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 monumental American singer and actor, heavily influencing 20th-century culture. His groundbreaking, sexually charged performances and blending of musical genres, crossing racial boundaries, sparked both controversy and immense popularity. He remains a central figure in the history of rock and roll and American popular culture, known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and impact on music, fashion, and entertainment.

Sections (5)

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

January 8, 1935: Elvis Presley's Birth

On January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. He later became a famous singer and actor, known as the "King of Rock and Roll".

January 8, 1935: Birth of Elvis Presley

On January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Gladys Love and Vernon Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn. Elvis grew close to his parents and found initial musical inspiration at the Assembly of God church.

1938: Loss of Home

In 1938, Vernon Presley was jailed for eight months after being found guilty of altering a check, leading to the family losing their home. They relied on neighbors and government food assistance for support.

September 1941: Entry into First Grade

In September 1941, Elvis Presley entered the first grade at East Tupelo Consolidated, where his teachers considered him an "average" student. This marked the beginning of his formal education.

October 3, 1945: First Public Performance

On October 3, 1945, at the age of 10, Elvis Presley had his first public performance at the Mississippi–Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, singing "Old Shep". He recalled placing fifth in the singing contest.

1945: Talent Show Performance

In 1945, Elvis Presley sang "Old Shep" at a talent show. He later recorded the song for his second RCA Victor album.

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September 1946: Entry into Milam School

In September 1946, Elvis Presley entered Milam School for sixth grade. This marked a new phase in his education.

November 1948: Move to Memphis, Tennessee

In November 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis enrolled at L. C. Humes High School, where he later received a C in music in eighth grade.

1950: Guitar Practice with Lee Denson

In 1950, Elvis Presley began practicing guitar under the tutelage of Lee Denson, a neighbor. They, along with Dorsey and Johnny Burnette and two other boys, formed a loose musical collective.

June 1953: Graduation and Musical Aspirations

By the time he graduated high school in June 1953, Elvis Presley had singled out music as his future. He spent much of his time learning songs, listening to gospel music, and absorbing the sounds of blues and rhythm and blues from local radio stations.

March 19, 1957: Graceland Purchase

On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley purchased Graceland, an 18-room mansion. Before purchasing Graceland Elvis recorded Loving You

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, marking a major media event. He expressed his desire to be treated like any other soldier.

September 17, 1958: Completion of Training at Fort Hood

Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, Elvis Presley completed his basic and advanced training at Fort Hood, Texas. After his training was completed, he got sent to Germany

October 1, 1958: Assignment to Ray Barracks, West Germany

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

1958: Drafted into Military Service

In 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into military service. This temporarily paused his recording career, and he relaunched it two years later.

June 1, 1959: Promotion to Specialist Fourth Class

On June 1, 1959, Elvis Presley was promoted to specialist fourth class while serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany. During his time in the army, he was introduced to amphetamines, and karate became a lifelong interest.

February 11, 1960: Promotion to Sergeant

On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant. During his military service, Presley was noted for his generosity, donating his Army pay to charity and purchasing items for his fellow soldiers.

March 2, 1960: Return to the U.S.

On March 2, 1960, Elvis Presley returned to the U.S. from his military service in Germany. The train that carried him from New Jersey to Tennessee was mobbed by fans along the way.

1966: Presley Expresses Desire to Change Middle Name Spelling

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

January 1973: Presley Performs Benefit Concerts and Films Aloha from Hawaii

In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in connection with the Aloha from Hawaii television special. The first show was a practice run for the live broadcast. The special was broadcast live via satellite on January 14 to audiences in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand, and to U.S. servicemen in Southeast Asia. The following night, it was simulcast to twenty-eight European countries, and in April, an extended version aired in the U.S. The accompanying double album went to number one and eventually sold over 5 million copies in the U.S.

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October 9, 1973: Presley's Divorce Finalized

On October 9, 1973, Elvis Presley's divorce from Priscilla was finalized. Despite the divorce, they remained close friends. Priscilla noted their continued love and co-parenting style, which helped their daughter Lisa feel stable.

1974: Intensive Touring Schedule Despite Health Decline

In 1974, despite failing health, Elvis Presley undertook another intensive touring schedule. This occurred after a year in which he staged more live shows than ever before (168 concerts in 1973).

July 13, 1976: Bodyguards Fired by Vernon Presley

On July 13, 1976, Vernon Presley, Elvis's father, fired Elvis's bodyguards Red West, Sonny West, and David Hebler. Vernon cited the need to cut back on expenses. Some suggest Elvis was too cowardly to do it himself, while others claim it was due to the bodyguards' rough treatment of fans or their outspokenness about Presley's drug dependency.

November 1976: Begins Dating Ginger Alden

In November 1976, after his relationship with Linda Thompson ended, Elvis Presley began dating Ginger Alden.

June 26, 1977: Final Concert in Indianapolis

On June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley held his final concert in Indianapolis at Market Square Arena.

August 8, 1977: Last Public Appearance at Libertyland

During the early morning hours of August 8, 1977, Elvis Presley made his last public appearance when he rented the entire Libertyland amusement park in Memphis for himself and about ten others.

August 1977: Death at Graceland

In August 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate at the age of 42. His death was attributed to years of substance abuse and unhealthy eating, which severely compromised his health.

August 16, 1977: Elvis Presley's Death

On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away. He left behind a lasting legacy as a cultural icon of the 20th century.

1977: Decline and Final Performances

By early 1977, Elvis Presley's health had severely declined. Overweight and impaired by drug use, he struggled through his performances, often forgetting lyrics and barely able to complete the shows. Many performances were described as sad and difficult to watch. In March, he had to cancel and reschedule four shows due to his inability to get out of bed.