Elvis Presley will soon be back in Waycross. The Okefenokee Heritage Center is commemorating the 70th anniversary of “The King’s” February 22, 1956, Waycross appearance with a special presentation.
OHC is bringing Elvis Tribute Artist and Georgia native Jordan Poole to the CC McCray City Auditorium Saturday, September 26, for an evening of oldtime rock and roll. Poole, who hails from Sylvester, has won several awards for his portrayal of Presley, most recently being named the 2025 Tupelo Ultimate Elvis Champion in the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi.
Advanced tickets for the 70th Anniversary “Elvis Returns” event are available for $30 at the Okefenokee Heritage Center located at 1460 N. Augusta Ave., or online at www.okefenokeeheritagecenter.org. Tickets will be $40 at the door. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The opening act (TBA) will begin at 6 p.m., and Elvis will take the stage at 7 p.m. For more information, call 912-285-4260 or email [email protected].
OHC Executive Director Carla Garrett Cornett says the September fundraising performance fits beautifully with the OHC mission. “One of the goals of the Okefenokee Heritage Center is to keep our rich, cultural heritage alive,” Cornett says. “Our Willie R. Character Entertainment Venue houses posters of many famous performers who came to Waycross, specifically to the Waycross Auditorium. Knowing that Elvis performed here 70 years ago, and his music is loved by so many, we felt it fitting to bring 'The King of Rock and Roll' back to the same stage Elvis performed on.”
Elvis’ stop in Waycross was part of a grueling tour during which he performed “Baby Let's Play House,” “Tutti Frutti,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” On the same ticket with Presley were performers Justin Tubb, The Louvin Brothers, The Alabama Sanddusters, Mother Maybelle, The Carter Sisters, June Carter and Benny Martin.
As many Waycrossians know, Presley’s Waycross performance made a lifelong impression on a young audience member named Ingram Cecil Connor, later known as Gram Parsons. Parsons would become known as the creator of Cosmic American Music, a hybrid of country, rhythm and blues, soul, and folk music. Parsons went on to work with the Flying Burrito Brothers, the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and Emily Lou Harris. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026. The Okefenokee Heritage Center hosts a permanent exhibit honoring Parsons.
Elvis caused quite a stir during his 1956 whirlwind tour, visitng Waycross February 22 of that year.
