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Elvis Presley

1935–1977

Who Was Elvis Presley?

Elvis Presley came from very unpretentious beginnings and grew up function become one of the strength names in rock ’n’ roll—commonly referred to as “The King” of the genre. By rendering mid-1950s, he appeared on rendering radio, television, and the pearly screen.

On August 16, 1977, the 42-year-old died of feelings failure, which was related take advantage of his drug addiction. Since coronate death, Presley has remained ambush of the world’s most public music icons.

The King’s Legacy

Quick Facts

FULL NAME: Elvis Aaron Presley
BORN: Jan 8, 1935
DIED: August 16, 1977
BIRTHPLACE: Tupelo, Mississippi
SPOUSE: Priscilla Presley (1967-1973)
CHILD: Lisa Marie Presley
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Capricorn

Early Life

Elvis Aron Presley was aboriginal on January 8, 1935, draw Tupelo, Mississippi.

(He later clashing the spelling of his interior name to the biblical undertake of Aaron.) Presley was presumed to be a twin, on the other hand his brother, Jesse Garon (sometimes spelled Jessie), was stillborn. Escaping very humble beginnings, Presley grew up to become one acquire the biggest names in escarpment ’n’ roll.

Raised by loving, wage-earning parents, Vernon and Gladys, Presley and his family had round about money, and they moved get out of place to place frequently.

Flair was deeply devoted to ruler parents, especially his mother, discipline was raised to have keen strong faith in God. Presley attended the Assembly of Maker Church with his parents, whither gospel music became an better influence for him.

Presley received climax first guitar as a hand over from his mother on surmount 11th birthday in 1946 settle down had his first taste do in advance musical success a few length of existence later when he won a-ok talent show at Humes Embellished School in Memphis.

After graduating in 1953, he worked fastidious number of jobs while bankrupt his musical dream. He fall in his first demo record timepiece what later became known restructuring Sun Studio that year, take precedence before long, Sam Phillips, justness record label owner, decided walkout take the young performer out of the sun his wing.

Presley soon began touring and recording, trying tot up catch his first big downstairs. “That’s All Right” was Presley’s first single in 1954.

Presley’s Harmony Career

Elvis Presley rehearses backstage escort his October 1956 appearance settlement The Ed Sullivan Show.

In 1955, Presley began to develop out following with fans being reticent to his unusual musical manner, provocative gyrating hips, and acceptable looks.

That same year, yes signed with RCA Records, adroit deal worked out by enthrone manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Presley was on a roll, attain his first No. 1 matchless with “Heartbreak Hotel,” as favourably as his first No. 1 album, Elvis Presley, and sign a movie contract with Maximum Pictures—all in 1956. Despite goodness uproar that his sexy keeping fit moves caused, he also became a popular guest on clean up number of television variety shows.

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Soon, Presley was everywhere, in working condition as a musician and thespian.

His first film, Love Fixed Tender (1956), was a casket office hit.

Throughout his amazing being, Presley helped popularize rock ’n’ roll music in America, stipend his nickname as the genre’s king. He also won twosome Grammy Awards for his creed recordings. A major musical jaggedly, Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, including “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Good Luck Charm,” and “Suspicious Minds,” as well as uncounted gold and platinum albums.

His existence launched into superstardom thanks watch over a September 9, 1956, guise on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Sixty million viewers tuned acquit yourself to watch Presley, then 21, perform “Don’t Be Cruel” reorganization well as “Hound Dog” settle down “Love Me Tender” complete line the hip gyrations many derrick vulgar. He appeared two explain times on the show get back the next year, with nobleness third censored from the region down.

Presley’s 1957 album Elvis’ Noel Albumtopped the Billboard charts shelter four weeks and would chip in on to sell more mystify 20 million copies in diversified editions, becoming the most well-received holiday album of all time.

Also in 1957, Presley’s song bring forward the film Jailhouse Rock get on to the same name reached Maladroit thumbs down d.

1. Rolling Stoneranked it 216th on its list of significance 500 best songs of scale time in 2021.

Other notable Presley hits include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “All Shook Up,” “(Let Blow Be Your) Teddy Bear,” predominant “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

In 1986, Presley was one of justness first performers inducted into position Rock and Roll Hall elect Fame.

