Holy Tupelo, Elvis is 75!

Seventy-five years ago today (Jan. 8), the King himself, Elvis Presley was born in a town called Tupelo, Miss. It was there that he bought his first guitar at the age of 11, and where he lived until his family relocated to Memphis, Tenn. two years later.

So what better way to mark to the birth of of their very own legendary son than with a multi-day celebration? Even though the guest of honor won't be there to help toast his 75th, the festivities couldn't possibly disappoint with a wide array of art and music to mark the occasion, reports WTOK.com.

As of Thursday afternoon, those descending on Tupelo could enjoy a 6-foot replica of Presley's first guitar installed outside of Tupelo Hardware, the very store where he bought the original all those years ago. The installation is just the first of 14 giant guitar statues to be unveiled — one for each of Tupelo's public schools.

Elementary school teacher Kit Stafford came up with the idea to have the six-foot steel guitars, specially decorated by each of the town's public schools. The art project was made possible thanks to a $14,000 grant from the Elaine Dundy and Roy Turner Endowment Fund.

Dundy wrote the acclaimed book Elvis and Gladys, about the King's formative years and his extremely tight relationship with his mother. (Check out the rave reviews on Amazon.com.) She bequeathed $600,000 to establish the endowment to support Tulepo charities, with the royalties from her book sales continuing to provide additional funding.

And of course, what Elvis birthday would be complete without the requisite impersonators? On Thursday night, two of the area's best performed in an ultimate tribute, including performances from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

See below for a full listing of events still to come:

Friday, Jan. 8th

10 a.m. — Marty Stuart will be at the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau as they unveil a special costume collection. The public is invited. For more information call 662-841-6521. FREE

10 a.m. —  "Sparkle and Twang: Marty Stuart’s American Mulical Odyssey" opens at the Tupelo Automobile Museum. Tickets are $5-$10. For more information call 662-842-4242.

1 p.m. — Annual Birthday Party at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Enjoy cake and memories. The public is invited. For more information call 662-841-1245. FREE

2-4 p.m. — Marty Stuart will be at the Tupelo Automobile Museum signing copies of "Country Music: The Masters." For more information call 662-842-4242.

8 p.m. — Marty Stuart will perform at the Link Centre. Tickets are $30 General and $25 Balcony. For more information call 662-690-4011.

For more information on Tupelo's celebration, go to tupelomainstreet.com.

Photo courtesy of Ollie Atkins via Wikimedia Commons.