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[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in his third film, ''[[Jailhouse Rock]]'', filmed in 1957]]

[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in his third film, ''[[Jailhouse Rock]]'', filmed in 1957]]

'''Elvis Aaron <ref>Presley's middle name is also spelled "Aron", as this spelling was intended to be parallel to the spelling of Presley's stillborn brother Jesse Garon. However, the State of Mississippi spelled it as "Aaron" on Presley's birth certificate, which was revealed to Presley and he chose to adopt the spelling of "Aaron"; this is also the spelling that appears on Presley's tombstone. [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Presley#Additional-Information.]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/article-aron-or-aaron.shtml Presley had it changed to Aaron to match the Biblical spelling of the name.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by his first name '''Elvis''',  (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang [[rock music]], rockabilly, [[Country music|country]], [[blues]], and [[Gospel music|gospel]]. He has become an American cultural icon and a major figure in American popular culture. Presley is often known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.  (Presley preferred this epithet not be used as he stated that only [[Jesus Christ]] is King <ref>https://youtu.be/JEZpSFnDxRg </ref>) Since his death, Presley has been referenced in many songs, books, movies, television shows and other forms of media and he has generated so much revenue since his death from sales of his works to tours of Graceland which only shows the longevity of his works and image and his continuing cultural relevance. Las Vegas culture is now in a sense synonymous with Presley.  

'''Elvis Aaron <ref>Presley's middle name is also spelled "Aron", as this spelling was intended to be parallel to the spelling of Presley's stillborn brother Jesse Garon. However, the State of Mississippi spelled it as "Aaron" on Presley's birth certificate, which was revealed to Presley and he chose to adopt the spelling of "Aaron"; this is also the spelling that appears on Presley's tombstone. [https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Presley#Additional-Information.]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/article-aron-or-aaron.shtml Presley had it changed to Aaron to match the Biblical spelling of the name.]</ref> Presley''', popularly known by his first name '''Elvis''',  (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang [[rock music]], rockabilly, [[Country music|country]], [[blues]], and [[Gospel music|gospel]]. He has become an American cultural icon and a major figure in American popular culture. Presley is often known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.  (Presley preferred this epithet not be used as he stated that only [[Jesus Christ]] is King <ref>https://youtu.be/JEZpSFnDxRg</ref>) Since his death, Presley has been referenced in many songs, books, movies, television shows and other forms of media and he has generated so much revenue since his death from sales of his works to tours of Graceland which only shows the longevity of his works and image and his continuing cultural relevance. Las Vegas culture is now in a sense synonymous with Presley.  

Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to prescription drug abuse and poor eating and health habits; he died in his home, [[Graceland]], from cardiac arrest, a day before he was scheduled to go back on tour.  

Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to prescription drug abuse and poor eating and health habits; he died in his home, [[Graceland]], from cardiac arrest, a day before he was scheduled to go back on tour.  

Presley is one of the most important popular culture icons of the twentieth century, and the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. He was one of the originators of rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country music and [[rhythm and blues]].<ref>http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19754/m1/</ref>  

Presley is one of the most important popular culture icons of the twentieth century, and the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. He was one of the originators of rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country music and [[rhythm and blues]].<ref>http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc19754/m1/</ref>  

==Early life==

==Early life==

Vernon Elvis Presley (April 10, 1916- June 26, 1979) was the father of Elvis Presley. He was born in Fulton, Mississippi. He was born to Jesse D. McClowell Presley and Minnie Mae Hood. He married Gladys Presley (born Gladys Love Smith; April 25, 1912- August 14, 1958) on June 17, 1933 in Verona, Mississippi. Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to Gladys Love]] and Vernon Presley. Presley's identical twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn 35 minutes before him. Presley's mother Gladys almost died from the birth and both were taken to the hospital. The Presley family lived in near-poverty during the early years of Presley's life. They were on [[welfare]] and got help from their neighbors. Vernon supported the family by working different odd jobs. Despite living in poverty, Presley benefited from a closely knit family. On May 25, 1938 Vernon was sentenced for three years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary for check [[forgery]]. During the brief time Vernon spent in prison, Gladys and Presley had to temporarily live with Gladys' in-laws next door. Vernon was released on February 6, 1939 on account of good behavior.

Vernon Elvis Presley (April 10, 1916- June 26, 1979) was the father of Elvis Presley. He was born in Fulton, Mississippi. He was born to Jesse D. McClowell Presley and Minnie Mae Hood. He married Gladys Presley (born Gladys Love Smith; April 25, 1912- August 14, 1958) on June 17, 1933 in Verona, Mississippi. Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to Gladys Love and Vernon Presley. Presley's identical twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn 35 minutes before him. Presley's mother Gladys almost died from the birth and both were taken to the hospital. The Presley family lived in near-poverty during the early years of Presley's life. They were on [[welfare]] and got help from their neighbors. Vernon supported the family by working different odd jobs. Despite living in poverty, Presley benefited from a closely knit family. On May 25, 1938 Vernon was sentenced for three years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary for check [[forgery]]. During the brief time Vernon spent in prison, Gladys and Presley had to temporarily live with Gladys' in-laws next door. Vernon was released on February 6, 1939 on account of good behavior.

