The United States Postal Service has released an image of the new Elvis Presley stamp which will be issued on August 12.
The stamp features a 1955 black-and-white photograph of Presley taken by William Speer. In the bottom left corner, between the words “Forever” and “USA,” is a small gold crown, a nod to Presley’s nickname, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Presley’s signature, in gold ink, also is featured along the right side of the stamp.
Along with single stamps, a block of 16 stamps will be issued. The square stamp pane resembles a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes 16 stamps while the image of a sliver of a record seems to peek out of the top of the sleeve.
An image of Presley performing was shot by photographer Alfred Wertheimer and the logo for the Music Icons series appear on the reverse side (above) of the stamp pane.
Antonio Alcalá of Alexandria, VA, served as the art director and designed the stamp pane with Leslie Badani, also of Alexandria, VA.
The following text borders the block of 16 stamps:
“During his illustrious career, rock-and-roll superstar Elvis Presley starred in dozens of feature films, won three Grammy Awards, and recorded 18 number one singles: Heartbreak Hotel, I Want You, I Need You, I Love You, Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog, Love Me Tender, Too Much, All Shook Up , (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, Jailhouse Rock, Don’t, Hard Headed Woman, A Big Hunk O’ Love, Stuck On You, It’s Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight?, Surrender, Good Luck Charm, Suspicious Minds.”
Sony Music’s RCA/Legacy Recordings also announced the release of an exclusive music CD titled Elvis Forever that includes If I Can Dream as you’ve never heard it before. Customers can get this track first by picking up a copy of Elvis Forever at their local Post Office location or pre-order the stamps and the commemorative $9.99 CD now at this link for delivery shortly after August 12.
