Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on the 8th of January 1935, in a small two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother Jesse Garon had been stillborn thirty-five minutes earlier. The family attended an Assembly of God church where young Elvis found his first musical inspiration. Vernon Presley worked odd jobs and the family often relied on neighbors for help with food. In 1938 they lost their home after Vernon went to jail for eight months over a forged check. Presley entered East Tupelo Consolidated School in September 1941 as an average student. He sang Old Shep at the Mississippi, Alabama Fair and Dairy Show on the 3rd of October 1945 when he was ten years old. He placed fifth in that singing contest but received his first guitar shortly afterward. A few months later he began playing guitar under the tutelage of Lee Denson. By 1950 he formed a loose collective with three other boys including Dorsey and Johnny Burnette. They practiced together while listening to regional radio stations like WDIA that played race records. These were spirituals and blues mixed with backbeat-heavy rhythm and blues. Presley regularly attended all-night singings downtown where white gospel groups performed music influenced by African American spirituals. He knew every song by Hank Snow and loved records by Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb. When his family moved to Memphis in November 1948 he enrolled at L.C. Humes High School. His music teacher told him he had no aptitude for singing yet he brought out his guitar anyway. He sang Keep Them Cold Icy Fingers Off Me and surprised the class. He grew his sideburns and styled his hair differently from other students. By his senior year he wore flashy clothes from Lansky Brothers on Beale Street. The heart of Memphis' thriving blues scene became his playground. He competed in Humes Annual Minstrel Show in 1953 singing Till I Waltz Again with You. That performance changed how people saw him at school.
Sam Phillips ran the Memphis Recording Service before starting Sun Records. In August 1953 Elvis checked into the studio to record two songs as a birthday gift for his mother. He paid for an acetate disc containing My Happiness and That's When Your Heartaches Begin. Nothing came of that first attempt but Phillips kept watching him. On the 5th of July 1954 Phillips invited guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black to work with Presley during a recording session. They played until late at night when Elvis launched into Arthur Crudup's That's All Right. Moore recalled jumping around while playing the song. Phillips began taping immediately because this was the sound he had been looking for. Three days later Dewey Phillips played That's All Right on his Red Hot and Blue show. Listeners called repeatedly so Phillips played the record again and again. He asked Elvis what high school he attended to clarify his race for callers who assumed he was black. The trio recorded Blue Moon of Kentucky using a jury-rigged echo effect Sam Phillips called slapback. A single pressed with That's All Right on one side and Blue Moon of Kentucky on the other went out into the world. They played publicly for the first time at the Bon Air club on the 17th of July 1954. Later that month they appeared at Overton Park Shell where Slim Whitman headlined. Here Elvis pioneered Rubber legs his signature dance movement. His wide-cut pants emphasized movements causing young women in the audience to scream. Moore said crowds would go wild when he shook his legs during instrumental parts. By August through October they played frequently at Eagle's Nest club. Teenagers rushed from the pool to fill the venue then left as house bands resumed. Presley grew more confident on stage according to Moore. He did something once then expanded on it quickly. In November 1954 he performed on Louisiana Hayride which aired on 198 radio stations across 28 states. His nervous first set drew muted reactions but a second set inspired enthusiastic responses. Soon after the show the Hayride engaged him for Saturday night appearances all year long. He traded his old guitar for $8 and bought a Martin instrument for $175. The trio began playing new locales including Houston Texas and Texarkana Arkansas.
Elvis made his first national television appearance on CBS Stage Show on the 28th of January 1956. The program was produced in New York City by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. After that appearance he stayed in town to record eight songs at RCA Victor's New York studio. These included Blue Suede Shoes an improvement over Carl Perkins' version according to Robert Hilburn. On April 3 Presley appeared on NBC Milton Berle Show performing Hound Dog on the deck of USS Hancock in San Diego. Sailors and their dates cheered loudly during his performance. Twelve weeks later Heartbreak Hotel became his first number-one pop hit. A Newsweek critic described his Vegas residency as corn liquor at a champagne party. An urgent message went to FBI director J. Edgar Hoover warning that Elvis posed a danger to United States security. The letter claimed his actions roused sexual passions among teenaged youth. More than 1,000 teenagers tried to enter his room after one show in La Crosse Wisconsin. Two high school girls had his autograph on their abdomen and thigh. His second Milton Berle Show appearance came on June 5 at NBC Hollywood studio. Milton Berle persuaded him to leave his guitar backstage. During the performance he halted an up-tempo rendition of Hound Dog and launched into a slow grinding version with exaggerated body movements. Jack Gould wrote for The New York Times that Mr. Presley has no discernible singing ability. Ben Gross of the New York Daily News called it grunt and groin antics. Ed Sullivan declared Presley unfit for family viewing. He soon found himself referred to as Elvis the Pelvis which he called childish. On the 1st of July 1956 he appeared on Steve Allen Show wearing a white bowtie and black tails. Allen introduced a new Elvis who sang Hound Dog for less than a minute to a basset hound wearing top hat and bowtie. Allen thought Presley was talentless and absurd yet set things up so Presley would show contrition. Later that night he appeared on Hy Gardner Calling where he said music could not make anyone rebel against parents. A judge in Jacksonville Florida ordered him to tame his act during August performances. He kept still except for wiggling his little finger suggestively in mockery of the order. The single pairing Don't Be Cruel with Hound Dog ruled the charts for eleven weeks. That mark would not be surpassed for 36 years.
