Biography of Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is one of the first names people think of when they think of influential music icons. With big hits like “A Little Less Conversation” and “Burning Love,” it is easy to see why he was nicknamed the “King of Rock and Roll,” however, Elvis has more to his story.

Elvis Presley is considered one of the most culturally significant, best-selling music artists ever. His unique style, influenced by the sound of African American music, brought enormous success to his career in the mid-50s. It also brought him great controversy for how he could affect the well-being of white youth in America. Parents were also concerned with exposing children to sexually provocative performances. The negativity, however, never seemed to stop Elvis from becoming the global superstar he’s known for today.

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, but moved to Memphis, Tennessee at 13. Presley found his initial music inspiration at the Assembly of God church. Although he loved music, Elvis was usually too shy to perform in front of others when he was young. He was also very unpopular at school and was often bullied and teased for the music he listened to. During his senior year of high school, Elvis sang at a school talent show. His peers loved his performance of “Till I Waltz Again with You,” and Elvis’ severe unpopularity had disappeared.

Elvis’ early music career was very unfruitful. In 1953, he signed with Sun Records, a successful record label in Memphis, and recorded a two-sided disc with “My Happiness” and “That’s Where Your Heartaches Begin.” Then another in 1954, with “I’ll Never Stand in Your Way” and “It Wouldn’t Be the Same Without You.” Nothing significant came out of either record. However, he changed during one recording session with his producer, Sam Phillips, and two local musicians. Elvis suddenly broke into a blues number, “That’s All Right”. The musicians joined in, and Phillips quickly began taping the song. Days later, a successful Memphis disc jockey played “That’s All Right” on the radio. Listeners loved Elvis, and his popularity only grew from there. He was now appearing on TV and performing live with that iconic style that brought teens rushing in.

This new style and energy Elvis had eventually brought him global success. Not just musically but also commercially. He became a film, television, and music superstar in the 50s and early 70s. However, with his success also came his downfall. At the height of his career, his health started declining seriously. Elvis struggled with substance abuse and several addictions, along with being dangerously overweight. He died on August 16, 1977. The cause of his death was difficult to diagnose, but historians and medical professionals concluded that he died due to his enlarged heart, and it had nothing to do with the drugs he was taking.

Elvis significantly caused a shift in popular culture by revolutionizing rock and roll music and being one of the greatest ballad singers of his time. He became an icon of rebellious youth culture and got America to accept and appreciate black culture. He is still loved by many and celebrated to this day.

Written by Sabrina Alves | Graphic Designed by Widelandine Emilcar 

Published September 23, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature