David Beckwith, the renowned publicist who represented Elvis Presley’s Graceland Museum, passed away on January 19 at the age of 67. His death was a result of sepsis following a hip replacement surgery. Today, we pay tribute to a man who played a crucial role in shaping the legacy of Graceland and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
The Gatekeeper of Graceland
In 1982, David Beckwith was selected to open Graceland as a public museum. One of his notable achievements was organizing a press conference featuring Priscilla Presley, which attracted over 700 members of the media. From that moment on, Beckwith became the gatekeeper of Graceland, maintaining a strong working relationship with the museum and Elvis Presley Enterprises until his unfortunate demise.
A Legacy Built on Partnerships
Apart from his contribution to Graceland, Beckwith’s career spanned various prestigious projects. In 1979, he initiated a long-standing sponsorship between Moet & Chandon and the Golden Globe Awards, which still thrives today. He also represented culinary icon Wolfgang Puck and played a pivotal role in organizing Puck’s Governor’s Dinner at the Academy Awards. Beckwith’s reach extended further, as he worked alongside industry elites like Swifty Lazar to orchestrate a memorable dinner at Spago for those unable to attend the Oscars. Additionally, he served as the publicist for Freddie Gershon and Music Theater International, lending his expertise to Gershon’s annual teacher scholarship in collaboration with the Kennedy Center and Stephen Sondheim.
A Champion of LGBTQ+ Advocacy
David Beckwith’s impact was not limited to the entertainment industry; he was deeply involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy. Beckwith served on both local and national boards of the Human Rights Campaign, dedicating his time and efforts to promote equality and support the rights of marginalized communities. He played a crucial role in bringing Los Angeles’ Outfest, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival, to life, further cementing his commitment to making a positive impact.
Remembering a Remarkable Life
Born on April 28, 1956, in Albion, Nebraska, David Beckwith pursued his passion for journalism and graduated from the University of Oregon. He began his career at Rogers and Cowan in 1979 before establishing his own venture, The Beckwith Company, in 1992. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted partner to his husband of 15 years, Dietrich Nelson.
David Beckwith’s passing is a significant loss to the world of public relations and the entertainment industry. His contributions to Graceland, his partnerships, and advocacy work will be remembered and celebrated for years to come. Rest in peace, David.