Elvis' Rock 'n' Roll History
Elvis' Rock 'n' Roll History
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.
Jan. 8, 1935
Elvis Aaron Presley is born in a shotgun shanty in Tupelo, Miss. An identical twin brother, Jesse, does not survive the birth.
(Photo: AP)
1938
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.
1945
Elvis gets his first taste of fame, winning second prize for singing "Old Shep" at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show.
1946
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.
1948
The Presleys move to Memphis, Tenn. in search of brighter fortunes.
1953
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.
1954
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)
August 1955
Elvis signs a contract with Hank Snow Attractions. Co-owner "Colonel" Tom Parker becomes the singer's exclusive manager.
November 1955
Phillips sells Elvis' contract and the rights to his Sun singles to RCA. He quickly becomes pop music's biggest new star.
February 1956
"Heartbreak Hotel" hits the top of the Billboard charts. The single also earns Elvis his first gold record.
April 6, 1956
Elvis signs a seven-year movie contract with Paramount Pictures. Being a movie star was one of his main ambitions.
(Photo: AP)
Sept. 9, 1956
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)
November 1956
"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.
March 1957
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)
March 24, 1958
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)
Aug. 14, 1958
Gladys Presley dies of complications from hepatitis. Elvis, who was granted emergency leave to be by her side, is devastated.
Jan. 8, 1935
Elvis meets 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu at a party at his home in Germany.
(Photo: AP)
March 5, 1960
Elvis is discharged from the Army and immediately returns to recording, performing and filming movies.
(Photo: AP)
1963
Priscilla moves into Graceland, finishing her senior year of high school in Memphis.
Feb. 9, 1964
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."
May 1, 1967
Elvis and Priscilla say "I do" in a Las Vegas wedding. Daughter Lisa Marie is born exactly nine months later.
(Photo: AP)
Dec. 3, 1968
"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.
Summer 1969
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.
Dec. 21, 1970
President Richard Nixon meets with Elvis in Washington. Former Nixon White House aide Egil "Bud" Krogh set up the meeting.
October 1972
"Burning Love" hits number two on the charts, Elvis' biggest single in years.
(Photo: AP)
Oct. 9, 1972
Elvis and Priscilla divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable difference.
1976
A year of heavy touring for Elvis.
Aug. 16, 1977
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