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. 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.
1955: Presley Becomes a Regional Star
By early 1955, Elvis Presley's regular Hayride appearances, constant touring, and well-received record releases had made him a regional star.
Share
January 1956: "Heartbreak Hotel" Released
In January 1956, Elvis Presley's first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released and became a number-one hit in the US, launching him to national fame.
Share
June 1, 1959: Promotion to Specialist Fourth Class
On June 1, 1959, while serving in the U.S. Army in West Germany, Elvis Presley was promoted to specialist fourth class.
Share
February 11, 1960: Promotion to Sergeant
On February 11, 1960, Elvis Presley was promoted to sergeant while serving in the U.S. Army.
Share
February 1961: Benefit Concerts in Memphis
In February 1961, Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis for a benefit for 24 local charities. RCA Victor presented him with a plaque certifying worldwide sales of over 75 million records.
Share
1961: "Can't Help Falling in Love" Release
In 1961, Elvis Presley released "Can't Help Falling in Love", which became one of his most popular songs from his films.
Share
1965: "Crying in the Chapel" Hit
In 1965, Elvis Presley's "Crying in the Chapel", a gospel number recorded in 1960, became his only top-ten hit between 1964 and 1968.
Share
1967: How Great Thou Art Release
In 1967, Elvis Presley released the gospel album "How Great Thou Art", which later won him his first Grammy Award.
Share
December 3, 1968: '68 Comeback Special Airs
On December 3, 1968, Elvis Presley's '68 Comeback Special aired on NBC, marking his return to live performances and capturing a large portion of the viewing audience.
Share
January 1969: "If I Can Dream" Reaches Number 12
In January 1969, the single "If I Can Dream", written for the '68 Comeback Special, reached number 12, and the soundtrack album rose into the top ten, signaling a resurgence in Elvis Presley's career.
Share
June 1969: From Elvis in Memphis Release
In June 1969, Elvis Presley released "From Elvis in Memphis", his first secular, non-soundtrack album in eight years, marking a return to dedicated studio work and acclaimed success.
Share
January 16, 1971: Outstanding Young Men Award
On January 16, 1971, Elvis Presley was named one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Share
April 1972: Filming of Elvis on Tour
In April 1972, MGM filmed Elvis Presley for "Elvis on Tour", which later won a Golden Globe Award.
Share
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.
Share
1986: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1986, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Share
1987: American Music Awards' Award of Merit
In 1987, Elvis Presley received the American Music Awards' Award of Merit.
Share
1998: Induction into Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Share
2001: Induction into Gospel Music Hall of Fame
In 2001, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Share
2005: Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity
In 2005, Elvis Presley was named the top-earning deceased celebrity for the fifth straight year by Forbes magazine.
Share
2006: Ranked Second Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity
In 2006, Elvis Presley was ranked second top-earning deceased celebrity.
Share
2007: Induction into Rockabilly Hall of Fame
In 2007, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Share
2009: Ranked Fourth Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity
In 2009, Elvis Presley ranked fourth among top-earning deceased celebrities.
Share
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.
Share
2011: Second-Highest-Earning Deceased Celebrity
As of mid-2011, Elvis Presley was the second-highest-earning deceased celebrity.
Share
2012: Induction into Memphis Music Hall of Fame
In 2012, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
Share
2012: Spider Named in Honor
In 2012, the spider Paradonea presleyi was named in Elvis Presley's honor, recognizing his lasting impact.
Share
2016: Ranked Fourth Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity
In 2016, Elvis Presley ranked fourth among top-earning deceased celebrities.
Share
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.
Share
2018: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2018, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded Elvis Presley the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Share