Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (2024)

Elvis Presley and Lisa's 'Don't Cry Daddy' played at 2013 concert

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Elvis Presley died in 1977, after which his estate was to pass to his daughter, Lisa Marie, on her 25th birthday. Before then, it was managed by executors of the will, including his father, grandmother and ex-wife Priscilla. On Vernon and Minnie Mae’s death, their amounts of the will went to Lisa Marie, who owned the trust – but did she own the music?

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    Sadly for Lisa Marie, her inheritance never included the royalties to the many songs of Elvis Presley’s which were recorded.

    This was due to a poor deal negotiated by Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, which meant all future royalties were signed away.

    When Elvis started his career in 1954, he recorded at Sun Records in Memphis.

    He signed a contract which meant Sam Phillips, the own and producer at Sun Records, owned all of his recordings made there.

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    Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (1)

    Elvis Presley - does Lisa Marie own her music? (Image: Getty)

    However, Sam sold this contract and the catalogue of songs made at Sun Records to RCA, a record company, in late 1955, after which Elvis remained under contract to RCA.

    He received an artist’s royalties on record sales, which were part of the contract he had negotiated.

    However, in March 1973, Colonel Tom and Elvis went to RCA, suggesting Elvis be given a lump sum in lieu of all future artist’s royalties for anything recorded up to that time.

    Of course, by 1973, Elvis had quite the back catalogue to work with, meaning this would have earned RCA a huge amount of money.

    The deal was done, and RCA paid Elvis and Colonel Tom $5.4million (£4.2m) for the artist royalties, which was then split equally between the two men.

    Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (3)

    Colonel Tom Parker with Elvis Presley (Image: Getty)

    $5.4m would be approximately $31.5m (£24.2m) in today’s money.

    As a result, Lisa Marie does not own the artist’s royalties on sales of recordings made before March 1973, however the Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) does own his artist’s royalties on sales of recordings made after that date, which still earns them a hefty sum.

    EPE also still holds the publishing rights to all of the songs recorded by Elvis, which equals around 700, as they were part owned by Elvis through his various publishing companies.

    The publisher’s royalties to his songs, therefore, are still earned by the EPE, as these were not sold to RCA.

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    Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (4)

    Lisa Marie Presley (Image: Getty)

    Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (5)

    Graceland (Image: Getty)

    Of course, his publishing contracts are liable to expire, after which those songs can no longer earn publishing royalties by the EPE, but can earn artist’s royalties for RCA.

    In 1981, EPE was advised to sue Colonel Tom Parker for his dealings with Elvis with regards the March 1973 deal, and two years later it was settled out of court for what has been reported as $2million (£1.5m).

    But what does Lisa Marie Presley get of this money?

    Of course, of the artist’s royalties sold by Colonel Tom to RCA, Lisa Marie gets nothing.

    However, through The Elvis Presley Trust, Lisa Marie wholly owned EPE, which managed her father’s estate.

    In 2005, Lisa Marie sold 85 per cent of her share of EPE to entertainment company CKX.

    This included its physical and intellectual properties, however Lisa Marie retained sole ownership of Graceland and her father’s personal items, many of which remain in the house.

    Lisa Marie still has a 15 per cent share in the company of EPE, despite, in 2013 the 85 per cent share being sold to the Authentic Brands Group.

    Graceland has now been opened as a tourist attraction, and is the most visited private residence in the USA.

    Elvis Presley: Who gets Elvis Presley’s royalties? Does Lisa Marie? (2024)

    FAQs

    How much did Lisa Marie inherit from Elvis? ›

    Upon the deaths of her grandfather in 1979 and her great-grandmother in 1980, she became Elvis' sole heir; on her 25th birthday in 1993, she inherited the estate, which had grown to an estimated $100 million. Presley sold 85 percent of her father's estate in 2004.

    Does Lisa Marie own Elvis estate? ›

    Elvis Presley's famous Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, is staying in the family following the death of his daughter. Lisa Marie Presley inherited the 13.8-acre, 23-room estate from her rock'n'roll legend father after he died in 1977, when she was nine.

    Does Lisa Marie still own Graceland? ›

    In 2005, Mr. Siegel sold an 85 percent stake in the Elvis Presley Estate. The stake included Elvis's intellectual property, his image, likeness and the right to operate Graceland as a tourist attraction. But the white-columned mansion remained hers.

    Who owns the royalties to Elvis Presley's music? ›

    RCA Records owned all of Elvis' music recordings. The RCA Records Label was bought by BMG in the 1980s and in 2004 BMG merged with Sony Music Entertainment to become Sony BMG. Sony BMG owns Elvis' recordings and they continue to use the RCA Records label for issuing Elvis releases.

    What percentage of Graceland does Lisa Marie Presley own? ›

    But Presley, who was nine when her father died, remained the sole owner of Graceland, the Memphis Commercial Appeal said. And her 15% stake in EPE likely continues to generate a steady income, given that Elvis Presley is ranked as the No. 4 top-earning dead celebrity in 2022, according to Forbes.