Elvis was drafted into United States Army at Fort Chaffee Arkansas on the 24th of March 1958. Hundreds of people descended upon him as he stepped from the bus. Photographers accompanied him into the installation. He announced he looked forward to military service saying he did not want special treatment. Between March 28 and the 17th of September 1958 he completed basic and advanced training at Fort Hood Texas. During early June leave between training phases he recorded five songs in Nashville. In early August his mother contracted hepatitis and her condition worsened rapidly. He received emergency leave visiting her and arrived in Memphis on August 12. Two days later she died of heart failure at age 46. Presley was devastated and never the same again. Their relationship had remained extremely close even into adulthood where they used baby talk together. On the 1st of October 1958 he was assigned to Ray Barracks West Germany serving as armor intelligence specialist. While there he became practically evangelical about amphetamine benefits for energy and weight loss. Karate became a lifelong interest studied with Jürgen Seydel. Fellow soldiers attested to his wish to be seen as an able ordinary soldier despite fame. He donated army pay to charity purchasing television sets for base members. He bought extra fatigues for everyone in his outfit. Promoted to sergeant on the 11th of February 1960 while stationed in Bad Nauheim. There aged 24 he met 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu who would marry him after seven-and-a-half years courtship. Media reports echoed concerns that his career might suffer from two years away but RCA producer Steve Sholes kept releasing successful material. Between induction and discharge Elvis had ten top-40 hits including Hard Headed Woman and A Big Hunk o' Love.
Elvis returned to United States the 2nd of March 1960 honorably discharged three days later. The train carrying him from New Jersey to Tennessee was mobbed all the way. Fans called upon him at scheduled stops to please crowds. On night of March 20 he entered RCA Nashville studio cutting tracks for new album alongside single Stuck on You. That single rushed into release swiftly becoming number-one hit. Another session yielded ballads It's Now or Never and Are You Lonesome Tonight along with rest of Elvis Is Back! Greil Marcus described full of Chicago blues menace driven by super-miked acoustic guitar. The record conjured vision of performer who could be all things according to John Robertson. Released only days after recording complete it reached number two on album chart. On May 12 Presley reappeared on television as guest Frank Sinatra Timex Special also known as Welcome Home Elvis. Parker secured unheard-of $125,000 for eight minutes singing drawing enormous viewership. G.I. Blues soundtrack became number-one album in October followed by His Hand in Mine reaching number 13 on US pop chart. In February 1961 he performed two shows in Memphis benefiting 24 local charities. RCA Victor presented plaque certifying worldwide sales over 75 million records. A twelve-hour Nashville session mid-March yielded nearly all next studio album Something for Everybody. According to John Robertson it exemplified Nashville sound defined country music in 1960s. It was pleasant unthreatening pastiche of music once his birthright making sixth number-one LP. Another benefit concert Pearl Harbor memorial staged March 25 Hawaii marking last public performance seven years. Parker pushed him into heavy filmmaking schedule focusing formulaic modestly budgeted musical comedies. Among twenty-seven films made during decade there were few further exceptions like Flaming Star and Wild in Country less commercially successful. Critic Andrew Caine dismissed them pantheon bad taste yet virtually all profitable. Hal Wallis declared Presley picture only sure thing Hollywood. Of films in 1960s fifteen accompanied soundtrack albums another five by EPs. Rapid production schedules affected music quality according to Jerry Leiber. Three ballads one medium-tempo one up-tempo one break blues boogie formed standard formula. As decade wore on song quality grew progressively worse Julie Parrish said Presley disliked many songs. Jordanaires Gordon Stoker described retreating from microphone feeling material so bad he could not sing it.
