Elvis Presley

Guide Note

Elvis Presley, often considered the "King of Rock and Roll", was discovered in Memphis by Sun Records founder Sam Phillips. Presley naturally combined the genres of Rockabilly, R&B;, Country and Gospel to kick start the new genre and become a Pop icon.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Elvis Aaron Presley
2. Born: January 8, 1935
3. Died: August 16, 1977
4. Label: Sun Records
5. 18 #1 Hits
6. Grammy Nominations: 14
7. Grammy Awards: 3
8. Sometime referred to as "The King"
9. Stillborn identical twin brother

Presley's first tv appearance was on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. Presley's music combined the sounds of country, R&B; and rockabilly. In the 1950s the unique fusion of "black" and "white" sounds made him extremely popular and controversial.

He made over thirty movies in the 1960s. By the late 1970s, his addiction to prescription drugs, and busy tour schedule took a toll on his health. He died in his home at the age of 42.

Presley married Priscilla Beaulieu on May 1 1967. The met in the early 1960s when Priscilla was fourteen years old. The had their only child, Lisa Marie Presley, on February 1, 1968.

The mansion that Elvis lived in is called Graceland. He bought the 13.8 acre estate in 1957 for $100,000. It has twenty-three rooms including eight bedrooms and bathrooms. It is located in 12 miles from downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis died in the mansion and his parents and grandmother are buried on the property. Graceland became open to the public in 1982. On March 27, 2006, Graceland was declared a National Historic Landmark.