The idea to commemorate Presley, through the issuance of a postage stamp, which inherently represents a government document, was met with a considerable degree of controversy.

The source of this controversy rose from Elvis Presley's legacy, both as a sex symbol, as well as the well-documented substance abuse issues that ultimately contributed to his untimely death.

This sexual iconography, while a vital component of his appeal, provoked public debate over whether it was suitable for a figure who had become an emblem of American entertainment to be featured on an official government document.

Presley's struggles with addiction raised questions about whether it was appropriate to honor an individual who had faced such significant personal challenges and succumbed to the perils of substance abuse.

Many critics and concerned citizens argued that by featuring Presley on a postage stamp, the government might inadvertently appear to condone or romanticize behaviors that had led to his downfall.

[4] Critics argued that Presley's success came at a time when Black artists struggled to gain recognition and were frequently marginalized by a racially segregated music industry.

The controversy was exacerbated by allegations that Presley was sometimes credited with the creation of songs, which he had not written, and that he achieved a level of fame and financial success that far exceeded that of the Black artists who had originally pioneered the musical styles he borrowed.

The controversy over featuring Elvis Presley on a postage stamp thus became a symbol of these deeper racial tensions, as it called attention to the inequities within the entertainment industry.

[9] The original set included stamps featured Presley, Bill Haley, Clyde McPhatter, Ritchie Valens, Otis Redding, Buddy Holly and Dinah Washington.