Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," was a pivotal American singer and actor of the 20th century. His sexually charged performances and genre-bending music, drawing from diverse influences during a period of evolving race relations, propelled him to immense fame, although not without initial controversy. He remains an iconic figure in music and popular culture.
On January 8, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
In 1938, the Presley family lost their home after Vernon Presley was found guilty of altering a check and jailed.
In September 1941, Elvis Presley entered first grade at East Tupelo Consolidated.
On October 3, 1945, Elvis Presley had his first public performance at the Mississippi–Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, singing "Old Shep".
In 1945, Elvis Presley sang "Old Shep" at a talent show. This song later appeared on his second RCA Victor album, marking the first time he played piano on an RCA Victor session.
In September 1946, Elvis Presley entered a new school, Milam, for sixth grade.
Elvis Presley launched into the Arthur Crudup's 1946 blues number, "That's All Right".
In November 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and Elvis enrolled at L. C. Humes High School.
In 1950, Elvis Presley began practicing guitar under the tutelage of Lee Denson, a neighbor.
By the time Elvis Presley graduated high school in June 1953, he had singled out music as his future.
In August 1953, Elvis Presley recorded a two-sided acetate disc, "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin", at Memphis Recording Service.
In 1953, Elvis Presley competed in Humes' Annual "Minstrel" Show, singing and playing "Till I Waltz Again with You".
In January 1954, Elvis Presley cut a second acetate at Sun Records with the songs "I'll Never Stand in Your Way" and "It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You", without success.
On July 17, 1954, Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore, and Bill Black played publicly for the first time at the Bon Air club.
In November 1954, Elvis Presley performed on Louisiana Hayride, which was broadcast to 198 radio stations in 28 states.
In 1954, Elvis Presley began his music career at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, pioneering rockabilly music.
In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis Presley made his first professional recordings.
In 1954, rockabilly crystallized into a recognizable style with Elvis Presley's first release on the Sun label, according to music historians.
In August 1955, Elvis Presley renewed Neal's management contract and simultaneously appointed Parker as his special adviser.
By early 1955, Elvis Presley's regular Hayride appearances, constant touring, and well-received record releases had made him a regional star.
In 1955, D. J. Fontana joined Elvis Presley's band as a drummer, completing the classic quartet lineup.
In 1955, Elvis Presley introduced the "vocal stutter" on the song "Baby Let's Play House".
On January 10, 1956, Elvis Presley recorded his first songs for RCA Victor in Nashville with his band and additional musicians like Chet Atkins and The Jordanaires. The session produced "Heartbreak Hotel".
In January 1956, Elvis Presley's first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released and became a number-one hit in the US.
On September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which was seen by approximately 60 million viewers. His performance of "Love Me Tender" led to a million advance orders and cemented his status as a national celebrity.
In November 1956, Elvis Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender.
In 1956, Elvis Presley expressed respect for African-American performers and their music, recalling his childhood listening to blues musician Arthur Crudup and stating his desire to be a music man like him. The Memphis World reported that Presley "cracked Memphis' segregation laws" by attending the local amusement park on its "colored night".
In 1956, Elvis Presley played piano on songs such as "Old Shep" and "First in Line" from his album Elvis.
In 1956, Elvis Presley topped the British chart with his self-titled debut album.
In 1956, Elvis Presley's rise to national attention transformed popular music, impacting youth culture and rebellious attitudes by defining rock and roll as a musical genre and cultural touchstone. His influence helped facilitate a new acceptance and appreciation of Black culture.
Prior to his 1969 engagement, Elvis Presley had a Las Vegas engagement in 1956, which was considered dismal. This made him nervous about his return to Las Vegas.
On January 6, 1957, Elvis Presley made his third and final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. He wore an outlandish costume and sang "Peace in the Valley".
On March 19, 1957, Elvis Presley purchased his 18-room mansion, Graceland.
In 1957, Elvis Presley starred in the movie Jailhouse Rock.
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.
In January 1958, Elvis Presley held recording sessions in Hollywood for the King Creole soundtrack, marking the last time he worked closely with Leiber and Stoller. "Don't" became his tenth number-one seller around this time.
