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Tim Tebow

2013-02-22T18:38:56Z

Musdan77: Copyedit; rm unsourced claim

[[File:Tim Tebow.jpg|right|150px]]
'''Timothy Richard "Tim" Tebow''' (born August 14, 1987) is an [[American]] [[football]] player who initially gained fame while playing for the [[University of Florida]] Gators. He was the first sophomore to win the [[Heisman Trophy]] and led the Gators to two [[BCS]] Championships during his four years playing for UF in Gainesville, which is extremely rare. Earlier this year Tebow was voted by players to be one of the top football players, and more recently he was voted by a small fraction of the NFL to be the most overrated in the league, with the starting quarterback for the Jets ranking as the second most overrated.<ref>[http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/10/25/tim-tebow-mark-sanchez-most-overrated-players-in-nfl/]</ref><ref>[http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-tim-tebow-overrated-20121025,0,5140701.story]</ref><ref>[http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/8549867/tim-tebow-new-york-jets-qb-most-overrated-per-sports-illustrated-poll]</ref> Tebow responded by laughing it off, observing the inconsistency in the polls.

He was selected by the [[Denver Broncos]] as the 25th pick of the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. In 2011, with the team in last place, the Broncos decided to start Tebow as quarterback. A solidly built quaterback, Tim is 6'3" and weighs about 240 pounds.<ref>[http://www.biography.com/people/tim-tebow-20786869] Biography.com</ref> Tebow had an impressive seven-game winning streak, and took the Broncos to the division championship and a home-game appearance in the playoffs. He led them to a stunning upset victory over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] (headed by Hollywood-values quarterback [[Ben Roethlisberger]]) with 316 passing yards for an average of 31.6 yards per toss, confounding his critics and causing a million searches on the internet for the meaning of [[John_1-7_(Translated)#Chapter_3|John 3:16]].<ref>The Broncos were subsequently eliminated by the team favored to win (but ended up losing) the [[Super Bowl]], the [[New England Patriots]].</ref>

The Broncos, perhaps to appease [[Colorado]] [[liberals]], found a way to trade Tebow without infuriating his numerous fans. The Broncos signed a neck-injured, elderly quarterback [[Peyton Manning]] to a deal costing nearly $100 million, and then immediately traded Tebow to the [[New York Jets]]. As the trade was finalized, on March 22, Tebow arrived in Morristown, New Jersey (near where the Jets train) amid much media publicity and fan support.

Predictably, liberal opposition to Tebow getting any significant playing time has led to his sitting on the bench while the Jets underperform against teams Tebow has proven he is able to beat.

During the 2012 season, Tebow has been kept on the bench while Mark Sanchez has played poorly in game after game. For example, on November 22, Sanchez played the entire game against the Patriots, despite causing the team to lose 49-19. Even after Sanchez repeatedly turned the ball over by throwing interceptions and fumbling the ball by running into his own lineman after a botched handoff, Tebow was not given a chance to play.

Finally the coach benched Sanchez, but he (or the owner) still refused to give Tebow any real playing time.<ref>http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2012/12/tim_tebow_and_mark_sanchez_red.html</ref> The repeated refusal to play Tebow became a bigger story than which side won or lost the game itself.

'''''Tebow is one of [[Essay:Greatest Conservative Sports Stars|Conservapedia's Greatest Conservative Sports Stars]] and was a runner-up for [[Conservative of the Year 2011]]'''''.

==Personal life==
Tebow was [[homeschooled]] until college. He is an outspoken [[pro-lifer]], and his mother had been told to have an [[abortion]] rather than to give birth to him. Tebow appeared in a pro-life television ad that aired during the 2010 [[Super Bowl]], risking retaliation against his career by [[pro-aborts]] and the [[liberal media]].<ref>http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2010/0127/Tim-Tebow-Super-Bowl-ad-an-astonishingly-bold-stand</ref>

Tebow has publically confirmed that he is a virgin. He has been mocked by liberals for waiting until marriage to have sex as a result of his faith.<ref>http://www.christianpost.com/news/tim-tebows-virginity-back-under-scrutiny-73324/</ref> Tebow answered a highly personal question at a press conference about his sex life by revealing that he practices [[abstinence]]:<ref>http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hill/090724&sportCat=ncf</ref>

{{cquote|I think you're stunned right now. You can't even ask a question. ... I was ready for that question, but I don't think ya'll were.}}

Tebow volunteers on mission trips, one of which in the summer of 2008 to the [[Philippines]] was chronicled in an issue of the ''ESPN Magazine''.

His faith in [[Christ]] is a well-known fact inside and outside the sports world.

==Tebowing==
[[Tebowing]] is the act of kneeling on one knee, resting your head on your fist and giving thanks. It is named for Tebow's fashion of public prayer, although critics (among which are fellow Christians) have criticized such open practice as this by citing Matthew 6, verses 5 and 6:
''<blockquote>
And when you pray, don't be like the hypocrites. They love to pray when standing in the synagogues and in the street corners, so that they may be seen by men. I tell you truly: They will get what's coming to them. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
</blockquote>''

==Liberal opposition to Tebow==

[[Liberal]]s in the sports industry have been long opposed to Tim Tebow because they do not want the spread of Christianity in the NFL. He has been subjected to harassment and criticism for his outward expression of his faith in Christ. Liberals use the accusation, with no basis, that he is a sub-par player as a shield for the fact that they are afraid of the negative reaction of the lame-stream media, which they fear will result in negative publicity and loss of sponsorship for the NFL. Their blinkered philosophy cannot understand that embracing Tebow and his message would lift the NFL out of its current doldrums.

== References ==

<references/>

== External Links ==

* [http://www.timtebow.com/ Official website of Tim Tebow]
* [http://www.timtebowfoundation.org/ The Tim Tebow Foundation]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tebow, Tim}}
[[Category:Football Players]]
[[Category:Religious People]]
[[Category:Christians]]
[[Category:Pro-life]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]

Jesus Christ

2013-02-04T23:54:28Z

Musdan77: Rv unexplained, unnecessary and out-of-place change

[[Image:Alphaomega.jpg|thumb|200px|''"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."'' —Jesus (Rev. 22:13)]]
'''Jesus Christ''' is the Messiah who changed the world forever with teachings of [[love]] and [[faith]], using logical parables like the [[Prodigal Son]] that flow from the existence of [[God]]. "Jesus triumphed over the [[Devil]], and personally set the ultimate example for mankind, by enduring the horrific process of scourging and death by crucifixion under the ancient Roman regime in obedience to God's will."

In religious terms, Jesus is the only Son of God and prophesied [[Messiah]] who, at the appointed time, was sent by His [[God the Father|Father]] and became a man to be the payment for the penalty of sin that separated us from God and to reveal to us the loving nature of God through his human person (1 John 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:19). Although He was sinless, he bore the penalty for sin upon Himself for us.

Speaking to his disciples, Jesus says,
{{cquote|'''John 14:1-15''' Believers will be in his Father's house Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. “And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus himself is the only way people can access his Father and his Father's house Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you know Jesus, you know his Father “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.}}

By the power of the [[Holy Spirit]], Jesus was conceived in the [[womb]] of the virgin [[Virgin Mary|Mary]], and became man in an event known as the [[Incarnation]], as referred to in Isaiah 7:14. Indeed, the calendar itself reflects this truth, with the traditional calculation of Jesus’ birth marking the first century A.D., that is, "''in the year of Our Lord…''." The [[John the Apostle|apostle John]] wrote in his gospel the following regarding Jesus Christ: "''For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life''" (John 3:16).
{{trinity}}
When he was about thirty, Jesus was baptized by [[John the Baptist]], inaugurating his ministry. Jesus of [[Nazareth]] is the Christ or Messiah, prophesied in the [[Old Testament]] (Greek: Χριστός; [[Aramaic]]: 'משיחא'). Jesus proclaimed that “[t]he time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the Gospel.”<ref>Mark 1:14-15.</ref> As signs of these truths, Jesus performed various miracles.

However, not all who heard the Lord believed in him, and, because he “was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God”, some sought to put him to death.<ref>John 5:18.</ref> Jesus was handed over to the Roman governor [[Pontius Pilate]] and crucified. But it was through his redemptive death, as the [[Holy Scripture|scriptures]] had foretold, that Jesus reconciled mankind with God.<ref>Romans 5:10.</ref> And so, on the third day, in a truly historical event, Jesus physically rose from the dead, making possible salvation and eternal life for those who believe in him. Indeed, his very name, ''Yeshua'' (Hebrew 'יהושע') means "[[Salvation]]" and is the concatenated form of ''Yahoshua'', ‘[[YHWH]] is salvation’. After appearing to his disciples on various occasions, Jesus ascended to Heaven, where he acts as our mediator, assuring, by his constant intercession, the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

== Jesus' Life ==
===The Pre-existence of Jesus before His incarnation===
Though it is commonly thought that Jesus had his beginning with His birth or with His conception in the womb of Mary, and that personality begins with birth and develops with age, the Person of Jesus on earth was one and the same Person as was the Son of God in the presence of the Father before the incarnation. That is why the transition of His becoming a man on earth is considered such a great act of humility and self forgetfulness - to have left it all, for us, for which He will always be honored and extolled.

Though he was in the form of God , He did not cling to this equality with God, but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are, and being found as a man, he was even humbler yet, even to accepting death, even on a cross. But God raised him high, and gave him the name which is above all other names, so that all beings, in the heavens, and on the earth, and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus, and that every tongue should acclaim, Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

===Incarnation of the Son of God===

The Son of God, who was always with the Father before all creation, took upon himself flesh, that is, become a human being, taking the flesh of manhood from his mother Mary but without her being impregnated by any man. He was born of Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of John begins,<blockquote>"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God... and the Word become flesh and dwelt among us"</blockquote>. There are two understandings of this. Though both hold that the Son of God, Divinity Himself, became a man, they understand differently the beginning of the Gospel of John.

The first understanding sees in the Son of God being the Word ("logos" in Greek) that He is the communication of the Father and thus in some sense the purpose of His coming was to mediate the knowledge of God to man among whom He would dwell and be one with them. But as mediator He is in no way inferior to the God He communicates because He Himself is God. The Trinity is emphasized though by implication (the word "Trinity" is of later usage to describe the phenomenon as presented by the New Testament). This understanding rests upon the use of "logos" in Philo and elsewhere meaning "reason", "word", "rationale"

The second interpretation, while in no way negating His coming to be the communication of the Father to man necessitating the incarnation and explicating the Trinity, rather says that we need to look not to Philo and the "logos" philosophy but to the Aramaic Jewish thought of the time. Doing so, we can see that the Gospel of John intends to rip away a veil, and in doing so, will show us that it was God Himself and no mediator, that leaped down to take the form of a human being, and that this is to be spoken of boldly.

Here is how this second understanding is developed:

The Hebrew text is very clear in visualizing the God of Israel in physical terms, even if meant to be understood metaphorically. But the Aramaic Jewish translations of the Hebrew Scriptures will not allow it to be so presented, but will rather speak around it (paraphrase) or use an intermediary word between the physical description and God. In [[Genesis]] 32, [[Jacob]] is wrestling with "a man" but after the bout, Jacob says, in the original Hebrew text, "I have seen God face to face and my life has been saved". In the Aramaic translation, however, Jacob is made to say, " I have seen the ''angel of God'' face to face and my life has been saved". At times, the intermediary word is the word "Word" - in Aramaic, Memra (the root is Aleph, Mem, Resh as in the Hebrew word 'Omer). Whereas the Hebrew text (Gen. 3:8) has it, "They ([[Adam]] and [[Eve]]) heard the sound of the LORD God walking about in the garden", the Aramaic has it, "they heard the sound of ''the Memra'' of the LORD God walking about in the garden" Apparently, walking about in the garden conjured up too much of rustling of leaves and bushes to take figuratively, and so it was the "Memra" that was heard and not the LORD God. This is the pattern in other places in Genesis. Prof. David Flusser of the Hebrew University notes that it is to this mindset that we owe our understanding of John 1:1 and not to Philo and the Alexandrian "logos" philosophy. "In the beginning was the Word (Memra) and the Word (Memra) was with God.. and the Word (Memra) was God. John 1:1 is meant to rip away the distinction between God and the Memra, so assiduously held to by contemporary Judaism, and so declare that they, the Memra and God, are in reality one, ...and this One has, indeed, come down and has become flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. John, in his epistle would later say in wonderment, " Whom we have handled, we have touched and held Him."

