Elvis Presley Biography and Works.

Elvis Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular singers of the 20th century. He is widely known by the single name, Elvis. He is often referred to as the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ or simply ‘the King’.

Born in Tupelo Mississippi, Presley moved to Memphis Tennessee with his family at the age of 13.

He began his career in Mississippi in 1954 when Sun Records owner, Sam Philips, eager to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience, saw in Presley the means to realize his ambition.

Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was one of the originators of rock ability, an up-tempo, backbeat-driven fusion of Country and Rhythm and Blues. RCA victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for over two decades. Presley’s first RCA single, Heartbreak Hotel, released in January 1956, was a number one hit. He became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of Rock-n-Roll with a series of network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs, many from African American sources, and his uninhibited performance style made him enormously popular and controversial. In November 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender.

Trivia

Presley is regarded as one of the most important figures of the 20th century popular culture. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, he won three, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36. He has been inducted into four music halls of fame.