History of Elvis Presley in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Elvis Presley

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.

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.

September 1946: Entered Milam for sixth grade

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

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.

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.

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: 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."

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.

March 19, 1957: Purchase of Graceland

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

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.

1957: Presley denies racist statement

In mid-1957, Elvis Presley denied making a racist statement about African Americans in an interview with Jet journalist Louie Robinson on the set of Jailhouse Rock.

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.

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: 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: 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".

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: Elvis's Image Considered Aggressively Bisexual in Appeal

In 1959, Peter John Dyer described Elvis Presley's onscreen persona as "aggressively bisexual in appeal".

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".

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: 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: Presley owned the Lockheed 1329 JetStar

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

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

1966: Elvis Proposes to Priscilla

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

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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

January 16, 1971: Named One of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men

On January 16, 1971, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce named Elvis Presley one of its annual Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation.

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.

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.

October 9, 1973: Divorce Finalization

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

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.

November 1976: Relationship with Ginger Alden

In November 1976, Elvis Presley began dating Ginger Alden.

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.

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: 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.

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.

1979: Forensic Review of Autopsy

In 1979, forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht reviewed Elvis Presley's autopsy reports and concluded that a combination of depressants had resulted in Presley's accidental death.

1981: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits

Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.

1981: Trial of George C. Nichopoulos

In 1981, a trial of Elvis Presley's main physician, George C. Nichopoulos, exonerated him of criminal liability for over-prescription of drugs.

1982: Opening of Graceland to the Public

In 1982, Graceland was opened to the public, attracting over half a million visitors annually.

1984: W. C. Handy Award and Golden Hat Award

In 1984, Elvis Presley received the W. C. Handy Award from the Blues Foundation and the Academy of Country Music's first Golden Hat Award.

1986: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1986, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1987: American Music Awards' Award of Merit

In 1987, Elvis Presley received the American Music Awards' Award of Merit.

1994: Reopening of Autopsy Report

In 1994, the Elvis Presley autopsy report was reopened, and Joseph Davis declared that the data did not support a death from drugs, pointing instead to a sudden heart attack.

1998: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

2001: Induction into Gospel Music Hall of Fame

In 2001, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

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: Presley named top-earning deceased celebrity

In 2005, Forbes magazine named Elvis Presley the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth consecutive year, with a gross income of $45 million.

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.

2006: Presley ranked second top-earning deceased celebrity

In 2006, Elvis Presley was ranked second among top-earning deceased celebrities.

2006: Graceland Declared a National Historic Landmark

In 2006, Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark.

2007: Induction into Rockabilly Hall of Fame

In 2007, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

2009: Presley ranked fourth top-earning deceased celebrity

In 2009, Elvis Presley was ranked fourth among top-earning deceased celebrities.

November 2010: Viva Elvis: The Album Released

In November 2010, Viva Elvis: The Album, which sets Elvis Presley's voice to newly recorded instrumental tracks, was released, coinciding with the celebration of his 75th birthday and the launch of Cirque du Soleil's Viva Elvis show in Las Vegas.

2011: Presley ranked second highest-earning deceased celebrity

As of mid-2011, Elvis Presley was the second-highest-earning deceased celebrity, with an estimated 15,000 licensed Presley products.

2012: Induction into Memphis Music Hall of Fame

In 2012, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.

2012: Spider Named in Presley's Honor

In 2012, the spider 'Paradonea presleyi' was named in honor of Elvis Presley.

2015: If I Can Dream Album Reaches Number One in the UK

In 2015, the album 'If I Can Dream', setting Elvis Presley's vocals against music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reached number one in the UK.

2016: The Wonder of You Album Reaches Number One in the UK

In 2016, the album 'The Wonder of You', setting Elvis Presley's vocals against music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reached number one in the UK, extending his record for the longest span between number-one albums.

2016: Presley ranked fourth highest-earning deceased celebrity

Six years later, in 2016, Elvis Presley ranked fourth among top-earning deceased celebrities, with earnings of $35 million, up $8 million from the prior year due to the opening of Elvis Presley's Memphis and The Guest House at Graceland.

2018: Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded posthumously

In 2018, Elvis Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing his significant cultural contributions.

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.

2018: Bohemian Rhapsody Release

In 2018, the film Bohemian Rhapsody was released.

August 2022: Elvis Film Grosses $261.8 Million Worldwide

As of August 2022, Baz Luhrmann's film Elvis had grossed $261.8 million worldwide on an $85 million budget.

2022: Release of Baz Luhrmann's Elvis film

In 2022, Baz Luhrmann's biographical film Elvis, starring Austin Butler as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Parker, was released.

January 2023: Presley's 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar sold at auction

In January 2023, Elvis Presley's 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar was sold at an auction for $260,000.

2023: RIAA Credits Presley with 146.5 Million Certified Album Sales

As of 2023, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) credits Elvis Presley with 146.5 million certified album sales in the US, third all time behind The Beatles and Garth Brooks. He holds the records for most gold albums (101), most platinum albums (57), and his total of 197 album certification awards.

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.

2024: Murder Threat

In 1970, Elvis Presley was threatened with murder unless US$50,000 (equivalent to $405,000 in 2024) was paid.