Presley received a [[guitar]] for his eleventh birthday. The store owner said he wanted a [[rifle]]. Some other variants of the story claim he wanted a bicycle, though accounts from those who knew Presley during his earlier life say that what he wanted was most likely the rifle. However, Gladys did not want her son to have one and he eventually settled on the guitar. He would often sing in school for his classes, and they were pleased with him.<ref name="official bio">[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis biography]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/elvis_presley_1935_1953.html Biography of Presley's Early Life]</ref>  

Presley received a [[guitar]] for his eleventh birthday. The store owner said he wanted a [[rifle]]. Some other variants of the story claim he wanted a bicycle, though accounts from those who knew Presley during his earlier life say that what he wanted was most likely the rifle. However, Gladys did not want her son to have one and he eventually settled on the guitar. He would often sing in school for his classes, and they were pleased with him.<ref name="official bio">[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis biography]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/elvis_presley_1935_1953.html Biography of Presley's Early Life]</ref>  

*Joe Guercio & his Orchestra

*Joe Guercio & his Orchestra

=====History=====

=====History=====

Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided that he was going to air a live concert via satellite since it was impossible for Presley to tour in every major city. It was inspired by a visit to China on July 8, 1972 made by then-President [[Richard Nixon]]. Parker initially wanted the concert to take place in late 1972, but was changed to 1973 since MGM was releasing its ''Elvis on Tour'' concert documentary. On September 4, 1972, Parker held a conference announcing the Presley concert would air on January 14 the next year. The show aided the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.

Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided that he was going to air a live concert via satellite since it was impossible for Presley to tour in every major city. It was inspired by a visit to China on July 8, 1972 made by then-President [[Richard Nixon]]. Parker initially wanted the concert to take place in late 1972, but was changed to 1973 since MGM was releasing its ''Elvis on Tour'' concert documentary. On September 4, 1972, Parker held a conference announcing the Presley concert would air on January 14 the next year. The show aided the Kui Lee Cancer Fund.

Presley came from a Christian background; he had a superficially religious family and they attended First Assembly of God Church in East Tupelo, Mississippi, and then First Assembly of God in Memphis after the family moved. During his career, he was accompanied by several different gospel groups including The Jordanaires, The Stamps, and The Imperials. He recorded several gospel albums beginning with ''His Hand in Mine''. After concerts, Presley would often perform gospel music all night with some of his band members and friends. It is unknown whether Presley was a devout Christian.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/Elvis_Presley.html Elvis religion]</ref><ref>[http://www.cbn.com/blogs/scottross/121207elvis.aspx]</ref>

Presley came from a Christian background; he had a superficially religious family and they attended First Assembly of God Church in East Tupelo, Mississippi, and then First Assembly of God in Memphis after the family moved. During his career, he was accompanied by several different gospel groups including The Jordanaires, The Stamps, and The Imperials. He recorded several gospel albums beginning with ''His Hand in Mine''. After concerts, Presley would often perform gospel music all night with some of his band members and friends. It is unknown whether Presley was a devout Christian.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/Elvis_Presley.html Elvis religion]</ref><ref>[http://www.cbn.com/blogs/scottross/121207elvis.aspx]</ref>

Rev. [[Sun Myung Moon]] considered making a movie of Presley's life, also considering the life of Jesus as a topic but made "[[Incheon!]]" instead. <ref>http://movies.tvguide.com/inchon/review/102041</ref> After his death, a copy of Moon's ''[[Divine Principle]]'' was found on a Graceland bookshelf.

Rev. [[Sun Myung Moon]] considered making a movie of Presley's life, also considering the life of Jesus as a topic but made "[[Incheon!]]" instead.<ref>http://movies.tvguide.com/inchon/review/102041</ref> After his death, a copy of Moon's ''[[Divine Principle]]'' was found on a Graceland bookshelf.

===Death===

===Death===

[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]] (EPE) originally founded by former manager Neal in 1954, created Graceland as a tourist attraction, secured copyrights for Presley's image and intellectual property. They have become the official organization to sell Presley merchandise. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley are involved with and solely owned the company, until CKX Inc. acquired an 85% stake with Lisa Marie with a 15% stake.

[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]] (EPE) originally founded by former manager Neal in 1954, created Graceland as a tourist attraction, secured copyrights for Presley's image and intellectual property. They have become the official organization to sell Presley merchandise. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley are involved with and solely owned the company, until CKX Inc. acquired an 85% stake with Lisa Marie with a 15% stake.

