Elvis Presley

Elvis' birthplace Tupelo, MS 2007

Historic Blue Moon Museum Verona MS 023

PresleyPromo1954PhotoOnly

Elvis Presley- Billboard ad 1956

Elvis signs autographs in Minneapolis 1956

Elvis Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer, actor, and cultural icon. Known as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King," Presley's charismatic stage presence and pioneering vocal style transformed the landscape of popular music and had a profound impact on the world of entertainment. His career spanned two decades, from the mid-1950s until his death in 1977, during which he produced hit songs, starred in blockbuster movies, and performed in numerous live concerts, becoming one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century.

Early Life

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Raised in a working-class family, Presley was deeply influenced by the gospel music he heard in church and the country and rhythm and blues music prevalent in the South. In 1948, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he attended Humes High School and absorbed the vibrant musical scene of Beale Street.

Career

Music

Presley's music career began in 1954 with the recording of "That's All Right" at Sun Records, a moment that is often regarded as the birth of rock and roll. His unique sound and style were a blend of country, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. This innovative fusion, combined with his energetic interpretation and sexually provocative performance style, made him a controversial figure. Despite this, he quickly rose to fame, with hits like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," and "Jailhouse Rock" propelling him to unprecedented success.

Movies

In addition to his music career, Presley also became a popular actor. He starred in 31 feature films, such as Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock, and Viva Las Vegas. While his films were often critically panned, they were commercially successful and contributed to his status as a cultural icon.

Comeback

After a period of declining popularity in the early 1960s, Presley made a triumphant return to live performance with his 1968 television special, which is commonly known as the '68 Comeback Special. He followed this with a return to live concerts, performing to sold-out audiences across the United States, most notably in Las Vegas.

Death and Legacy

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 42. The cause of death was officially attributed to heart failure, but it was widely speculated that prescription drug abuse was a contributing factor. His death marked the end of an era, but his music and persona have continued to influence generations of artists and fans. Presley is one of the best-selling solo music artists of all time, with estimated record sales of around 600 million units worldwide.

He has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018. Presley's Graceland home has become a shrine for fans, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

See Also

• Rock and Roll
• Sun Records
• Graceland