David Saks was at Graceland on the day Elvis Presley died,
August 16, 1977.

According to a biography of Saks, he was visiting Graceland with Elvis' uncle, Vester Presley. 

Saks was a notable Elvis fan who later became known for his dedication to preserving Elvis's legacy. 

His wife, Rhonda Carol saks (nee Tyson), was also a devoted fan and married Saks on Elvis's birthday in 1980. 

    Rhonda Carol Saks (1949-1986)

David Saks was a friend and fan of the Presley family, including Elvis's uncle, Vester Presley. 
Their relationship was based on their shared connection to Graceland and their deep respect for Elvis. 

    David Saks: A devoted Elvis fan, Saks was known for his dedication to preserving Elvis's legacy,

and he was honored by Graceland and the U.S. Postal Service for his role in the 1993 Elvis stamp issue.

    Vester Presley: Vester was Elvis's uncle and worked as a gatekeeper at Graceland.

He was close to the family and a fixture at the mansion.

    A shared connection to Graceland: Saks and Vester Presley were together at Graceland on August 16, 1977,

the day Elvis died. This event is a notable detail of their shared history. 

Their relationship appears to have been built on a foundation of mutual respect and their shared place in the broader "Elvis world,"

which united fans and family members in Memphis. 

Besides the friendship between David Saks and Vester Presley, there were other notable friendships between Elvis fans

and members of the Presley family. Elvis himself also maintained very close relationships with some fans.

Fan friendships with family members

    Harold Loyd: Elvis's first cousin, Harold Loyd, was a gate guard at Graceland and often served as

an ambassador for Elvis's fans. He would speak to fans who gathered at the gates, offering information and praise for Elvis.

This helped create a direct and personal connection between the Presley family and the fan base.

    Billy Smith: Another of Elvis's cousins, Billy Smith, was part of the "Memphis Mafia" and lived at Graceland for years.

After Elvis's death, Billy and his wife, Jo, started a YouTube channel called Elvis Fans Matter,

continuing to engage directly with fans and share stories about Elvis.

    David and Ricky Stanley: Elvis's stepbrothers, including David and Ricky Stanley,

also developed close friendships with fans.

One fan recounts a long-time friendship with them, which began when he attended an event where Ricky was speaking.

Their bond deepened over the years, with the Stanleys treating the fan like family. 

Elvis's own relationships with fans.

    Gary Pepper: Elvis himself maintained a close friendship with Gary Pepper,

a fan with cerebral palsy who was the president of the Elvis Tankers Fan Club while Presley was in the Army.

Gary was invited to Elvis's second wedding reception at Graceland,

and Elvis even gifted him a new wheelchair when his family could not afford one.

This example demonstrates Elvis's personal appreciation and care for his devoted supporters. 

Memphis native known for his extensive and diverse contributions in music,

radio, real estate, and community activism.

Born August 1, 1952,

he is a respected musician and composer whose songs

"In Memphis" and "One Last Bridge"

were adopted by the Memphis City Council as

the official songs of Memphis in 1990 and 1991.

His music manuscripts are preserved in the Library of Congress,

and he has performed at renowned venues such as

Steinway Hall in both London and New York.

Musical and Radio Career

David Saks began his broadcasting career at age 17,

volunteering at the University of Memphis campus radio station in 1969.

He is known for his on-air presence, especially on WUMR,

where he curated jazz and related musical styles.

Over his five-decade radio career,

he played a pivotal role at several Memphis stations and

contributed to community music education.

Real Estate and Community Advocacy

Apart from his musical achievements,

Saks is a licensed real estate professional dedicated to fair housing

and has actively opposed predatory lending and taxation practices in Memphis.

He has served on fair housing committees

and worked to revitalize blighted neighborhoods,

advocating for both fair trade and community safety.

His efforts include reducing the number of blighted properties

in Memphis and enhancing community services for the physically challenged.

Education and Other Interests

David attended Rhodes College, the University of Memphis,

and also studied abroad, including  institutions in Israel

and during a summer at Harvard College.

He is recognized as a philatelist and has earned several awards

for his work in stamp collecting, serving as a life member of the

American Philatelic Society, director and ambassador for the Memphis Stamp Club.

Notable Recognition and Personal Life

David Saks has been honored by the City of Memphis and is known for his community empathy,

especially towards charitable causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

He is also a writer and a prominent figure in Memphis's cultural history.

