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 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.

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, to Gladys Love and Vernon Presley. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn.

1938: Family lost their home

In 1938, Elvis Presley's family lost their home after his father, Vernon, was found guilty of altering a check and was jailed for eight months. This event significantly impacted the family's early life.

September 1941: Entered first grade

In September 1941, Elvis Presley began his formal education, entering first grade at East Tupelo Consolidated.

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.

Loading Video...

September 1946: Entered Milam for sixth grade

In September 1946, Elvis Presley entered Milam for sixth grade, continuing his education.

November 1948: Family moved to Memphis, Tennessee

In November 1948, Elvis Presley's family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, a significant relocation for their future.

1950: Practiced guitar under Lee Denson

In 1950, Elvis Presley began practicing guitar under the tutelage of Lee Denson, a neighbor, contributing to his musical development.

June 1953: Graduated high school

In June 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from high school, having already identified music as his future career path.

1954: Presley's first professional recordings

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis Presley made his first professional recordings.

1956: Presley expresses respect for African-American performers

In 1956, Elvis Presley expressed respect for African-American performers and their music, and disregarded segregation and racial prejudice. He recalled Arthur Crudup's influence on his music. Presley also reportedly "cracked Memphis' segregation laws."

March 19, 1957: Purchase of Graceland

On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley purchased his 18-room mansion, Graceland.

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.

September 17, 1958: Completion of Army Training

Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, Elvis Presley completed basic and advanced training at Fort Hood, Texas.

October 1, 1958: Assignment to 3rd Armored Division

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, pausing his music and film career.

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".

Loading Video...

June 1, 1959: Promotion to Specialist Fourth Class

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

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".

Loading Video...

February 11, 1960: Promotion to Sergeant

On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant.

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: 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.

Loading Video...

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.

Loading Video...

1962: Presley owned the Lockheed 1329 JetStar

In 1962 Elvis owned the Lockheed 1329 JetStar, which later was sold at auction in January 2023

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: Presley Expresses Desire for Traditional 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: 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.

Loading Video...

1966: Elvis Proposes to Priscilla

Shortly before Christmas in 1966, Elvis Presley proposed to Priscilla Beaulieu, more than seven years after they first met.

May 1, 1967: Elvis and Priscilla's Wedding

On May 1, 1967, Elvis Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu in a brief ceremony in their suite at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas.

February 1, 1968: Birth of Lisa Marie Presley

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

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.

1971: Affair with Joyce Bova

In 1971, Elvis Presley had an affair with Joyce Bova that resulted in her pregnancy and subsequent abortion, unbeknownst to him at the time. He also frequently spoke about Joyce moving into Graceland with him.

February 23, 1972: Separation from Priscilla

On February 23, 1972, Elvis and Priscilla Presley separated after she disclosed her relationship with Mike Stone, a karate instructor Elvis had recommended to her.

October 9, 1973: Divorce Finalization

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

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.

November 1976: Relationship with Ginger Alden

In November 1976, Elvis Presley began dating Ginger Alden.

June 26, 1977: Final Concert

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

August 8, 1977: Last Public Appearance

During the early morning hours of August 8, 1977, Elvis Presley made his last public appearance, renting the entire Libertyland amusement park in Memphis for himself and a small group.

August 1977: Elvis Presley's death

In August 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.

August 16, 1977: Elvis Presley's death

August 16, 1977, marks the death of Elvis Presley, the 'King of Rock and Roll'. He passed away at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.

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: Over-prescription of drugs by physician

In the first eight months of 1977 alone, Elvis Presley's main physician, George C. Nichopoulos, had prescribed more than 10,000 doses of sedatives, amphetamines, and narcotics: all in Elvis' name.

1977: Alleged Sightings and Conspiracy Theories

Since 1977, there have been numerous alleged sightings of Elvis Presley, fueling conspiracy theories that he faked his death. Fans maintain shrines and gather at Graceland on his death anniversary, elevating him to a cultic figure.