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Bernard Lansky, joint-founder of the Memphis-based Lansky Brothers clothiers, died this morning aged 85.

Bernard and Guy Lansky opened Lansky Brothers at 126 Beale St. in 1946, at first dealing in army surplus, but soon moving on to more sharp clothing that appealed to the entertainment community, including the likes of Duke Ellington and Billy Eckstine. Before long, the cool threads attracted the attention of a flashy teenager called Elvis Presley, who would go on to become one of their best customers, and make the company world famous.

Elvis Presley and Bernard Lansky

Other famous Lansky Brothers customers included Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Rufus Thomas, and Johnny Cash. More recently, the likes of Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood and Robert Plant have shopped at the Lansky store at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Bernard Lansky was a popular, charismatic and successful Memphis businessman who helped shape rock ‘n’ roll fashion in the 1950s, thanks to his important association with the most popular star of the era. He continued to work at his beloved store until he was 82-years-old and was always happy to share stories with fans of the musical icons that he clothed.

Bernard Lansky leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Joyce; son Hal Lansky; daughter Anise Belz; five granddaughters (Lia Lansky Pulver, Julie Lansky, Melisa Lansky Weisman, Rachel Belz and Rebecca Belz); two great-grandsons (Ethan and Max); and his siblings Mildred Krasner, Frank Lansky, Bernice Banes and Alvin Lansky.

A public funeral service will be held at Baron Hirsch Synagogue at 11:00 am on Friday (Nov 16).