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. He achieved iconic status through his energetic performances, unique interpretations of songs, and sexually suggestive stage presence. His music and style, blending various influences, transcended racial barriers during a period of significant change in race relations, leading to widespread popularity and some initial controversy.

Sections (5)

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

1956: First UK Chart Topping Album

In 1956, Elvis Presley topped the British charts for the first time with his self-titled debut album.

1956: Rise to National Attention

In 1956, Elvis Presley's rise to national attention transformed popular music and had a huge effect on the broader scope of popular culture.

1959: Presley's Onscreen Persona Described as 'Aggressively Bisexual'

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

1977: President Carter Remarks on Presley's Legacy

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter remarked on Elvis Presley's legacy, noting how his music and personality changed American popular culture.

1977: Alleged Sightings of Presley

Since 1977, there have been numerous alleged sightings of Elvis Presley, leading to a long-standing conspiracy theory among some fans that he faked his death.

1982: Graceland Opened to Public

In 1982, Graceland was opened to the public.

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.

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: A Little Less Conversation Remix Success

In 2002, a Junkie XL remix of Elvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation" topped charts in over twenty countries and was included in the ELV1S compilation album.

2005: Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity

In 2005, Elvis Presley was named the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth straight year by Forbes magazine.

2006: Ranked Second Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity

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

2006: Graceland Designated 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: Ranked Fourth Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity

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

2010: Highest Annual Income

In November 2010, Elvis Presley achieved his highest annual income ever, spurred by his 75th birthday and the launch of the Viva Elvis show.

2011: Second-Highest-Earning Deceased Celebrity

As of mid-2011, Elvis Presley was the second-highest-earning deceased celebrity.

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 Honor

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

2015: Album If I Can Dream Reached 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: Ranked Fourth Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity

In 2016, Elvis Presley ranked fourth among top-earning deceased celebrities.

2016: Album The Wonder of You 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.

2018: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

2018: Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

August 2022: Elvis Biopic Success

In August 2022, the movie "Elvis", a biographical film about Elvis Presley starring Austin Butler, grossed $261.8 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing music biopic of all time.

January 2023: Presley's Jet Sold at Auction

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

2023: RIAA Credits

As of 2023, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) credits Presley with 146.5 million certified album sales in the US, third all time. He holds records for most gold albums (101) and platinum albums (57).