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 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

1955: Regional Star

By early 1955, Elvis Presley's regular Hayride appearances, constant touring, and well-received record releases had made him a regional star.

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.

1957: Release of gospel EP Peace in the Valley

In 1957, Elvis Presley's first gospel record, the four-song EP Peace in the Valley, was released and became the top-selling gospel EP in recording history.

June 1, 1959: Promotion to Specialist Four

On June 1, 1959, Elvis Presley was promoted to specialist four while serving in West Germany.

February 11, 1960: Promotion to Sergeant

On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant. While stationed in West Germany, he was also exposed to amphetamines and developed an interest in Karate

February 1961: Memphis Benefit Concerts and RCA Victor Award

In February 1961, Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis to benefit 24 local charities. Before the event, RCA Victor awarded him a plaque recognizing over 75 million records sold worldwide. The shows were a significant contribution to the community and marked Presley's ongoing success.

1961: Last Live Performance Before Comeback Special

Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special on December 3, 1968, marked his return to live performing since 1961, revitalizing his career.

1967: How Great Thou Art Album Release and Grammy Win

In 1967, Elvis Presley released the gospel album 'How Great Thou Art', which won him his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance.

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December 3, 1968: Elvis '68 Comeback Special Airs

On December 3, 1968, Elvis Presley's special, simply called 'Elvis', aired on NBC. Later known as the '68 Comeback Special, it featured both lavish studio productions and live performances, marking Presley's return to live performing since 1961 and revitalizing his career.

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January 1969: "If I Can Dream" Chart Success and Soundtrack Album

In January 1969, the single "If I Can Dream", written for Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special, reached number 12, and the soundtrack album rose into the top ten. This success reminded Presley of his ability to choose his own songs and people, marking a turning point in his career.

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June 1969: Release of From Elvis in Memphis

In June 1969, Elvis Presley released 'From Elvis in Memphis', his first secular, non-soundtrack album from a dedicated studio period in eight years. The album was critically acclaimed, showcasing Presley catching up with pop music trends and demonstrating his conviction in singing various genres.

January 16, 1971: Named One of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men

On January 16, 1971, Elvis Presley was named one of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce's Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation, recognizing his achievements and contributions.

April 1972: Elvis on Tour Filming and He Touched Me Album Release

In April 1972, Elvis Presley was filmed by MGM for 'Elvis on Tour', which later won a Golden Globe Award. His gospel album 'He Touched Me' was also released that month, earning him his second Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance.

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January 1973: Aloha from Hawaii

In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund and aired the groundbreaking television special, Aloha from Hawaii, live via satellite to audiences worldwide. The accompanying double album, Aloha from Hawaii, released in February, went to number one in the U.S. and sold over 5 million copies, marking Elvis's last U.S. number-one pop album during his lifetime.

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.

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.

2005: Reissued singles reach number one in the UK

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 as part of a campaign to re-release all eighteen of his previous chart-topping UK singles.

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

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

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.

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.