Las Vegas Icons and Their Net Worth: How Much is Elvis Presley Worth Today?

Once upon a time (more than eight decades ago, in fact), a star was born in a small, two-room house in Mississippi. This star rose to become a true legendary figure, and this star continues to shine on today, years after he has passed. Although there is no question that Las Vegas has long been the home of many outstanding performers, with its glittering Strip serving as a stage for some of the most iconic entertainers in history, none of these performers had as lasting an impact as Elvis Presley. Known the world over as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis transformed the music industry as we know it, with his soothing voice and his own distinct way of gyrating to the music – but he also became synonymous with Vegas glitz and glamour, thanks in part to his unforgettable residency at the International Hotel.

We are all enamored with Elvis Presley, with some of us more enamored than most. But there is a bigger question on the back of our minds when we think about the King. What is Elvis Presley worth today, nearly five decades after his passing? It’s high time we took a look at Elvis's legacy, his influence on Las Vegas, and how his estate continues to generate a massive income, even today.

The early days: how Elvis became an icon

Before we dive headlong into the numbers, it’s important to understand why Elvis is such a legendary figure, especially in Sin City. Elvis Presley was born on the 8th of January, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His rise to fame in the 1950s redefined the boundaries of pop music. With his distinctive voice, charm, and revolutionary blending of rock, country, and blues, is it any wonder that Elvis captivated millions of fans?

By the time Elvis hit the stage in Las Vegas in 1969, he had already conquered the world with hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Hound Dog." True enough, his Las Vegas performances were not just concerts but whole cultural events that helped shape the modern entertainment landscape of the city.

Elvis in Las Vegas – he helped define an era

Elvis first performed in Las Vegas in 1956 at the New Frontier Hotel, but it wasn’t until his 1969 residency at the International Hotel that his relationship with Vegas became the stuff of legend. Elvis’s 1969 comeback saw him perform 57 consecutive shows, with each show selling out, setting a new standard for residencies. The International Hotel (which was later known as the Las Vegas Hilton and now the Westgate) quickly became Elvis's domain, with thousands flocking to see him perform and dazzle night after night.

The International Hotel residency cemented his role as a permanent fixture in Las Vegas. He was not only a musician but also an entertainer who embodied the spirit of the city: glamorous, larger than life, and, let’s admit, oh-so-unpredictable. Elvis’s connection with Las Vegas was so strong that even today, tourists can’t help but think of the King when they visit the city of a thousand twinkling lights. Elvis impersonators are still common and found all around Las Vegas (including its wedding chapels), and his influence is visible in Vegas's entertainment culture.

The King's estate is still raking in the big bucks

As we all know, Elvis Presley passed away in 1977, but his name and legacy have lived on in a way that has generated immense wealth. In the decades following his death, Elvis’s estate has become a massive business empire, generating millions of dollars each year through music royalties and licensing, merchandising, and Graceland tourism.

Graceland, Elvis's mansion in Memphis, opened to the public in 1982 and has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the US. It attracts over 600,000 visitors a year – and these visitors contribute greatly to the estate’s revenue. The estate also earns a steady stream of income through licensing deals, as Elvis’s likeness and music are still used in commercials, films, and merchandise around the world.

Meanwhile, his music catalog remains highly valuable, with songs still generating royalties through radio play, streaming, and album sales. Elvis’s influence in pop culture remains so strong that his estate earned $110 million in 2022 alone, according to Forbes, placing him among the highest-earning celebrities who have passed on.

How much is Elvis Presley worth today?

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact worth of Elvis’s estate due to the constantly fluctuating nature of assets like music catalogs, Forbes has estimated that Elvis Presley’s net worth is around $500 million as of 2024. This valuation includes:

• Music royalties: His vast catalog of songs continues to generate substantial revenue.
• Graceland tourism: Graceland remains a major source of income for the estate, bringing in tens of millions annually.
• Licensing and merchandising: Elvis’s image, likeness, and name are used worldwide in various products, also generating a steady stream of income.

This number is even expected to grow further as the estate continues to make efforts to diversify its revenue streams. Elvis’s estate has entered new licensing deals, such as the 2022 biopic directed by Baz Luhrmann, which sparked renewed interest in Elvis’s life and music.

Elvis's legacy in modern entertainment

Elvis may have passed away nearly 50 years ago (yes, 1977 was 50 years ago!), but his impact on both the music industry and Las Vegas remains undeniable. His 1969 residency paved the way for other performers to have extended stays in Las Vegas - a model that has since been embraced by many modern musicians, including Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Elton John.

Moreover, Elvis’s success in Vegas helped solidify the city's transformation into the entertainment capital of the world. Before Elvis, Vegas was primarily known for its gambling and nightlife, but his performances attracted global attention to the city’s potential as a live entertainment destination. Today, residencies are a major draw for tourists, and Elvis’s role in this evolution cannot be understated.

Elvis Presley’s immortal legacy

Elvis Presley was not just a musician; he was a cultural phenomenon whose impact spanned multiple decades and continues today. His residency in Las Vegas revolutionized the city’s entertainment scene and set the standard for modern-day residencies that are a hallmark of the appeal of Las Vegas nowadays. Even in 2024, nearly half a century after his death, Elvis’s estate is worth an estimated $500 million - proving to one and all that the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is still very much alive in the hearts and minds of fans around the globe.