The Heart Of Rock 'N' Roll Is Still Beating In Memphis

(CelebrityAcess MediaWire) — This year marks the 50th anniversary of rock 'n' roll, memorialized by the recording of Elvis Presley's "That' All Right" at the legendary Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee on July 5, 1954. To commemorate this moment in music history, Hard Rock Cafe International will launch a year-long program that celebrates the past five decades of rock music The Heart Of Rock 'n' Roll Is Still Beating,

The celebration began in March with the launch of the commemorative limited edition, collectible "50 years of rock" retail line of merchandise, including tees, hats, and Hard Rock's famous guitar pin. In May, Hard Rock and Pepsi will begin a multi-city mobile tour that will bring the experience of the Hard Rock, combined with the essence of rock 'n' roll, to more than 15 top markets. The tour will showcase Hard Rock's prized memorabilia from music's most influential artists including Elvis Presley.

The tour will highlight several decades in rock beginning with the early years of 50's rock in Memphis, and taking guests through a visual journey of the psychedelic 60's, the hazy punk movement of 70's, the new wave rock of the 80's, the grunge of the 90's, to the current music of today's performers of rap, rock and pop.

"Rock 'n' roll is one of the most important cultural contributions America has made to the world and we are thrilled to be part of the celebration," said David Catalano, chief operating officer, Hard Rock Cafe International. "Hard Rock Cafe is one of the few brands that can embrace the 50th anniversary of rock by giving our cafe guests a place — anywhere in the world, to stop for a moment and celebrate the spirit, anarchy and rebellion of rock 'n' roll."

On July 5, Hard Rock Cafes nationwide, in conjunction with the City of Memphis, will pay tribute to the man behind the music, Elvis Presley. The tribute will include the day-long performance of Elvis hits, including "That's All Right," the sale of commemorative merchandise as well as a featured blue-plate special of Elvis' favorite meal. The focal point of the day will be a "Global Moment in Time"- a moment in which radio stations across the country, as well as Hard Rock Cafes, will be encouraged to simultaneously play "That's All Right", that will mark the largest playing of a single song at the same moment in history.

Additionally, Hard Rock will conduct a consumer promotion in which Hard Rock Cafe guests, along with industry veterans, music writers and artists, will set out to determine the "Top 50 Moments in Rock History." Ballots will be available throughout the tour and at www.hardrock.com. Completed ballots will be tallied to determine the greatest "Rock Moments" and will then be entered into a random drawing where one lucky grand-prize winner will receive tickets and travel accommodations for a once-and-a-lifetime concert event. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen