwide, from t-shirts to home decor.
Graceland, his former home in Memphis, Tennessee, operates as a museum and tourist attraction managed by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The site welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, creating a significant economic impact in the region.
Movie and television productions featuring Elvis or his music must negotiate licensing deals with rights holders. Recent projects like the 2022 “Elvis” biopic required extensive agreements to use his music and story.
Elvis fans remain dedicated consumers of licensed products, creating a sustainable market for memorabilia and collectibles. Annual Elvis Week celebrations and themed cruises demonstrate how his legacy continues to drive commercial activities decades after his death.
Graceland and Tourism
Graceland has transformed from Elvis Presley’s beloved home into a major tourist destination that draws fans from around the world. The estate preserves Elvis’s legacy while generating significant tourism revenue for Memphis.
As a Historical Site
Graceland was purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957 and remained his home until his death. Today, it operates as a museum and historical site that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
After Elvis’s death, ownership passed to his daughter Lisa Marie Presley. The estate was opened to the public in 1982, creating a way to maintain the property while sharing Elvis’s legacy with fans.
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland and its related properties. Until 2005, EPE was wholly owned by the Elvis Presley Trust/Lisa Marie Presley.
The mansion earned National Historic Landmark status in 2006, cementing its importance in American cultural history. This designation helped boost tourism and preserve the site for future generations.
Attractions and Artifacts
The Graceland experience goes beyond just the mansion. In 1993, EPE purchased surrounding property to create what is now known as Graceland Plaza, expanding the tourist experience.
Visitors can explore several exhibits featuring:
- Elvis’s extensive car collection
- His famous jumpsuits and stage costumes
- Gold and platinum records
- Personal items and family photographs
- The Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried
The mansion tour showcases iconic rooms like the Jungle Room and the famous mirrored staircase. Each room contains original artifacts and furnishings preserved from when Elvis lived there.
Recent expansions include Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, featuring new museums, restaurants, and shops. These additions have transformed Graceland from a simple home tour into a comprehensive Elvis experience.
Presley Family’s Relationship with Partners
The Presley family has navigated complex business relationships while maintaining control over Elvis’s legacy. These partnerships have shaped how Elvis’s music and image are managed today.
Core Media Group and NECA Partnerships
The Presley family’s relationship with business partners changed significantly in 2004 when Lisa Marie sold 85% of Elvis Presley Enterprises’ assets in a deal worth over $100 million. She kept 15% ownership to maintain some family control over Elvis’s legacy.
This deal eventually led to Core Media Group (formerly CKX) obtaining significant rights to Elvis’s intellectual property. The National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA) later became involved in merchandising Elvis products.
The Presley family has maintained approval rights for many aspects of how Elvis’s image and music are used commercially. This arrangement allows them to protect his legacy while benefiting from professional management.
The Role of Joel Weinshanker
Joel Weinshanker became a key figure in managing Elvis’s legacy when he acquired the rights to manage Graceland operations. His partnership with the Presley family has been crucial for maintaining Elvis’s home as a tourist destination.
In 2013, Weinshanker partnered with Authentic Brands Group during a transition of ownership, when Sillerman sold Elvis Presley Enterprises to them.
Lisa Marie started the Elvis Presley Trust to manage Graceland and other Elvis assets, working closely with Weinshanker. The family values his commitment to preserving Elvis’s legacy while making it accessible to fans.
Precious Memories in Pop Culture
Elvis Presley’s legacy lives on through various media that capture his performances and personal moments. His music rights may be owned by corporations, but his cultural impact belongs to everyone through films, TV shows, and photographs that continue to influence popular culture.
Elvis in Movies and TV
Elvis appeared in 33 movies throughout his career, starting with “Love Me Tender” in 1956. His films weren’t just entertainment—they were vehicles for his music rights owners to promote his songs through soundtracks.
Television played a huge role in Elvis’s fame too. His 1968 “Comeback Special” on NBC revitalized his career and remains one of the most famous TV performances ever. The rights to these TV appearances are valuable assets controlled by media companies.
When Elvis appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1956, about 60 million viewers tuned in—an astonishing 82.6% of TV viewers at the time! These historic television moments are now carefully managed by rights holders who control when and where this footage can be used.
Photographic Treasures
The iconic photos of Elvis are another important part of his legacy. Images of Elvis in his gold lamé suit or his famous white jumpsuit have become cultural touchstones.
Many professional photographers captured Elvis throughout his career. Alfred Wertheimer’s intimate photos from 1956 show Elvis right before super-stardom hit. These images are now valuable assets managed by photo rights owners.
Candid shots taken at Graceland give fans glimpses into Elvis’s personal life. The rights to these images are often controlled by Authentic Brands Group, which manages many aspects of the Elvis estate and works with Universal Music Publishing Group on various Elvis projects.
Financial and Legal Aspects
The rights to Elvis Presley’s music involve complex financial structures and legal protections that have evolved since his death. These arrangements determine who profits from his iconic catalog and how his image is legally protected.
Estate’s Net Worth and Revenue
Elvis Presley’s estate continues to generate substantial revenue decades after his death. Lisa Marie Presley maintained 100% ownership of Graceland mansion and its 13-acre grounds, along with her father’s personal effects.
When it comes to the business side, Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) was created by Elvis and his manager Colonel Tom Parker to control the rights to Elvis-branded products. This company became crucial in managing his intellectual property.
In a significant financial move, Lisa Marie retained 15% ownership in Elvis Presley Enterprises after a deal that gave CKX (now part of Authentic Brands Group) a 90-year lease on Graceland. This restructuring changed how royalties flowed but preserved family control over key assets.
Cases of Intellectual Property
Elvis Presley’s image and music rights have faced numerous intellectual property challenges over the years. The recently established ELVIS Act (Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act of 2024) now legally protects Elvis’s publicity rights.
This legislation marks a shift from traditional copyright concepts to broader ownership protections. It creates stronger legal grounds for the estate to control how Elvis’s likeness and voice are used commercially.
Colonel Parker’s management has also sparked legal questions. As an illegal immigrant who never obtained full U.S. residency, Parker’s contract terms have been scrutinized in various court cases. These cases question whether he had legitimate control over Elvis’s intellectual property.
These legal battles highlight the ongoing tension between commercial interests and preserving artistic legacy in managing Elvis’s valuable catalog.
