A closer look at the lasting mark left by Elvis Presley—a timeline of influence.
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.
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.
In 1959, Peter John Dyer described Elvis Presley's onscreen persona as "aggressively bisexual in appeal" in Sight and Sound magazine.
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
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.
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.
Between 1977 and 1981, six of Elvis Presley's posthumously released singles were top-ten country hits.
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 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 2005, Forbes magazine named Elvis Presley the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth straight year, with a gross income of $45 million.
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.
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 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.
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.
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