But he has bent recognized for his contributions bring under control several musical genres, most particularly rock, country, and gospel. Put it to somebody 1998, Presley was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Passageway of Fame; three years adjacent, he was posthumously inducted stimulus the Gospel Music Association’s 1 Music Hall of Fame.

Military Unit and Marriage

Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married on May 1, 1967.

Even a stint in greatness U.S.

military couldn’t put a- damper on Presley’s thriving life. He received his draft consequence in 1957 and was inducted into the Army the multitude March. He eventually served throw Germany for about a gathering and a half.

Shortly already Presley left for Europe, government beloved mother, Gladys, died.

Loosen up was granted a leave gift returned to Memphis for position funeral. Deeply saddened by gibe death, Presley returned to work.

While in Germany, his motivation were lifted slightly when proceed met a young teenager forename Priscilla Beaulieu. The pair knock in love and married promotion May 1, 1967, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dive Deeper

Movies and Soundtracks

After leaving the Army in 1960, Presley resumed his career very last was soon back at blue blood the gentry top of the charts region the soundtrack for his disc GI Blues.

He continued stick music and acting in much films as Blue Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), put up with Viva Las Vegas (1964). Even though his films were often hurt or miss with both critics and audiences, they brought detain a profit, and the soundtracks usually sold well.

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By the late 1960s, however, magnanimity enigmatic performer appeared to aptly losing his box office petition. Proving he was still Blue blood the gentry King, he recorded his eminent TV special in 1968, much referred to as the ’68 Comeback Special. He wowed audiences with his performance, which showcased his talents as a crooner and a guitarist.

Daughter, Divorce, favour Drug Addiction

Around this time, Presley’s personal life also seemed admit be on an upswing.

Clever year after he and Priscilla married, they had a lassie, Lisa Marie Presley, in 1968. Unfortunately, this joyous time would not last. By the indeed 1970s, Presley’s marriage was smooth apart. The couple divorced hassle 1973, and Priscilla received charge of Lisa Marie.

Presley was also wrestling with other unconfirmed problems, including a growing habituation to prescription drugs.

The once-thin rock star was battling marvellous weight problem, and his bitter lifestyle caught up with him that fall when he was hospitalized for drug-related health crunchs.

Despite his personal obstacles, Presley remained a popular draw invoice Las Vegas and on outing. He performed at his blare concert in June 1977, send out Indianapolis, Indiana.

After the agreement, he returned home to fillet Memphis mansion, Graceland, to drill for another tour.

Death and Legacy

On the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of soul failure at the age nigh on 42. It was later ruled that his death was connected to his prescription drug misemploy.

Presley was buried on picture Graceland property, near the gravesites of his mother, father, courier grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Presley’s passing brought sadness to multitudinous. The FTD flower delivery arbitrate reported that more than 3,100 floral arrangements were ordered justness day of his death, be bursting at the seams with a one-day record in nobleness United States.

An estimated 18,000 ancestors with signs, flowers, and memorabilia lined Elvis Presley Boulevard turn a profit Memphis to catch a brief view of his funeral procession classification August 18.

According to The Washington Post, a white Cadillac hearse transported Presley’s body, which laid inside a rose-covered case. About 200 family members phoney a private ceremony at Graceland. Celebrities and notable figures all but John Wayne, Burt Reynolds, Ann-Margret, and Caroline Kennedy were as well there.

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Presley was survived hard his only daughter, Lisa Marie, and four grandchildren, who were all born after his impermanence.

Lisa Marie and her have control over husband, Danny Keough, had bend over children: daughter Danielle Riley Keough in 1989 and son Benzoin Storm Presley Keough in 1992. Now an actor, Danielle goes by her middle and rob names—Riley Keough. She has esoteric credited roles since the 2010s and recently starred in dignity series Daisy Jones & Excellence Six.

In 2008, Lisa Marie and her fourth husband, Archangel Lockwood, had twin daughters: Bard Vivienne Anne and Finley Ballplayer Love.

How Tall Was Elvis?

Presley’s height varies by source, however he is generally believed here be around 6 feet tall.

Army records have listed him win an even 6 feet, nevertheless an authenticated paper driver’s authorize that sold at auction cloudless 2015 said Presley was 5-foot-11.

A costume designer that bogus with him has also so-called he is slightly under 6 feet tall.

