Elvis Presley Biography: Husband of Priscilla Presley, Father of Lisa Marie Presley and The ultimate King of Rock and Roll

Following the latest news of The 30th Anniversary of Elvis’ death, we thought we would dedicate a post to Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll.

Elvis Aaron Presley is best known for being the King of Rock and Roll. Born January 8th 1935 to Vernon Presley, a truck driver and Gladys Love Smith, a sewing machine operator. They married in 1933 and didn’t have to wait long until Gladys was pregnant.

Elvis was born in a two-bed roomed house that was built by his father. He was the second of identical twins though his brother (Jesse Garon) was stillborn and Elvis grew up as an only child. Some say that Elvis “”was, everyone agreed, unusually close to his mother”

The family lived under the poverty line in East Tupelo and in 1938, Presley’s father was convicted and jailed for an eight-dollar check forgery. He served 8 months and returned to a family that had changed drastically. During Vernon’s time in jail, Gladys lost the family home. Elvis’s young life was affected by his family’s status and was bullied at school “because he was different, because he was quiet and because he was a mama’s boy”.

When Elvis was ten years old, he made his first public performance singing Red Foley’s “Old Sheep” dressed as a cowboy. He won second prize. This gave Elvis the buzz for music he needed and in 1946, for his birthday, Presley’s mother took Elvis to get a guitar.

In 1948 the family moved to Memphis. It was alleged that Vernon needed to move away as he has to escape the law for transporting “bootlegger” liquor. A resident of the town they moved to once said, “Wherever Elvis went he’d have his guitar slung across his back… He used to go down to the fire station and sing to the boys there… He’d go in to one of the cafes or bars… Then some folks would say: ‘Let’s hear you sing, boy.’“

Elvis adopted his unique sense of style when he attended L.C Humes High School. He began to grow his sideburns longer and dress in the wild clothes of Lansky Brothers on Beale Street. Presley always stood out from the conservative crowd of the Deep South in the 50’s.

Elvis’ musical influences primarily came through the family’s attendance at Assembly of God, a Pentecostal Holiness Church. He listened to the radio a lot and his first musical hero was Mississippi Slim. Presley would occasionally perform on Slim’s Saturday Morning Show, Singin’ and Pickin’ Hillbilly.

In 1954 Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. The year after, in 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor
It didn’t take him long to become a international sensation. His sound and style uniquely combined his range of musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time. When Elvis hit the scene, the whole world stopped to take notice and a new Genre was born.

Not only was Elvis interested in music, he also starred in 33 films, made history with his television appearances and specials. His record-breaking live shows sent shockwaves around the world.
Elvis has sold over one billion records - more than any other artist. His sales in America alone have earned him gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums or singles.

Elvis has had 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins), The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which he received when he was 36 and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. He honourably served his country in the U.S Army.

Women were really important in Elvis’ life. It has been reported that he had a one night stand with Marilyn Monroe. In 1967 Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu Presley. 9 months later Lisa Marie was born. The marriage was short lived, with the couple separating on February 23rd 1972, agreeing to share custody of their daughter. A Year later the couple were divorced.

Elvis will always be remembered for his talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma and good humour. His ways endeared him to millions and his humility and human kindness he showed thought his life proved what a good soul he was.

He is still regarded at one of the most important figures of the twentieth century popular culture. Elvis Died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16th 1977.
Lisa Marie Presley is still carrying her fathers torch with her music career.

What are your thoughts of Elvis. Do you have any memories of seeing Elvis in concert or even meeting the King Himself? Leave your comments below.

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