Elvis Presley’s iconic blue suede shoes to be auctioned for a large sum

In a highly anticipated auction, the iconic blue suede shoes worn by the legendary Elvis Presley during the early stages of his career have been sold for a staggering £120,000. The size 10.5 shoes were gifted by Presley to his friend Alan Fortas before he joined the US army, having acquired them after performing the hit song "Blue Suede Shoes" by Carl Perkins on his debut album. The auctioneer, Andrew Aldridge, described the shoes as a transcendent piece of showbusiness and music memorabilia, emphasizing their significance in popular culture. Presley's connection to the shoes dates back to 1956 when he recorded "Blue Suede Shoes" as the opening track of his debut album, solidifying their place in music history. The authenticity of the shoes has been verified by Jimmy Velvet, a close friend of Presley and an authority on the singer. The shoes, stamped with the "Nann-Bush" brand, were worn by Presley both on and off stage during the 1950s, including notable performances on "The Steve Allen Show" in 1956. The auction house, Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England, estimated the shoes to fetch between $126,835 and $152,203, with bidding starting at $69,751. The lot includes three documents detailing the history of the shoes, including a letter of authenticity signed by Jimmy Velvet and a certificate of authenticity from the Elvis Presley Museum. The shoes were given to Fortas by Presley in 1958, the night before the singer left for his army induction, during an all-night party at Graceland. The auction of Presley's original blue suede shoes has garnered significant attention from fans and collectors alike, highlighting the enduring legacy of the rock 'n' roll icon. The sale of these iconic shoes serves as a poignant reminder of Presley's influence on music and popular culture, with enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the outcome of this historic auction.