Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elvis Presley
Discover the career path of Elvis Presley, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," was a hugely influential American singer and actor of the 20th century. He achieved immense fame and sparked controversy with his sexually charged performances and unique blend of musical styles, which significantly impacted race relations during a period of social change. His impact on music and pop culture remains undeniable.
October 3, 1945: First public performance
On October 3, 1945, Elvis Presley gave his first public performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. He sang "Old Shep" and placed fifth.
1945: Talent Show Performance
In 1945, Elvis Presley sang "Old Shep" at a talent show, which he later recorded for his second RCA Victor album, marking the first time he played piano on an RCA Victor session.
1946: Blues number "That's All Right"
In July 1954, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black recorded Arthur Crudup's 1946 blues number "That's All Right", marking a significant moment in the creation of Elvis's signature sound.
August 1953: Recorded first acetate disc at Memphis Recording Service
In August 1953, Elvis Presley recorded his first two-sided acetate disc at Memphis Recording Service, featuring "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin".
1953: Hound Dog hit
In 1953, "Hound Dog" became a hit for blues singer Big Mama Thornton, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
1953: Competed in Humes' Annual "Minstrel" Show
In 1953, during his senior year, Elvis Presley competed in Humes' Annual "Minstrel" Show, singing and playing "Till I Waltz Again with You" by Teresa Brewer.
January 1954: Cut second acetate at Sun
In January 1954, Elvis Presley cut a second acetate at Sun Records, featuring "I'll Never Stand in Your Way" and "It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You", but nothing came of it.
July 17, 1954: First public performance as a trio
On July 17, 1954, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black played publicly for the first time at the Bon Air club, marking an early milestone in their collaborative career.
November 1954: Performed on Louisiana Hayride
In November 1954, Elvis Presley performed on Louisiana Hayride, a significant venue for rising country and rockabilly stars, leading to a year's worth of Saturday-night appearances.
1954: Music career began at Sun Records
In 1954, Elvis Presley's music career began in Memphis, Tennessee, at Sun Records. Working with producer Sam Phillips, Presley pioneered rockabilly, a fusion of country music and rhythm and blues, along with Scotty Moore and Bill Black.
1954: Presley's first professional recordings
In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis Presley made his first professional recordings.
1954: Rockabilly crystallizes with Presley's first release
In 1954, rockabilly crystallized into a recognizable style with Elvis Presley's first release on the Sun label.
August 1955: Renewed Neal's management contract and appointed Parker as adviser
In August 1955, Elvis Presley renewed Neal's management contract and simultaneously appointed Colonel Tom Parker as his special adviser, marking a crucial shift in his career management.
1955: Regional star
By early 1955, Elvis Presley's regular Hayride appearances, constant touring, and well-received record releases had made him a regional star.
1955: D.J. Fontana joined and RCA Victor acquired contract
In 1955, D. J. Fontana joined Elvis Presley's band as the drummer, completing the classic quartet. Also in 1955, RCA Victor acquired Presley's contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker.
1955: Introduction of the vocal stutter on Baby Let's Play House
In 1955, Elvis Presley introduced the vocal stutter on the song "Baby Let's Play House".
January 10, 1956: First Recordings for RCA Victor
On January 10, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first recordings for RCA Victor in Nashville, with an extended backup including Chet Atkins and The Jordanaires. The session produced "Heartbreak Hotel".
January 1956: "Heartbreak Hotel" released
In January 1956, Elvis Presley's first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released and became a number-one hit in the US. Within a year, RCA Victor sold ten million Presley singles.
September 9, 1956: First Appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show
On September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, watched by approximately 60 million viewers. His performance of "Love Me Tender" resulted in a million advance orders and made him a national celebrity.
November 1956: Film debut in "Love Me Tender"
In November 1956, Elvis Presley made his film debut in "Love Me Tender".
1956: Las Vegas Engagement
In 1956, Elvis Presley had a Las Vegas engagement that proved to be dismal, leading to nervousness before his return in 1969.
1956: Presley plays piano on 'Old Shep' and 'First in Line'
In 1956, Elvis Presley played piano on the songs "Old Shep" and "First in Line" from his album Elvis.
1956: Elvis Presley's Rise to National Attention
In 1956, Elvis Presley's rise to national attention transformed popular music, significantly impacted popular culture, and helped define rock and roll as a musical genre and a key aspect of youth culture, fostering greater acceptance of black culture.
1956: Self-Titled Debut Album Tops British Chart
In 1956, Elvis Presley's self-titled debut album first topped the British chart, marking the beginning of his record-breaking chart success.
January 6, 1957: Third and Final Ed Sullivan Show Appearance
On January 6, 1957, Elvis Presley made his third and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, during which he sang "Peace in the Valley", defying Sullivan's wishes.
1957: Starred in "Jailhouse Rock"
In 1957, Elvis Presley starred in the film "Jailhouse Rock", which became one of his most famous movies.
