Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Elvis Presley Piano on eBay

Elvis Presley may have forever left the building 30 years ago this month, but his memory is alive and well for fans the world over. I am one of those fans and if it were at all possible, I would buy this white Knabe & Co. Baby Grand piano, one of the original furnishings at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Alas, it is not possible. But for those who can afford the $250,000 starting bid on E-Bay, the King's very own piano could be yours.

The piano's original home was in the Ellis Auditorium & Performance Hall in Memphis where such notables as WC Handy, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway played it. Elvis bought it in 1957 and had it refinished to his taste - white with gold trim. It was placed in the music room at Graceland, where it remained until Priscilla Presley presented Elvis with another piano as an anniversary gift in 1969. The piano was stored until 1976, when Vernon Presley sold it to Ted Sturges, owner of Sturges Recording Studio. There, it was used during the recording of over 50 albums by various artists including Jerry Lee Lewis.

The baby grand is currently in private ownership and includes several certificates of authenticity. Pre-qualified buyers have until August 18th to bid on this piece of American music history. Oh, to be a pre-qualified buyer.

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