EPE is responsible for all legally produced Presley merchandise such as music, movies, costumes, action figures, hot sauces, and any other piece of Presley memorabilia.<ref>https://www.graceland.com/about/</ref>

EPE is responsible for all legally produced Presley merchandise such as music, movies, costumes, action figures, hot sauces, and any other piece of Presley memorabilia.<ref name="graceland.com">https://www.graceland.com/about/</ref>

===Graceland===

===Graceland===

{{Main|Graceland}}

{{Main|Graceland}}

Graceland is the former residence of Presley and is where he is buried, after being moved from Forest Hill Cemetery at 1661 Elvis Presley Blvd due to an unsuccessful break-in by graverobbers. It is a large white-columned mansion located on 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis about nine miles away from Downtown Memphis and less than four miles north of the Mississippi border. The Elvis Presley estate earns over $40 million and draws over 600,000 tourists yearly, a record for a deceased entertainer.  Graceland Mansion, his home while alive, and his burial place, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Graceland garners many tourists, and is second only to the [[White House]] in number of tourists visiting a private residence. Tourists are invited to see much of the house and the meditation garden where the family is buried, but the upstairs is reserved for Presley's family.<ref>https://www.graceland.com/about/</ref>

Graceland is the former residence of Presley and is where he is buried, after being moved from Forest Hill Cemetery at 1661 Elvis Presley Blvd due to an unsuccessful break-in by graverobbers. It is a large white-columned mansion located on 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis about nine miles away from Downtown Memphis and less than four miles north of the Mississippi border. The Elvis Presley estate earns over $40 million and draws over 600,000 tourists yearly, a record for a deceased entertainer.  Graceland Mansion, his home while alive, and his burial place, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Graceland garners many tourists, and is second only to the [[White House]] in number of tourists visiting a private residence. Tourists are invited to see much of the house and the meditation garden where the family is buried, but the upstairs is reserved for Presley's family.<ref name="graceland.com"/>

After Presley died, his father Vernon was responsible for the house. When he died in 1979, Priscilla took over. A CEO, Jack Soden, was responsible for making Graceland a moneymaker, since Priscilla could not afford the upkeep of the house, which was over $500,000 a year.

After Presley died, his father Vernon was responsible for the house. When he died in 1979, Priscilla took over. A CEO, Jack Soden, was responsible for making Graceland a moneymaker, since Priscilla could not afford the upkeep of the house, which was over $500,000 a year.

===Conspiracies about Presley faking his death===

===Conspiracies about Presley faking his death===

Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death.<ref>https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/34149020/is-the-king-back-conspiracy-theorists-claim-elvis-is-alive-visiting-graceland/#page1</ref><ref>http://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainment/celebrity/long-live-the-king-conspiracy-theorists-say-theyve-proof-elvis-still-alive-and-visited-graceland-on-82nd-birthday/ar-AAlVJ1K?li=AA59yp</ref> ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body.<ref>http://wafflesatnoon.com/is-the-elvis-dead-body-photo-a-hoax</ref>A claim to justify this belief is that Presley faked his death being tired of fame. There have also been claims of people seeing Presley, but these were most likely Elvis impersonators. While these claims are pure speculation and do not have validity, they are prominent in American popular culture.

Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death.<ref>https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/34149020/is-the-king-back-conspiracy-theorists-claim-elvis-is-alive-visiting-graceland/#page1</ref><ref>http://www.msn.com/en-au/entertainment/celebrity/long-live-the-king-conspiracy-theorists-say-theyve-proof-elvis-still-alive-and-visited-graceland-on-82nd-birthday/ar-AAlVJ1K?li=AA59yp</ref> ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body.<ref>http://wafflesatnoon.com/is-the-elvis-dead-body-photo-a-hoax</ref> A claim to justify this belief is that Presley faked his death being tired of fame. There have also been claims of people seeing Presley, but these were most likely Elvis impersonators. While these claims are pure speculation and do not have validity, they are prominent in American popular culture.

However, a considerable amount of people believe that Presley did not die in 1977. They believe that he went into hiding and is still alive today. People have even made claims that they have seen Presley after his death.  

However, a considerable amount of people believe that Presley did not die in 1977. They believe that he went into hiding and is still alive today. People have even made claims that they have seen Presley after his death.  

==Awards and honors==

==Awards and honors==

Presley had over thirty number one hits; he has more number one hits than any solo artist other than [[George Strait]]. <ref> http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/music/george-strait-leads-group-with-most-no-1-hits/2122276 </ref>

Presley had over thirty number one hits; he has more number one hits than any solo artist other than [[George Strait]].<ref>http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/music/george-strait-leads-group-with-most-no-1-hits/2122276</ref>

===Grammys===

===Grammys===

Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>

Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>