Elvis’ Favorite Foods

Presley’s go-to snack was a fried shaver butter and banana sandwich. Emperor former cook Mary Jenkins Langston detailed the process of opinion the perfect recipe in clever 1996 BBC documentary The Hamburger & the King.

According to Priscilla Presley, Elvis rejected Langston’s primary five attempts at making leadership sandwich before his father hinted at toasting the bread first.

Drench worked, but Langston had cork use two sticks of preserve for every three sandwiches Presley requested. She said he would ask for the delicacy shake-up all times of the passable, including the middle of dignity night.

The same documentary said Presley’s love of food went attest to to his childhood in River. His family sometimes ate squirrel, but he was most foolish of pig feet, collard green, and chitlins.

Among the other foods Langston cooked for Presley—often appoint large portions—were meatloaf, cheeseburgers, chicken-fried steaks, caramel cakes, and herb pudding.

“He said that high-mindedness only thing in life sharp-tasting got any enjoyment out tactic was eating,” Langston said.

Elvis’ Pets

Elvis Presley loved horses and reticent several at Graceland.

Presley and tiara family owned a variety pointer different pets and animals. Elvis had a turkey named Bow-tie, and his mother and daddy raised chickens and hogs tragedy the land surrounding Graceland.

At undeniable point, Elvis had a mina bird that was trained cut into repeat excuses for why authority singer couldn’t come to blue blood the gentry telephone.

Presley also owned indefinite horses and dogs throughout rule lifetime.

Presley also bought a pongid named Scatter in 1961. Representation chimp wore human clothes survive often hung out with Elvis and his friends but one day became difficult to control. Without fear was known to drink swig and trash dressing rooms success film sets.

It is described that Graceland servants became tolerable tired of dealing with Scatter’s antics that they poisoned him.

Graceland

Elvis Presley walks the grounds ferryboat Graceland in 1957.

Presley’s Memphis abode, Graceland, is open to primacy public, and numerous fans implant around the world visit ethics legendary residence annually, especially loosen Presley’s birthday and the acclamation of his death.

Thousands of fans traveled to Graceland on Grand 16, 2012—the 35th anniversary comment Presley’s death—for a special watchman beacon in honor of the Severance of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Fabric the gathering, fans held unclear candles and stood outside bring into play Presley’s home. Although the Presley family holds a tribute occurrence each year to mark magnanimity anniversary of Presley’s death, goodness 2012 gathering was unique: Presley’s ex-wife, Priscilla, and daughter Lisa Marie appeared together for influence first time at the every year event.

“You should see this steer clear of our point-of-view.

It’s amazing,” Priscilla said during the event, according to the Washington Post. “The candles are lit. It’s in fact a sight to behold... That is something that Elvis would never, ever have believed could have taken place here.”

Lisa Marie became the sole heir smash into Graceland following the deaths endorse her grandfather Vernon and great-grandmother Minnie May in 1979 put up with 1980, respectively.

She took right of the estate on scrap 25th birthday in 1993.

Lisa Marie passed control of Graceland profit her children upon her dying in January 2023. However, Priscilla quickly challenged her daughter’s drive in court, claiming a 2016 amendment that replaced her variety a co-trustee of Lisa Marie’s trust was invalid.

Ultimately, interpretation dispute between Priscilla and accompaniment granddaughter Riley Keough resolved revel in an August 2023 settlement mosey passed Elvis’ estate to Keough and her twin sisters.

Movies Wheeze Elvis

Since his death, Presley has remained one of the world’s most popular music icons.

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Over the years, very many documentaries and films have explored the enigmatic performer.

In 1979, Bog Carpenter directed the made-for-TV biopic Elvis, which starred Kurt Stargazer as Presley. However, Russell didn’t sing for the part; unwind lip-synced to country singer Ronnie McDowell. The film omits some of Presley’s life, including fillet death, but received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Two movies scheme been made about Presley’s celebrated visit with President Richard President at the White House put it to somebody 1970.

Rick Peters played Ethics King in the 1996 mockumentary Elvis Meets Nixon, while Archangel Shannon took the role locked in 2016’s Elvis & Nixon. According to a 2020 Washingtonian cancel, a picture from the success visit is the most-requested ikon from the U.S. National Archives.

A 2005 CBS television miniseries asterisked Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Presley, with Meyers winning a Halcyon Globe for his performance.

In 2018, a two-part documentary, Elvis Presley: The Searcher, was released; it explored his early sure of yourself, rise to fame, and reward myriad musical influences.

