Elvis Presley was one of the most influential and popular singers of the 20th century. He is widely regarded as the “King of Rock and Roll” for his groundbreaking contributions to the genre and his charismatic performance style. He was also a successful actor, starring in 31 feature films and two concert documentaries. He won three Grammy Awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame123.

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, died shortly after birth. Elvis grew up in a poor family and attended an Assembly of God church, where he developed a love for gospel music. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his parents when he was 13 years old24.

In 1953, Elvis recorded his first demo at Sun Records, a local label that specialized in blues and country music. He caught the attention of producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to create a new sound that blended black and white musical influences. Elvis formed a band with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, and later added drummer D.J. Fontana. They experimented with various styles, such as rockabilly, country, blues, and pop, and created a distinctive sound that featured Elvis’ powerful voice, expressive delivery, and energetic movements25.

Elvis’ first single for Sun Records was “That’s All Right”, a blues song by Arthur Crudup that he transformed into a rock and roll anthem. It was released in July 1954 and became a regional hit. He followed it with more successful singles, such as “Blue Moon of Kentucky”, “Good Rockin’ Tonight”, and “Mystery Train”. In 1955, he signed with RCA Victor Records, a major label that gave him more exposure and resources. His first RCA single was “Heartbreak Hotel”, which reached number one on the Billboard charts in April 1956. It was the first of his 18 number one hits in the US52.

Elvis became a national sensation after his appearances on television shows such as The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show, The Milton Berle Show, The Steve Allen Show, and The Ed Sullivan Show. He attracted millions of viewers with his charismatic personality, handsome looks, and provocative dance moves. He also caused controversy for his perceived sexual innuendo and rebellious attitude. He appealed to young audiences who identified with his music and style, but also faced criticism from some parents, religious groups, and media outlets who considered him a bad influence52.

Elvis also pursued a film career, making his debut in Love Me Tender in 1956. He starred in a variety of genres, such as musicals, comedies, dramas, and westerns. Some of his most popular films include Jailhouse Rock (1957), King Creole (1958), Blue Hawaii (1961), Viva Las Vegas (1964), and Charro! (1969). He also made two concert documentaries: Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970) and Elvis on Tour (1972). His films were generally well-received by fans and critics alike, and earned him millions of dollars at the box office56.

In 1958, Elvis was drafted into the US Army and served for two years in Germany. He resumed his musical career in 1960 with a series of comeback specials and albums that showcased his versatility and maturity as an artist. He explored different genres, such as gospel, soul, folk, country, and pop. Some of his most acclaimed albums from this period include Elvis Is Back! (1960), From Elvis in Memphis (1969), Elvis Country (1971), and Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite (1973). He also performed live concerts across the US and abroad, drawing huge crowds of loyal fans who admired his charisma, talent, and generosity52.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, from a heart attack caused by prescription drug abuse. He was buried at Graceland, his mansion in Memphis that is now a museum and a pilgrimage site for millions of fans every year. His legacy lives on through his music, films, memorabilia, impersonators, tribute artists, fan clubs, books, documentaries, biographies, and musicals. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest artists of all time and one of the most influential figures in American culture