David Beckwith, the longtime publicist of Elvis Presley’s Graceland, died January 19 in Phoenix after a hip replacement surgery followed by sepsis. He was 67.
His friend, publicist Lynn Weiss, confirmed the news.
Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion, Ne, Beckwith began his career in 1979 at Rogers & Cowan and formed his own business, The Beckwith Company, 13 years later.
In 1982, Beckwith was chosen to open Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis as a public museum. More than 700 media members attended the opening news conference with Priscilla Presley, and Beckwith continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.
Beckwith was the gatekeeper of Graceland and molded the image presented to the public for 42 years.
He also represented Wolfgang Puck and Spago for many years, including the Academy’s Governors Dinner, along with repping Freddie Gershon and Music Theater International.
He was a champion of the LGBTQ+ community, serving on the...
His friend, publicist Lynn Weiss, confirmed the news.
Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion, Ne, Beckwith began his career in 1979 at Rogers & Cowan and formed his own business, The Beckwith Company, 13 years later.
In 1982, Beckwith was chosen to open Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis as a public museum. More than 700 media members attended the opening news conference with Priscilla Presley, and Beckwith continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.
Beckwith was the gatekeeper of Graceland and molded the image presented to the public for 42 years.
He also represented Wolfgang Puck and Spago for many years, including the Academy’s Governors Dinner, along with repping Freddie Gershon and Music Theater International.
He was a champion of the LGBTQ+ community, serving on the...
- 1/24/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
David Beckwith, the veteran publicist whose crowning achievement was his work representing Elvis Presley’s Graceland museum since it opened more than four decades ago, has died. He was 67.
Beckwith died Friday in Phoenix after his hip replacement surgery was followed by sepsis, fellow publicist Lynn Weiss announced.
Beckwith for many years also represented Wolfgang Puck, his annual Governors Ball dinner at the Academy Awards and Spago. With the chef and agent Swifty Lazar, he arranged a fine dinner at Spago for industry heavyweights who were not at the Oscars, complete with a large-screen TV for them to watch the show.
When Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, was first opened to the public in July 1982, Beckwith helped manage the 700-plus members of the media there for the opening news conference with Priscilla Presley. He continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.
Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion,...
Beckwith died Friday in Phoenix after his hip replacement surgery was followed by sepsis, fellow publicist Lynn Weiss announced.
Beckwith for many years also represented Wolfgang Puck, his annual Governors Ball dinner at the Academy Awards and Spago. With the chef and agent Swifty Lazar, he arranged a fine dinner at Spago for industry heavyweights who were not at the Oscars, complete with a large-screen TV for them to watch the show.
When Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, was first opened to the public in July 1982, Beckwith helped manage the 700-plus members of the media there for the opening news conference with Priscilla Presley. He continued his work with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his death.
Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion,...
- 1/24/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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