Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley grew up in a poor family and was especially close to his mother, Gladys Presley. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, died at birth. In 1948, Presley moved with his parents to Memphis, Tennessee, where he won first place in his high school's annual variety show after demonstrating an early talent for singing in church.

Presley absorbed the musical traditions of the American South, including gospel, country, blues, spirituals and jazz. After high school, he worked as a truck driver for Crown Electric Company. In 1953, he paid to record a single at a local studio, and Sun Records owner Sam Phillips subsequently recognized his talent. Presley recorded his first commercial tapes for Sun Records in July 1954.

Presley's recording of "That's All Right Mama" became an immediate hit on local radio in July 1954. His early work combined country and rhythm and blues into an energetic form of rockabilly, while his hip movements and uninhibited performances brought him the nickname "Elvis the Pelvis." In 1955, Sam Phillips sold Presley's contract to RCA, and Colonel Tom Parker became his manager.

Presley gained national prominence through appearances on programs including the Dorsey brothers' Stage Show, The Milton Berle Show and The Steve Allen Show. His three appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show between September 1956 and January 1957 made him a national sensation. His major recordings of the period included "Mystery Train," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Shake, Rattle and Roll," "Teddy Bear" and "Hound Dog."

His popularity led to a film career that began with Love Me Tender in 1956. He later appeared in Jailhouse Rock and King Creole, while many of his subsequent films were musicals built around romantic plots and songs written for their soundtracks. He entered the US Army in March 1958 and was stationed in Germany, where he met Priscilla Beaulieu. Presley and Priscilla married in 1967, and their only child, Lisa Marie Presley, was born in 1968.

After his discharge in March 1960, Presley focused largely on films and soundtrack recordings. He gave his last concert for eight years in 1961, although his gospel recordings, including How Great Thou Art, demonstrated his continuing command of that style. He returned to public performances in 1968, followed by Las Vegas engagements and extensive US concert tours. His 1973 television special, Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite, was broadcast in 40 countries.

Presley died at Graceland on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. The stated cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia, while the official statement attributed it to heart disease. He was buried at Graceland beside his mother, and the mansion later became a place of pilgrimage for his followers.

Presley brought together Black rhythm and blues, Southern gospel, blues and traditional country music in a style that helped shape modern rock and roll. His performances were celebrated by younger audiences and criticized by some older viewers, with his provocative movements making him a controversial national figure as well as a major popular star.

His influence extended to performers such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, who expanded the musical territory that Presley had helped establish. He won three Grammy Awards, all for gospel recordings. In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously honored Presley with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.