Lis Gruber
Watch Lis Gruber's feature on KARE 11's "Land of 10,000 Stories" where she shares her lifelong passion for Elvis Presley. This heartwarming story showcases Lis's dedication as Elvis's biggest fan in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
Elisabeth Rose Gruber, born February 18, 1992, known to friends and family as Lis, has been a devoted fan of Elvis Presley since she was 10 years old. Her passion for the King of Rock and Roll has only grown stronger over the years, leading her to visit all of Elvis's historic sites and making multiple trips to Nashville, Tennessee.
Lis's bedroom is a testament to her dedication, filled with CDs, DVDs, nicknacks, pillows, comforters, and just about every imaginable Elvis item ever produced. Her collection is a treasure trove of Elvis memorabilia that showcases the impact the King has had on her life.
Lis was featured on KARE 11's "Land of 10,000 Stories," where her story touched the hearts of viewers across the region. Her family supports her passion by hosting an annual Elvis-themed event called "Shaking Up Gruber's Backyard," bringing Elvis's music and spirit to Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
Want to connect with Lis directly? Elvis fans can text her at (320) 255-1244 to share Elvis stories, discuss his music, or ask about upcoming events!
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. He was born alongside a twin brother, Jesse Garon, who was sadly stillborn. Growing up in a modest household, Elvis's family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, when he was 13 years old.
Elvis's musical journey began in church, where he was exposed to gospel music that would influence his unique sound. For his 11th birthday, Elvis received his first guitar instead of the bicycle he had hoped for—a pivotal moment that would change music history forever.
After graduating from Humes High School in 1953, Elvis worked various jobs while pursuing his musical interests. His distinctive blend of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues would soon catch the attention of Sun Records producer Sam Phillips, launching one of the most influential careers in music history.
In July 1954, Elvis recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Records, marking the beginning of his meteoric rise. His energetic performances, characterized by his provocative hip movements and unique vocal style, captivated audiences and scandalized conservatives.
By 1956, Elvis had signed with RCA Records and released his first number one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel." His television appearances, particularly on "The Ed Sullivan Show," brought his electrifying performances to millions of homes across America, cementing his status as a cultural phenomenon.
Elvis's early hits like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Hound Dog," and "Don't Be Cruel" revolutionized popular music by blending elements of country, gospel, and rhythm and blues—helping to create what we now know as rock and roll. His impact on music and culture during this period cannot be overstated.
Elvis's film career began with "Love Me Tender" in 1956 and would eventually include 31 feature films. While initially showing promise as a dramatic actor in films like "Jailhouse Rock" (1957) and "King Creole" (1958), his movie career took a different turn after his military service.
Upon returning from the Army in 1960, Elvis starred in a series of formulaic musical comedies that, while commercially successful, were critically panned. Films like "Blue Hawaii," "Girls! Girls! Girls!," and "Viva Las Vegas" followed a predictable pattern: exotic locations, catchy songs, and romantic entanglements.
Despite the artistic limitations of many of his films, they produced several hit songs and helped maintain Elvis's popularity during a period when he made few live performances. By the late 1960s, however, Elvis had grown frustrated with his movie career and longed to return to live performing.
By 1968, Elvis's career had stagnated with declining movie success and chart positions. The legendary "1968 Comeback Special" on NBC marked a triumphant return to form, showcasing Elvis in an intimate setting performing his classic hits with raw energy and emotion.
Reinvigorated by the special's success, Elvis returned to live performing and the recording studio with renewed purpose. His 1969 sessions at American Sound Studio in Memphis produced some of his most mature and acclaimed work, including "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto."
Elvis began performing regular engagements in Las Vegas, developing a new stage persona complete with elaborate jumpsuits and a full orchestra. The pinnacle of this era came in 1973 with "Aloha from Hawaii," the first global satellite broadcast by a solo artist, viewed by over one billion people worldwide.
The final years of Elvis's life were marked by personal struggles and health issues, yet he continued to tour extensively, performing over 1,000 concerts between 1969-1977. Despite his declining health, Elvis maintained a grueling schedule of up to 150 concerts per year.
His later performances, while sometimes uneven, still showcased moments of brilliance and his enduring ability to connect with audiences. Elvis's repertoire expanded to include contemporary hits alongside his classics, demonstrating his versatility as a performer.
Elvis Presley passed away at his Graceland home on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. His funeral was attended by thousands, and his legacy as the "King of Rock and Roll" continues to influence music and culture decades after his death. Graceland, his Memphis home, has become one of the most visited private homes in America, second only to the White House.