Elvis' only child Lisa Marie born the 1st of February 1968 during period deep unhappiness with career. Of eight singles released between January 1967 May 1968 only two charted top 40 none higher than number 28. Three of six albums ranked top 40 but forthcoming Speedway album would rank at number 82. Parker maneuvered deal NBC committing network finance first TV special and movie recorded late June Burbank California. Show simply called Elvis aired the 3rd of December 1968 later known as '68 Comeback Special. Lavishly staged studio productions mixed songs performed band front small audience his first live performances since 1961. Live segments saw him dressed tight black leather singing playing guitar uninhibited style reminiscent early rock days. Director Steve Binder worked hard produce show far from hour Christmas songs Parker originally planned. NBC highest-rated that season capturing 42 percent total viewing audience. Jon Landau remarked magical watching man who lost himself find way back home. He sang power people no longer expect rock singers moved body lack pretension effort making Jim Morrison green envy. Marsh calls performance emotional grandeur historical resonance. By January 1969 single If I Can Dream written for special reached number 12. Soundtrack album rose into top ten according friend Jerry Schilling reminded Presley what he not able do years choosing people choosing songs not told what had on soundtrack. He was out prison man said Binder. From experience Comeback Special engaged prolific series recording sessions American Sound Studio leading acclaimed From Elvis in Memphis released June 1969. First secular non-soundtrack album dedicated period studio eight years described masterpiece catching pop music trends passed during movie years. Album featured hit single In Ghetto issued April reaching number three pop chart first non-gospel top ten hit since Bossa Nova Baby 1963. Further hits culled American Sound sessions Suspicious Minds Don't Cry Daddy Kentucky Rain. After success Comeback Special offers came world London Palladium offered money one-week engagement responding fine now much get Elvis? May brand-new International Hotel Las Vegas booked him fifty-seven shows four weeks beginning July 31.
Elvis performed two benefit concerts Kui Lee Cancer Fund connection groundbreaking television special Aloha from Hawaii January 1973. First show served practice run backup should technical problems affect live broadcast two days later. On January 14 Aloha from Hawaii aired live via satellite prime-time audiences Japan South Korea Thailand Philippines Australia New Zealand US servicemen Southeast Asia. Japan where it capped nationwide Elvis Presley Week smashed viewing records. Next night simulcast twenty-eight European countries April extended version aired US receiving fifty-seven percent TV audience share. Parker claimed seen billion or more people figure appeared sheer invention. Stage costume became most recognized example elaborate concert garb latter-day persona closely associated. Bobbie Ann Mason described spreading out American Eagle cape full stretched wings eagle studded back becomes god figure. Accompanying double album released February went number-one eventually sold over five million copies US last US number-one pop album lifetime. Midnight show same month four men rushed stage apparent attack security personnel defended ejecting invader himself. After show obsessed idea men sent Mike Stone Priscilla karate instructor kill him though shown only overexuberant fans raged too much pain me Stone must die. Outbursts continued intensity physician unable calm despite administering large doses medication. Two full days raging Red West friend bodyguard felt compelled get price contract killing relieved when decided Aw hell let's just leave it now maybe bit heavy. June press announced Priscilla sued set aside default divorce settlement finalized the 9th of October 1973. By time health serious decline twice year overdosed barbiturates spending three days coma hotel suite after first incident. Late 1973 hospitalized effects pethidine addiction according primary care physician George C. Nichopoulos felt getting drugs doctor not common everyday junkie street. Since comeback staged live shows passing year 1973 saw 168 concerts busiest schedule ever. Condition declined precipitously September Keyboardist Tony Brown remembered arrival University Maryland concert fell limousine knees people jumped help pushed away like Don't help me walked stage held mic thirty minutes post Everybody looking each other tour gonna happen? Guitarist John Wilkinson recalled all gut slurring fucked up words songs barely intelligible remember crying barely get through introductions.
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Common questions
When was Elvis Presley born and where did he grow up?
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on the 8th of January 1935 in a small two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew up attending an Assembly of God church and later moved to Memphis in November 1948.
What happened during Elvis Presley first recording session at Sun Records?
Sam Phillips invited guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black to work with Presley during a recording session on the 5th of July 1954. They played until late at night when Elvis launched into Arthur Crudup's That's All Right which became his breakthrough hit.
How did Elvis Presley perform during his national television appearances in 1956?
Elvis made his first national television appearance on CBS Stage Show on the 28th of January 1956 before appearing on NBC Milton Berle Show on April 3. His performances included exaggerated body movements that led critics like Jack Gould to claim he had no discernible singing ability.
Why did Elvis Presley join the United States Army in 1958?
Elvis was drafted into United States Army at Fort Chaffee Arkansas on the 24th of March 1958 and announced he looked forward to military service saying he did not want special treatment. He served as armor intelligence specialist at Ray Barracks West Germany from October 1958 until his discharge in March 1960.
What caused the decline in Elvis Presley health and career after 1973?
Presley experienced serious health decline twice a year due to overdosed barbiturates spending three days in coma after one incident. Late 1973 hospitalization revealed effects of pethidine addiction according to primary care physician George C. Nichopoulos while his condition precipitously declined during concerts.