Minneapolis, Aug. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forty years after Elvis Presley’s death, his famous white grand piano is up for auction on eBay from August 10-20. The piano, which stood in the Graceland music room for more than a decade, is expected to sell for millions. Ten percent of the proceeds from the Elvis White Piano, as the auction is listed on eBay, will go to Starkey Hearing Foundation which supports hearing health initiatives around the world.
Originally built in 1912 by Wm. Knabe & Co., the grand piano is one of the most important musical instruments in rock 'n' roll history. Prior to its home at Graceland, the piano was housed in Ellis Auditorium and played by musical greats including W.C. Handy, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and many others. As the heart and soul of Presley’s music room from 1957-1969, the piano was played by Presley and his many friends for practice sessions and friendly sing alongs.
“At Starkey Hearing Foundation, we believe music and sound can change lives,” said Tani Austin, co-founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be included in the Elvis White Piano event, as the proceeds will allow us to give hearing aids to people in need so they can enjoy music and other beautiful sounds and connect with the world around them.”
The piano is expected to draw music aficionados and collectors from all over the world. For more information on the piano, visit www.elvispiano.com. Bidding starts on eBay on August 10 at 8:00 p.m. EDT and closes at 8:00 p.m. EDT on August 20.
About Starkey Hearing Foundation
Starkey Hearing Foundation, a public charity co-founded by William F. Austin and Tani Austin, gives the gift of hearing to people in need in the U.S. and around the world. Disabling hearing loss affects more than 360 million people, including 32 million children, yet many do not have access to the hearing devices that improve lives and promote understanding. Starkey Hearing Foundation focuses on hearing health missions, hearing loss education and hearing aid recycling. Connect with Starkey Hearing Foundation on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.
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