Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley on January 8, 1935. Elvis’ musical influences were the
pop and country
music of the
time, the gospel
music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the
black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis
teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the
time, he ushered in a whole new era of American
music and popular culture. He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were
14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the
United States Jaycees. His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humour endeared him to millions, as did the humility and
human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis
home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.