On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas, which was a major media event.
Between March 28 and September 17, 1958, Elvis Presley completed basic and advanced training at Fort Hood, Texas.
After the end of his International engagement on September 7, 1970, Elvis Presley embarked on a week-long concert tour, largely of the South, marking his first tour since 1958.
In 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into military service.
In 1958, RCA Victor released "Elvis' Golden Records", which hit number three on the LP chart and was one of ten top-40 hits Presley had between his induction and discharge.
On June 1, 1959, Elvis Presley was promoted to specialist four while serving in West Germany.
In 1959, Peter John Dyer described Elvis Presley's onscreen persona as "aggressively bisexual in appeal" in Sight and Sound magazine.
In 1959, while Elvis Presley was serving in the army, RCA Victor continued to release successful singles, including "(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such as I" and "A Big Hunk o' Love".
On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant. While stationed in West Germany, he was also exposed to amphetamines and developed an interest in Karate
On March 2, 1960, Elvis Presley returned to the U.S. after his military service. He was honorably discharged three days later.
In 1960, Elvis Presley recorded the gospel number "Crying in the Chapel", which later became a top-ten hit in 1965.
In 1960, Elvis Presley released "Stuck on You" after returning from military service which became a number-one hit, marking a shift to a toned-down rock and roll style.
In 1960, Elvis Presley starred in the film 'Flaming Star'. The film, a more dramatic role than his usual musical comedies, was less commercially successful, causing him to revert to formulaic musical comedies.
In February 1961, Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis to benefit 24 local charities. Before the event, RCA Victor awarded him a plaque recognizing over 75 million records sold worldwide. The shows were a significant contribution to the community and marked Presley's ongoing success.
Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special on December 3, 1968, marked his return to live performing since 1961, revitalizing his career.
In 1961, Elvis Presley released the song "Can't Help Falling in Love" from one of his films. The song became one of his most popular songs during this period.
In 1961, Elvis Presley starred in the film 'Wild in the Country'. The film, a more dramatic role than his usual musical comedies, was less commercially successful, causing him to revert to formulaic musical comedies.
In June 1962, Elvis Presley released the album 'Pot Luck'. It was his last non-film album before the release of How Great Thou Art in 1967.
In 1962, Elvis Presley released "She's Not You", which integrates the Jordanaires, creating a doo-wop sound.
In 1962, Elvis Presley released the song "Return to Sender" from one of his films. The song became one of his most popular songs during this period.
In June 1969, 'From Elvis in Memphis' was released and it featured the hit single "In the Ghetto". Prior to this release, the most recent top ten hit, excluding gospel, was "Bossa Nova Baby" in 1963.
Starting in 1964, Elvis Presley's commercial returns steadily diminished, marking a challenging period in his career.
Before Elvis Presley met with President Nixon on December 21, 1970 and expressed his views on the Beatles, Presley and his friends had a four-hour get-together with the Beatles at his home in Bel Air, California, in August 1965.
In 1965, Elvis Presley's gospel number "Crying in the Chapel", recorded in 1960, became a top-ten hit. This was his only top-ten hit between 1964 and 1968.
In 1966, Elvis Presley expressed the desire to his father that the more traditional biblical rendering of his middle name, Aaron, be used henceforth, "especially on legal documents".
In 1966, Elvis Presley proposed to Priscilla Beaulieu, marking a significant event in his personal life.
In 1966, Elvis Presley recorded "How Great Thou Art", creating a four-part vocal arrangement.
In 1966, Elvis Presley returns to modern blues/R&B sound with recordings such as "Down in the Alley" and "Hi-Heel Sneakers".
In 1966, Elvis Presley starred in 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'. However, he disliked many of the songs in the film, which reflected a decline in the quality of his soundtrack music.
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, indicating a decline in his musical success.
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. This highlighted the damage to his reputation among serious music lovers.
In 1967, Elvis Presley released the gospel album 'How Great Thou Art', which won him his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance.
