Elvis Presley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll," was a monumental American singer and actor, heavily influencing 20th-century culture. His groundbreaking, sexually charged performances and blending of musical genres, crossing racial boundaries, sparked both controversy and immense popularity. He remains a central figure in the history of rock and roll and American popular culture, known for his distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and impact on music, fashion, and entertainment.

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 and had a huge effect on popular culture. He was central to defining rock and roll as a musical genre and a touchstone of youth culture and rebellious attitude. Rock and roll's occupation of a central position in mainstream American culture facilitated a new acceptance and appreciation of black culture.

1956: Debut Album Tops British Charts

In 1956, Elvis Presley's self-titled debut album topped the British charts, marking the beginning of his record for the longest span between number-one albums by anyone.

January 1973: Presley Performs Benefit Concerts and Films Aloha from Hawaii

In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in connection with the Aloha from Hawaii television special. The first show was a practice run for the live broadcast. The special was broadcast live via satellite on January 14 to audiences in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand, and to U.S. servicemen in Southeast Asia. The following night, it was simulcast to twenty-eight European countries, and in April, an extended version aired in the U.S. The accompanying double album went to number one and eventually sold over 5 million copies in the U.S.

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1974: No Official Studio Recordings and Release of Concert Record

In 1974, Elvis Presley made no official studio recordings. Instead, Parker delivered RCA another concert record, Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis. This album included a version of "How Great Thou Art" that later won Elvis his third and final Grammy Award.

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1977: President Carter Remarks on Presley's Legacy

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter remarked on Elvis Presley's legacy, noting that his music and personality, fusing white country and black rhythm and blues styles, permanently changed American popular culture. Presley also heralded the expanded reach of celebrity in the era of mass communication.

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: Remix of "A Little Less Conversation" Success

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 in over twenty countries and was included in a compilation, ELV1S, which was also an international success, returning Presley to the top of the Billboard chart.

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2003: Remix of "Rubberneckin'" Tops U.S. Sales Chart

In 2003, a remix of "Rubberneckin'", originally recorded in 1969 by Elvis Presley, topped the U.S. sales chart.

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2005: Reissued Singles Top UK Charts

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. This was part of a campaign to re-release all eighteen of Presley's previous chart-topping UK singles.

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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.

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 of Presley

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

2015: If I Can Dream Album Reached Number One in the UK

In 2015, the album "If I Can Dream", setting Presley's vocals against music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reached number one in the UK, adding to his record for number-one UK albums by a solo artist.

2016: The Wonder of You Album Reached Number One in the UK

In 2016, the album "The Wonder of You", setting Presley's vocals against music by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reached number one in the UK, contributing to his record for number-one UK albums by a solo artist.

2018: Posthumous Award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2018, Elvis Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award recognizes his significant contributions to music and American culture.

2018: President Trump Awards Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

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, ranking him third all-time behind the Beatles and Garth Brooks. He also holds records for most gold albums (101) and most platinum albums (57).