– David Beckwith, Publicist for Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Dies at 67
– David Beckwith, Publicist for Graceland, Passes Away at 67.
David Beckwith: A Legendary Publicist and Advocate
David Beckwith, a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry, passed away on January 19th at the age of 67. Known for his role as the publicist for Elvis Presley’s Graceland Museum, Beckwith’s contributions to the world of entertainment and LGBTQ+ advocacy were immeasurable.
A Remarkable Career
Beckwith’s career took off in 1982 when he was chosen to open Graceland as a public museum. This groundbreaking endeavor was a massive success, as he managed a press conference featuring Priscilla Presley that drew over 700 members of the media. From that point on, Beckwith became the gatekeeper of Graceland, maintaining a strong working relationship with the museum and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his untimely passing.
His influence extended far beyond Graceland. In 1979, Beckwith initiated a sponsorship deal between Moet & Chandon and the Golden Globe Awards, which remains in place to this day. He also represented renowned chef Wolfgang Puck and his restaurant, Spago, and played a crucial role in organizing the Governor’s Dinner at the Academy Awards. Additionally, Beckwith served as a publicist for Freddie Gershon and Music Theater International, contributing to Gershon’s annual teacher scholarship in collaboration with the Kennedy Center and Stephen Sondheim.
A Passionate Advocate
Throughout his life, Beckwith was deeply committed to LGBTQ+ advocacy. He served on both local and national boards of the Human Rights Campaign, fighting tirelessly for equal rights and acceptance. His most notable achievement in this realm was his instrumental role in bringing Los Angeles’ Outfest to life. As the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, Outfest celebrates diverse voices and promotes inclusivity.
A Life Well-Lived
David Beckwith was born on April 28, 1956, in Albion, Nebraska. He pursued his passion for journalism at the University of Oregon, where he graduated with a major in the field. In 1979, Beckwith began his career at Rogers and Cowan before establishing his own venture, The Beckwith Company, in 1992.
Beckwith’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Byrdie Beckwith, as well as his brother Doug. He is survived by his partner of 42 years and husband of 15, Dietrich Nelson.
In Conclusion
David Beckwith’s passing is a tremendous loss for the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ community. His dedication to his work, his clients, and his advocacy efforts made a lasting impact. Beckwith’s contributions will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations.
Final Words
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1. “David Beckwith, Publicist for Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Dies at 67”
2. “David Beckwith, Publicist for Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Passes Away at 67”.
