Only 42 years old at the time of his death, Elvis Presley lived a life long on groundbreaking musical achievements. Follow the American legend’s rise to the top.
Elvis Aaron Presley is born in a shotgun shanty in Tupelo, Miss. An identical twin brother, Jesse, does not survive the birth.
(Photo: AP)
Vernon Presley is sent to prison for about a year for altering a $4 check. Elvis and his mother cannot afford to keep the house and move in with relatives.
Elvis gets his first taste of fame, winning second prize for singing “Old Shep” at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show.
The future king of Rock ‘n’ Roll gets his first guitar. Elvis had asked his parents for a bicycle, but the guitar was the most they could afford.
The Presleys move to Memphis, Tenn. in search of brighter fortunes.
Fresh out of high school, 17-year-old Elvis makes his first record. He cuts two songs at the now-legendary Sun Studio, a $5 birthday gift for his mother.
Elvis returns to Sun and meets studio owner Sam Phillips. Phillips had proclaimed that if he could find a young white singer with the sound and spirit of a black man, 경기도출장샵 he would make a billion dollars. He hooks Elvis up with some local musicians to record and play shows.
(Photo: AP)
Elvis signs a contract with Hank Snow Attractions. Co-owner “Colonel” Tom Parker becomes the singer’s exclusive manager.
Phillips sells Elvis’ contract and the rights to his Sun singles to RCA. He quickly becomes pop music’s biggest new star.
“Heartbreak Hotel” hits the top of the Billboard charts. The single also earns Elvis his first gold record.
Elvis signs a seven-year movie contract with Paramount Pictures. Being a movie star was one of his main ambitions.
(Photo: AP)
His hometown of Tupelo, Miss., declares “Elvis Presley Day” on the occasion of his return performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. This time, the National Guard has to be called in to maintain order.
(Photo: AP)
“Love Me Tender,” Elvis’ first musical movie, premieres. From 1956 to 1969, he stars in 33 feature films, most of them following nearly identical scripts, and all subject to approval by Colonel Parker.
Elvis returns to Sun and meets studio owner Sam Phillips. Phillips had proclaimed that if he could find a young white singer with the sound and spirit of a black man, he would make a billion dollars. He hooks Elvis up with some local musicians to record and play shows.
(Photo: AP)
Elvis is drafted into the U.S. Army. A throng of photographers and reporters are on hand as he gets his first G.I. haircut. Most of his military service is done in West Germany.
(Photo: AP)
Gladys Presley dies of complications from hepatitis. Elvis, who was granted emergency leave to be by her side, is devastated.
Elvis meets 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu at a party at his home in Germany.
(Photo: AP)
Elvis is discharged from the Army and immediately returns to recording, performing and filming movies.
(Photo: AP)
Priscilla moves into Graceland, finishing her senior year of high school in Memphis.
The Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, and congratulations from Elvis and the Colonel are read over the air. Sgt. Presley didn’t know it at the time, but his perch at the top of the pops was about to come under a “British invasion.”
Elvis and Priscilla say “I do” in a Las Vegas wedding. Daughter Lisa Marie is born exactly nine months later.
(Photo: AP)
“Elvis,” a television special that captures the singer’s first performances in front of a live audience in seven years, is aired on NBC. It earns rave reviews and becomes one of pop music’s greatest TV moments.
A four-week engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas breaks attendance records for the city and spawns Elvis’ first live album. He returns to the road for the first time in years with the musical extravaganza.
President Richard Nixon meets with Elvis in Washington. Former Nixon White House aide Egil “Bud” Krogh set up the meeting.
“Burning Love” hits number two on the charts, Elvis’ biggest single in years.
(Photo: AP)
Elvis and Priscilla divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable difference.
A year of heavy touring for Elvis.
Elvis dies at Graceland. The cause is listed as congestive heart failure, but later investigations show drug abuse may have been a factor. His personal physician is accused of indiscriminately giving the singer pills, but is acquitted of the charges.
(Photo: AP)
Sources: Associated Press, Hollywood.com, Elvis.com