Eighty-seven years ago, Elvis was born. Forty-seven years ago, he earned his eighth-degree black belt, and somewhere in between, he released some music and movies and earned his title as the King of Rock-and-Roll. Admittedly, these accomplishments, not his karate skills, are probably the reason fans celebrate his birthday to this day. But some fans haven’t forgotten his karate chops, and in fact, they plan to celebrate Elvis’ 87th at his first dojo, which has since been converted into the Tigerman Karate Dojo & Museum, where you can take karate and check out some rare Elvis memorabilia, like the ambulance that drove Elvis from Graceland the day he died.
On January 7th, the Tigerman Birthday Bash will host guests like Mindi Miller, Elvis’ girlfriend in the ’70s, who shared an interest in karate; Wayne Mann and Janet Smith, Elvis’ first-cousins; and Joey Smith, Elvis’ second-cousin who lived at Graceland and now works at the dojo/museum. Colin Paul, a musician and Elvis enthusiast, has traveled from his home in the UK to Memphis “to hook up with [his] American Elvis family” and to interview Miller, who will talk about her personal relationship with Elvis. YouTube Elvis documentarians, Spa Guy (who also owns the dojo/museum) and Globetrotting with Trey, will also be in attendance. During the party, attendees will have a chance to meet with the special guests and take part in the usual party activities, like eating birthday cake, which will be cut at midnight.
“Even though it’s the day before Elvis’ birthday, we are planning to celebrate until midnight when it turns January 8th,” says Gabrielle Stout, the party’s organizer. “It’s just a chance for Elvis fans to get together, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the smiling faces.”
Stout says she has always loved Elvis, and coincidentally, the party is going to be held on her birthday. “It’s going to be the best birthday I’ve ever had because, one, I get to be around the people I care about, and, two, I get to share my birthday with Elvis.”
Tigerman Birthday Bash, TigerMan Karate Dojo & Museum, Friday, January 7th, 5 p.m., $59.95.