===The Flight to Egypt===

King Herod, in his thirst for power and his paranoia at the news that someone was born, whose "star from the east" indicated that there was indeed a claimant to his throne, the Messiah of Israel, sent his garrison, most probably from the fortress Herodian which over looked the town of Bethlehem, Bethlehem, the home of David, the most Illustrious of Israel's kings, would soon experience the death of its two years and under male children, in Herod's pursuit of retention of his power. This has been called the Massacre of the Innocents. But Jesus was not among them as his father Joseph, being warned in a dream, had spirited the family to Egypt. And there they remained until Herod was dead, and Archelaus, Herod's son, was reigning in his stead. But the "Holy Family" was not to return to Bethlehem, but to Nazareth of Galilee, and so Jesus would grow an Israelite and a Galilean, and his first disciples, Galileans. But the fight into Egypt and the return from Egypt to the land of Israel, is seen by the Gospel of Matthew to have another reason intended for it by the Father. The son of God in the writings of Moses was, of course, Israel itself, and the Prophet Hosea would later write, God Himself speaking, "When Israel was a youth, hadn't I loved him, and hadn't I called my son out of Egypt?" But Matthew would write, speaking of the return of Jesus to Israel, from Egypt, in direct reference to the Prophet Hosea's prophesy, "Out of Egypt have I called My Son", thereby letting us know, in his own way, who Jesus is - He is the Son of the Father, the son, who had and would not fail. He is Israel, the remnant, and through Him, the nations of the world would be blessed, along with His people, Israel. In this way does Matthew share in the kalaidoscopic image of who He is. He is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Son of the Father, Israel, who not failing, neither in the forty day temptation in the wilderness, nor through any part of His life on earth, became worthy and holy to become the sacrifice for the sins of the others.

=== At Twelve Years Old ===
The account of Jesus' parents finding him in the temple impressing the "teachers" with his knowledge of the [[Old Testament|scripture]] is the only detailed event between Jesus' infancy and adult life that is known.
{{cquote|'''Luke 2:41–51''' Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.}}

At this early age of twelve years old, there is clearly shown an inner positional or relational commitment of Jesus. Nor is there any indication that this had not been present prior to His twelfth year. His deepest belonging, that against which all other belongings were to be judged, confirmed, rejected, etc. was to the Father, the Father's House, the Father's concerns. This commitment would reverberate at later times, severing ultimate claims on Him of his closest - mother, brothers, sisters, etc. In the presence of these and to their hearing, He would ask, "Who are my mother, and brothers, and sisters? He that does the will of my Father in Heaven is ..." This, in His own life, was the moral authority to demand the same of all others, "You cannot serve two masters..." The memory of what had happened in the Temple when He was twelve, pondering it in her heart, would stand Mary in good stead, when she would see her son hanging on the cross. She also would be found with the disciples in the upper room, praying, and waiting for the coming of the Spirit which He had promised.

====From Heaven's View====
But seen from heaven, a spark had entered into the Temple's precincts, and around that the time, there was to evolve the extra-biblical ceremony and practice of Judaism, which would try to make sense of the need to be anchored into the ancient tradition of God, with the need to make new for every generation the relevance of it for each Jewish youth. And so developed the Bar Mitzvah, the "Son of the Law" ceremony and concept. At the age of 13, a Jewish boy, so it developed, would read or sing out in the synagogue, the Shabbat of his birthday, the prophetic portion (the Haftorah) for that Sabbath assigned to the Torah portion (from the 5 books of Moses, read consecutively), raining down upon him from the Women's Section (Ezrat Nashim) - the Help of Women) above or to the side, hard sweet candy signifying the hope of sweetness set before him. For at that time, the Jewish boy becomes a Jewish man, taking upon himself, the obligations for fulfilling the Law of Moses, and is no longer absolved from this responsibility by the mediation of his father's fulfillment of the Law of Moses for him.

At this time, seen from Heaven, a spark entered in, another way, sometimes seen in other young boys and girls, but in a dim way, an intense concentration on the Father above all things and people, looking and judging all surrounding him from the viewpoint of Him flooding the soul, listening, speaking, believing.
So Jesus reasoned with the rabbis, never being encompassed by them, in the house of His Father. Was it told to us showing what He was and what we could be, or at least, learn to follow in His steps, or was it shown to us to allow us to view another step in His being made perfect, growing in favor with God and Man, totally consumed with the doing of His Father's will, and thus, "being made perfect", to take our place upon the Cross, for our sakes and for our salvation?

=== Ministry ===
==== Baptism ====
[[Image:Jesus' Baptism.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Jesus' Baptism]]
The [[gospel of Mark]] begins with the [[baptism]] of Jesus by [[John the Baptist]], which appears to be the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. Jesus came to the [[Jordan River|River Jordan]], where John was preaching and baptizing people in the crowd. After Jesus had been baptized, and had risen up out of the water, Mark states Jesus 'saw the heavens torn apart and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from [[heaven]], 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased' (Mark 1:10–11). Luke adds the chronological anchor that John the Baptist had begun preaching in the fifteenth year of [[Tiberius]] Caesar, approximately in 28 AD (Luke 3:1) and that Jesus was thirty years old when he was baptized (Luke 3:23).

'''The meaning of Baptism for Jesus:'''

Jesus insisted over the protests of John that He be baptized at the hands of John. John's protests are natural enough as John's baptism was for those who were sinners, and implied in baptism was the understanding that the baptizer was somehow greater than the one baptized. John believed that he needed to be baptized by Jesus and not the other way around. But Jesus' understanding of His being baptized was two-fold:"Baptism" meant suffering unto death, and it implied that His impending mission was to be in behalf and in place of the real sinners, the humanity for whom He would die. Jesus would later use "baptism" in the first sense when he said to disciples, "Can you be baptized with the baptism which I will undergo?" The Spirit coming down on the Son in the form of a Dove (Yonah = "Jonah" in Hebrew), and the voice of the Father, "This is My Beloved Son" was the Divine empowerment, and authorization for Jesus' mission to come entailing His sacrificial death, three days, not in the belly of the fish, but in the bowels of the earth, and after that, resurrection. As Baptism for Jesus meant, looking forward, His joining sinful humanity to the point of bearing their sins to the death of the cross, so the later New Testament understands, looking backward, that sinners believing in Jesus are also to join Him in His death through the waters of baptism "in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" - according to the command of the Risen Christ. See [[Christianity]] for Jesus' self consciousness.

==== Temptation ====
After this baptism, according to Matthew, Jesus was brought into the desert by God where he fasted for forty days nights. During this period, the [[Satan]] appeared before him and [[Three Temptations of Christ|tried three times]] to tempted Jesus into demonstrating his supernatural powers as a proof of his divine status; each temptation was refused by Jesus, with a scriptural quote from the Book of [[Deuteronomy]].

Jesus then began to preach. [[Gospel of John|John]] describes three different [[passover]] feasts that Jesus attended, thus implying that his ministry lasted three years.

'''The reason behind the Temptation:'''

The Temptation occurred just as told in the Gospels. But behind the happening, another message lies revealing the identity of Jesus to a people who would understand it. At the foothill of Mt. Hermon, in between the servile Roman infatuated people of Tiberius to the south west of the Sea of Galilee, and the rabidly nationalistic, anti- Roman Zealots of Gamla to the north east, Jesus asked His disciples who He was. The Messiah, the Son of the Living God, was the answer. And Jesus explained who He was and why he had come in terms that fit their experience - not to rule and throw out the Romans, nor to uphold their ways and laws but rather something on a different plane all together - to give His life settling it on the cross.

To a later believing people, those who were not Jewish, who He was would be understood in terms fitting to who they were - He had come the Second Adam, to give His life and to provide new life to those who were not Jewish, but also including the Jews, to all the lost and wandering children of Adam.

In the Temptation, it is the those who knew the Old Testament, the physical children of Abraham primarily, who could see in the long range, and not primarily dictated to by the political passions of the moment, and who could wonder who they were and where they had gone wrong, and wonder also who would be the One to take them out. It is they, Israel, who had been in the wilderness for 40 years, and they that had succumbed to the temptations of selling out for food and drink, though they were a "Son" whom God with a strong arm and outstretched hand had taken out of the bondage of Egypt, they had turned traitor, driven by their own lust and pride. And here now, in Jesus, was One who resisted the devil in the wilderness, also "for forty", preferring the will of God as His food rather than all the world could offer, Who was He? He was Israel! The only true one left, the faithful remnant spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, the servant true to the end. As the letter to the Hebrews saw, "Though He were a Son yet learned He obedience by the things He suffered, and being made perfect, He become the author of Eternal life...". This is the understanding of the Gospel of Matthew, in interpreting a passage from Hosea which was manifestly speaking of Israel the people and applying it to Jesus who also came out of Egypt with His parents at the death of Herod, " Out of Egypt have I called my Son". Who was Jesus? He was Israel who had ''not'' failed come to redeem Israel who had, and also out of all the peoples of the world.

==== Disciples and Apostles ====
[[Image:Jesus5.jpg‎|thumb|left|100px|Jesus Christ (Artist's impression)]]
The larger part of this was directed towards his closest followers, the [[apostles]], although all of his followers were considered [[disciples of Jesus|disciples]]. At the highest point of his ministry, Jesus attracted disciples and audiences numbering in the thousands; in particular in the area of Galilee. Many of Jesus' most well-known teachings were given during the [[Sermon on the Mount]], such as the [[Beatitudes]] and the [[Lord's Prayer]]. Jesus often used parables in his rhetorical technique, such as the [[Parable of the Good Samaritan]] and [[the parable of the sheep and the goats|the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats]]; these teachings encouraged unconditional self-sacrificing [[Shema|love for God]] and [[Agape|for all people]]. During these sermons, he also discussed service and humility, forgiveness of sins, how faith should be applied, the [[Golden Rule]], and the necessity of following the spirit of the law as well as its wording.

'''Their choosing and their purpose:''' Among the many who came to Jesus, from afar and from the surrounding villages of the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, were those moved by his insight into the nature of life, or touched deeply by His seemingly knowing them from the inside, by His intimacy with the God and Father they had only known "about", or impressed by the miracles done before their very eyes, and many, by His deep compassion for the people, so evident in all that He did. Jesus would sprinkle His words upon them as seed in a path, some to take root, and some to be blown away by the wind. But to those who heard and wanted more, they would get that more, receiving explanation, and move closer to His association. Those that would not, would receive only that which was commensurate to not wanting - more parables, silence. Never the revealing of the "Secrets of the Kingdom". Yet, there was no prohibition and no limit for getting closer to Jesus. Those that did, became His "learners" - the disciples, understanding the meanings of His word by the demonstration of His life and putting them into practice. Among these were another group, some that had been with Him from early on, possibly some from the time of His baptism at the hands of John. These He would hold in His mind for an additional and different reason.

Then one night, he ascended a hill praying about them, and came down knowing who they were to be. 12 in number, chosen not because of their virtue, or even what He would do in them in the future, but rather solely chosen by His Father to be deputized, delegated, or commissioned by Jesus to be sent out for a mission. He gave them the name "Shaliach" (meaning all that), which was translated into Greek as "apostolos" and so our Apostles.

The mission of the Apostles (see "Example 5." of [[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]) was to do all that they saw Jesus was doing, healing the sick, raising the dead, and with all this, to tell about the fast coming Kingdom of Heaven, the rule of His Father, and urge people to repent and get ready for it. He gave them His power and authority to do all this. But it was to be 12 in number, not more and not less, that number surviving even the suicide of one of them, Judas from the village of Kyriot, requiring an "election" to bring back the number from 11 to 12. And that was because the special additional reason for their appointment was to sit on the 12 thrones of the 12 tribes of Israel (the sons of Jacob) and lead them by whatever it takes - that is the meaning of the biblical term "Judge" (Shofet)*. For the community of the "little ones"., was to be, in some sense, an Israel within Israel, or a new Israel, a sort of beachhead for the onslaught of the Kingdom of God in its invasion (or sometimes, infiltration into) into and onto the Kingdom of the unjust occupier and enemy of all Goodness, the Devil, to overthrow him and all his works. This truer and newer Israel, He called His "Called Out ones" (Eklessia=Church) against whose onslaught the Fortified city of Hell with its defensive bars to its massive gates, would not prevail. Many captives would be released. The Church, then, was the community counterpart to what was known as the "Synagogue" (Greek), meaning "gathered together ones" (Beit Knesset - house of the gathering, Hebrew). It was the Synagogue of Jesus the King and Messiah, and aligned with and the focal point of the Prophetically promised and hoped-for Kingdom of God and the rule of Heaven on Earth. And the disciples and apostles of Jesus all had their place in the unfolding of it all.

*Note: For the significance of sitting on the seat and judging, see Example 2. of [[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]].

==== Social Outcasts ====
[[File:Cordero El Redentor y la mujer adultera.jpg|thumb|300px|left|El Redentor y la mujer adultera by [[Juan Cordero]].]]
Jesus also often conversed with social outcasts, such as the publican ([[Rome|Roman]] tax collectors who were unpopular for their practice of extorting money).

Jesus showed no partiality toward outcasts, and neither did He do so to those who were in society. But being an outcast was a category beyond the reach of all others which were in society. Jesus was not for the male over against the female, the Jew over against the non Jew, townsman over against the man of the field. He was impartial and penetrating in His love for all. But all of these had a certain standing in Society, they were part of it, though all being in it, could vie for more of it as their share. But all were united, and could work in concert against what they were not - the outcast. The love of Jesus and the love of His Father through Him, could not rest lightly on any one of them, until it would reach and rest on the one beyond the fringes, the outer edges, and down below - the outcast. This demonstrated in the life of Jesus what the Cross would later show and the Apostles preach - all were outcast to the Holiness of God, and all could be loved by Him and, indeed, were.