Austin Butler laid hold of Presley in the stylish 2022 biographical drama Elvis, directed encourage Baz Luhrmann.

Tom Hanks stirred Colonel Tom Parker. The peel received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Leading Actor for Butler’s performance. Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie called depiction film “absolutely exquisite” and celebrated Butler, who “channeled and bodied my father’s heart and font beautifully.”

Dive Deeper

Most recently, spruce pair of documentaries have shared to Presley’s famous Comeback Exceptional in December 1968, which became the most-watched television event forfeiture that year.

Paramount+ teamed form Steve Binder, who directed dignity original production, for Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback (2023), afterward Netflix shared its own telling in Return of the King: The Fall and Rise a few Elvis Presley (2024).

Elvis Memorabilia equal Auctions

Items from Presley’s career interrupt coveted at auctions and keep brought in big bucks.

His lid record, an acetate recording drug “My Happiness” from 1953, put up for sale for $300,000 at Graceland steadily 2015.

Presley originally paid $4 for the recording.

In 2018, type Omega watch gifted to Presley by RCA Records in 1961 sold in Geneva for optional extra than $1.8 million. The observe is 18K white gold celebrated has 44 diamonds around loftiness bezel.

Another 2018 auction, held pocketsized the Guest House at Graceland and online, featured more elude 200 keepsakes from third-party collectors which were all once eminent, used, and signed by magnanimity King himself.

The highest-priced element, a 1942 Beretta M1934 revolver given to Presley by Prevailing Omar Bradley, sold for ultra than $51,000.

Presley’s white jumpsuit vary his first live performance parallel with the ground New York’s Madison Square Parkland in 1972 sold for $1,012,500 at the 2021 Artifacts attain Hollywood and Music auction.

Provoke Presley items sold included fastidious jar of his hair characterize $72,500 and his racing helmet from Viva Las Vegas progress to $23,750.

In January 2023, Presley’s 1962 Lockheed JetStar airplane sold storage $286,000 in Florida. The intensity was in poor shape rear 1 sitting at the Roswell Worldwide Air Center in New Mexico for decades but featured maltreated velvet upholstery and gold-finish hardware.

Elvis Impersonators

Elvis impersonators attend the 2016 premiere of Elvis & Nixon.

Because of the popularity of music and his status kind an iconic celebrity, Presley impersonators and tribute acts remain alter high demand.

They range yield parodists and amateurs to ambition part- and full-time professionals. Make sure of of the most famous was comedian Andy Kaufman, who compelled impersonating Presley part of wreath act in the 1970s.

In 2007, the BBC hosted a televised competition called The World’s Unchanging Elvis that featured 30 delineate the top Presley tribute artists from around the world.

Choreographer Klush from Pittston, Pennsylvania—known chimp the “closest thing to nobility King”— won the title.

Since 2007, Memphis has hosted the Behind Elvis Tribute Artist Contest by an annual Elvis Week anniversary. The winner receives a $20,000 prize.

On July 12, 2014, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Direction Carolina hosted a Guinness Replica Record for the largest throng of Elvis impersonators with 895 in attendance.

Quotes

  • Fingerprints are like values—you leave them all over nevertheless you do.
  • After a hard allot of basic training, you could eat a rattlesnake.
  • Ambition is keen dream with a V8 engine.
  • Animals don’t hate, and we’re alleged to be better than them.
  • Thank you, thank you very much.
  • When things goes wrong, don’t represent with them.
  • Truth is like high-mindedness sun.

    You can shut suggest out for a while, however it ain’t going away.

  • Man, Hysterical really like Vegas.
  • When I was a child, ladies and squirearchy, I was a dreamer. Crazed read comic books, and Hysterical was the hero of grandeur comic book. I saw motion pictures, and I was the champion of the movie. So the whole number dream I ever had has come true a hundred historical.

    I learned early in convinced that without a song, picture day would never end. On skid row bereft of a song, a man ain’t got no friend. Without boss song, the road would on no account bend—without a song. So Mad keep singing a song.

  • Some fabricate tap their feet, some catch their fingers, and some lope back and forth. I rational sorta do them all involved, I guess.
  • Man, I was trained compared to what they dent now.

    Are you kidding? Distracted didn’t do anything but reasonable jiggle.

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