Long before Elvis Presley became the subject of countless exhibitions and memorabilia collections, one of his closest friends dedicated his life to preserving the singer’s legacy through a series of museums.

That friend was Jimmy Velvet, born Jimmy Tennant, who first met Presley backstage at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 13, 1955. Tennant was just 15 years old and hoping to pursue a career in music when he encountered the young Elvis, who was preparing for his opening performance. The chance meeting would eventually become the beginning of a 22-year friendship.

As Elvis’ career exploded, Tennant remained close to him and his family. After adopting the stage name Jimmy Velvet, he pursued his own music career and even scored a charting single in 1963. At the same time, he continued to be part of Presley’s inner circle, visiting Graceland and joining Elvis during film shoots and recording sessions.

Everything changed on August 16, 1977, when Velvet learned that Elvis had died. He was performing with his own band at the time and decided that the show would be his last. Rather than continuing his music career, Velvet chose to dedicate his life to honoring his late friend.

With the support of Elvis’ father, Vernon Presley, Velvet opened the Mini Elvis Museum across from Graceland on June 1, 1978. The small museum initially displayed just 20 personal items and memorabilia belonging to Elvis. Despite charging only $1 for admission, it quickly became a popular destination for the thousands of fans visiting Graceland.

The museum was eventually renamed The Elvis Presley Museum and became the only institution officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises at the time. When Graceland opened to the public in 1982, Velvet’s original museum was absorbed into the larger attraction.

Velvet, however, was far from finished. He continued collecting Elvis memorabilia and soon opened museums in other cities. A Honolulu location launched in 1982, followed by museums in Orlando in 1984 and Nashville in 1985. Their collections included everything from cars and stage costumes to jewelry, musical instruments and other personal belongings.

Velvet also took selected pieces from his collection on traveling exhibitions, allowing Elvis fans across the country to see rare artifacts without traveling to Graceland.

Eventually, Velvet closed his museums and sold a substantial portion of his collection at auction in 1994, generating more than $2 million. But his connection to Elvis did not end there.

Velvet later partnered with collector Daniel Johnson on ElvisPresleyMuseum.com, where he continues to share stories and artifacts connected to his decades-long relationship with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

For Velvet, Elvis was more than a cultural icon. He was a lifelong friend — and preserving his memory became the mission that shaped the rest of his life.

Source: https://www.tvinsider.com/