Introduction
On the afternoon of August 16, 1977, the world was shocked by the sudden news of Elvis Presley’s death at the age of 42. Known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis had an immense influence on music and culture, so his passing was not just a personal loss to his family and fans, but also to the city of Memphis, which had adopted him as its own. The way local news in Memphis responded to the announcement of his death is as unforgettable as the tragedy itself.
The moment Elvis was found unconscious at his Graceland mansion, the local media in Memphis went into overdrive. News outlets scrambled to confirm the details and prepare their coverage for what was to become one of the most pivotal moments in the city’s history. Elvis Presley was a Memphis icon, and his death was not just a national event—it was deeply personal for the people who had watched his rise to stardom and had seen him give back to their community.
Breaking News on Local TV Stations
The first major announcement came through Memphis’s television stations, which interrupted their regular programming to deliver the heartbreaking news. Local stations such as WMC-TV (ABC), WHBQ (Fox), and WREG (CBS) cut into their scheduled broadcasts with breaking news bulletins. The television coverage was raw, emotional, and immediate, reflecting the gravity of the moment. News anchors, many of whom had known Elvis personally or had reported on his career for years, struggled to keep their composure as they delivered the devastating news.
These TV stations played an instrumental role in keeping Memphis informed as the details unfolded. Their coverage included not only the confirmation of Elvis’s death but also live updates as reporters scrambled to gather more information. In a time before the internet and social media, television was the primary source of information, and these broadcasts were the first steps in a long period of mourning.
Newspaper Headlines: A City in Shock
The next day, Memphis’s local newspapers, including The Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Press-Scimitar, featured Elvis’s death on their front pages. The headlines were dramatic and heart-wrenching—”The King Is Dead” and “Elvis Presley RIP”—words that were almost too hard to believe. These newspapers captured not only the news but also the emotional devastation that was felt by the entire city.
On August 17, 1977, readers could also find tributes to Elvis from those who knew him best—friends, fans, and even other musicians. The stories shared a common theme of loss, recounting Elvis’s incredible contributions to music, his time in Memphis, and his personal struggles. Many of these stories focused on how Elvis had been a beloved figure in the community and how his death left a void that could never be filled.
The Impact on the City
The announcement of Elvis’s death had a profound impact on Memphis. People gathered in front of Graceland, where a vigil began almost immediately. Fans from all over the world arrived to pay their respects. The city, which had always been proud to call Elvis one of its own, now had to face the reality of a world without the King.
Memphis radio stations also became a vital part of the mourning process. DJs played Elvis’s music around the clock, offering solace to the grieving public. Some even read tributes and took calls from fans, who shared their memories of the star. Radio was a lifeline in this moment of collective grief, helping people process the shock and loss of a cultural icon.
Conclusion
The death of Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977, was not just a news story—it was an event that changed Memphis forever. The city’s media, from television to newspapers to radio, played a critical role in informing the public and providing a platform for the outpouring of grief. As Memphis processed the loss of its most famous son, the local news outlets not only chronicled his passing but also helped the city and the world come to terms with it. Elvis Presley’s death was a defining moment in Memphis history, and the way local news handled it will never be forgotten.