    Does Lisa Marie Presley have a negative net worth? ›

    Lisa Marie Presley's net worth was negative $10 million at the time of her death, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

    Who gets money from Elvis estate? ›

    Lisa Marie's estate retains sole ownership of the mansion itself, as well as her father's personal effects. Her assets are to be inherited by her three daughters. The company endeavors to turn Elvis Presley's former estate into an international tourist destination.

    Who will inherit Gracelands? ›

    Elvis' only daughter has had 100 percent sole personal ownership of the mansion on the property and the 13-acre original grounds since her father's death in 1977. Now that she has sadly passed away, Graceland will likely pass to her daughters, Riley Keough and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, the DailyMail reports.

    Who owns the guest house at Graceland? ›

    About Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

    Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland, its related properties, including The Guest House at Graceland 450-room hotel, as well as the Graceland Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis' home and career.

    How much is Lisa Marie Presley's estate worth? ›

    In 2020, a Presley executive told Rolling Stone that the estate was worth between $400 and $500 million. Lisa Marie Presley annually earned seven figures from her interest in the estate, based on a court filing in her 2022 divorce.

    How much is Lisa Marie Presley's net worth? ›

    Lisa Marie Presley Net Worth 2023: Famous American singer and songwriter Lisa Marie Presley has passed away on 12 January 2023. Lisa became a part of the recently held Golden Globe Awards 2023.
    ...
    Lisa Marie Presley 2023 – Bio, Family.
    Real Name/Full NameLisa Marie Presley
    Net Worth in 2023$16 million
    21 more rows
    Jan 27, 2023

    Who owns Elvis Presley brand? ›

    ABG acquired Elvis' royalties in November 2013 from Elvis Presley Enterprises, which was run by the late music icon's family. This includes a share of all licensing and merchandising related to the star.

    Does Lisa Marie own Elvis music? ›

    But in 2004, she agreed to sell off 85% of Elvis Presley Enterprises' assets, including Elvis' likeness rights, for around $100 million to music entrepreneur Robert F.X. Sillerman and his company CKX Inc. Lisa Marie Presley retained 15% ownership in Elvis Presley Enterprises.

    How much money did Elvis manager take from him? ›

    But there's more… Out of the ridiculous $10.5million figure, Elvis received $4.5million and the Colonel received $6million. Toward the end of his career, his body was ravaged by years of abuse.

    Where do Elvis's royalties go? ›

    While most of Presley's estate belongs to the late rock star's daughter, a deal that was made before his death rerouted all of the royalties from his music away from his estate.

    How much money does Graceland bring in every year? ›

    A majority of this money comes in through Graceland, which earns around $10 million annually during a typical year. All in all, the Presley estate is worth anywhere between $400 to $500 million as of 2020, according to a Presley estate executive cited in a report by Rolling Stone.

    How much money did Elvis spend on Graceland? ›

    Eager to find a rural refuge away from wild fans and the pressure of fame, 22-year-old Elvis Presley purchased his Graceland estate on March 19, 1959, for $102,500 — or more than $900,000 in today's money. The property came with its famous moniker already in place.

    Did Priscilla Presley get any money from Elvis? ›

    The couple divorced on October 9, 1973 and agreed to shared custody of Lisa Marie; Priscilla also received a $725,000 cash payment, child support, spousal support, 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their home in Beverly Hills, and 5% of the royalties from Elvis' publishing companies.

    What happened to Lisa Marie Presley's inheritance? ›

    Following her death, Elvis Presley's legendary Tennessee estate will be passed down to her three children, Riley, Harper, and Finley. In the wake of Lisa Marie Presley's sudden death last Thursday, her three daughters are set to inherit their grandfather's legendary Memphis, Tennessee estate, Graceland.

    Where is Priscilla's son buried? ›

    Presley, the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, died on Thursday at age 54 after she was rushed to the hospital for a possible cardiac arrest. Her son Benjamin died by suicide in 2020 at age 27, and was later buried at the Memphis estate.

    Who owns Graceland now 2022? ›

    Lisa Marie Presley retains 100% sole personal ownership of Graceland Mansion itself and its over 13-acre original grounds and her father's personal effects - meaning costumes, wardrobe, awards, furniture, cars, etc..

    How much does it cost to stay at the hotel at Graceland? ›

    THE GUEST HOUSE AT GRACELAND $112 ($̶2̶2̶7̶) - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews - Memphis, TN.

    Who is the CEO of Graceland? ›

    Since then, Graceland has welcomed more than 22 million fans through its doors. Priscilla Presley and Graceland's President and CEO Jack Soden recently sat down to share some of their memories of opening Elvis' home to the world.

    Who owns Vernon Presley's house now? ›

    The house where Elvis Presley's father used to live is on the market. Vernon Presley lived in the 3,300-square-foot home at 3650 Hermitage Drive from 1961-1965. The current owners, Willie Thomas and his wife Evelyn, are looking to sell it to investors.