==== Miracles ====
Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed many miracles including healing the sick and possessed, feeding 5000, and even raising from the dead.

Miracles were an intrusion of the ordinary, but the ordinary of a different and far-superior Kingdom, into the sordid and sin sick kingdoms of this world. They showed what life was really like there in that Kingdom which was coming and how weak, unstable, subject and cringing were the powers of this corrupted world, "bent" under the heel of God. That a widow should have her dead son restored to her alive, that outcasts such as lepers should be restored to the community, and as a result of their being healed, that darkness should give way to light and sight, that a woman deserving stoning find solace and forgiveness, all of these are the way things are and ought to be in the Kingdom of God because of the way He is. They were, at one and the same time, signs of the Kingdom which was coming and great works of compassion done here below which will never by surpassed or forgotten. And Jesus the Messiah was bringing them in!

Note: See Example 5 of [[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]] for the assault and infiltration of God's Kingdom on and into the Kingdom of Satan.

==== His Preaching was Offensive to the Established Authority ====
As He preached, Jesus ran afoul of the [[Sanhedrin]], the recognized Jewish religious authorities, who were allowed to have considerable religious, political and monetary influence under Roman rule. Jesus chastised them, accusing them of making laws for the people to follow that were the laws of men, not God. The Sanhedrin tried to set traps for Jesus by asking Him questions to either discredit Him with the people or get Him in trouble with the Roman authorities, but all of their efforts failed and they gave up. They lacked the means to stop Jesus until [[Judas Iscariot]] came to them and offered to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He would tell them where Jesus would be that night so they could seize Him.

Notable among Jewish established authorities were the Pharisees, the Saduccees, and the Herodians.

The Pharisees, believing that at the time God had given to Moses the "written Torah" (Torah shebikhtav), He had also given to Moses an "Oral Torah" (Torah shebe'al peh) which would apply the written Torah to all situations and times, and that that Oral Torah had been handed down from generation to generation, finally, it itself written down, making, in the days of Jesus, the beginning of the Talmud. Thus it was necessary to be able to "fill in the rabbis" from whom the teaching came (see [[Judaism]]) - "Rabbi Tarfon says in the name of Rabbi..." But this man Jesus, goes straight to Moses, and straight to Heaven! ''"You have heard it said...but I say unto you..."'' and himself speaks as the ''Mouth of God!''

The Saduccees, not believing in an Oral Torah, and believing much of the written Torah to be irrelevant and impractical in the modern times that they lived, believed that the "blanks" and how the Torah was to be applied in these days, must be decided by the Kingdoms of the World, namely, Roman law and requirement. But this man Jesus speaks of another Kingdom and another King, and not of Rome!

The Herodians saw clearly who their enemy was and who their Savior was and wherein their safety lie - Herod the King of the Jews and all the aura and the might that he possessed. And their enemy was anyone who would claim, or live in the claim of others, that it was he that was the King of the Jews and not Herod (and the royalty after Herod) - such as was doing the man Jesus of Nazareth

Note: Judaism does not have a "unified" theory of Inspiration or practical authority of Scripture. That is, The most authoritative, and capable of being regulatory to life as "law" is the five books of Moses. After that, the Prophets. And after that, the "Writings." The Scripture of the Saduccees was just the Five books of Moses, and since there is little if anything about the resurrection from the dead and the after life in the the Five Books of Moses, they believed in neither. The Pharisees, believing in the on-going of revelation extending, though with lesser authority, to the Prophets (such as Daniel) and the Writings, believed in both.

===The Turning Point===

It was at the city built in honor of Herod's son Phillip, Ceasarea Philippi, dedicated to the worship of Pan at the subterraenean breakout of the spring which was tributary to the Jordon River, the Ban(Pan)ias, that Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do men say that I am?, Simon finally answered, You are the [[Messiah]], the Son of the Living God. Jesus responded that flesh and blood had not revealed this fact but His Father had. Then Jesus gave him his new name Peter, meaning rock, and told him that he and the Church to be built on the rock would be thrown against the very gates of Hades itself, gates which would be unable to withstand the onslaught, setting Hell's captives free. (See Example 5. of [[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]). From that place of confession, and from the time of Peter's confession itself, Jesus began to refine to His disciples, excluding all doubt and ambiguity from their minds as to the purpose of His coming, what it was all about. He the Messiah had come to die. They were to go up to Jerusalem, and there he would be rejected and denounced by the priests and elders, handed over to the Gentiles, and be put to death. And so began the 3 days journey from Caesarea Philippi, then along the eastern shore of the Sea of Galillee, along the Jordon river valley, through Jericho, and then the ascent to Jerusalem, Jesus telling his followers repeatedly the same message of His rejection and death, and then, if they could take it in, in such a way as not to suppress from their consciousness the main message He needed to instill into their acceptance, that of his humiliation and death, His subsequent resurrection form the dead. As the Gospel of Mark would record the words of the Lord, "For the Son of Man has not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life for the ransom of many"

=== Last Days of Jesus' Life ===
==== Lord's Supper ====
'''God and man at table are sat down:'''
[[Image:The Last Supper WM.jpg|right|300px]]
It happened before - "Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu. and seventy elders of Israel. They saw the God of Israel...they gazed on God. They ate and they drank." Exodus 24: 9-11

It would happen after - "Now while He was with them at table, He took the bread and said the blessing, then He broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and recognized Him. But He had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, Did not our hearts burn within us as He talked to us on the road, and explained the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:30-32

Eating before the Lord or with the Lord, would be used as the highest form of friendship - Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears My voice and opens the door I will come in to him and share my meal with him, side by side.". Revelation 3:20-21 (NIV)

At the [[Passover Seder]], the last meal the Lord would eat with His followers, His presence so permeated the atmosphere, and what He said and did at that special time, and especially they having received His command to do just what He was doing before them at this time, whenever they would meet together, the Apostles of the Lord and the Gospels after them could not speak of bountiful and miraculous times of the Lord's gracious giving of food feeding the multitudes, without mentioning that which otherwise would not have been mentioned - ''He took the bread, looked up to heaven blessing the bread, He broke the bread, and He gave it to them.'' That is what the Lord did before them, and that is what He commanded them to do after Him, and thus provided for them, and for the Church after them, the one of two universal services - the [[Lord's Supper]], or [[Eucharist]], or [[Holy Communion]].

But in addition, He gave His own particular understanding to the unleavened bread of the Passover and ceremonial cup of wine, the 3rd and "Thanksgiving cup" of wine drunk immediately after the Passover meal was eaten. In slightly varying words, the Gospels and the Church after would perpetuate that understanding by repeating what the Lord Himself said at that Last Supper - "This is My Body which is given for you... This is My blood, the blood of the New Covenant which is shed for you, and for the many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this as my own Remembrance". And so He signified to His followers that His life would be given in sacrifice for them and for their benefit. How this benefit would be effected, would be explained by Jesus by other sayings, "Do not think that I have come in order to be served. I have not come to be served but rather to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for many."

But His presence remained with them at the continual celebration of this new Christian [[Passover]] of the Communion. Though He had vanished from their eyes as He would return to the Father, yet through the Spirit which He had promised to be in His stead, He was there with them to remain- "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I!"..." Even so, Come Lord Jesus!"

Note 1: The word Maranatha, comes from the Greek word which is translating the Aramaic which comes in two forms according to the accent given. Marana tha - "O our Lord, come!", and Maran atha - "Our Lord has come". This appears in the earliest liturgies of the Eucharist, and was used either as an invocation for the Lord to come, a sort of invite, or as an exclamation that the Lord has indeed come, just as He said He would. In either case, it was a witness to the belief that the Lord was indeed with them when they participated in the Remembrance which He had commanded.

Note 2; What the Lord said, "This is my body... This is my blood...Do this!" (the "Words of Institution", His instituting the Holy Communion until His coming again), is absent in the Gospel of John when recounting the last time of the Lord with His disciples. This is not an oversight, as the Gospel of John, from all contextual indications, has already spoken of the matter in the 6th chapter.

==== Garden of Gethsemane ====
[[Image:Jesus in Gethsemane.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Jesus in Gethsamane]]
Jesus knew that His time was short and that He was about to be betrayed into the hands of sinners. He had His last supper with his disciples and went with them to the [[Garden of Gethsemane]] and prayed vehemently knowing what was about to come.

Decision, certainty, from a distance is clearer and easier than when the time approaches for decision's implementation. That is because the here and now, leaves no room for imagining a rescue from all that is around us and in us. Leaving us confused or uncertain, needing assurance, or a once again revelation, of what it was that brought us to decision in the first place. John knowing from the beginning that his cousin Jesus was the promised Messiah, when years later, found himself in prison, and things not going the way he had expected, understood or hoped, required assurance that Jesus was really the One he had thought Him to be. Jesus responded forcefully and completely to that so human request - Tell John what you see, the dead are raised, the sick healed, and the poor are being told of the good news of the Kingdom of God. And it was enough.

Jesus, knowing why He had come, and that He was to mount the cross, to bear the sins of the world, knowing also what that must mean, He who had never "known" sin, now to know it in a way, that man could never know, man who all the time was in it, inured to it, accustomed to it, Jesus prayed. There was a movement in His prayer, taking on anew, the certainty and decision of old, feeling the enormity of it at close hand, and in the garden, he prayed three times, each time agonizing* dripping great drops of sweat, each time making movement in the direction from ''If there be another way, The Father knows and will show, but He would do whatever the Father wills'', towards ''being the Father's will, He would do it. There really is no other way''. And then it was done, He had settled it within Him anew, having prayed, and having received the deep silent Amen of the Father within His soul. It was enough. He was ready.

*note: "Agonize" of the text is from the Greek word "to struggle".

==== Tried before Jewish Authorities ====
Jesus was betrayed by Judas into the hands of the Jewish religious authorities who took Him away and secretly put Him on trial during the night, trying to find justification for their desire to have Him killed. Finally, they convicted Him of blasphemy. For the location of the Jewish trial, see Example 6 of [[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]

==== Tried before Roman Authorities ====
As they did not have the authority to put a man to death, they took him to [[Pontius Pilate]], the Roman governor of Palestine, with their charges and demanded his execution. Pilate avoided the issue by sending him to [[Herod Antipas|King Herod]] since Jesus was a Galilean, but Herod sent him back to Pilate. Pilate at first tried to release Jesus with a flogging, and then gave the crowd a choice to either spare Jesus or a criminal called [[Barabbas]] as part of the passover tradition. The crowd chose to free Barabbas [Aramaic: "Son of a (the) Father") and Pilate washed his hands to signify that he bore no responsibility for Jesus' death before ultimately condemning Him to [[crucifixion]].<ref>Matthew 27: 15-44</ref>

==== Scourging ====
The penalty of crucifixion was always preceded by scourging (flogging) with the Roman ''flagellum''. a short ox-hide whip knotted with pieces of zinc, lead, and bone which removed swaths of the victims' skin with every stroke. Although the Bible mentions the scourging of Jesus only very briefly, it must have been particularly brutal from the relatively short amount of time Jesus lingered on the cross after the punishment. Victims who suffered less blood loss from the scourging were known to remain alive on the cross for two or three days.

The scourging and physical affliction of Jesus, though not overtly alluded to, may have a significance for benefit to come. There was a prophecy of the Suffering Servant to come:

"Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, 
and He carried our pains; 
but we in turn regarded Him stricken, 
struck down by God, and afflicted." Isaiah 53:4

The Gospel of Matthew would see in this prophesy a foretelling of the various healings and deliverances that Jesus gave to the people, "so that what was spoken through the prophet [[Isaiah]] might be fulfilled: He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases (Matt. 8:17) If not the scourging itself, then all of the sufferings of the Lord, culminating in His sacrifice on the cross, was the source not only for forgiveness, but also for all the many types of healings and restorations for the people.

==== Death on a Cross ====
[[Image:David Christ on the Cross.jpg|right|thumb|Christ on the Cross by [[Jacques Louis David]].]]
Jesus died after suffering and giving up his spirit.

Behind the Cross was the sum total of all the maladies of mankind, that the Old Testament unveiled : Pesh'a - conscious and "high handed" rebellion, for which , under the Old Covenant, there was no forgiveness provided, Khet - an unintended "missing of the mark", as in the deviation from the bull's eye of the bowman, Shigi'a - the mistakes, some causing great harm to others, which come about by plain ignorance, and 'Avon "iniquity" or distortion - the inner twistedness, that causes failure and suffering, seemingly from the very structure of our persons regardless of our intent. These were the sins Godwards as well as towards man, and these are all, Scripture revealed, repugnant to the nature and standard of a Holy God.