Anthony Shores and Jack Mansk are returning and promise there will be a whole lot of shaking going on. Bring your own lawn chair and preferred beverage. Bottled water will be available. Bring your friends and dancing shoes! No charge. A light lunch following the music. Hope to see you there! Elisabeth, Karen, and Henry Gruber
Follow Lis on her pilgrimages to Elvis's most iconic locations! From the legendary Graceland mansion to the historic Sun Studio where it all began, Lis has walked in the footsteps of the King himself.
"Dear Lis,
We've got a lot in common!
You spell your name L-I-S…
I spell mine the same — just with an E in front and a V before the I!
Keep rockin', girl — you've got the King's style and heart.
– Elvis (with a wink) 🎸✨"
"Lis, your love for Elvis is as timeless as his music—keep shining!" — Boyd Huppert, Randy Shaver, Belinda Jensen & Julie Nelson
Lis stands at the iconic musical notes gates of Graceland, Elvis's beloved home in Memphis, Tennessee. This moment marks the beginning of her pilgrimage to the King's sanctuary.
Exploring the grounds of Graceland, Lis takes in the atmosphere of Elvis's personal sanctuary where he spent his most private moments away from the spotlight.
A solemn moment at the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are laid to rest. For fans like Lis, this is a deeply moving experience to honor the legacy of the King.
Having some fun with a vintage-style "Wanted" poster during her Graceland tour, showing Lis's playful spirit and love for Elvis memorabilia.
Lis poses beneath a charming photo of Elvis puckering his lips, capturing a fun moment during her Memphis adventure.
Standing beside a photo of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's daughter, Lis connects with the continuing legacy of the Presley family.
Lis explores the historic Sun Studio, the "Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll" where Elvis recorded his first songs that would change music forever.
The exterior of the historic Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many other music legends recorded their early hits.
Lis stands at the microphone in Sun Studio, imagining what it must have felt like for a young Elvis to record his first songs in this very spot.
Lis visits Johnny Cash's stool at Sun Studio, where Elvis and the Man in Black once crossed paths in the early days of their careers.
Lis enjoys adventures with her family across Minnesota and beyond! From festive holiday celebrations to exciting road trips in her beloved Corvette, these special moments showcase Lis's love for family, fun, and exploration.
Explore some of Elvis's most memorable moments through the years, focusing on his early career and iconic motorcycle shots. These images capture the charisma, talent, and rock star energy that made Elvis the undisputed King of Rock and Roll.
A young Elvis Presley at the beginning of his career, showcasing his rebellious spirit and love for motorcycles that would help define his image as a rock and roll icon. Photo: Alfred Wertheimer, 1956.
Elvis embodied the spirit of youth rebellion in the 1950s, with his iconic hairstyle and charismatic smile becoming symbols of his break from convention and traditional music. Photo: RCA Records, 1955.
During his early recording days, Elvis's electrifying performances captivated audiences, with his unique vocal style and energetic stage presence creating a new sound that would change music forever. Photo: William Speer, 1956.
Elvis's love for motorcycles was well-known, with his collection including several Harley-Davidsons that he would ride around Memphis, often drawing crowds of adoring fans. Photo: James Reid, 1956.
As Elvis's fame grew, his iconic image translated to the silver screen, where he would star in films that showcased both his musical talent and charismatic screen presence. Photo: Paramount Pictures, 1957.
Elvis often attracted crowds of screaming fans wherever he went, creating iconic moments that captured the height of "Elvis Mania" in the late 1950s and solidified his status as a cultural phenomenon. Photo: RCA Records, 1957.
In his iconic white jumpsuit, Elvis revolutionized Las Vegas entertainment with his electrifying performances at the International Hotel, bringing his unique energy and showmanship to a new generation of fans. Photo: MGM, 1969.
Elvis's 1968 television special marked his triumphant return to live performance after years of making movies, reigniting his musical career and showcasing his enduring talent and star power. Photo: NBC Television, 1968.
Elvis made history with his "Aloha From Hawaii" concert, the first global satellite broadcast by a solo artist, reaching an estimated audience of over 1.5 billion viewers worldwide. Photo: RCA Records, 1973.
This gallery showcases the most beautiful and iconic images of Elvis throughout his career, from his early rebellious days to his legendary Las Vegas performances. Historical descriptions appear when you hover over each image.
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