Elvis Presley, AKA "King of Rock and Roll," was one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley rose to fame in the mid-1950s and became a symbol of the transformative power of rock and roll music. His influence extended beyond music to fashion, film, and popular culture.
1954: Recorded his first single, "That's All Right," at Sun Records, marking the beginning of his career.
1956: Achieved his first number one hit with "Heartbreak Hotel." Released his debut album "Elvis Presley," which topped the Billboard chart.
1956: Appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show," which boosted his national profile and solidified his status as a cultural phenomenon.
1957: Released hit singles "Jailhouse Rock" and "All Shook Up." Starred in the film "Jailhouse Rock," showcasing his talents as both a singer and actor.
1958: Drafted into the U.S. Army, serving until 1960. Despite his absence, his popularity continued to grow.
1960: Returned to music with the release of the album "Elvis is Back!" and starred in the film "G.I. Blues."
1968: Made a major comeback with the "68 Comeback Special," a televised concert that reignited his career.
1969: Released the critically acclaimed album "From Elvis in Memphis," featuring the hit single "Suspicious Minds."
1973: Made history with the "Aloha from Hawaii" concert, which was the first live concert broadcast globally via satellite.
1977: Passed away on August 16 at Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
While primarily a solo artist, Elvis Presley frequently collaborated with a talented group of musicians.
The Blue Moon Boys: Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), and D.J. Fontana (drums) were his early band members.
The Jordanaires: A vocal quartet that provided backing vocals on many of his recordings.
Collaborated with producer Sam Phillips at Sun Records and later with producers like Felton Jarvis at RCA Records.
Elvis Presley won three Grammy Awards during his career.
1967: Best Sacred Performance for "How Great Thou Art."
1972: Best Inspirational Performance for "He Touched Me."
1974: Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" (live version).
Elvis's provocative dance moves and performance style caused controversy in the conservative 1950s, leading to backlash from some sectors of society and the media.
He was known for his relationships with numerous women, including high-profile romances with celebrities like Priscilla Presley, whom he married in 1967, and Ann-Margret.
Struggled with prescription drug addiction, which ultimately contributed to his untimely death at the age of 42.
Elvis's draft into the U.S. Army was a significant event in his career, as it interrupted his meteoric rise but also endeared him to many fans for his service.
Despite being a global superstar, he was known for his generosity, often giving away cars, jewelry, and money to friends, family, and even strangers.
Songs: Jailhouse Rock, Lonely Tonight, "Blue Suede Shoes, Heartbreak Hotel