On the Cross, in a way which is unfathomable to man, but nonetheless believable, the repugnance fell upon Jesus, the Son of God, and again in a way not fully understandable to us, but believable nonetheless, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not considering us the sinners but rather His own dear Son who had no taint upon Himself. A great transaction had taken place by the imposition of Himself of Christ in our place, absorbing, as if He were a blotter, all the reaction of a Holy God upon Himself, in our place, that we might go free. Unfair to Him, Mercy to us. Yet Jesus was not forced to do it. He did it both in His great love for us and in His obedience to the way that the Father had decided. "No one takes my life from me. I have power to take it and I have power to lay it down...I lay down my life for the sheep". Peter would say, "The Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God." Paul would say, "He was made to be sin, He who did not "know" sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him". That was Friday.
[[File:Veronese Lamentation.jpg|thumb|left|[[Paolo Veronese]], Lamentation.]]
On Saturday, when all were at Sabbath's rest, Jesus was not. His body dead, He passed in spirit to those that had died before, those in the period of Noah, and proclaimed, as Peter taught, what He had done. On Sunday, the first day of the week, He would rise from the dead.

The Cross of Christ, and the atonement He accomplished on it, is the very grounds that anyone who will be saved can be saved. The shedding of His blood brings salvation, to anyone who will respond, according to the ability that they have, that is given them. That brings forgiveness and acceptance, even welcome, to the murderer such as Paul, the adulteress such as the "woman taken in adultery", the tax-collecting extortionist, a seeker in the night turned believer, as hopefully Nicodemus proved to be, people that just know that they are sinners without any "grave sin" to specify, and also the "fetus" whose life was cut off in the womb as a "thing", and the severely retarded child banging his head in the institution he finds himself. All, according to the light given them, and repentance and turning to God given to them, will one day know just what was the basis for their salvation - the Cross of Christ. Those who reject, will also one day know the basis by which they could have been saved if they had not rejected - the Cross of Christ
{{Clear}}

=== Resurrection ===
:''See main article: [[Resurrection of Jesus Christ]]''
On the third day after his death, Jesus [[resurrection of Jesus Christ|rose bodily from the dead]]. The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Michael Horner of [[Campus Crusade for Christ|CRU]] has an excellent resource which offers a defense of the [[resurrection of Jesus Christ]] entitled [http://www.michaelhorner.com/articles/resurrection/index.html Did Jesus really rise from the dead?]. In addition, Dr. [[Gary Habermas]] offers [http://www.garyhabermas.com/audio/audio.htm an online audio library which defends the resurrection of Jesus Christ.]

Jesus' resurrection from the dead was no mere reassembling the molecules of His dead and disintegrating body, but it was a new union of His Spirit and body, in a way that could only be called by the Apostle Paul, in reference to ourselves, when we, in turn, following His pattern, a ''spiritual body''. Having risen from the dead, He was physical enough to eat and drink with His disciples, and we can assume to digest, as well as ingest, and to be touched and felt, having Thomas' hand thrust into His spear riven side, and yet, strangely not held by the physical laws of before, passing through the door to the room where the disciples were assembled, "Peace be upon you!", and to physically ascend, in the sight of all, from a location on the Mount of Olives into the presence of the Father In some way, even the disciples on the Road to Emmaeus, could not recognize Him, perhaps an aspect of the changed body, perhaps the power of the will of Jesus himself blinding them to the fact that It was He, until the breaking of the bread.
Jesus had risen, the stone unrolled, not to let Him out, but to let others in - to have the basis for their testimony, that He is risen indeed!
By the regaining of His life in the resurrection from the dead (Scripture asserts that it was by the power of the Holy Spirit that this took place) Jesus was "certified" to the Church, and to all that would come after, that He was indeed the Son of God, that the verdict of death to Him given by men, was not so much overturned, but used in a far superior way by the Father to accomplish His will for redemption, and has given Him, at the last, ''vindication''.

And for mankind, its individuals in the millions through the centuries who had believed in Him, there came the certainty, that death was also not to be their end, that they too will arise with Jesus, that death, the annihilation of all, or a future only to be dreaded, was not to be their end, that the Presence of Jesus who had gone before them, was a welcoming one, that He had found a way, and now they would be with Him forever and ever, and with good hope for the sight of loved ones again. Death had been conquered and fear could be too.

In recent history, Dr. [[Gary Habermas]] is considered the foremost [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] for defending the [[Resurrection of Jesus Christ|resurrection of Jesus]]. Other notable defenders of the resurrection include: [[William Lane Craig]], [[Ben Witherington]], [[Lee Strobel]], [[Josh McDowell]], [[Edwin M. Yamauchi]], [[N.T. Wright]], and [[Michael Horner]].<ref>
* http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/menus/historical.html
* http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html
* http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/yama.html
* http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Early_Traditions.htm
* http://www.michaelhorner.com/articles/resurrection/index.html</ref> In addition, much has been written defending the resurrection of Christ in the field of [[Christian Legal Apologetics|Christian legal apologetics]]. In addition, legal scholars, legal authorities, and eminent lawyers such as [[Simon Greenleaf]], John Warwick Montgomery, Lord Darling, John Singleton Copley, [[Hugo Grotius]], Lord Caldecote, J. N. D. Anderson, [[Lionel Luckhoo]], and many others have asserted that western legal standards argue for the resurrection of Christ.<ref>
*[http://www.bibleteacher.org/sgtestimony.htm Testimony of the Evangelists by Simon Greenleaf]
*[http://www.mtio.com/articles/bissart1.htm The Jury Returns: A Juridical Defense of Christianity by Dr. John Warwick Montgomery ]
*[http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/apologetics/AP0302W3.htm The Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ]
*[http://lawreligionculturereview.blogspot.com/2008/05/rules-of-evidence-tools-of-truth.html Rules of Evidence - Tools of Truth]
*[http://www.phc.edu/gj_philjohnsonpap.php JURIDICAL APOLOGISTS 1600-2000 AD]</ref>

===Appearances of Jesus to His followers===
For forty days after his rising from the dead Jesus made appearances to His followers. These appearances were different from other risings from the dead, both in the Old Testrament and in the New Testament. These others are best understood as resusitations from lifelessness.
That is, the people had really died, and really had been brought to life but there type of life was no different in kind from what it was before their death. A prime examploe in the New Testament was Lazarus. All of them, died a second time, waiting for the Resurrection. The very first to attain to the Resurrection was Jesus Christ, and as the first he came the "first fruits" of us all. The resurrected body of Jesus was both the same and different from what it was prior to His death. It could pass through "solids". It coulo be changed, if this be the right interpretation, in such a way as be unrecognizable. And yet it was no mere vision, unreality, or a non-physical "spiritual" reality. He could eat and drink and be touched and felt. He was real in the ways that we know realness. And we too, according to Paul, will be one with Him in having "spiritual bodies".
"And that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve, after that, He asppeared to 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living,though some have fallen asleep.Then He appeared to James, and then to all the apostles, and last of all, he appeared to me..."I Corinthians 15:5-8

=== Ascension into Heaven ===
He was lifted up while they looked on, and a cloud took him form their sight. They were still staring into the sky when suddenly two men in white were standing near them and they said, "why are you men from Galilee standing here looking into the sky. Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven, this same Jesus will come back in the same way as you have seen Him go there." Acts 1:9-11

Scripture posits two purposes related to man for the ascension of Jesus: 1. it was to the right hand of the Father (showing favorable disposition of the Father to the Son to hear His requests) from which position Jesus intercedes to the Father on our behalf, and 2. Having ascended to the Father, He received from the Father the Spirit. The Father pours out the Spirit "through the Son" upon the Church. The "first Pentecost"

=== Return of Jesus from heaven to earth===
I gazed into the visions of the night and I saw coming on the clouds of heaven, One like a son of man. He came to the One of Great Age and was led into His presence. On Him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship. And men of all peoples, nations, and languages became His servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away. Nor will His empire ever be destroyed. Daniel 7:13-14

The Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the Archangel and with the Horn of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are still alive remaining here will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so will we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thess. 4: 16,17

You were converted to God and became servants of the real, living God; and how you are now waiting for Jesus, His Son, whom He raised from the dead, to come from heaven to save us from the retribution which is coming. 1 Thess, 1:9,10

==Jesus' Self Consciousness==

Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit, presented a disturbing surprise to his earthly father, Joseph, knowing he had not impregnated his fiancée, Mary. She would ponder the meaning of this miracle all the days Jesus would grow and finally she would behold her son expire on the cross. But Joseph, told by the Lord who his son really was, and how he had come about, and being warned by the Lord to flee the murderous Herod, took his family to Egypt - until the death of Herod made it safe ("Out of Egypt have I called My Son") to return to Israel. The family settled in Nazareth on the elevated rim of the Jezre'el Valley where he grew well and observably no different from the other youth. But when he was about 12 years old, he was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem, and displayed his consciousness that His real Father was God rather than Joseph ("Didn't you know that I must be here about the matters of My Father?".

They returned to Nazereth in Galilee and it wasn't until 28 years later that He began to publicly show His consciousness as to who he was. This was at his baptism at the Jordan River by John, when the voice came, to him, to John, and to the people privileged to be around, "This is my Son, the Beloved, Listen (Shma'a) to Him!" Here and now, against even the desire of John the Baptizer, Jesus, knowing that sin was not in him, chose to identify with sinful mankind in this baptism of John for repentance of sin, knowing that at the end of his time on earth, he would then be giving this sinless life of his on the cross, bearing the sins of the world upon himself.
[[Image:Carpaccio Christus in Emmaus.jpg|thumb|Christus in Emmaus by [[Vittore Carpaccio]]]]
Back, now, in Galilee, he would begin to do works of mercy, miracles of compassion, healings of deliverance, and overthrowing the devastations of Satan upon the people of God's compassion - in short, bringing in the Kingdom of Heaven and of God and supplanting the Kingdom of Darkness. He began to gather around him his followers, simple fishing folk and others, spending most of his time in the area around the north shore of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). among the Jews of this Jewish area. He was bringing in the Messianic Kingdom to those who would understand it best, the Jews. But all the time, there was burning within him the knowledge that the blessings of Abraham would be extended, according to the promise, to all the peoples of the earth, the Gentiles, and there would be a new Kingdom, a new nation, transcending both Jews and Gentiles, the Kingdom of the people of God the Heavenly Father. He began his forays then into gentile areas, Phoenecia, the Decapolis, and other locales, and finding faith there such as he had not found "even in Israel".

A crossroads occurred, then, in the choice of Jesus, and consequently in the options of his disciples. It occurred in the Tetrarchy of Philip, at the foothills of Mt. Hermon, at the town of Caesarea Philipi. He knowing who he was, would force the question upon others - "Who do people say Me to be?". From the lips of Shim'on, whom he would call Peter, as leader of the others, He would hear - "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!" It was enough. Jesus would then begin imparting to them what the nature of His mission to be - not to expel the Romans from the Holy Land, but to go to Jerusalem, to be betrayed, to be spurned and rejected by the High Priests and the Elders of the People, to be hung on a Roman cross at the hands of the Gentiles, to die. Casesarea Philipi was in between, on one hand, Gentile pervaded Roman Tiberius to the southwest of the Sea, and on the other hand, anti-Roman nationalistic and zealotic Gamla to the north east of the Sea. (This latter would end their rebellion against Rome by suicide on Matzada in 73 A.D). Those two polarities were present in the minds of the disciples and Jesus began, on one hand, to divest from their minds the one, the warrior role of the Messiah against the Romans, and the other, to renew their thinking and their commitment to Him as the self sacrificing Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace and the true Messiah of Israel, on the other hand.

This took place on the long 3 or 4 day journey by foot from Galilee to Jerusalem, along the [[Jordan River]] valley, coming to Jericho, ascending to Jerusalem from the east. It was in Jerusalem that he prepared and settled the matter for the perpetuation of the Church at the Lord's last supper of the Passover, to be made palpable later by the descent of the Holy Spirit. It was in Jerusalem, in the Garden of the Oil Press, that what He had been lead to believe about his mission and the meaning and manner of his death was fully embraced and accepted with no reservation or turning back. "Your will be done, Father, if there is no other way", and "There is no other way, Your will be done Father!" It was a perfect decision and commitment, perfecting his life to be a perfect sacrifice. And it was to the west just outside Jerusalem that His teachings came to a concretization and realization on the cross. And just outside of Jerusalem that His Father would vindicate him by raising him from the dead.

"No man takes my life from me. I have power to take it and I have power to lay it down... I lay down my life for the sheep." <ref>Bible, Gospel of John, 10:18,15 http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=KjvJohn.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=10&division=div1</ref>

"Though He was in the form of God, He did not think equality with God something to grasp onto. But He emptied Himself and took to Himself the form of a servant and was made man, And being found in the form of a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. For this reason, God has exalted Him..."<ref>Bible, Philippians 2:6-9a, http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=KjvPhil.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=2&division=div1 </ref>

==Jesus and the Holy Spirit==
The Holy Spirit was sometimes referred to as the Spirit of Jesus. This was to point out the special relationship that Jesus had to the Holy Spirit. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary, rather than having been sired by Joseph. He was filled by the Holy Spirit from the time of His baptism at the Jordon river at the hands of his cousin John, and He was led by the Holy Spirit, not only into the desert to be tempted by the devil, but also all His life on earth. His empowerment to do "works" and miracles came through the Holy Spirit given Him, as the Holy Spirit would afterwards be given to all his followers, and not solely by virtue His being the Son of God. But, beyond this, there was a more special and unique relationship that Jesus had to the Holy Spirit. He taught, and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles of Paul would later echo, that the Holy Spirit would be given and poured out, to His followers through Jesus ascended to the Presence of the Father, and that, in some way, perhaps mysterious but concrete, Jesus Himself, would be with them once again, in and through the presence of the Holy Spirit which they would receive. He had gone back to the Father in order to return in a new and more complete way through the Holy Spirit. He would not leave them orphaned. This Holy Spirit, then, with Jesus and the Father, constituted the reality which would reverberate through the ages for all new believers being bought into the Church, the Body of Christ (for every body needs a spirit) - " In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit".