On February 1, 1968, Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie Presley, was born, during a time when he was unhappy with his career.
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, indicating a decline in his musical success.
In November 1968, Elvis Presley released the soundtrack to his television special, marking a comeback in his career.
On December 3, 1968, Elvis Presley's special, simply called 'Elvis', aired on NBC. Later known as the '68 Comeback Special, it featured both lavish studio productions and live performances, marking Presley's return to live performing since 1961 and revitalizing his career.
In 1968, Elvis Presley performed "U.S. Male", bearing down on the hard guy lyrics with tough yet gentle assurance.
In January 1969, the single "If I Can Dream", written for Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special, reached number 12, and the soundtrack album rose into the top ten. This success reminded Presley of his ability to choose his own songs and people, marking a turning point in his career.
In June 1969, Elvis Presley released 'From Elvis in Memphis', his first secular, non-soundtrack album from a dedicated studio period in eight years. The album was critically acclaimed, showcasing Presley catching up with pop music trends and demonstrating his conviction in singing various genres.
In 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song "Rubberneckin'".
On December 21, 1970, Elvis Presley met with U.S. President Richard Nixon at the White House to discuss combating drug culture and his desire to receive a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. During the meeting, Presley expressed his views on the Beatles and their anti-American influence.
In early 1970, Elvis Presley returned to the International Hotel for two-month-long engagements, performing two shows a night. In late February, he performed six attendance-record-breaking shows at the Houston Astrodome. During this time, he adopted the jumpsuit, which would become a trademark of his live act. In August, recordings of the engagements were filmed at the International for the documentary 'Elvis: That's the Way It Is'.
On January 16, 1971, Elvis Presley was named one of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce's Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation, recognizing his achievements and contributions.
In 1971, Elvis Presley had an affair with Joyce Bova, which resulted in her pregnancy and subsequent abortion, unbeknownst to Elvis at the time.
On February 23, 1972, Elvis and Priscilla Presley separated after Priscilla revealed her relationship with Mike Stone. Priscilla said Elvis "forcefully made love to" her when she told him about the affair.
In April 1972, Elvis Presley was filmed by MGM for 'Elvis on Tour', which later won a Golden Globe Award. His gospel album 'He Touched Me' was also released that month, earning him his second Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance.
In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund and aired the groundbreaking television special, Aloha from Hawaii, live via satellite to audiences worldwide. The accompanying double album, Aloha from Hawaii, released in February, went to number one in the U.S. and sold over 5 million copies, marking Elvis's last U.S. number-one pop album during his lifetime.
On October 9, 1973, Elvis Presley's divorce from Priscilla was finalized, though they remained close friends. By this time, Elvis's health was in serious decline, and he overdosed on barbiturates twice during the year.
In December 1973, Elvis Presley had a recording session that produced eighteen songs, enough for almost two albums.
In 1973, Elvis Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii.
Despite his failing health, Elvis Presley undertook another intensive touring schedule in 1974, continuing to perform live shows.
In 1974, Elvis Presley made no official studio recordings, although Parker delivered RCA another concert record, Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis.
In March 1975, Elvis Presley returned to the recording studio, marking a shift after a period of limited studio activity.
On July 13, 1976, Vernon Presley fired Elvis's bodyguards Red West, Sonny West, and David Hebler, citing the need to cut back on expenses. Some suggest Elvis was too cowardly to face them himself, while others attribute the firing to lawsuits or concerns about their outspokenness regarding Elvis's drug dependency.
In November 1976, Elvis Presley began dating Ginger Alden after his relationship with Linda Thompson ended. He proposed marriage to Ginger Alden two months later.
In 1976, RCA sent a mobile recording unit to Graceland to make two full-scale recording sessions possible, although the recording process had become a struggle for Elvis Presley.
On June 6, 1977, Elvis Presley's last single issued during his lifetime, "Way Down", was released.
On June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley held his final concert in Indianapolis at Market Square Arena.
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.
