Early Life and Education of Elvis Presley: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Elvis Presley. From birth to education, explore key events.

Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," was a pivotal American singer and actor of the 20th century. He achieved iconic status through his energetic performances, unique interpretations of songs, and sexually suggestive stage presence. His music and style, blending various influences, transcended racial barriers during a period of significant change in race relations, leading to widespread popularity and some initial controversy.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

January 8, 1935: Elvis Presley Born

On January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love and Vernon Presley. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn.

September 1941: Enters First Grade

In September 1941, Elvis Presley entered first grade at East Tupelo Consolidated, where he was regarded as an average student.

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, singing "Old Shep" and placing fifth.

1945: Talent Show Performance

In 1945, Elvis Presley sang "Old Shep" at a talent show. This song was later included on his second RCA Victor album, marking the first time he played piano on an RCA Victor session. The song shows the valuing of emotion over technique.

September 1946: Enters Milam for Sixth Grade

In September 1946, Elvis Presley entered Milam school for sixth grade. This was another step in his early education.

November 1948: Family Moves to Memphis

In November 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, marking a significant change in their lives and Elvis's environment.

1950: Guitar Practice with Lee Denson

In 1950, Elvis Presley began practicing guitar under the tutelage of Lee Denson, a neighbor, marking the beginning of his journey to master the instrument.

June 1953: Graduates High School

By the time he graduated high school in June 1953, Elvis Presley had singled out music as his future, marking the end of his formal education and the beginning of his music career.

1953: Minstrel Show Performance

In 1953, Elvis Presley competed in Humes' Annual "Minstrel" Show, singing and playing "Till I Waltz Again with You", which boosted his reputation at school.

1954: First Professional Recordings

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis Presley made his first professional recordings, showing his considerable musical knowledge despite having no formal training.

March 19, 1957: Purchase of Graceland

On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley purchased his 18-room mansion, Graceland. Before this purchase, Elvis recorded "Loving You", the soundtrack to his second film.

March 24, 1958: Drafted into the U.S. Army

On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. The arrival was a major media event.

September 17, 1958: Completion of Training at Fort Hood

Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, Elvis Presley completed basic and advanced training at Fort Hood, Texas. During leave in early June, he recorded five songs in Nashville.

October 1, 1958: Assigned to West Germany

On October 1, 1958, Elvis Presley was assigned to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, 3d Armored Division, at Ray Barracks, West Germany, where he served as an armor intelligence specialist.

1958: Drafted into Military Service

In 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into military service, temporarily interrupting his music career.

June 1, 1959: Promotion to Specialist Fourth Class

On June 1, 1959, while serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany, Elvis Presley was promoted to specialist fourth class.

February 11, 1960: Promotion to Sergeant

On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant while serving in the U.S. Army.

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 that carried him from New Jersey to Tennessee was mobbed by fans.

August 1965: Meeting with the Beatles

In August 1965, Elvis Presley and his friends had a four-hour get-together with the Beatles at his home in Bel Air, California.

1966: Spelling of Middle Name

In 1966, Elvis Presley expressed to his father his desire for the more traditional biblical rendering of his middle name, Aaron, to be used henceforth, "especially on legal documents".

1966: Proposal to Priscilla Beaulieu

In 1966, Elvis Presley proposed to Priscilla Beaulieu, marking a significant step in their relationship.

May 1, 1967: Marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu

On May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in a brief ceremony in Las Vegas, continuing his career amidst formulaic films and soundtracks.

February 1, 1968: Birth of Lisa Marie Presley

On February 1, 1968, Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis's only child, was born during a period when he was deeply unhappy with his career.

December 21, 1970: Meeting with President Nixon

On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley met with U.S. President Richard Nixon at the White House, discussing his desire to combat drug culture and requesting a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge.

1971: Affair with Joyce Bova

In 1971, Elvis Presley had an affair with Joyce Bova that resulted in her pregnancy and an abortion.

February 23, 1972: Separation from Priscilla

On February 23, 1972, Elvis and Priscilla Presley separated after she disclosed her relationship with Mike Stone.

October 9, 1973: Divorce Finalized

On October 9, 1973, Elvis Presley's divorce from Priscilla Presley was finalized. Despite the divorce, they remained close friends.

July 13, 1976: Bodyguards Fired

On July 13, 1976, Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, fired bodyguards Red West, Sonny West, and David Hebler due to financial reasons or concerns about their behavior.