It was in the mid-1950's when local talent promoter, Yankie Barhanovich, first signed Elvis Presley to perform three shows in Biloxi. "That's All Right" was released in July of 1954 and could be heard on radios all over. While many had heard the tune, Elvis wasn't quite famous yet when he played his first show in Biloxi on June 26, 1955 at the Slavonian Lodge. The Slavonian Lodge was dedicated on November 20, 1938 to be used as a meeting place and entertainment venue for its Croatian members. The first Croatian immigrants began settling in Biloxi around 1900 and its population steadily grew. The first settlers chose the area because the fishing industry provided work opportunities similar to the work in their home country. They served as an important part of Biloxi's fishing and seafood industry over the years, and their addition has enriched the area. On June 26, 1955, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black took the stage at the Slavonian Lodge. The show began at 8pm for a crowd of about 50 people. Elvis and his bandmates were there to perform as a part of the dedication for the new air-conditioned auditorium at the Slavonian Lodge.

The next two shows booked by Barhanovich in Biloxi took place at the Keesler Airmen's Club on Keesler Airforce Base. In 1941 , the War Department for the United States picked Biloxi for an Army Air Corps mechanical training school. This school would grow into Keesler Airforce Base. The Airmen's Club was opened in January of 1951. On June 27th and 28th Elvis performed there. A Biloxi native, June Juanico, describes in her book, "Elvis: Twilight of Memory", that the club seated about 300 people. She and her friend were there when Elvis performed and she says that he began his set with "That's All Right". His performance was not that long because he only knew about seven songs. June caught Elvis' attention at that show and they went out afterwards. She showed him the sights of her small hometown of Biloxi including a stop at Gus Stevens' Buccaneer Lounge and Restaurant.

At this time, Gus Stevens' Buccaneer Lounge and Restaurant was a very popular spot in Biloxi in an area referred to as "the strip". It was located on the corner of Veteran's Boulevard and Beach Boulevard. Its large dining areas offered good food with views of the Mississippi Sound. The restaurant portion was open 24 hours a day and the supper club opened at 9:30pm and stayed open to the early morning hours. Gus Stevens was an American-born Greek businessman who found a home in Biloxi and his restaurant hosted many famous acts of the 1950's and 1960's including Jerry Lee Lewis, Andy Griffith, Jayne Mansfield and many others. Presley was only ever a customer here, and never a performer. Gus Stevens is said to have commented, "What kind of performing is that with the wiggling and moving around?".

During his first performances on the Coast in 1955, Elvis was well known, but still enjoyed the luxuries of normalcy. He stayed at a local hotel called the Sun-n-Sand where he shared a room with his bandmates and relaxed in the pool amongst other hotel guests. He even enjoyed breakfast at the Cafe Koko which was located next door to the Sun-n-Sand. The Sun-n-Sand Hotel Court (as it is listed in the 1952 Biloxi City Directory) was located on the north side of Beach Boulevard, just west of Camellia Street. In 1954 an ad describes it as having 60 units, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. Later, the hotel expanded to provide a motel on the south side of Beach Boulevard which provided more rooms and another pool for guests to enjoy. In 1960 a pedestrian walkway was built over Beach Boulevard which connected the north and south sides of the property.

While Elvis was gaining national popularity and locals saw him and heard his music, his days of privately swimming in the hotel pool at the Sun-n-Sand or ordering hard fried eggs and burnt bacon next door at the Cafe Koko became more difficult. Elvis found fans in Biloxi and enough of them that the crowds outside his hotel room left him wanting a more private place to stay. Someone suggested Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort.

Gulf Hills Resort opened in 1927 by the Branigar Brothers of Chicago. It began as a golf resort offering golfers from all over a place to play year round. As the golfers took advantage of the milder climate, the resort grew to accommodate its guests. The hotel offered 66 rooms and 13 private villas on the water tucked away amongst winding roads in Ocean Springs, Mississippi which is a short drive over a bridge from Biloxi. Elvis found his refuge here in the 1950's choosing to stay at Villa #9. He enjoyed waterskiing, playing piano at the hotel lounge, The Pink Pony, and horseback riding at the Dude Ranch.

As his popularity grew, Presley found himself with less time for small shows and leisure activities such as water-skiing, deep sea fishing, and horseback riding along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. However, he did come back when his schedule allowed and even played one more advertised show in Biloxi. On November 6, 1955, Elvis performed at the Biloxi Community House at 2pm and 8pm to raise funds for the Lion's Club Doll and Toy Fund. The Biloxi Community House was built as a WPA project in 1938. The colonial structure was used for plays, magic shows, and musical acts. Its auditorium provided seating for approximately 1200 people between the floor and balcony. The Biloxi Community House also offered card rooms, lounges and many outdoor activities such as tennis, shuffleboard and horseshoes. Elvis' performances here in November of 1956 was successful and helped raise about $500 for the Doll and Toy Fund.

After those 1955 performances and visits into 1956, Elvis Presley's fame grew and he became "The King of Rock-n-Roll". He made movies in Hollywood and played sold out shows to thousands of screaming fans. His days of playing in Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast came to an end. After Elvis' death in August 1977, F. Yankie Barhanovich provided an interview for the Sun Herald newspaper recalling his relationship with Elvis during the 1950's. It was in this interview that Barhanovich stated that Elvis Presley was booked to play in December of 1977 at the new Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The Mississippi Coast Coliseum is located on Beach Boulevard just west of Beauvoir. Construction began in 1975. It was an enormous upgrade to the existing entertainment venues available to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It provided a seating capacity of 11,500 with additional standing room on the floor. Over the years it has provided a place for concerts, graduations, basketball games, rodeos, hockey games, ice skating, and more.