==Following Jesus, believing in Him==
It is sometimes said that there are two faiths in the New Testament. That of Jesus and that of Paul. Paul's religion is that of believing in Christ as Lord and Savior, and as the divine Son of God, and that of Jesus is of following Him in the sense of living and doing as He has taught. But in reality, there is only one faith and the two not in contradiction. For the Jesus of the Gospels, besides setting forth the life that He himself lived, as a pattern for all His followers, also said, "No one knows the Son, except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son choses to reveal Him", and "I and the Father are One", and "If you see Me, you see God". .And Paul, aside, from saying that "if you believe in the Lord Jesus you shall be saved", and "therefore, being justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ", also said "work out your salvation with fear and trembling", and "Owe no man anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law."

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved. And he who does not believe, shall be condemned", Jesus said. It is belief in Jesus which brings a person to the waters of baptism, and it is through the waters of baptism, that one enters into the fellowship of the Church, the people of God who are being brought, day be day, one with the other, to the life that Jesus taught about. And so his new belief and his being and living and doing are all unified under the direction of Christ and His under-shepherds. And if one will not believe, of course, then it goes without saying, he will not be baptized.

== Historical Analysis ==
=== Dating Jesus' Birth ===
Modern historians generally place the actual date of Jesus' birth between 7 and 4 B.C., due to problems reconciling the Roman and Jewish calendars with the [[Gregorian Calendar]] which is in use today throughout the industrialized world.

=== Historicity of Jesus ===
Occasionally, non-historians deny the [[historicity of Jesus]] (Having to do with the question of whether Jesus was in fact a real person who had a real life on earth), but few scholars take this seriously. [[Tacitus]], a Roman historian, wrote about Jesus in A.D. 115,<ref>http://www.digisys.net/users/ddalton/evidence_of_jesus_outside_the_bible.htm</ref> and [[Josephus]], a Jewish historian who did not believe in Jesus' divinity, wrote about him.<ref>http://www.christian-thinktank.com/jesusref.html</ref> Dr. [[Gary Habermas]] wrote an extensive analysis of the historicity of Jesus in his work ''The Historical Jesus: Ancient Evidence for the Life of Christ'', which discusses many historical sources that mention Jesus.

[[Lee Strobel]]'s book ''[[The Case for Christ]]'' contains a number of interviews with experts on the historical Jesus and a defense of Jesus's resurrection, and is a good resource on this subject.

== Jesus' Name ==
=== ''Jesus'' ===
The bible doesn't tell us much about the meaning of the name ''Jesus'', but does tell us who gave the name, when the name was given, and a reason the name was given. Luke 2:21 tells us that his name was given (1) "by the angel," (2) and it was given "before He was conceived in the womb." The reason for naming him Jesus seems to be given in Matthew 1:21, which says, "...you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

==== Hebrew Origin ====
The Greeks derived the name from the late Hebrew or Aramaic name Yoshua, today’s version of which is “Joshua”. The earlier Aramaic form was Jehoshua (Y’hoshua) or Joshua., deriving from Hebrew Yah, short for Yahweh, and Aramaic y’shuoh meaning “salvation”. The name thus meant “Jah is salvation”. Both Joshua and Jehoshua were common names in the time of Jesus.

=== ''Christ'' ===
Although it appears that "Jesus Christ" is composed of a first and last name, and indeed, the New Testament at times considers the names together as a first and second name, in origin, and through much of the New Testament, "Christ" is used as a title. It is the Greek translation for "Mashiach" (Hebrew), and Meshicha (Aramaic) - meaning "Anointed". Thus He was called, "Jesus, the Anointed One". Kings priests, and prophets were often anointed with oil to consecrate them for their task, and so was Jesus for His task by the descent of the Spirit when He was baptized by John. The Spirit descended on Him and dwelt within Him. This was in fulfillment of Isaiah 61 - "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me for He has anointed (Mashach) Me; He has sent Me to bring good news to the meek, to console the broken hearted, to call out Freedom to the captives, and to prisoners Release." When Jesus ascended into the presence of the Father, the Father sent the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, through the Son, upon the believers and they too, as their Master, were "anointed" for their living and their task.

Note: The change from a title to a name is much more authentic and understandable in Aramaic language than in English. There is no inner connection from "Jesus the Christ" to "Jesus Christ" in English but in Aramaic the connecting bridge is the vocative "O Christ" (O, Anointed One)! "O Christ" and "The Christ" is the same in Aramaic - Meshicha.

== Teachings of Jesus ==
Jesus' special method of teaching was very different from what we know as "class room" teaching, and different from "teaching from definition". Though His students sometimes sat around Him and listened, He often taught them through the actual every day events of life, by parable and much more - as they traveled, as they ate, as they met people. All of life was His text book. He took them from what they understood to what they ''were to understand'', and brought them to understanding of what He meant, by how they saw it enacted and displayed in His own life. His life was the commentary to what they heard from His lips. That is why, besides that He was the Savior of the World, the believers in Him need be followers as well - to learn of His ways by intimate association. They would remember the words of the Savior later on and understand even more once His Spirit would be given them. His Spirit would then be their Guide, just as Jesus had done for them when He was on earth.

The Teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ are found in the four [[Gospels]] and other holy documents.

[http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/mount/default.asp '''Sermon on the Mount'''] This is the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached. It contains the Lord's prayer, the beatitudes, the golden rule, and practical advice for Christian living.

'''The Lord's Prayer'''

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom

and the power

and the glory forever.

[[Amen]].

See [[The Lord's Prayer]] for the Greek and the interlineal transliterated Aramaic and Hebrew versions.

'''The golden rule:'''

"Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!"

'''Prayer To Receive Him Now '''

''"Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Thank you for coming to Earth and dying so that I could have eternal life. Please forgive all my sins. I am going to follow You with my life now. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and direct my steps. In Jesus' name, [[Amen]]."'' <ref> [http://www.jesus2020.com/jesus.html Prayer To Receive Him Now]</ref>

== Resources on becoming a Christian ==
[[File:Hoffman Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.jpg|thumbnail|170px||Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane by Heinrich Hofmann.]]

''see also:'' [[Resources on becoming a Christian]]

'''Below are some resources on becoming a [[Christian]]:'''

*[http://creation.com/good-news Good news of Christianity]

*[http://www.thewordfortoday.org/?page=C2000 Free audio Bible and Bible audio streaming]

*[http://www.gotquestions.org/repentance.html Repentance]

*[http://www.allaboutgod.com/ AllAboutGod.com]

*[[Video testimonies of Christians]]

'''Tips on choosing a Christian church:'''

*[http://www.allaboutreligion.org/choosing-a-christian-church-faq.htm Choosing a Christian Church]

'''Spiritual growth as a Christian:'''

*[http://www.navpress.com/product/9781576839324/The-Pursuit-of-Holiness-Jerry-Bridges The Pursuit of Holiness] by Jerry Bridges
*[http://www.navpress.com/product/9780891099413/The-Practice-of-Godliness-Jerry-Bridges The Practice of Godliness] by Jerry Bridges
*[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/529785.The_Complete_Book_of_Discipleship The Complete Book of Discipleship: On Being and Making Followers of Christ]

== See also ==
*[[Andrew the Apostle]]
*[[Atonement]]
*[[Byzantine Empire]]
*[[Christianity]]
*[[Eucharist]]
*[[Gospel reading in the Church: the Turgama]]
*[[Lazarus (brother of Mary)]]
*[[Lazarus (Parable)]]
*[[Judaism]]
*[[New Testament understanding through the Jewish perspective]]
*[[Inspiration of Holy Scripture: An Eastern Christian and Jewish Perspective]]
*[[Passover Seder]]
*[[Essay: The Way of Salvation]]
*[[Essay: Christians and the Law of Moses]]
*[[Messiah]]
*[[Messianic Prophecies]]
*[[Essay: The Way of Salvation]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/lifescan/default.asp Summary of the Life of Jesus]
* [http://www.lifeofchrist.com/life/lifescan/teachings.asp Teachings of Jesus]
* [http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/ Sermons of Jesus Christ]
* [http://www.ccci.org/wij/ Who is Jesus? Is Jesus Christ God?]
* [http://www.bible-history.com/links.php?cat=19&sub=302&cat_name=Jesus&subcat_name=Background Jesus Background] Bible History on line.
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/ C. S. Lewis Society of California].
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/bodily.php The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus, by William Lane Craig].
* [http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Historical_Problem.htm Christian Origins and the Resurrection of Jesus: The Resurrection of Jesus as a Historical Problem, by N. T. Wright].
* [http://www.lewissociety.org/resurrection.php Contemporary Scholarship and the Historical Evidence for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, by William Lane Craig].
* [http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Justice_Jesus.htm Doing Justice to Jesus: A Response to J.D. Crossan: "What Victory? What God?", by N. T. Wright].
* [http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Historical_Jesus.htm The Historical Jesus and Christian Theology, by N. T. Wright].
* [http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=37 The Wright Quest for the Historical Jesus, by Ben Witherington, III].

[[Category:Jesus]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Christian History]]
[[Category:Biblical Persons]]
[[Category:Divine Beings]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Elvis Presley

2012-01-14T18:19:08Z

Musdan77: /* Nominated */

[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''Jailhouse Rock'', filmed in 1957]]
'''Elvis Aaron (or Aron) <ref>Presley's spelling of his middle name at birth was "Aron". It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by the single name '''Elvis''', (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang rock, [[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 known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.

Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to [[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 has been inducted into four music halls of fame, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen [[Grammy Awards]], winning three, all for gospel music.

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.
==Early Life==
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|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 it 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>

The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>

==Career==
===Early Career===
After graduating from high school, Presley paid to record two songs meant to be a birthday gift to his mother. The songs “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” would be his first steps toward becoming what many say was the greatest entertainer of the century and “the King of Rock n’ Roll.”

In 1954 Sun Records released “That’s All Right,” a 45 rpm record with the B-side “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Within a few days it was a hit when Memphis radio station WHBQ began programming the record and Presley began a regular touring schedule outside of the Memphis area. His second single, “Good Rockin' Tonight,” with “I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine” was released in September, 1954 and a month later Elvis Presley made his first appearance on the “[[Louisiana]] Hayride”, a country music radio show, in Shreveport to the delight of a large audience. He was signed to a one-year contract with the Hayride for a weekly performance.

Elvis Presley moved from Sun Records to RCA by suggestion of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, who officially became Presley's manager after his contract with former manager Bob Neal expired on March 26, 1956. RCA paid $35,000 to Sun and $5,000 to Presley, a sum unheard of at that time. A few months later in 1956 his first single on the RCA label “Heartbreak Hotel,” topped the charts at #1.

Elvis Presley had a physical style in his concerts that was considered by many to be suggestive and scandalous. He gyrated his body with the music, in a way that would be considered tame by contemporary standards, but was unheard-of at the time. He was sometimes given the name "Elvis the Pelvis" for this, and was sometimes shown in television concerts only from the waist up.
====Ed Sullivan Shows====
Presley first appeared on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on September 9, 1956, despite Sullivan personally vowing he would never have Presley on the show. Sullivan entered Presley after rival Steve Allen received a jump in ratings due to Presley's appearance on his show. His second appearance on the Sullivan show was on October 28, 1956. That appearance included Elvis performed "Don't Be Cruel", and "Love Me Tender", as well as a four minute version of "Hound Dog". As Sullivan stood behind Presley during the show, addressing the audience, Presley began shaking his legs, eliciting an uproar from the audience. As Sullivan stood his head, Presley became motionless. After Presley was leaving the stage, Sullivan said "I can’t figure this darn thing out. You know. He just does this [Sullivan shakes his legs] and everybody yells." The third and final show was on January 6, 1957. This show sparked controversy, as Presley was shot only from the waist up. It was seen as censoring his hip gyrations. Presley responded by wiggling his finger and causing an uproar in the audience.

===Music===
A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Elvis Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine'' (1960). He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.

Presley makes more money than any deceased artist on re-releases of his records and compilations such as ''Elvis 30 #1 Hits'''. Special compilations of certain areas of his musical works, such as ''Elvis Ultimate Gospel'' have sold reasonably well. He has also had some of his more popular songs remixed in publications such as ''Viva Elvis''.

===Films===
*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]]
Presley starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.

