Mr. Potato Head adds Elvis model
One of more than 15,000 Elvis-licensed products
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 | 1:58 PM ET
CBC News
PPW Toys will launch its new Elvis Presley collectible in August. (Eric Jamison/Associated Press)The first of a series of Elvis Presley versions of Mr. Potato Head toys will be launched in August in time for Elvis Tribute Week events at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn.
Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. recently signed a deal with Mr. Potato Head manufacturer PPW Toys and Hasbro Inc., which licenses the figures.
The first of the potato heads will feature the spud in the King of Rock 'n' Roll's famous white jumpsuit, with microphone and guitar.
A second version, to be released in time for the 2010 Christmas holiday season, will be decked out in a black leather suit representing the costume the King wore in his 1968 Comeback Special performance.
Graceland spokesman Kevin Kern told Memphis's The Commercial Appeal the new toy is one of more than 15,000 Elvis-licensed products, and one the company is excited about.
It will sell for $20 US at specialty retailers and e-tailers.
PWW spokesman Dean Gorby said the Elvis figures will help broaden Mr. Potato Head's audience to include adult collectors.
The first toy to be featured in a television commercial, Mr. Potato Head was launched in 1952, two years before Presley recorded his first rock 'n' roll record.
Presley died on Aug. 16, 1977, at the age of 42 after taking a lethal cocktail of prescribed drugs.
With files from The Associated PressShare Tools
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