1957: Release of Peace in the Valley EP
In 1957, Elvis Presley's first gospel record, the four-song EP Peace in the Valley, was released and became the top-selling gospel EP in recording history, certified as a million-seller.
January 1958: King Creole Soundtrack Sessions
In January 1958, Elvis Presley held recording sessions in Hollywood for the King Creole soundtrack. Leiber and Stoller provided three songs, marking the last time they worked closely together.
March 24, 1958: Drafted into the United States Army
On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, which was a major media event.
1958: First Concert Tour Since 1958
After the end of his International engagement on September 7, 1970, Elvis Presley embarked on a week-long concert tour, largely of the South, his first since 1958.
1958: Top-40 hits during army service
In 1958, despite being in the army, Elvis Presley had several top-40 hits, including "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", the bestselling "Hard Headed Woman", and "One Night".
1959: Number-one hits during army service
In 1959, while serving in the army, Elvis Presley continued to have success with songs like "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I" and the number-one "A Big Hunk o' Love".
March 2, 1960: Return to the U.S.
On March 2, 1960, Elvis Presley returned to the U.S. after his military service. The train was mobbed by fans along the way.
1960: Recording of "Crying in the Chapel"
In 1960, Elvis Presley recorded the gospel number "Crying in the Chapel", which was released in 1965.
1960: Flaming Star Film Release
In 1960, Elvis Presley starred in the film 'Flaming Star'. As it was less commercially successful than his formulaic musical comedies, he reverted back to focusing on formulaic movies.
1960: Release of Stuck on You
In 1960, Elvis Presley's first post-Army single, "Stuck on You," was released, marking a shift towards a toned-down rock and roll style.
February 1961: Memphis Benefit Concerts and RCA Victor Plaque Presentation
In February 1961, Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis, benefiting 24 local charities. Before the event, RCA Victor presented him with a plaque recognizing worldwide sales of over 75 million records.
1961: Release of "Can't Help Falling in Love"
In 1961, Elvis Presley released "Can't Help Falling in Love". This song came from one of his movies and became one of his most popular songs.
1961: Starred in "Blue Hawaii"
In 1961, Elvis Presley starred in the film "Blue Hawaii", contributing to his success in Hollywood.
1961: Wild in the Country Film Release
In 1961, Elvis Presley starred in the film 'Wild in the Country'. As it was less commercially successful than his formulaic musical comedies, he reverted back to focusing on formulaic movies.
June 1962: Release of Pot Luck Album
In June 1962, Elvis Presley released the album Pot Luck. It was followed by a long period without a non-film album until 1968.
1962: Release of "Return to Sender"
In 1962, Elvis Presley released "Return to Sender". This song came from one of his movies and became one of his most popular songs.
1962: Release of She's Not You
In 1962, Elvis Presley released "She's Not You", which integrated the Jordanaires and exemplified a doo-wop sound.
1963: Bossa Nova Baby
In 1963, Elvis Presley had his last non-gospel top ten hit before "In the Ghetto", it was called "Bossa Nova Baby".
1964: Diminishing Commercial Returns
From 1964 to 1968, Elvis Presley had only one top-ten hit, "Crying in the Chapel" (1965), indicating a decline in commercial success during this period.
1964: Starred in "Viva Las Vegas"
In 1964, Elvis Presley starred in the film "Viva Las Vegas", adding to his list of successful movies.
1965: Release of "Crying in the Chapel"
In 1965, Elvis Presley released "Crying in the Chapel". This gospel number, recorded in 1960, became his only top-ten hit from 1964 to 1968.
1966: Recording of How Great Thou Art
In 1966, Elvis Presley recorded "How Great Thou Art", showcasing his vocal ambitions and crafting an ad-hoc arrangement where he performed every part of the four-part vocal.
1966: Recordings such as Down in the Alley and Hi-Heel Sneakers
In 1966, Elvis Presley recorded tracks such as "Down in the Alley" and "Hi-Heel Sneakers", returning to a modern blues/R&B sound.
1966: Paradise, Hawaiian Style Film
In 1966, Elvis Presley starred in the film 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'. Julie Parrish, who appeared in the film, said that Presley disliked many of the songs in it.
January 1967: Singles Chart Performance
Between January 1967 and May 1968, Elvis Presley released eight singles, but only two charted in the top 40, with none higher than number 28.
October 1967: Clambake Soundtrack LP Record Low Sales
In October 1967, the Clambake soundtrack LP registered record low sales for a new Elvis Presley album, signaling a problem recognized by RCA Victor executives.
1967: Elvis Wins Grammy Award for How Great Thou Art
In 1967, Elvis Presley won his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance for the gospel album 'How Great Thou Art'.
May 1968: Singles Chart Performance
Between January 1967 and May 1968, Elvis Presley released eight singles, but only two charted in the top 40, with none higher than number 28.
November 1968: Release of the Comeback Special Soundtrack
In November 1968, Elvis Presley released the soundtrack to the television special, signaling his comeback. Before this release, only one LP of new material by Presley was issued since June 1962.
