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 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.
September 9, 1956: First Appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show
On September 9, 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, watched by approximately 60 million viewers. His performance of "Love Me Tender" resulted in a million advance orders and made him a national celebrity.
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.
1960: Recording of "Crying in the Chapel"
In 1960, Elvis Presley recorded the gospel number "Crying in the Chapel", which was released in 1965.
February 1961: Memphis Benefit Concerts and RCA Victor Plaque Presentation
In February 1961, Elvis Presley performed two shows in Memphis, benefiting 24 local charities. Before the event, RCA Victor presented him with a plaque recognizing worldwide sales of over 75 million records.
1961: Release of "Can't Help Falling in Love"
In 1961, Elvis Presley released "Can't Help Falling in Love". This song came from one of his movies and became one of his most popular songs.
1962: Release of "Return to Sender"
In 1962, Elvis Presley released "Return to Sender". This song came from one of his movies and became one of his most popular songs.
1963: Bossa Nova Baby
In 1963, Elvis Presley had his last non-gospel top ten hit before "In the Ghetto", it was called "Bossa Nova Baby".
1965: Release of "Crying in the Chapel"
In 1965, Elvis Presley released "Crying in the Chapel". This gospel number, recorded in 1960, became his only top-ten hit from 1964 to 1968.
1967: Elvis Wins Grammy Award for How Great Thou Art
In 1967, Elvis Presley won his first Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance for the gospel album 'How Great Thou Art'.
December 3, 1968: Airing of the '68 Comeback Special
On December 3, 1968, the Elvis special, later known as the '68 Comeback Special, aired on NBC. The show featured both lavish studio productions and live performances, marking Presley's first live performances since 1961.
January 1969: "If I Can Dream" Single Reaches Number 12
In January 1969, the single "If I Can Dream", written for the '68 Comeback Special, reached number 12. The soundtrack album also rose into the top ten.
June 1969: Release of From Elvis in Memphis Album
In June 1969, Elvis Presley released 'From Elvis in Memphis', his first secular, non-soundtrack album in eight years, recorded during a dedicated period at American Sound Studio.
January 16, 1971: Named One of the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men
On January 16, 1971, the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce named Elvis Presley one of its annual Ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation.
April 1972: Filming of Elvis on Tour and Release of He Touched Me
In April 1972, MGM filmed Elvis Presley for 'Elvis on Tour' and released his gospel album 'He Touched Me', which would earn him his second Grammy Award.
January 1973: Aloha from Hawaii Concerts and Broadcast
In January 1973, Elvis Presley performed two benefit concerts for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in connection with the groundbreaking television special, Aloha from Hawaii. On January 14, 1973, Aloha from Hawaii aired live via satellite to audiences in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and U.S. servicemen in Southeast Asia. The accompanying double album released in February went to number one, selling over 5 million copies in the U.S.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mentioned in this timeline
California is the most populous US state located on the...
New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern...
The White House located at Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington...
Priscilla Presley is an American actress and businesswoman best known...
The National Broadcasting Company NBC is a major American commercial...
Lisa Marie Presley - was an American singer-songwriter and the...
Trending
23 minutes ago Flau'jae Johnson: LSU Star, March Madness Favorite, Property Mogul, and Ethnicity Explored.
24 minutes ago Viola Davis at 'G20' Premiere: Black-ish Reunion and Action Film Excitement
24 minutes ago Aruba Tourism: New Resort, Airport Upgrades, and Increased Tourist Taxes Implemented.
24 minutes ago Sean Kingston and Mother Found Guilty of Fraud in Federal Trial Verdict
24 minutes ago Candace Parker's No. 3 Jersey to Be Retired by Los Angeles Sparks on June 29
1 hour ago Jason Statham's 'A Working Man' Gets Mixed Reviews: Blue-Collar Bloodshed on Display
Popular
Jasmine Crockett is an American lawyer and politician currently serving...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is a highly decorated American...
Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed CR is a Portuguese professional footballer widely...
Michael Jordan also known as MJ is a celebrated American...
Pamela Jo Bondi is an American attorney lobbyist and politician...
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast renowned as the...