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Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll


In the humble town of Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, a legend was born. Elvis Aaron Presley, the son of Vernon and Gladys Presley, entered the world in a two-room shotgun house built by his father and uncle. Little did anyone know that this boy from a poor Southern family would become one of the most iconic figures in music history, forever changing the landscape of popular culture.

Elvis's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. His father, Vernon, worked odd jobs to support the family, while his mother, Gladys, was a loving and devoted parent. Elvis grew up in a close-knit, religious household, attending the Assembly of God church with his family. It was here that he first developed his love for music, often singing gospel hymns with his parents.

As a child, Elvis was known for his shy and polite demeanor, but he also possessed a mischievous streak. He would often sneak out of the house at night to listen to the blues and country music emanating from the nearby juke joints. This exposure to diverse musical styles would later influence his own unique sound.

In 1948, when Elvis was 13 years old, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in search of better opportunities. It was in Memphis that Elvis began to cultivate his passion for music, frequenting record stores and absorbing the sounds of blues, country, and R&B. He also started to develop his iconic style, growing out his sideburns and pompadour hairstyle.

Elvis attended L.C. Humes High School in Memphis, where he was considered an average student. However, he excelled in music and shop class, often impressing his classmates with his singing abilities. In 1953, Elvis graduated from high school and began working as a truck driver for the Crown Electric Company.


In the summer of 1954, Elvis's life would change forever. He walked into the offices of Sun Records, a small independent label in Memphis, and asked to record a song as a gift for his mother. The receptionist, Marion Keisker, was impressed by Elvis's voice and noted his potential. She brought him to the attention of Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, who had been searching for a white singer with the sound and feel of a black artist.

On July 5, 1954, Elvis recorded his first single, "That's All Right (Mama)," a cover of an Arthur Crudup blues song. The B-side featured a rendition of Bill Monroe's bluegrass tune, "Blue Moon of Kentucky." When the single was played on local radio stations, it quickly gained popularity, and Elvis began to build a fanbase.

Over the next year, Elvis continued to record at Sun Records, releasing a string of successful singles, including "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Baby Let's Play House," and "Mystery Train." His unique blend of blues, country, and R&B, coupled with his energetic performances and charismatic stage presence, set him apart from other artists of the time.

In 1955, Elvis's popularity continued to grow, and he began touring extensively throughout the South. His live performances were electrifying, with his gyrating hips and provocative dance moves causing both excitement and controversy. Young women would scream and faint at the sight of him, while some conservative groups labeled him a threat to moral decency.

Despite the controversy, Elvis's star continued to rise. In November 1955, his contract with Sun Records was sold to RCA Victor for an unprecedented $40,000. This move marked the beginning of Elvis's ascent to national stardom.

In January 1956, Elvis released his first single with RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel," which quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts. This was followed by a string of successful releases, including "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," "Hound Dog," and "Don't Be Cruel."

Elvis's popularity reached new heights with his appearances on national television. In January 1956, he made his first appearance on the Dorsey Brothers' "Stage Show," followed by six appearances on "The Milton Berle Show." These performances, characterized by Elvis's energetic singing, guitar playing, and provocative hip movements, caused a sensation and cemented his status as a rising star.

However, it was Elvis's appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on September 9, 1956, that truly propelled him to superstardom. An estimated 60 million viewers tuned in to watch Elvis perform, making it one of the most-watched television events of the time. His performance, which included renditions of "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," and "Ready Teddy," was met with both adoration and outrage. Some critics decried his suggestive movements as vulgar, while others hailed him as a fresh and exciting new talent.

By the end of 1956, Elvis had become a cultural phenomenon, with his music, style, and persona captivating audiences across the United States. He had released his first album, "Elvis Presley," which became the first rock and roll album to reach number one on the Billboard charts, and had starred in his first movie, "Love Me Tender."

Elvis's rapid rise to fame was not without its challenges. The controversy surrounding his performances and persona led to some radio stations banning his music and some venues canceling his shows. However, this only seemed to fuel his popularity, as fans rallied around their beloved star.

As 1956 drew to a close, Elvis had firmly established himself as the King of Rock and Roll, a title he would hold for the rest of his life. His unique blend of musical styles, his charismatic stage presence, and his rebellious image had captured the hearts of millions of fans, setting the stage for a career that would span decades and leave an indelible mark on popular culture.


As Elvis's fame continued to grow, Hollywood came calling. In 1957, he starred in his second film, "Loving You," which showcased his acting talents and featured a soundtrack of his hit songs. The movie was a success, grossing over $3 million at the box office and cementing Elvis's status as a multi-talented entertainer.

Over the next few years, Elvis would go on to star in a string of successful films, including "Jailhouse Rock" (1957), "King Creole" (1958), and "G.I. Blues" (1960). These movies, while often criticized for their formulaic plots and weak scripts, nonetheless showcased Elvis's charisma and musical abilities, and helped to further his popularity.

However, Elvis's Hollywood career was put on hold in 1958 when he was drafted into the United States Army. Despite his fame and wealth, Elvis chose to serve as a regular soldier, earning the respect of his fellow recruits and the public at large. He was stationed in Germany, where he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer.

During his time in the army, Elvis continued to release music, with his single "Hard Headed Woman" reaching number one on the Billboard charts in 1958. He also recorded a number of songs while on leave, including "A Big Hunk o' Love" and "A Fool Such as I," which would be released after his discharge.

Elvis was honorably discharged from the army in March 1960, having earned the rank of sergeant. His return to civilian life was marked by a highly anticipated television special, "Elvis: Welcome Home Elvis," which aired on May 12, 1960. The special, which featured Elvis performing a mix of his old hits and new songs, was a massive success, drawing an estimated 50 million viewers.

With his military service behind him, Elvis was ready to resume his career as a musician and actor. He returned to Hollywood, starring in a string of successful films throughout the 1960s, including "Blue Hawaii" (1961), "Viva Las Vegas" (1964), and "Speedway" (1968). While these movies were often dismissed by critics as lightweight and formulaic, they were enormously popular with audiences and helped to maintain Elvis's status as a major star.

In addition to his film work, Elvis continued to release successful albums and singles throughout the 1960s. His 1960 album "Elvis Is Back!" marked a return to his rock and roll roots, featuring hits like "Stuck on You" and "Fever." He also experimented with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of gospel, country, and soul into his music.