Elvis Presley

The incredible Elvis Presley life story began when Elvis Aaron Presley was
born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi,
on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis
to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis,
Tennessee, in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in
1953.

Elvis musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the
gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he
frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street
as a Memphis teenager.

In 1954, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label
in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By
1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that
uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged
the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of
American music and popular culture.

Here are a few Elvis Presley facts: he starred in 33 successful films, made
history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim
through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour
and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than
any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-
platinum awards. Among his many achievements were 14 Grammy
nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts &
Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which he received at age
36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the
Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special
privileges, his celebrity status might have afforded him, Elvis honorably
served his country in the U.S. Army.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him
to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated
throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as
one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis
died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. He was 42.

Early Interest in Music

Musician and actor Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo,
Mississippi. (He later changed the spelling of his middle name to the biblical
form of Aaron.) Presley was supposed to be a twin, but his brother, Jesse
Garon (sometimes spelled Jessie) was stillborn. From very humble
beginnings, Elvis Presley grew up to become one of the biggest names in
rock 'n' roll.

Raised by loving, working-class parents, Presley's family had little money,

and they moved from place to place frequently. He was deeply devoted to his
parents, especially his mother, Gladys, and was raised to have a strong faith
in God. Presley attended the Assembly of God Church with his parents, where
gospel music became an important influence for him.

Presley received his first guitar as a gift from his mother on his 11th birthday
in 1946 and had his first taste of musical success a few years later when he
won a talent show at Humes High School in Memphis. After graduating in
1953, he worked a number of jobs while pursuing his musical dream. He cut
his first demo record at what later became known as Sun Studio that year,
and before long, Sam Phillips, the record label owner, decided to take the
young performer under his wing. Presley soon began touring and recording,
trying to catch his first big break. "That's All Right" was Presley's first single
in 1954.

First No. 1 Hit

In 1955, Presley began to develop a following with fans being drawn to his
unusual musical style, provocative gyrating hips and good looks. That same
year, he signed with RCA Records, a deal worked out by his manager, Colonel
Tom Parker. Presley was on a roll, scoring his first No. 1 single with
"Heartbreak Hotel," as well as his first No. 1 album, Elvis Presley, and signing
a movie contract with Paramount Picturesall in 1956. Despite the uproar
that his sexy dance moves caused, he also became a popular guest on a
number of television variety shows.

Soon, Presley was everywhereon the radio, television and the silver screen
working as a musician and actor. His first film, Love Me Tender (1956), was
a box office hit. Even a stint in the U.S. military couldn't put a damper on
Presley's thriving career. He received his draft notice in 1957, and was
inducted into the Army the following March. He eventually served in
Germany for about a year and a half. Shortly before Presley left for Europe,
his beloved mother, Gladys, died. He was granted a leave and returned to
Memphis for the funeral. Deeply saddened by her death, Presley returned to
duty. While in Germany, his spirits were lifted slightly when he met a young
teenager named Priscilla Beaulieu.

After leaving the Army in 1960, Presley resumed his career and was soon
back at the top of the charts with the soundtrack for his film GI Blues. He
continued recording music and acting in such films as Blue
Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) and Viva Las Vegas (1964). Though
his films were often hit or miss with both critics and audiences, they brought
in a profit and the soundtracks usually sold well. By the late 1960s, however,
the enigmatic performer appeared to be losing his box office appeal. Proving
he was still the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," he recorded his first TV special in
1968, often referred to as the "'68 Comeback." He wowed audiences with his
performance, which showcased his talents as a singer and a guitarist.

Personal Obstacles

Around this time, Presley's personal life also seemed to be on an upswing. He

and Priscilla wed in 1967 and had a daughter, Lisa Marie, the following year.
Unfortunately, this joyous time would not last. By the early 1970s, Presley's
marriage was falling apart. The couple divorced in 1973, and Priscilla
received custody of Lisa Marie. Presley was also wrestling with other personal
problems, including a growing addiction to prescription drugs; the once-thin
rock star was battling a weight problem, and his destructive lifestyle caught
up with him that fall, when he was hospitalized for drug-related health
problems.

Despite his personal obstacles, Presley remained a popular draw in Las Vegas
and on tour. He performed at his last concert in June 1977, in Indianapolis,
Indiana. After the concert, he returned home to his Memphis mansion,
Graceland, to prepare for another tour.

Death and Legacy

Sometime in the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure, at
the age of 42. It was later ruled that his death was related to his prescription
drug use. Presley was buried on the Graceland property, near the gravesites
of his mother, Gladys, father Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood
Presley.

Throughout his amazing career, Presley helped popularize rock 'n' roll music
in America. He also won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings. A
major musical force, Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, including "Don't Be Cruel,"
"Good Luck Charm" and "Suspicious Minds," as well as countless gold and
platinum albums. He was one of the first performers inducted into the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame (1986). But Elvis has been recognized for his
contributions several musical genres, most notably rock, country and gospel.
In 1998, Presley was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of
Fame; three years later, he was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music
Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Since his death, Presley has remained one of the world's most popular music
icons. Over the years, several documentaries and films have explored the
enigmatic performer, including a 2005 television miniseries starring Jonathan
Rhys-Meyers as Elvis. Presley's Memphis home, Graceland, is open to the
public, and numerous fans from around the world visit the legendary
residence annually, especially around Presley's birthday and the anniversary
of his death.

Thousands of fans traveled to Graceland on August 16, 2012the 35th

anniversary of Elvis Presley's deathfor a special vigil in honor of the King of
Rock 'n' Roll. During the gathering, fans held lit candles and stood outside of
Presley's home. Though the Presley family holds a tribute event each year to
mark the anniversary of Presley's death, the 2012 gathering was unique:
Presley's estranged wife, Priscilla, and daughter Lisa Marie Presley appeared
together for the first time at the annual event.

"You should see this from our point-of-view. It's amazing," Priscilla Presley
said during the event, according to the Washington Post. "The candles are lit.
It's truly a sight to behold ... This is something that Elvis would never, ever
have believed could have taken place here."