===Concert Performances===
[[File:Elvis Presley 1970.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Presley in 1970]]
During his career, Presley performed many concerts. Many of these concerts were sold out and fans waited for days in line just to buy tickets. His first concerts were performed in the late 1950s, and these were the most provocative of Presley's concerts. His other major concert era came after his career in film. He performed in [[Las Vegas]] and did a road tour.
====Early Concerts====
Presley started touring in the 1950s and he caused controversy over his hip gyrations and music. The older generation thought his style was vulgar. As a result, Presley's performances on television were often shot from the waist up so it would not offend anyone. Many of Presley's fans were young women, and they would often scream incessantly at his concerts, a practice which has since become commonplace during concerts of male heartthrobs. His style of dancing came from nervousness of dancing in front of women.<ref>[http://www.moviesmusicgamesandmore.com/elvis-presley-biography.html The Life of Elvis Presley]</ref>

In 1956, Presley made his network television debut with the first of his six appearances on ''Stage Show'', a weekly variety program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. On ''The Milton Berle Show'', he performed "Hound Dog" and the performance was considered very provocative for the time.

====1968 Comeback Special====
He stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when he released his '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.

The concert consisted of an informal jam session with Presley performing in front of a small audience consisting of friends and family members. He performed hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Don't Be Cruel".

The band that performed was:
*Elvis Presley: vocals, guitars
*D. J. Fontana: drumming, using a guitar case
*Alan Fortas: guitar back-slapping, occasional vocals
*Charlie Hodge: acoustic guitar, occasional vocals
*Lance LeGault: guitar back-slapping, tambourine
*Scotty Moore: guitars

====1970s Live Concerts====
After two more feature films, ''The Trouble With Girls'' and ''Change of Habit'', the only other films Presley starred in were concert documentaries. In 1969, he performed a series of concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Between 1969 and 1976, Presley performed in Vegas at locations such as the Hilton Hotel, as well as a road tour. Despite deteriorating health, Presley performed over a thousand sold-out concerts during the 1970's. He performed some of his early hits, as well as new hits and cover versions of songs by artists such as [[The Beatles]], the Righteous Brothers, and [[Chuck Berry]]. He was accompanied by gospel quartets, an orchestra, and other band members. He was notorious for wearing various extravagant jumpsuits during these concerts and for passing out scarves to female fans. He occasionally gave extravagant rings to audience members.

====Aloha from Hawaii====
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
*''Main Article: [[Aloha from Hawaii]]''
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.

Presley's manager, Colonel 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. He 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.

Presley arrived in Hawaii on January 9, 1973, having lost twenty-five pounds for the show, to begin rehearsing.

====Elvis Lives Concerts====
After Presley's death, concerts were put together using past live performances of Presley's, and his original band played live on stage with Presley's concert footage on a large screen via computer technology. Everything from the performances but Presley's voice is edited out, and gives the simulation of a real concert. Many sold-out concerts were performed across the world. Presley could not perform in many different countries due to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker's immigration status.

The tours started in 1997, and has been extremely popular throughout the world. A concert was conceived on August 16, 1997 (twenty years after Presley's death) after EPE was experimenting with Presley recordings and discovered through multitracking how to remove virtually all background music except Presley's voice, and it featured Presley's original 1970s back-up band (TCB Band), his back-up singers (The Stamps Quartet, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations and Millie Kirkham) and was performed at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

In 2007, a DVD of the twenty-fifth anniversary concert was sold.

==Personal life==
===Army service===
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.

===Marriage===
Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis Presley had many affairs. Priscilla tried to make amends, but was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>

===Religion===
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>

===Death===
Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest related to an overuse and overdose of prescription drugs, combined with poor eating habits.

He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>

==Legacy==
*''Main Article: [[Legacy of Elvis Presley]]''
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
Presley has had a great effect on music; this includes a satellite radio station dedicated to playing his songs, his home is a historic landmark which attracts many visitors from across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any deceased performer.

===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
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.

===Graceland===
''Main Article: [[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.

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.

===Elvis Impersonators===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis impersonator]]''
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.

Elvis impersonators are in great demand due to the iconic status of Presley, and many of these tribute acts exist. The first recorded Elvis impersonator was Jim Smith in 1956, shortly after Presley began to rise in popularity. Smith looked like and imitated Presley, but was just pretending since he could neither sing nor play the guitar. The first influential Elvis impersonator was Phil Ochs in 1970. Andy Kaufman was a significant Elvis impersonator in the mid 1970's and Presley himself said Kaufman was his favorite. While Presley was alive, impersonators largely competed in talent shows. It was after Presley's death the art grew into the industry it is today. Elvis impersonators range from professional performers to people who do it as a hobby to people who do it as part of a comedy act. There is also an Elvis Tribute Artist contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.

[[Doug Church]] is considered to be the Elvis impersonator with the closest voice to Presley's.
===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.

===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]''
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. 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.

==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable sortaable collapsible" border="1"
|+ Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits
|-
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
|- ||-
| "Heartbreak Hotel" || 1 || 1956 || "Kissin' Cousins" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Was the One" || 19 || 1956 || "It Hurts Me" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Blue Suede Shoes" || 20 || 1956 || "Kiss Me Quick" || 34 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" || 1 || 1956 || "What'd I Say" || 21 || 1964
|- ||-
| "My Baby Left Me" || 31 || 1956 || "Viva Las Vegas" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Don't Be Cruel" || 1 || 1956 || "Such a Night" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Hound Dog" || 1 || 1956 || "Ask Me" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Love Me Tender" || 1 || 1956 || "Ain't That Loving You Baby" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)" || 20 || 1956 || "Do the Clam" || 21 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Love Me" || 2 || 1956 || "Crying in the Chapel" || 3 || 1965
|- ||-
| "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" || 19 || 1956 || "(Such an) Easy Question" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Poor Boy" || 24 || 1957 || "I'm Yours" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Too Much" || 1 || 1957 || "Puppet on a String" || 14 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Playing for Keeps" || 21 || 1957 || "Tell Me Why" || 33 || 1966
|- ||-
| "All Shook Up" || 1 || 1957 || "Frankie and Johnny" || 25 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(There'll be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" || 25 || 1957 || "Love Letters" || 19 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" || 1 || 1957 || "Spinout" || 40 || 1966
|- ||-
| "Loving You" || 20 || 1957 || "Indescribably Blue" || 33 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Jailhouse Rock" || 1 || 1957 || "Big Boss Man" || 38 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Treat Me Nice" || 18 || 1957 || "U.S. Male" || 28 || 1968
|- ||-
| "Don't" || 1 || 1958 || "If I Can Dream" || 12 || 1968
|- ||-
| "I Beg of You" || 8 || 1958 || "Memories" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" || 2 || 1958 || "In the Ghetto" || 3 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Doncha' Think It's Time" || 15 || 1958 || "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Hard Headed Woman" || 1 || 1958 || "Suspicious Minds" || 1 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Don't Ask Me Why" || 25 || 1958 || "Don't Cry Daddy" || 6 || 1969
|- ||-
| "One Night" || 4 || 1958 || "Rubberneckin' " || || 1969
|- ||-
| "I Got Stung" || 8 || 1958 || "Kentucky Rain" || 16 || 1970
|- ||-
| "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" || 2 || 1959 || "The Wonder of You" || 9 || 1970
|- ||-
| "I Need Your Love Tonight" || 4 || 1959 || "Mama Liked the Roses" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "A Big Hunk o' Love" || 1 || 1959 || "I've Lost You" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "My Wish Came True" || 12 || 1959 || "The Next Step Is Love" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Stuck on You" || 1 || 1960 || "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" || 11 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Fame and Fortune" || 17 || 1960 || "Patch It Up" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "It's Now or Never" || 1 || 1960 || "I Really Don't Want to Know" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "A Mess of Blues" || 32 || 1960 || "There Goes My Everything" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" || 1 || 1960 || "Where Did They Go, Lord" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "I Gotta Know" || 20 || 1960 || "Rags to Riches" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Surrender" || 1 || 1961 || "I'm Leavin'" || 36 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Lonely Man" || 32 || 1961 || "Until It's Time for You to Go" || 40 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Flaming Star" || 14 || 1961 || "Burning Love" || 2 || 1972
|- ||-
| "I Feel So Bad" || 5 || 1961 || "Separate Ways" || 20 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Wild in the Country" || 26 || 1961 || "Steamroller Blues" || 17 || 1973
|- ||-
| "Little Sister" || 5 || 1961 || "Fool" || || 1973
|- ||-
| "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" || 4 || 1961 || "I've Got a Thing About You Baby" || 39 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Can't Help Falling in Love" || 2 || 1961 || "Take Good Care of Her" || || 1974
|- ||-
| "Rock-a-Hula Baby" || 23 || 1961 || "If You Talk in Your Sleep" || 17 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Good Luck Charm" || 1 || 1962 || "Promised Land" || 14 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Anything That's Part of You" || 31 || 1962 || "My Boy" || 20 || 1975
|- ||-
| "Follow That Dream" || 15 || 1962 || "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" || 35 || 1975
|- ||-
| "She's Not You" || 5 || 1962 || "Hurt" || 28 || 1976
|- ||-
| "King of the Whole Wide World" || 30 || 1962 || "For the Heart" || || 1976
|- ||-
| "Return to Sender" || 2 || 1962 || "Moody Blue" || 31 || 1977
|- ||-
| "One Broken Heart for Sale" || 11 || 1963 || "She Thinks I Still Care" || || 1977
|- ||-
| "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" || 3 || 1963 || "Way Down" || 18 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Bossa Nova Baby" || 8 || 1963 || "My Way" || 22 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Witchcraft" || 32 || 1963 || "Guitar Man" || 28 || 1981
|}

==Filmography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epfilms.htm Filmography]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable collapsible" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
|-
| ''Love Me Tender'' || 1956 || ''Girl Happy'' || 1965
|-
| ''Loving You'' || 1957 || ''Tickle Me'' || 1965
|-
| ''Jailhouse Rock'' || 1957 || ''Harum Scarum'' || 1965
|-
| ''King Creole'' || 1958 || ''Frankie and Johnny'' || 1966
|-
| ''G.I. Blues'' || 1960 || ''Paradise Hawaiian Style'' || 1966
|-
| ''Flaming Star'' || 1960 || ''Spinout'' || 1966
|-
| ''Wild in the Country'' || 1961 || ''Easy Come, Easy Go'' || 1967
|-
| ''Blue Hawaii'' || 1961 || ''Double Trouble'' || 1967
|-
| ''Follow That Dream'' || 1962 || ''Clambake'' || 1967
|-
| ''Kid Galahad'' || 1962 || ''Stay Away, Joe'' || 1968
|-
| ''Girls! Girls! Girls!'' || 1962 || ''Speedway'' || 1968
|-
| ''It Happened at the World's Fair'' || 1963 || ''Live a Little, Love a Little'' || 1968
|-
| ''Fun in Acapulco'' || 1963 || ''Charro!'' || 1969
|-
| ''Kissin' Cousins'' || 1964 || ''The Trouble with Girls'' || 1969
|-
| ''Viva Las Vegas'' || 1964 || ''Change of Habit'' || 1969
|-
| ''Roustabout'' || 1964|| ''Elvis – That's the Way It Is'' || 1970
|}

==Awards and honors==
===Grammys===
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
====Won====
*1967: Best Sacred Performance for "How Great Thou Art"
*1972: Best Inspirational Performance for ''He Touched Me''
*1974: Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" (from ''Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis'')
====Nominated====
*1959: Record of the Year for "A Fool Such As I"
*1959: Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1959: Best Rhythm and Blues Performance for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1960: Record of the Year for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Soundtrack Album for ''G.I. Blues''
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "G.I. Blues"
*1967: Best Soundtrack Anthem for ''Blue Hawaii''
*1968: Best Sacred Performance for "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from ''How Great Thou Art'')
*1978: Best Country Vocal Performance for "Softly As I Leave You"

===Hall of fame inductions===
Presley has been inducted into different music halls of fame:
*1986: The [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*1998: The Country Music Hall of Fame
*2001: The [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]]
*2007: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame

== References ==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Elvis Presley movies]]
*[[Elvis Presley albums]]
*[[Notable works of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Graceland]]
*[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]]
*[[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]
*[[Rock music]]
*[[Country music]]
*[[Gospel music]]
*[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*[[Elvis impersonator]]
*[[Cultural impact of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.elvis.com Elvis.com-Official Website of Elvis Presley]
*[http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/bio/elvis_overview.asp Biography]
*[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/elvis_presley_biography.shtml Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life]
*[http://www.shopelvis.com/default.aspx ShopElvis]
*[http://www.azlyrics.com/e/elvis.html Elvis Presley lyrics]
*[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis.com biography]
*[http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/menu.html Complete discography]
*[http://elvis.wikia.com Elvis Wiki]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
{{Elvis Presley}}
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
[[Category:Tennessee]]
[[Category:Male Singers]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Guitarists]]
[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Elvis Presley

2012-01-14T18:18:36Z

Musdan77: /* Awards and honors */

[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''Jailhouse Rock'', filmed in 1957]]
'''Elvis Aaron (or Aron) <ref>Presley's spelling of his middle name at birth was "Aron". It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by the single name '''Elvis''', (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang rock, [[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 known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.

Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to [[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 has been inducted into four music halls of fame, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen [[Grammy Awards]], winning three, all for gospel music.

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.
==Early Life==
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|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 it 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>

The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>

==Career==
===Early Career===
After graduating from high school, Presley paid to record two songs meant to be a birthday gift to his mother. The songs “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” would be his first steps toward becoming what many say was the greatest entertainer of the century and “the King of Rock n’ Roll.”

In 1954 Sun Records released “That’s All Right,” a 45 rpm record with the B-side “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Within a few days it was a hit when Memphis radio station WHBQ began programming the record and Presley began a regular touring schedule outside of the Memphis area. His second single, “Good Rockin' Tonight,” with “I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine” was released in September, 1954 and a month later Elvis Presley made his first appearance on the “[[Louisiana]] Hayride”, a country music radio show, in Shreveport to the delight of a large audience. He was signed to a one-year contract with the Hayride for a weekly performance.

Elvis Presley moved from Sun Records to RCA by suggestion of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, who officially became Presley's manager after his contract with former manager Bob Neal expired on March 26, 1956. RCA paid $35,000 to Sun and $5,000 to Presley, a sum unheard of at that time. A few months later in 1956 his first single on the RCA label “Heartbreak Hotel,” topped the charts at #1.

Elvis Presley had a physical style in his concerts that was considered by many to be suggestive and scandalous. He gyrated his body with the music, in a way that would be considered tame by contemporary standards, but was unheard-of at the time. He was sometimes given the name "Elvis the Pelvis" for this, and was sometimes shown in television concerts only from the waist up.
====Ed Sullivan Shows====
Presley first appeared on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on September 9, 1956, despite Sullivan personally vowing he would never have Presley on the show. Sullivan entered Presley after rival Steve Allen received a jump in ratings due to Presley's appearance on his show. His second appearance on the Sullivan show was on October 28, 1956. That appearance included Elvis performed "Don't Be Cruel", and "Love Me Tender", as well as a four minute version of "Hound Dog". As Sullivan stood behind Presley during the show, addressing the audience, Presley began shaking his legs, eliciting an uproar from the audience. As Sullivan stood his head, Presley became motionless. After Presley was leaving the stage, Sullivan said "I can’t figure this darn thing out. You know. He just does this [Sullivan shakes his legs] and everybody yells." The third and final show was on January 6, 1957. This show sparked controversy, as Presley was shot only from the waist up. It was seen as censoring his hip gyrations. Presley responded by wiggling his finger and causing an uproar in the audience.

===Music===
A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Elvis Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine'' (1960). He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.

Presley makes more money than any deceased artist on re-releases of his records and compilations such as ''Elvis 30 #1 Hits'''. Special compilations of certain areas of his musical works, such as ''Elvis Ultimate Gospel'' have sold reasonably well. He has also had some of his more popular songs remixed in publications such as ''Viva Elvis''.

===Films===
*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]]
Presley starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.

===Concert Performances===
[[File:Elvis Presley 1970.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Presley in 1970]]
During his career, Presley performed many concerts. Many of these concerts were sold out and fans waited for days in line just to buy tickets. His first concerts were performed in the late 1950s, and these were the most provocative of Presley's concerts. His other major concert era came after his career in film. He performed in [[Las Vegas]] and did a road tour.
====Early Concerts====
Presley started touring in the 1950s and he caused controversy over his hip gyrations and music. The older generation thought his style was vulgar. As a result, Presley's performances on television were often shot from the waist up so it would not offend anyone. Many of Presley's fans were young women, and they would often scream incessantly at his concerts, a practice which has since become commonplace during concerts of male heartthrobs. His style of dancing came from nervousness of dancing in front of women.<ref>[http://www.moviesmusicgamesandmore.com/elvis-presley-biography.html The Life of Elvis Presley]</ref>

In 1956, Presley made his network television debut with the first of his six appearances on ''Stage Show'', a weekly variety program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. On ''The Milton Berle Show'', he performed "Hound Dog" and the performance was considered very provocative for the time.

====1968 Comeback Special====
He stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when he released his '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.

The concert consisted of an informal jam session with Presley performing in front of a small audience consisting of friends and family members. He performed hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Don't Be Cruel".

The band that performed was:
*Elvis Presley: vocals, guitars
*D. J. Fontana: drumming, using a guitar case
*Alan Fortas: guitar back-slapping, occasional vocals
*Charlie Hodge: acoustic guitar, occasional vocals
*Lance LeGault: guitar back-slapping, tambourine
*Scotty Moore: guitars

====1970s Live Concerts====
After two more feature films, ''The Trouble With Girls'' and ''Change of Habit'', the only other films Presley starred in were concert documentaries. In 1969, he performed a series of concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Between 1969 and 1976, Presley performed in Vegas at locations such as the Hilton Hotel, as well as a road tour. Despite deteriorating health, Presley performed over a thousand sold-out concerts during the 1970's. He performed some of his early hits, as well as new hits and cover versions of songs by artists such as [[The Beatles]], the Righteous Brothers, and [[Chuck Berry]]. He was accompanied by gospel quartets, an orchestra, and other band members. He was notorious for wearing various extravagant jumpsuits during these concerts and for passing out scarves to female fans. He occasionally gave extravagant rings to audience members.

====Aloha from Hawaii====
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
*''Main Article: [[Aloha from Hawaii]]''
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.

Presley's manager, Colonel 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. He 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.

Presley arrived in Hawaii on January 9, 1973, having lost twenty-five pounds for the show, to begin rehearsing.

====Elvis Lives Concerts====
After Presley's death, concerts were put together using past live performances of Presley's, and his original band played live on stage with Presley's concert footage on a large screen via computer technology. Everything from the performances but Presley's voice is edited out, and gives the simulation of a real concert. Many sold-out concerts were performed across the world. Presley could not perform in many different countries due to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker's immigration status.

The tours started in 1997, and has been extremely popular throughout the world. A concert was conceived on August 16, 1997 (twenty years after Presley's death) after EPE was experimenting with Presley recordings and discovered through multitracking how to remove virtually all background music except Presley's voice, and it featured Presley's original 1970s back-up band (TCB Band), his back-up singers (The Stamps Quartet, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations and Millie Kirkham) and was performed at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

In 2007, a DVD of the twenty-fifth anniversary concert was sold.

==Personal life==
===Army service===
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.

===Marriage===
Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis Presley had many affairs. Priscilla tried to make amends, but was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>

===Religion===
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>

===Death===
Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest related to an overuse and overdose of prescription drugs, combined with poor eating habits.

He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>

==Legacy==
*''Main Article: [[Legacy of Elvis Presley]]''
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
Presley has had a great effect on music; this includes a satellite radio station dedicated to playing his songs, his home is a historic landmark which attracts many visitors from across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any deceased performer.

===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
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.

===Graceland===
''Main Article: [[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.

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.

===Elvis Impersonators===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis impersonator]]''
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.

Elvis impersonators are in great demand due to the iconic status of Presley, and many of these tribute acts exist. The first recorded Elvis impersonator was Jim Smith in 1956, shortly after Presley began to rise in popularity. Smith looked like and imitated Presley, but was just pretending since he could neither sing nor play the guitar. The first influential Elvis impersonator was Phil Ochs in 1970. Andy Kaufman was a significant Elvis impersonator in the mid 1970's and Presley himself said Kaufman was his favorite. While Presley was alive, impersonators largely competed in talent shows. It was after Presley's death the art grew into the industry it is today. Elvis impersonators range from professional performers to people who do it as a hobby to people who do it as part of a comedy act. There is also an Elvis Tribute Artist contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.

[[Doug Church]] is considered to be the Elvis impersonator with the closest voice to Presley's.
===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.

===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]''
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. 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.

==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable sortaable collapsible" border="1"
|+ Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits
|-
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
|- ||-
| "Heartbreak Hotel" || 1 || 1956 || "Kissin' Cousins" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Was the One" || 19 || 1956 || "It Hurts Me" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Blue Suede Shoes" || 20 || 1956 || "Kiss Me Quick" || 34 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" || 1 || 1956 || "What'd I Say" || 21 || 1964
|- ||-
| "My Baby Left Me" || 31 || 1956 || "Viva Las Vegas" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Don't Be Cruel" || 1 || 1956 || "Such a Night" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Hound Dog" || 1 || 1956 || "Ask Me" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Love Me Tender" || 1 || 1956 || "Ain't That Loving You Baby" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)" || 20 || 1956 || "Do the Clam" || 21 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Love Me" || 2 || 1956 || "Crying in the Chapel" || 3 || 1965
|- ||-
| "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" || 19 || 1956 || "(Such an) Easy Question" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Poor Boy" || 24 || 1957 || "I'm Yours" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Too Much" || 1 || 1957 || "Puppet on a String" || 14 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Playing for Keeps" || 21 || 1957 || "Tell Me Why" || 33 || 1966
|- ||-
| "All Shook Up" || 1 || 1957 || "Frankie and Johnny" || 25 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(There'll be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" || 25 || 1957 || "Love Letters" || 19 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" || 1 || 1957 || "Spinout" || 40 || 1966
|- ||-
| "Loving You" || 20 || 1957 || "Indescribably Blue" || 33 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Jailhouse Rock" || 1 || 1957 || "Big Boss Man" || 38 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Treat Me Nice" || 18 || 1957 || "U.S. Male" || 28 || 1968
|- ||-
| "Don't" || 1 || 1958 || "If I Can Dream" || 12 || 1968
|- ||-
| "I Beg of You" || 8 || 1958 || "Memories" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" || 2 || 1958 || "In the Ghetto" || 3 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Doncha' Think It's Time" || 15 || 1958 || "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Hard Headed Woman" || 1 || 1958 || "Suspicious Minds" || 1 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Don't Ask Me Why" || 25 || 1958 || "Don't Cry Daddy" || 6 || 1969
|- ||-
| "One Night" || 4 || 1958 || "Rubberneckin' " || || 1969
|- ||-
| "I Got Stung" || 8 || 1958 || "Kentucky Rain" || 16 || 1970
|- ||-
| "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" || 2 || 1959 || "The Wonder of You" || 9 || 1970
|- ||-
| "I Need Your Love Tonight" || 4 || 1959 || "Mama Liked the Roses" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "A Big Hunk o' Love" || 1 || 1959 || "I've Lost You" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "My Wish Came True" || 12 || 1959 || "The Next Step Is Love" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Stuck on You" || 1 || 1960 || "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" || 11 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Fame and Fortune" || 17 || 1960 || "Patch It Up" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "It's Now or Never" || 1 || 1960 || "I Really Don't Want to Know" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "A Mess of Blues" || 32 || 1960 || "There Goes My Everything" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" || 1 || 1960 || "Where Did They Go, Lord" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "I Gotta Know" || 20 || 1960 || "Rags to Riches" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Surrender" || 1 || 1961 || "I'm Leavin'" || 36 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Lonely Man" || 32 || 1961 || "Until It's Time for You to Go" || 40 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Flaming Star" || 14 || 1961 || "Burning Love" || 2 || 1972
|- ||-
| "I Feel So Bad" || 5 || 1961 || "Separate Ways" || 20 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Wild in the Country" || 26 || 1961 || "Steamroller Blues" || 17 || 1973
|- ||-
| "Little Sister" || 5 || 1961 || "Fool" || || 1973
|- ||-
| "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" || 4 || 1961 || "I've Got a Thing About You Baby" || 39 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Can't Help Falling in Love" || 2 || 1961 || "Take Good Care of Her" || || 1974
|- ||-
| "Rock-a-Hula Baby" || 23 || 1961 || "If You Talk in Your Sleep" || 17 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Good Luck Charm" || 1 || 1962 || "Promised Land" || 14 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Anything That's Part of You" || 31 || 1962 || "My Boy" || 20 || 1975
|- ||-
| "Follow That Dream" || 15 || 1962 || "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" || 35 || 1975
|- ||-
| "She's Not You" || 5 || 1962 || "Hurt" || 28 || 1976
|- ||-
| "King of the Whole Wide World" || 30 || 1962 || "For the Heart" || || 1976
|- ||-
| "Return to Sender" || 2 || 1962 || "Moody Blue" || 31 || 1977
|- ||-
| "One Broken Heart for Sale" || 11 || 1963 || "She Thinks I Still Care" || || 1977
|- ||-
| "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" || 3 || 1963 || "Way Down" || 18 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Bossa Nova Baby" || 8 || 1963 || "My Way" || 22 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Witchcraft" || 32 || 1963 || "Guitar Man" || 28 || 1981
|}

