On January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, the United States, the world was introduced to the future King of Rock and Roll. He was an only child his whole life because his twin brother was born dead when he was born. In 1948, his parents moved to Memphis, where he went to school until he graduated from Humes High School in 1953.
Elvis Presley’s earliest significant musical influences came from contemporary pop and country music; the gospel music he heard when he was a teenager in church, and the black rhythm and blues he started listening to on the legendary Beale Street. Other early musical influences included gospel music and black R&B. On the occasion of his 11th birthday, he purchased his first guitar in Tupelo.
In 1954, he recorded his first five singles for the Memphis-based Sun Records label. He signed with RCA Victor in 1955, and by 1956 he was a worldwide phenomenon thanks to that label’s smart business move.
The Supreme Leader of Rock and Roll sold over a trillion dollars of records in his lifetime. There are more than 150 tracks and singles of his that have been awarded gold, platinum, or multi-platinum status. On top of that, he was nominated for 14 Grammys and ended up taking home three.
A multi-talented individual
Elvis Presley was an entertainer with many skills. He was a musician, but he also acted in 33 movies and appeared on many TV shows and specials.
Also, from 1958 to 1960, he was a regular soldier in the U.S. Army, even though he could have joined the Special Services branch, which was in charge of providing entertainment for the military.
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away suddenly from heart failure at the age of 42 while he was residing in his Graceland Graceland home in Memphis. The cause of death was unexpected. He is thought to be one of the most important people in the history of 20th-century popular culture.