    How much does Elvis estate make a year? ›

    The value of Graceland specifically is unclear, but it's the biggest money maker for Elvis Presley's estate to date. The property boasts an entertainment complex, hotel and museum in addition to the mansion itself, generating an estimated $150 million in revenue for the city of Memphis annually.

    Why is Priscilla contesting Lisa Marie Will? ›

    Priscilla Presley "is contesting the amendment because it removes her as trustee in favor of her granddaughter," Caryn Young, a partner on the private client and tax team at international law firm Withers, told CBS MoneyWatch.

    Who bought Graceland Elvis or his parents? ›

    Who got the idea for Elvis to buy Graceland? His parents, Vernon and Gladys saw it first and placed a $1,000 down payment on March 16, 1957.

    How much is Graceland estate Worth? ›

    Graceland is worth at least $10 million, though the entire Elvis Presley estate is valued at between $400 million – $600 million, as per The Rolling Stone. Meanwhile, Elvis' net worth at the time of his death was about $5 million, reports Celebrity Net Worth, which equals $20 million in 2023.

    Who owns Elvis Presley Marilyn Monroe rights? ›

    Authentic Brands Group is an industry leader and owns the licensing rights to such iconic brands as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O'Neal, among others. Jamie will discuss: Brief overview of Authentic Brands Group, including owned and managed brands. Brief overview of licensing.

    How much did Elvis earn in his lifetime? ›

    Estimates place his lifetime earnings anywhere from $100 million up to one billion dollars.

    Does Michael Jackson own Elvis Presley's music? ›

    ' Jackson never did manage to acquire any rights to Elvis Presley's catalog, however. Following his death on August 16, 1977, at Graceland, the King's music catalog was owned entirely by 'The Elvis Presley Trust', to which Lisa Marie eventually became the only surviving beneficiary.

    Who took advantage of Elvis? ›

    Colonel Tom Parker was the one person you'd see at Presley's side all the time and the testy relationship between the Jailhouse Rock singer and the man who elevated him onto the throne has been brought into the spotlight with Baz Luhrmann's recent biopic, Elvis.

    What percentage did Tom Parker take from Elvis? ›

    Parker initially took a 25 percent commission, which grew to 50 percent. He made more off the toys, TV appearances, and acting roles, than Elvis. “Was he a cheap crook that played fast and loose?

    How much money did Colonel Parker steal from Elvis? ›

    But in 1973, the Colonel committed the ultimate betrayal, selling Presley's entire back catalog to RCA for $5.4 million, a gross undervaluation for one of the most substantial catalogs in music history.

    Who gets royalties from Graceland? ›

    Lisa Marie Presley retains 100% sole personal ownership of Graceland Mansion itself and its over 13-acre original grounds and her father's personal effects - meaning costumes, wardrobe, awards, furniture, cars, etc..

    How much did Elvis pay Priscilla Presley? ›

    The couple divorced on October 9, 1973 and agreed to shared custody of Lisa Marie; Priscilla also received a $725,000 cash payment, child support, spousal support, 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their home in Beverly Hills, and 5% of the royalties from Elvis' publishing companies.

    Where does Lisa Marie Presley get her money? ›

    In 1977 her father died and she became joint heir of her father's property along with her grand parents. As she inherited the entire fortune, which was around $100 million, after her grandparents passed away. In 2004, Lisa sold 85 percent of her father's property.

    Who owns the majority of Graceland? ›

    Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, inherited the estate in 1993 when she turned 25, until her death 30 years later. Presley's grave, along with those of his parents Gladys and Vernon Presley, his grandmother Minnie Mae Presley and his grandson Benjamin Keough are located in the Meditation Garden next to the mansion.

    How much does Graceland make in a year? ›

    The publication estimates that the Presley estate earned $23 million in 2020 alone. A majority of this money comes in through Graceland, which earns around $10 million annually during a typical year.

    Who will inherit Graceland after Lisa Marie? ›

    Elvis' only daughter has had 100 percent sole personal ownership of the mansion on the property and the 13-acre original grounds since her father's death in 1977. Now that she has sadly passed away, Graceland will likely pass to her daughters, Riley Keough and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood, the DailyMail reports.

    How much money did Colonel Parker make off Elvis? ›

    Out of the ridiculous $10.5million figure, Elvis received $4.5million and the Colonel received $6million. Toward the end of his career, his body was ravaged by years of abuse.

    How much money did Elvis make over his lifetime? ›

    Estimates place his lifetime earnings anywhere from $100 million up to one billion dollars.

    Who actually bought Graceland? ›

    Lisa Marie Presley is the sole owner of the Graceland mansion and its original grounds. Under the terms of Elvis' will, she inherited the property in 1993, when she turned 25.

    Who owns the Elvis catalog? ›

    The rights to Elvis' catalog is currently owned by Authentic Brands Group, whose portfolio includes celebrity brands such as Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali.

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