David Saks’ Contributions to

Memphis Music and Culture

David Saks’ contributions to Memphis music and culture are significant,

spanning songwriting, performance, radio, and community advocacy.

Official Songs of Memphis

David Saks composed “In Memphis” and “One Last Bridge,”

which were adopted in unanimous resolution by the Memphis City Council

in 1990 and 1991 as the city’s official songs.

These works highlight Memphis’s musical heritage

and are preserved in the Library of Congress

and the Memphis Public Library’s Memphis Collection.

Radio Influence and Music Education

Saks has been an influential Memphis radio personality for over four decades,

hosting shows dedicated to jazz, blues, and other genres on WUMR at the University of Memphis,

WTGR, and Rhodes College’s WLYX.

He helped establish campus radio stations that aired diverse music and community programming,

supporting the growth of musical appreciation and education in Memphis.

Creative and Performance Achievements

As a pianist and composer, Saks has performed at prestigious venues,

including Steinway Hall in London and New York,

contributing both original compositions and innovative musical blends.

His work exhibits a blend of jazz, classical, and improvisation,

reflecting the vibrant and diverse musical traditions of Memphis.

Community and Cultural Advocacy

Beyond music, Saks is also recognized for his advocacy for the physically challenged

and his support for institutions such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

He is involved in improving fair housing practices and has actively opposed

predatory lending and housing discrimination in Memphis.

Legacy in Memphis Culture

David Saks’s creative and civic efforts have earned him praise from local government,

music historians, and community leaders.

His commitment to Memphis has made him an enduring figure in the city’s cultural landscape,

connecting music, heritage, and social responsibility. 

Unanimous Memphis City Council Resolutions

The Memphis City Council officially recognized David Saks’s songs

by adopting “In Memphis” and “One Last Bridge” as the official songs of Memphis

through unanimous council resolutions in 1990 and 1991.

These adoptions were formalized by city government votes, granting the songs special status

as official cultural representations of Memphis.

This honor acknowledged both his musical contribution and his impact on Memphis’s cultural heritage,

with his music manuscripts preserved in the Library of Congress.

The Official Songs of Memphis

“In Memphis” and “One Last Bridge” by David Saks,

hold historical significance as symbolic cultural representations

that celebrate the city's unique legacy in American music and civic pride.

Their adoption by the Memphis City Council in 1990 and 1991

formalized the city’s recognition of its own musical roots and identity,

echoing Memphis’s celebrated contributions across

blues, soul, gospel, and rock’n’roll traditions.

Cultural and Civic Importance

These songs are more than musical compositions—they serve as anthems that unite residents

and honor Memphis’s reputation as a birthplace of influential genres and legendary artists.

The official designation illustrates the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its artistic heritage,

fostering civic pride, and inspiring future generations to appreciate Memphis’s impact on the broader musical landscape.

Lasting Influence

By being archived in the Library of Congress and the Memphis Public Library,

these songs continue to contribute to the documentation of local history and cultural memory,

demonstrating Memphis’s resolve to honor and sustain its musical and cultural achievements.

This recognition solidifies the role of music as a defining feature of

Memphis’s identity in both local and national contexts.

Official songs such as “In Memphis” and “One Last Bridge”

deeply shape Memphis’s cultural identity by serving as musical emblems

that unify diverse communities, reinforce civic pride,

and showcase the city’s historic role as a

birthplace of unique genres and social movements.

Unifying & Representing Memphis’s Heritage

These official songs function as audible narratives telling stories of struggle, triumph,

and unity, and echoing the city’s reputation for innovation in blues, soul, gospel, and rock.

They help residents and visitors connect with Memphis’s history

—from Beale Street’s legendary role to the civil rights movement and beyond—

making music a living bridge between past and present.

Fostering Pride and Social Cohesion

By adopting city anthems, Memphis strengthens collective identity

across racial, cultural, and generational lines.

These songs are performed at civic events and celebrations, encouraging people to take pride

in their shared heritage and to recognize the city’s unique contributions to American music and culture.

Preserving and Promoting Local Legacy

Making these songs official means their legacy is preserved for future generations,

highlighting Memphis’s commitment to artistic achievement and cementing music as a central,

enduring thread in its cultural fabric.

In sum, the Official Songs of Memphis help Memphis celebrate its diversity,

history, and enduring influence on global music culture. 

The Wake Up Crew

Tim Spencer - Bev Hart - John "Bad Dog" McCormack

David Saks