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 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

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.

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.

1977: Posthumous Top-Ten Country Hits

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

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: 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.

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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.

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: Bohemian Rhapsody Release

In 2018, the film Bohemian Rhapsody was released.

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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.

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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.

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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, 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.