Elvis Presley (Elvis Aaron Presley, 8 January 1935 to 16 August 1977) was an American singer and actor who became known as the "King of Rock and Roll". He rose from Mississippi to become one of the best-selling solo artists in history, with an estimated 500 million records sold worldwide. He died at his home, Graceland, in Memphis at the age of 42. This biography follows his life and career.
Elvis Presley at a Glance
| Full name | Elvis Aaron Presley |
| Born | 8 January 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | 16 August 1977, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee (aged 42) |
| Profession | Singer and actor |
| Record sales | An estimated 500 million worldwide |
| Awards | Three Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award |
| Hall of Fame | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (inaugural class, 1986) |
| Spouse | Priscilla Beaulieu (married 1967; divorced 1973) |
| Child | Lisa Marie |
Early Life in Tupelo and Memphis
Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn 35 minutes before him. The family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in November 1948.
Sun Records and Stardom
In July 1954 Presley recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Records in Memphis, in a session held on 5 July, and he first played in public with his trio on 17 July, twelve days later. The session launched his recording career. In November 1955 his contract was sold to RCA Victor, and "Heartbreak Hotel", released on 27 January 1956, became a number-one hit in the United States. His first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, on 9 September 1956, drew about 60 million viewers, and he made three appearances on the programme in all.
Army and Films
Presley served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 and left as a sergeant. He then starred in a long run of Hollywood films, and he married Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967, although they divorced in 1973. Their daughter was Lisa Marie.
The Comeback and Aloha from Hawaii
After the 1968 television special that revived his career, Presley returned to live performance with an extended concert residency. In 1973 his concert Aloha from Hawaii was described as the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world. He received three Grammy Awards in his career, and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36.
Death at Graceland
Presley was found unresponsive in a bathroom at Graceland on 16 August 1977, and he was declared dead at the age of 42. The county coroner recorded the cause as cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, and later reporting has linked his death to prescription drug use. Graceland's own website gives the cause as heart failure, so accounts of his death differ in their wording.
Legacy
Presley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, in the first group of inductees. He helped to bring rhythm and blues and country music to a mass audience, and his television appearances drew huge audiences. His image and music are still among the most widely recognised in the world.
