Thomas Kinkade Paints Graceland to Commemorate 50th Anniversary of Elvis's Purchase; Press Conference Features Artist and His Plein Air Studies on Friday, September 22nd, 2006

MORGAN HILL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 21, 2006--Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. has selected Thomas Kinkade, the Painter of Light(TM), to create a commemorative painting of Graceland, the former home of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Thomas Kinkade will create on location an original Plein-Air Study that will be featured at a press conference held at Graceland on Friday, September 22, 2006 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Graceland will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Elvis's purchase of the historic home in the Spring of 2007. It coincides with the 25th year of Graceland being open for public tours.

"Who better to capture a classic icon of the American experience like Graceland than America's most collected living artist, Thomas Kinkade," stated Kelly Hill, International Licensing Manager for Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc.

"Elvis Presley created rock and roll and changed music forever. Graceland was his refuge from the demands of his fame. My hope is that I will capture on canvas a bit of the home that he loved so much. As for me as an artist, I create art that is accessible for everyone, just as Elvis created music that is enjoyed by millions of people the world over. The Elvis I want to celebrate is the private man; the inspiration of how one person can use his or her God-given talent to bring joy to millions of people," said Thomas Kinkade in a recent interview.

"Thomas Kinkade is fulfilling his promise as an artist ambassador. In many ways, his paintings chronicle all that is good about the American experience," says Linda Mariano, Vice President, Marketing & Licensing at The Thomas Kinkade Company. "Thom is increasingly interested in painting American icons. His forthcoming release of 'The Spirit of New York' depicts the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. Graceland, too, is a landmark and holds a special place in the American psyche."

At the press conference, Mr. Kinkade will unveil his Plein-Air Study of Graceland completed earlier in the day on the grounds at Graceland and talk about his impressions of the house, the grounds, and its famous owner. This Study will be the background material that he will use to create the painting to be unveiled in March 2007. Graceland limited edition prints will be made available through Thomas Kinkade galleries.

Graceland is located at 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis. Parking is provided. Press credentials are required. Contact Kevin Kern at 901-848-5656 for more information.

About the Thomas Kinkade Company

The Thomas Kinkade Company publishes the work of Thomas Kinkade and distributes his art and related collectibles through independently owned galleries worldwide, an extensive network of branded and licensed dealers, and strategic marketing relationships with more than 70 licensees. The company's primary products are canvas and paper reproductions that feature Mr. Kinkade's artistic unique use of light and his peaceful and inspiring themes. Mr. Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light(TM)," is the most successful and most collected living artist in U.S. history. For more information, please visit the Company's web site at www.thomaskinkade.com.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) is based in Memphis, with additional offices in Los Angeles. In addition to Graceland and its related attractions in Memphis, including the Heartbreak Hotel, EPE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.Elvis.com. EPE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ National Market System (NMS) under the ticker symbol CKXE.