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EPE's Todd Morgan Dies at 45

By: Elvis Australia
Source: Commercial Appeal
March 3, 2008 - 11:09:00 AM
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Todd Morgan

Todd Morgan, Graceland's longtime media voice, died inside his East Memphis home Saturday night.

The 45-year-old spokesman appears to have died of a massive heart attack, according to Kevin Kern, Director of Public Relations for Elvis Presley Enterprises.

'He has never been happier at his work', Kern said. Morgan had recently been promoted to direct a new project that involved developing videos and DVDs, his particular expertise, Kern said.

Todd worked at Graceland since May 1983 and played a major part in the development of Graceland as an attraction and in the many projects produced by EPE that have allowed fans all over the world to celebrate Elvis. He and had long been its liaison for local, national and international media.

For Elvis Australia this is extremely sad news.

Club President David Troedson - 'The Elvis world has lost a great friend. I have been in contact with Todd many times and am extremely saddened by the news. In feel like I have lost a friend which is odd due to our only corresponding officially by email, I really did not know him well. A strange feeling'.

'Todd was particularly helpful recently with our news update on the Status of Elvis On Tour DVD Release - Todd actually wrote a Q and A for Elvis Australia to run on the website. This was in response to our question about the status. We re-wrote it so it did not look so obvious that he had written it. He wanted to get the facts out - accurately - and that was really appreciated. The time he took to do this was way above what you would normally expect'.

Rest in Peace, Todd. You were a fantastic representative for Elvis Presley via EPE and you will not be forgotten.

Statement From Lisa Marie Presley

'Todd's sudden and untimely death is a huge shock and a great loss for us personally and for EPE. He has been an incredible gift and Gem in all of the 25 years that he worked at Graceland. He was so unbelievably devoted to us, to my Father and to his job. His heart, soul and his dedication could never be replaced. This is just nothing but sad and awful for everyone, our prayers and hearts are with him and his family. He will be deeply missed'.

LMP and family

Todd Morgan August 2007

Above, Todd was the announcer for the 'Elvis Presley In Concert' show in August 2007 in Memphis for the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.

Larry King is planning to offer his condolences to Todd's friends, family, and the Graceland staff at the end of Larry King Live on Thursday, March 6. If for unplanned breaking news taking up time tonight, the backup plan is for Friday the 7th.

In addition, a special memorial online guestbook has been setup by the funeral home where you can leave your thoughts and memories about Todd. Click here to visit their site.

Arrangement Information For Todd Morgan

These are the arrangements for the services for Todd Morgan:

There will be a small, private family service on Thurs., March 6 at 2:00 p.m. in Clarendon, AR at:

United Methodist Church
121 N. Third Street
Clarendon, AR

Elvis Presley Enterprises is planning a memorial service for the public in mid-March in Memphis, TN. Details will be announced soon and posted here.

Notes of condolences for the family may be sent to:

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Attn: Morgan Family
3734 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, TN 38116

A memorial fund is currently being set up with the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music to benefit the newly-created Todd Morgan Sound Fuzion Performance Enrichment Fund. Sound Fuzion is a touring ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists which represents the University at high schools, corporate functions and University sponsored activities, in addition to performing as part of the Music School's annual concert season.

Sound Fuzion is a group Todd loved and supported. He felt this was a great way to see the legacy of Memphis music continue to grow and develop in future generations.

Memorials may be sent to:

University of Memphis Foundation
The Todd Morgan Sound Fuzion Fund
Music Building
3775 Central Ave.
Memphis, TN 38152

- Sign Commercial Appeal Guestbook For Todd Morgan

In addition, a special memorial online Guestbook has been setup by the funeral home where you can leave your thoughts and memories about Todd.

Todd morgan March 17, 1962 - March 1, 2008

Todd Morgan

Saturday, March 17, 1962 in the eastern Arkansas town of Brinkley, Arkansas, a baby boy was born to Janice and Harvey Morgan, Jr. Thus began life's 45 year journey for William 'Todd' Morgan. Todd spend his youth growing up around the farming community of Clarendon. In 1980 he graduated from Clarendon High School with honors and continued his education at the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelors degree in Marketing. In May of 1983 Todd began working for the Elvis Presley Enterprises, as a tour guide at Graceland. Over the years he would work his way through management in the entertainment division, and later became the Director of Special Projects. Blessed with a talent for creativity, and the ability to make words say beautiful things, Todd became the face and voice of the Elvis Presley legacy. Friends and fellow workers say he was the very best tour guide Graceland ever had. He became a walking encyclopedia, with knowledge about Elvis; everything from lines in his movies, dates and history on all of Elvis' music. Todd was in charge of local publicity, media creative resources, and met with the celebrities who came to Graceland. Talented as a speech writer, he wrote speeches for Priscilla, Lisa Marie and the staff of Graceland. His proudest professional accomplishment was the Elvis Live Concert, which was his concept and development. It was first preformed in the mid 90's, and toured extensively all over the world. It can be see on the educational channels and was last preformed at the annual Elvis Week during the 30th anniversary of his death. Todd was also very active in the Memphis community. He supported the Memphis Art and Music scene for Rock-n-Roll to the Blues; was involved with the Memphis Humane Society as well as other animal charities. He supported, both personally and professionally, the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, 'Little Kids Rock' and was a steward of the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. A fair and generous person, Todd believed in giving young people opportunities, always supporting and encouraging them in their careers. A special project he was involved with was Sound Fuzion, a singing group at the University of Memphis. On Saturday, March 1, 2008 at his home in Memphis, God called Todd home. His leaving has left a void in the lives of his family and many friends. Best said in his beloved Elvis' song, I did it my way', Todd did it his way, and left his own legacy of beautiful memories for all who loved and knew him.

This article © Copyright Elvis Australia : No part of this article maybe re-printed for public display without permission.

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