This story was contributed by Mila Raque.If you’re lookin’ for trouble, you came to the right place. While Louisville isn’t the first place you might associate with Elvis Presley, the King of rock’n’roll has more ties to Derby City than you’d think. In 1943 Elvis’ grandfather, Jesse Presley, moved from Mississippi to Louisville, where he lived until his death. DYK: You can visit the graves of Jesse and his wife, Vera, at Louisville Memorial Gardens in Shively.
Elvis also visited Louisville three times to perform during his career.
Here’s the timeline:
- Nov. 1956 — Jefferson County Armory, now Louisville Gardens
- June 1974 — Freedom Hall in the Kentucky Exposition Center
- May 1977 — Freedom Hall, about three months before his death
While Elvis is a legend in the music industry, he’s also well-known in the culinary department for his famous sandwich composed of peanut butter, banana, and bacon. Sometimes just called the Elvis, this sandwich has inspired a variety of snacks + treats here in the LOU.
🕺🏻The Elvis, Old Louisville Brewery
Elvis inspired beer at Old Louisville Brewery. | Photo by @oldloubrew
We’re just a hunka hunka burnin’ love for this speciality peanut butter and banana flavored beer on tap for $6.
🕺🏻The Presley, Losers 812
With peanut butter and banana drizzled in honey then sandwiched between Texas toast, this sandwich will have you all shook up.
🕺🏻Elvis Presley, Starving Artist Café & Deli
With a tradition of naming dishes after famous people, this New La Grange Road eatery’s Elvis Presley sandwich takes a different approach with roast beef, bacon, swiss + mayo on a hoagie roll.
🕺🏻The Fat Elvis, Dairy Kastle
After trying this fan favorite milkshake featuring peanut butter and banana flavors, you can steer clear of Heartbreak Hotel.
🕺🏻The Elvis Sundae, Dairy Del
The Elvis Sundae at Dairy Del | Photo by @dairy.del
We can’t help falling in love with this loaded sundae made with banana peanut butter chocolate chip ice cream and topped with bananas, hot fudge, whipped cream, Reese’s cups + a cherry.
Bonus:
While SuperChefs closed its doors on Bardstown, we’re still holding out that The Elvis Waffle — layered with peanut butter, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, bananas + candied bacon — will hit the stage at a forthcoming new location.
Elvis in Kentuckiana
Living in Memphis, TN, Elvis was only about two hours away from the Kentucky border. Kentucky was a constant influence for his music and two of his most popular songs were inspired by the bluegrass state.
Written by Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass, and recorded by Elvis in 1954, “Blue Moon of Kentucky” is the official bluegrass song of Kentucky. It has also been covered by other famous artists like Paul McCartney and Patsy Cline.
Written by Eddie Rabbitt + recorded and released by Elvis in 1970, this song was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1992. It was one of Elvis’ favorite songs.
Elvis’ influence even stretches into Indiana. About 30 jumpsuits featured in Baz Luhrman’s biopic ELVIS were produced by B&K Enterprises Costume Company in Charlestown, IN. The shop has been selling Elvis-inspired costumes for decades + produced around 250 jumpsuits in 2021. DYK: Some jumpsuits for the film took more than 300 hours to make.
And with that, Elvis has left the building.