In August 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
By early 1977, Elvis Presley's health had severely declined, and his performances were described as sad and sloppy, with a bloated, drugged Presley struggling to remember lyrics. He canceled a performance on March 31 in Baton Rouge due to his condition.
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter commented on Elvis Presley's legacy, noting how his fusion of white country and black rhythm and blues styles permanently changed American popular culture. That year, Presley was regarded as one of the most famous people in the world.
In the first eight months of 1977, Elvis Presley's main physician, George C. Nichopoulos, prescribed more than 10,000 doses of sedatives, amphetamines, and narcotics in Elvis's name.
Since 1977, following Elvis Presley's death on August 16th, a conspiracy theory has circulated claiming that he may have faked his own death. These "Elvis sightings" and the theory in general have persisted, and fans gather outside Graceland for a candlelight ritual on the anniversary of his death.
In 1979, forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht reviewed the autopsy reports and concluded that a combination of depressants had resulted in Elvis Presley's accidental death.
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
In 1981, a trial of Elvis Presley's main physician, George C. Nichopoulos, exonerated him of criminal liability for over-prescription, but his license was suspended for three months. It was permanently revoked in the 1990s.
In 1982, Graceland was opened to the public, attracting over half a million visitors annually, and becoming the second-most-visited home in the United States.
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.
In 1986, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a rock and roll icon.
In 1987, Elvis Presley received the American Music Awards' Award of Merit, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the music industry.
In 1994, the Elvis Presley autopsy report was reopened, and Joseph Davis declared that there was no data supporting a death from drugs, pointing instead to a sudden, violent heart attack.
In 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant impact on country music.
In 2001, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to gospel music.
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 the charts in over twenty countries and was included in a compilation album.
In 2003, a remix of the 1969 recording "Rubberneckin'" topped the U.S. sales chart.
In 2005, Forbes magazine named Elvis Presley the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth straight year, with a gross income of $45 million.
In 2005, three reissued Elvis Presley singles, "Jailhouse Rock", "One Night"/"I Got Stung", and "It's Now or Never", went to number one in the UK as part of a campaign to re-release all eighteen of his previous chart-topping UK singles.
In 2006, Elvis Presley was ranked second top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes.
In 2006, Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark, solidifying its significance in American history and culture.
In 2007, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, honoring his role in the rockabilly genre.
In 2009, Elvis Presley was ranked fourth top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes.
In November 2010, Viva Elvis: The Album, setting Elvis Presley's voice to newly recorded instrumental tracks, was released.
As of mid-2011, with an estimated 15,000 licensed Presley products, Elvis Presley was again the second-highest-earning deceased celebrity.
In 2012, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, celebrating his connection to the city of Memphis.
In 2012, the spider Paradonea presleyi was named in Elvis Presley's honor.
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.
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 longest span between number-one albums.
In 2018, Elvis Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Elvis Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
In 2018, RCA/Legacy released Elvis Presley – Where No One Stands Alone, a new album focused on Presley's love of gospel music, featuring newly recorded instrumentation and vocals from singers who had performed with Elvis.
As of August 2022, Baz Luhrmann's biographical film Elvis had grossed $261.8 million worldwide.
In January 2023, Elvis Presley's 1962 Lockheed 1329 JetStar was sold at an auction for $260,000.
As of 2023, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) credits Elvis Presley with 146.5 million certified album sales in the US, holding records for the most gold and platinum albums.
During Elvis Presley's Las Vegas engagement in August 1970, he was threatened with murder unless US$50,000 (equivalent to $405,000 in 2024) was paid. The FBI took the threat seriously, and security was increased, with Presley performing with firearms for protection.
In 2024, values were updated to reflect inflation, with US$18,000 from 1977 being equivalent to $93,000, and $105,000 being equivalent to $545,000.
In May, the brand-new International Hotel in Las Vegas, booked Elvis Presley for fifty-seven shows over four weeks, beginning July 31. Before this offer, The London Palladium offered Parker US$28,000 (equivalent to $240,000 in 2024) for a one-week engagement.
In November 1954 Elvis Purchased a Martin instrument for $175 (equivalent to $2,000 in 2024)
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