Lasting Legacy of Elvis Presley: A Look at the Influence on History

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.

Sections (5)

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

1956: Presley's rise to national attention

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.

1959: Presley's onscreen persona described as "aggressively bisexual"

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

1977: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits

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

1977: President Jimmy Carter remarks on Presley's legacy

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.

1977: Conspiracy theories circulate after Presley's death

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.

1981: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits

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

1982: Graceland Opens to the Public

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.

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 the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1986, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing his status as a rock and roll icon.

1987: American Music Awards' Award of Merit

In 1987, Elvis Presley received the American Music Awards' Award of Merit, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the music industry.

1998: Induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame

In 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant impact on country music.

2001: Induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame

In 2001, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to gospel music.

2002: Release of "A Little Less Conversation" Junkie XL Remix

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.

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2005: Presley named top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes

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

2006: Presley ranked second top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes

In 2006, Elvis Presley was ranked second top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes.

2006: Graceland Declared a National Historic Landmark

In 2006, Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark, solidifying its significance in American history and culture.

2007: Induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame

In 2007, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, honoring his role in the rockabilly genre.

2009: Presley ranked fourth top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes

In 2009, Elvis Presley was ranked fourth top-earning deceased celebrity by Forbes.

2011: Presley remains second-highest-earning deceased celebrity

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

2012: Induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame

In 2012, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, celebrating his connection to the city of Memphis.

2012: Spider named in Presley's honor

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

2018: Presidential Medal of Freedom Awarded Posthumously

In 2018, Elvis Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2018: President Trump awards Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously

In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Elvis Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

August 2022: Elvis film grosses $261.8 million worldwide

As of August 2022, Baz Luhrmann's biographical film Elvis had grossed $261.8 million worldwide.

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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, holding records for the most gold and platinum albums.