Elvis Presley

On January 8, 1935, in Tupelo Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley was born to a lovely couple by the name of Vernon and Gladys Presley. He brought so much joy into the family. By the age of 18, Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and he graduated from Humes High School there in 1953. 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 were Elvis’ musical influences. He began a singing career in 1954 with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis Tennessee. He had a sound and style that uniquely combined his varied musical influences and distorted and challenged the social/racial barriers of the time, Elvis ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture. Elvis fell in love and married Marie Presley and together had Lisa Marie Presley.

By 1956, he was an international sensation. He starred in 33 successful films, and made history with his television appearances and specials. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His talents, superior looks, sensuality, magnetism, and good wittiness endeared him to millions, as did the modesty and human kindness he established throughout his life.

He has earned gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most significant figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died on August 16, 1977 at his Memphis home, Graceland. It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold over one billion records worldwide, more than anyone in record industry history. Elvis has had 150 different albums and singles that have been certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with more certifications projected as research into his past record sales continues and as current sales go on. Research is also in progress to manuscript his record sales achievements in other countries.

For charitable endeavors Elvis Presley was famous for giving away Cadillac’s, cash and jewelry, as the spur of the moment. He was such a caring and charitable human being. Each year, for many years, Elvis gave $1,000 or more to each of fifty Memphis-area charities, but also repetitively made several other benevolent donations in Memphis and around the country.