Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor who is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the twentieth century. He is known as the King of Rock and Roll, and his music and his style transformed popular culture.

Early Life

Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a poor family. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his parents when he was thirteen.

He was influenced by the music of the church, by the blues, and by the country music of the region. He recorded a song for his mother at Sun Records in 1953.

The owner of the studio, Sam Phillips, recognised his talent and recorded him with a band. The first single, That's All Right, was a hit on the local radio.

The Rise to Fame

Presley's energetic performances and his blend of black and white musical traditions caused a sensation. He was signed by RCA Records and became a national star.

His hits include Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and Don't Be Cruel. He appeared on television and provoked controversy with his suggestive movements.

He was drafted into the army in 1958 and served in Germany. He returned to music and to film in 1960.

The Films and the Comeback

Presley made a series of films in the 1960s, most of them light comedies with musical numbers. The films were popular but were criticised for their quality.

He withdrew from live performance for several years. He returned in 1968 with a television special that re-established his reputation.

The 1969 sessions in Memphis produced the album From Elvis in Memphis. He began to perform in Las Vegas and on tour.

Later Years and Death

Presley's health declined because of his use of prescription drugs and his weight. He continued to perform despite his deteriorating condition.

He died in 1977 at Graceland, his home in Memphis. The cause of death was a heart attack related to drug use.

His funeral was attended by thousands of mourners. Graceland became a museum and a pilgrimage site.

Legacy

Presley is regarded as the most influential figure in the history of rock and roll. He brought the music of the South to a national audience and broke down racial barriers in popular music.

His style and his persona influenced generations of musicians. He has sold more records than any other solo artist.

He is remembered for his voice and for his charisma. His home and his recordings are preserved as part of the cultural heritage of the United States.

The Sun Records Sessions

Presley recorded a series of singles for Sun Records with the guitarist Scotty Moore and the bassist Bill Black. The recordings established the rock and roll sound.

The combination of the country and the rhythm and blues traditions was characteristic of the Sun sessions. The sound was produced by Sam Phillips.

The singles include That's All Right, Blue Moon of Kentucky, and Mystery Train. The recordings are regarded as the foundation of rock and roll.

The Television Appearances

Presley appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and on other programmes. The appearances were watched by a huge audience and provoked controversy.

His performance of Hound Dog on the Milton Berle Show was criticised as vulgar. The camera was instructed to film him only from the waist up on the Sullivan show.

The television appearances made him a national celebrity. The reaction to his performances reflected the cultural tensions of the period.

The Movies

Presley starred in more than thirty films. The films were mostly light musical comedies.

The films include Loving You, Jailhouse Rock, and King Creole. The latter is regarded as his best performance.

The films were financially successful but were criticised for their quality. Presley himself was frustrated by the material.

The Las Vegas Residency

Presley performed in Las Vegas from 1969 and became a fixture of the entertainment scene. The shows were elaborate and were attended by audiences from around the world.

He performed two shows a night for several weeks at a time. The schedule was demanding and contributed to the decline of his health.

The July 1970 documentary Elvis: That's the Way It Is captured the performances and the rehearsals. The shows are regarded as some of the best of his career.

The Legend and the Estate

The legend of Presley has grown since his death. He is regarded as one of the most important cultural figures of the twentieth century.

Graceland is one of the most visited houses in the United States. The estate manages his music and his image.

The Elvis Presley Enterprises has developed the estate into a major business. The birthday of Presley is celebrated by fans throughout the world.

See also

• Rock and roll
• Graceland