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Did you know it’s currently Elvis Week? This annual week-long celebration of the “King of Rock & Roll” takes place every year in Memphis, Tennessee. Since most of us won’t be visiting the world-famous Graceland estate anytime soon, we decided to round up the best Elvis movies and docs, reads on rock 'n' roll's golden age, and the decade’s greatest musical biopics to help you celebrate from the comfort of your couch.
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Long Live the King: The Best Elvis Movies & Docs
From the iconic sequined jumpsuits in Vegas to grainy archival footage of a 21-year-old kid at Sun Records, these are the movies and docs that show the man behind the music.
Elvis
Baz Luhrmann's fever-dream biopic tracks Elvis's rise and unraveling through the eyes of Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the manager who built him into a phenomenon and profited off every moment of it. Austin Butler masterfully disappears into the role—so much so that his real-life voice still has hints of Elvis’s to this day.
Hotel Spotlight
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Check In: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa | Sanibel, FL
On Sanibel, one of Florida's legendary barrier islands and a world-famous shelling destination, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa offers condo-style accommodations with full kitchens and screened balconies steps from a mile-long white-sand beach. Every stay includes kayaks, paddleboards, bikes, tennis, and pickleball courts ranked No. 2 in the nation. Plus, four onsite dining options from Gulf-front seafood at Captain's Catch to hibachi and sushi at Shima. See more.
Backstage Pass: Books Exploring the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll
Movies give you the highlight reel, but these books shine a light on everything that got left out: the label politics, the bad contracts, and the moments nobody put on film.
Last Train to Memphis
by Peter Guralnick
The first half of Peter Guralnick's two-volume Elvis biography covers his life from birth through 1958, before the Army, before Vegas, and before his songs took over the world. It's considered the definitive account of how rock 'n' roll began, treating Presley as a working musician rather than a myth.
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Check In: Twin Fin Hotel | Honolulu, HI
Known as the birthplace of surfing, visitors from all over the world flock to Waikiki Beach to experience the rolling waves. Twin Fin's oceanfront rooms offer private lanais, unobstructed views of Waikiki Beach, and daily credits to rent surfboards, floaties, and more. When you're ready to wind down after a day at the beach, head up to the Coconut Club for a cosmic stargazing experience led by professional astronomers. See more.
Top 10 Musical Biopics of the Decade
Once Elvis Week comes to an end, here are 10 more must-watch musical biopics worth singing along to.
Respect
Aretha Franklin handpicked Jennifer Hudson to play her years before this film got made, and it's easy to see why once Hudson opens her mouth. The story tracks Franklin's rise from her father's church choir to international stardom.
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Check In: Hotel Effie | Miramar Beach, FL
Each of the 250 rooms and suites at Hotel Effie are thoughtfully designed with a coastal-contemporary feel. With its white sandy beaches and emerald green water, everywhere you look is an Insta-worthy moment. If the pool is more your vibe, head up to the heated rooftop pool featuring a game area with life-size chess, cornhole, and an interactive mural that's begging for a photoshoot. See more.
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