"Elvis startled America and the news media in 1956, and press coverage was often scathing and alarmist," said Ken Paulson, president of the Newseum. "By painting Elvis as a threat to the morals of young America, Elvis's critics quickly propelled him from regional fame to household name."
The exhibit marks what would have been the King of Rock 'n' Roll's 75th birthday year. Alongside the 1957 Harley Davidson motorcycle there is also a leather jacket, evoking the '50s rebel style of the King.
Elvis Presley's motorcycle passions rode onto the silver screen as well. In the 'Roustabout' movie (1964), Elvis played a motorcycle riding performer trying to earn a living singing in small clubs, while his characters spent a considerable amount of time in the saddle in both 1967 and 1968 in the movies ‘Clambake’ and ‘Stay Away, Joe.’
The Newseum exhibit also features rare photographs and original newspapers and magazines covering Presley's career, the dress uniform Elvis wore during his service in the U.S. Army and the gold-plated belt and velvet jacket he wore during his 1970 White House meeting with President Richard M. Nixon, among others.
"In many ways, Elvis embodied free expression in America," added Paulson, "We're delighted to join with our colleagues at Graceland to tell his story through photos, videos and news coverage spanning more than two decades."
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