Becoming

Becoming. . The two bronze statues before you share one name - "Becoming." They illustrate the transformation of Elvis, the Boy to Elvis, the Entertainer. Each figure represents a slice of life of the same man born on common soil in East Tupelo. The statues site at the highest point of the property as homage to his beginnings. The statue of Elvis at 11 is life-size while that of the Entertainer is bigger than life, a fitting contrast to one of the greatest cultural icons of the 20th century. , As a young boy, Elvis and his friends would run the hills and hollows of East Tupelo. Imagine that after one of those days, Elvis has picked up his guitar and walked up to the overlook for a quiet space. His hair is mussed. One sock has a hole in it, evidence of the Presley family's poverty. He sits on a milk crate, strumming his guitar and looking toward downtown Tupelo. Perhaps it was here that Elvis, guitar in hand, first began to dream the dream of a better life. , His dream was realized in ways far beyond his youthful imagination. The over-scaled statue of Elvis, the Entertainer represents the finale of one of his performances - arms outstretched, cape flowing, his head titled skyward signifying the end of his performance but also symbolizing the end of his life., (aside:), Elvis became a larger than life personality with a revolutionary influence on music worldwide, yet he always maintained his humble spirit in keeping true to his roots in East Tupelo.