December 3, 1968: Airing of the '68 Comeback Special
On December 3, 1968, the Elvis special, later known as the '68 Comeback Special, aired on NBC. The show featured both lavish studio productions and live performances, marking Presley's first live performances since 1961.
1968: Performance of "U.S. Male"
In 1968, Elvis Presley performed "U.S. Male", bearing down on the lyrics with a tough yet gentle assurance reminiscent of his Sun records.
1968: NBC television comeback special Elvis
In 1968, Elvis Presley returned to the stage with the acclaimed NBC television comeback special "Elvis", which revitalized his career.
January 1969: "If I Can Dream" Single Reaches Number 12
In January 1969, the single "If I Can Dream", written for the '68 Comeback Special, reached number 12. The soundtrack album also rose into the top ten.
June 1969: Release of From Elvis in Memphis Album
In June 1969, Elvis Presley released 'From Elvis in Memphis', his first secular, non-soundtrack album in eight years, recorded during a dedicated period at American Sound Studio.
1969: "Rubberneckin'" Recording
In 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song "Rubberneckin'".
December 21, 1970: Meeting with President Richard Nixon
On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley met with U.S. President Richard Nixon at the White House to discuss combating drug culture and his belief that he could reach out to the hippies. He also requested a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge.
1970: Las Vegas and Houston Performances, Murder Threat
In 1970, Elvis Presley returned to the International Hotel in Las Vegas, performing two shows a night, and later performed six attendance-record-breaking shows at the Houston Astrodome. During the Las Vegas engagement, he received a murder threat.
April 1972: Filming of Elvis on Tour and Release of He Touched Me
In April 1972, MGM filmed Elvis Presley for 'Elvis on Tour' and released his gospel album 'He Touched Me', which would earn him his second Grammy Award.
January 1973: Aloha from Hawaii Concerts and Broadcast
In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in connection with the groundbreaking television special, Aloha from Hawaii. On January 14, 1973, Aloha from Hawaii aired live via satellite to audiences in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and U.S. servicemen in Southeast Asia. The accompanying double album released in February went to number one, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S.
December 1973: Recording Session
In December 1973, Elvis Presley had a recording session that produced eighteen songs, enough for almost two albums.
1973: Aloha from Hawaii concert broadcast
In 1973, Elvis Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, "Aloha from Hawaii".
1974: Intensive Touring Schedule
Despite his failing health, in 1974, Elvis Presley undertook another intensive touring schedule, continuing his live performances.
1974: No Official Studio Recordings
In 1974, after a session in December 1973, Elvis Presley made no official studio recordings.
March 1975: Return to Recording Studio
In March 1975, Elvis Presley returned to the recording studio.
July 13, 1976: Firing of Bodyguards
On July 13, 1976, Elvis Presley's father, Vernon Presley, fired bodyguards Red West, Sonny West, and David Hebler, citing the need to cut back on expenses. Elvis was in Palm Springs at the time.
1976: Recording Sessions at Graceland
In 1976, RCA sent a mobile recording unit to Graceland for two full-scale recording sessions, but the process had become a struggle for Elvis.
June 6, 1977: Release of "Way Down"
On June 6, 1977, Elvis Presley's last single issued during his lifetime, "Way Down", was released.
June 26, 1977: Final Concert
On June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley held his final concert in Indianapolis at Market Square Arena.
1977: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
1977: Decline and Final Performances
By early 1977, Elvis Presley's health and performances had declined significantly. He struggled through abbreviated concerts, often forgetting lyrics and facing cancellations due to his condition.
1977: Jimmy Carter Remarks on Presley's Legacy
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter remarked on Elvis Presley's legacy, stating that his fusion of white country and black rhythm and blues permanently changed American popular culture. Presley's fame also expanded greatly with mass communication.
1981: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
2002: Use of "A Little Less Conversation" Remix in Nike Campaign
In 2002, a Junkie XL remix of Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" (credited as "Elvis Vs JXL") was used in a Nike advertising campaign during the FIFA World Cup. It topped charts internationally and was included in a compilation album, ELV1S.
2003: Remix of "Rubberneckin'" tops U.S. sales chart
In 2003, a remix of Elvis Presley's 1969 recording "Rubberneckin'" topped the U.S. sales chart.
2005: Reissued singles hit number one in the UK
In 2005, three reissued singles by Elvis Presley—"Jailhouse Rock", "One Night"/"I Got Stung", and "It's Now or Never"—reached number one in the UK as part of a campaign to re-release his previous chart-topping UK singles.
2018: Release of Elvis Presley – Where No One Stands Alone
In 2018, RCA/Legacy released Elvis Presley – Where No One Stands Alone, a new album focused on Presley's love of gospel music and featuring newly recorded instrumentation along with vocals from singers who had performed with Elvis. It included a duet with Lisa Marie Presley on the album's title track.
2024: London Palladium Offer
In 1969, the London Palladium offered Parker US$28,000, equivalent to $240,000 in 2024, for a one-week engagement.
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