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Elvis brand still rockin' and rollin'
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MEMPHIS (AP) — An executive with the company that purchased Elvis Presley’s intellectual property says it is discussing ways to expand the late rock and roll icon’s brand and upgrades to the Graceland tourist attraction.Nick Woodhouse, president and chief marketing officer of Authentic Brands Group, says the company’s status as a marketer of icons like Marilyn Monroe positions it to expand the Elvis brand’s worldwide presence.Presley was “one of the most recognized and revolutionary people of all time, whether it’s in society or in pop culture,” Woodhouse said during an interview, adding that the company can make the Elvis brand “come to life a little bit more than it has been in the past.”Authentic Brands said last week it had bought Presley’s licensing and merchandising rights from CORE Media Group. The purchase price was not disclosed. As part of the deal, Joel Weinshanker, founder of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, acquired the operating rights to Graceland.Authentic Brands now controls Elvis Presley Enterprises, which manages the use of Presley’s name, image and likeness on music, photos, movies, TV appearances and performance specials.