==Filmography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epfilms.htm Filmography]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable collapsible" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
|-
| ''Love Me Tender'' || 1956 || ''Girl Happy'' || 1965
|-
| ''Loving You'' || 1957 || ''Tickle Me'' || 1965
|-
| ''Jailhouse Rock'' || 1957 || ''Harum Scarum'' || 1965
|-
| ''King Creole'' || 1958 || ''Frankie and Johnny'' || 1966
|-
| ''G.I. Blues'' || 1960 || ''Paradise Hawaiian Style'' || 1966
|-
| ''Flaming Star'' || 1960 || ''Spinout'' || 1966
|-
| ''Wild in the Country'' || 1961 || ''Easy Come, Easy Go'' || 1967
|-
| ''Blue Hawaii'' || 1961 || ''Double Trouble'' || 1967
|-
| ''Follow That Dream'' || 1962 || ''Clambake'' || 1967
|-
| ''Kid Galahad'' || 1962 || ''Stay Away, Joe'' || 1968
|-
| ''Girls! Girls! Girls!'' || 1962 || ''Speedway'' || 1968
|-
| ''It Happened at the World's Fair'' || 1963 || ''Live a Little, Love a Little'' || 1968
|-
| ''Fun in Acapulco'' || 1963 || ''Charro!'' || 1969
|-
| ''Kissin' Cousins'' || 1964 || ''The Trouble with Girls'' || 1969
|-
| ''Viva Las Vegas'' || 1964 || ''Change of Habit'' || 1969
|-
| ''Roustabout'' || 1964|| ''Elvis – That's the Way It Is'' || 1970
|}

==Awards and honors==
===Grammys===
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
====Won====
*1967: Best Sacred Performance for "How Great Thou Art"
*1972: Best Inspirational Performance for ''He Touched Me''
*1974: Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" (from ''Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis'')
====Nominated====
*1959: Record of the Year for "A Fool Such As I"
*1959: Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1959: Best Rhythm and Blues Performance for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1960: Record of the Year for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Soundtrack Album for ''G.I. Blues''
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "G.I. Blues"
*1967: Best Soundtrack Anthem for ''Blue Hawaii'' (, )
*1968: Best Sacred Performance for "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from ''How Great Thou Art'')
*1978: Best Country Vocal Performance for "Softly As I Leave You"

===Hall of fame inductions===
Presley has been inducted into different music halls of fame:
*1986: The [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*1998: The Country Music Hall of Fame
*2001: The [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]]
*2007: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame

== References ==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Elvis Presley movies]]
*[[Elvis Presley albums]]
*[[Notable works of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Graceland]]
*[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]]
*[[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]
*[[Rock music]]
*[[Country music]]
*[[Gospel music]]
*[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*[[Elvis impersonator]]
*[[Cultural impact of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.elvis.com Elvis.com-Official Website of Elvis Presley]
*[http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/bio/elvis_overview.asp Biography]
*[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/elvis_presley_biography.shtml Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life]
*[http://www.shopelvis.com/default.aspx ShopElvis]
*[http://www.azlyrics.com/e/elvis.html Elvis Presley lyrics]
*[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis.com biography]
*[http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/menu.html Complete discography]
*[http://elvis.wikia.com Elvis Wiki]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
{{Elvis Presley}}
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
[[Category:Tennessee]]
[[Category:Male Singers]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Guitarists]]
[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Elvis Presley

2012-01-14T18:13:53Z

Musdan77: Corrections/clarifications; adding ref

[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''Jailhouse Rock'', filmed in 1957]]
'''Elvis Aaron (or Aron) <ref>Presley's spelling of his middle name at birth was "Aron". It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by the single name '''Elvis''', (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang rock, [[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 known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.

Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to [[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 has been inducted into four music halls of fame, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen [[Grammy Awards]], winning three, all for gospel music.

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.
==Early Life==
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|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 it 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>

The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>

==Career==
===Early Career===
After graduating from high school, Presley paid to record two songs meant to be a birthday gift to his mother. The songs “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” would be his first steps toward becoming what many say was the greatest entertainer of the century and “the King of Rock n’ Roll.”

In 1954 Sun Records released “That’s All Right,” a 45 rpm record with the B-side “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Within a few days it was a hit when Memphis radio station WHBQ began programming the record and Presley began a regular touring schedule outside of the Memphis area. His second single, “Good Rockin' Tonight,” with “I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine” was released in September, 1954 and a month later Elvis Presley made his first appearance on the “[[Louisiana]] Hayride”, a country music radio show, in Shreveport to the delight of a large audience. He was signed to a one-year contract with the Hayride for a weekly performance.

Elvis Presley moved from Sun Records to RCA by suggestion of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, who officially became Presley's manager after his contract with former manager Bob Neal expired on March 26, 1956. RCA paid $35,000 to Sun and $5,000 to Presley, a sum unheard of at that time. A few months later in 1956 his first single on the RCA label “Heartbreak Hotel,” topped the charts at #1.

Elvis Presley had a physical style in his concerts that was considered by many to be suggestive and scandalous. He gyrated his body with the music, in a way that would be considered tame by contemporary standards, but was unheard-of at the time. He was sometimes given the name "Elvis the Pelvis" for this, and was sometimes shown in television concerts only from the waist up.
====Ed Sullivan Shows====
Presley first appeared on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on September 9, 1956, despite Sullivan personally vowing he would never have Presley on the show. Sullivan entered Presley after rival Steve Allen received a jump in ratings due to Presley's appearance on his show. His second appearance on the Sullivan show was on October 28, 1956. That appearance included Elvis performed "Don't Be Cruel", and "Love Me Tender", as well as a four minute version of "Hound Dog". As Sullivan stood behind Presley during the show, addressing the audience, Presley began shaking his legs, eliciting an uproar from the audience. As Sullivan stood his head, Presley became motionless. After Presley was leaving the stage, Sullivan said "I can’t figure this darn thing out. You know. He just does this [Sullivan shakes his legs] and everybody yells." The third and final show was on January 6, 1957. This show sparked controversy, as Presley was shot only from the waist up. It was seen as censoring his hip gyrations. Presley responded by wiggling his finger and causing an uproar in the audience.

===Music===
A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Elvis Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine'' (1960). He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.

Presley makes more money than any deceased artist on re-releases of his records and compilations such as ''Elvis 30 #1 Hits'''. Special compilations of certain areas of his musical works, such as ''Elvis Ultimate Gospel'' have sold reasonably well. He has also had some of his more popular songs remixed in publications such as ''Viva Elvis''.

===Films===
*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]]
Presley starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.

===Concert Performances===
[[File:Elvis Presley 1970.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Presley in 1970]]
During his career, Presley performed many concerts. Many of these concerts were sold out and fans waited for days in line just to buy tickets. His first concerts were performed in the late 1950s, and these were the most provocative of Presley's concerts. His other major concert era came after his career in film. He performed in [[Las Vegas]] and did a road tour.
====Early Concerts====
Presley started touring in the 1950s and he caused controversy over his hip gyrations and music. The older generation thought his style was vulgar. As a result, Presley's performances on television were often shot from the waist up so it would not offend anyone. Many of Presley's fans were young women, and they would often scream incessantly at his concerts, a practice which has since become commonplace during concerts of male heartthrobs. His style of dancing came from nervousness of dancing in front of women.<ref>[http://www.moviesmusicgamesandmore.com/elvis-presley-biography.html The Life of Elvis Presley]</ref>

In 1956, Presley made his network television debut with the first of his six appearances on ''Stage Show'', a weekly variety program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. On ''The Milton Berle Show'', he performed "Hound Dog" and the performance was considered very provocative for the time.

====1968 Comeback Special====
He stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when he released his '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.

The concert consisted of an informal jam session with Presley performing in front of a small audience consisting of friends and family members. He performed hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Don't Be Cruel".

The band that performed was:
*Elvis Presley: vocals, guitars
*D. J. Fontana: drumming, using a guitar case
*Alan Fortas: guitar back-slapping, occasional vocals
*Charlie Hodge: acoustic guitar, occasional vocals
*Lance LeGault: guitar back-slapping, tambourine
*Scotty Moore: guitars

====1970s Live Concerts====
After two more feature films, ''The Trouble With Girls'' and ''Change of Habit'', the only other films Presley starred in were concert documentaries. In 1969, he performed a series of concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Between 1969 and 1976, Presley performed in Vegas at locations such as the Hilton Hotel, as well as a road tour. Despite deteriorating health, Presley performed over a thousand sold-out concerts during the 1970's. He performed some of his early hits, as well as new hits and cover versions of songs by artists such as [[The Beatles]], the Righteous Brothers, and [[Chuck Berry]]. He was accompanied by gospel quartets, an orchestra, and other band members. He was notorious for wearing various extravagant jumpsuits during these concerts and for passing out scarves to female fans. He occasionally gave extravagant rings to audience members.

====Aloha from Hawaii====
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
*''Main Article: [[Aloha from Hawaii]]''
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.

Presley's manager, Colonel 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. He 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.

Presley arrived in Hawaii on January 9, 1973, having lost twenty-five pounds for the show, to begin rehearsing.

====Elvis Lives Concerts====
After Presley's death, concerts were put together using past live performances of Presley's, and his original band played live on stage with Presley's concert footage on a large screen via computer technology. Everything from the performances but Presley's voice is edited out, and gives the simulation of a real concert. Many sold-out concerts were performed across the world. Presley could not perform in many different countries due to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker's immigration status.

The tours started in 1997, and has been extremely popular throughout the world. A concert was conceived on August 16, 1997 (twenty years after Presley's death) after EPE was experimenting with Presley recordings and discovered through multitracking how to remove virtually all background music except Presley's voice, and it featured Presley's original 1970s back-up band (TCB Band), his back-up singers (The Stamps Quartet, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations and Millie Kirkham) and was performed at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

In 2007, a DVD of the twenty-fifth anniversary concert was sold.

==Personal life==
===Army service===
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.

===Marriage===
Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis Presley had many affairs. Priscilla tried to make amends, but was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>

===Religion===
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>

===Death===
Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest related to an overuse and overdose of prescription drugs, combined with poor eating habits.

He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>

==Legacy==
*''Main Article: [[Legacy of Elvis Presley]]''
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
Presley has had a great effect on music; this includes a satellite radio station dedicated to playing his songs, his home is a historic landmark which attracts many visitors from across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any deceased performer.

===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
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.

===Graceland===
''Main Article: [[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.

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.

===Elvis Impersonators===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis impersonator]]''
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.

Elvis impersonators are in great demand due to the iconic status of Presley, and many of these tribute acts exist. The first recorded Elvis impersonator was Jim Smith in 1956, shortly after Presley began to rise in popularity. Smith looked like and imitated Presley, but was just pretending since he could neither sing nor play the guitar. The first influential Elvis impersonator was Phil Ochs in 1970. Andy Kaufman was a significant Elvis impersonator in the mid 1970's and Presley himself said Kaufman was his favorite. While Presley was alive, impersonators largely competed in talent shows. It was after Presley's death the art grew into the industry it is today. Elvis impersonators range from professional performers to people who do it as a hobby to people who do it as part of a comedy act. There is also an Elvis Tribute Artist contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.

[[Doug Church]] is considered to be the Elvis impersonator with the closest voice to Presley's.
===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.

===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]''
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. 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.

==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable sortaable collapsible" border="1"
|+ Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits
|-
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
|- ||-
| "Heartbreak Hotel" || 1 || 1956 || "Kissin' Cousins" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Was the One" || 19 || 1956 || "It Hurts Me" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Blue Suede Shoes" || 20 || 1956 || "Kiss Me Quick" || 34 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" || 1 || 1956 || "What'd I Say" || 21 || 1964
|- ||-
| "My Baby Left Me" || 31 || 1956 || "Viva Las Vegas" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Don't Be Cruel" || 1 || 1956 || "Such a Night" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Hound Dog" || 1 || 1956 || "Ask Me" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Love Me Tender" || 1 || 1956 || "Ain't That Loving You Baby" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)" || 20 || 1956 || "Do the Clam" || 21 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Love Me" || 2 || 1956 || "Crying in the Chapel" || 3 || 1965
|- ||-
| "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" || 19 || 1956 || "(Such an) Easy Question" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Poor Boy" || 24 || 1957 || "I'm Yours" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Too Much" || 1 || 1957 || "Puppet on a String" || 14 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Playing for Keeps" || 21 || 1957 || "Tell Me Why" || 33 || 1966
|- ||-
| "All Shook Up" || 1 || 1957 || "Frankie and Johnny" || 25 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(There'll be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" || 25 || 1957 || "Love Letters" || 19 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" || 1 || 1957 || "Spinout" || 40 || 1966
|- ||-
| "Loving You" || 20 || 1957 || "Indescribably Blue" || 33 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Jailhouse Rock" || 1 || 1957 || "Big Boss Man" || 38 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Treat Me Nice" || 18 || 1957 || "U.S. Male" || 28 || 1968
|- ||-
| "Don't" || 1 || 1958 || "If I Can Dream" || 12 || 1968
|- ||-
| "I Beg of You" || 8 || 1958 || "Memories" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" || 2 || 1958 || "In the Ghetto" || 3 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Doncha' Think It's Time" || 15 || 1958 || "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Hard Headed Woman" || 1 || 1958 || "Suspicious Minds" || 1 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Don't Ask Me Why" || 25 || 1958 || "Don't Cry Daddy" || 6 || 1969
|- ||-
| "One Night" || 4 || 1958 || "Rubberneckin' " || || 1969
|- ||-
| "I Got Stung" || 8 || 1958 || "Kentucky Rain" || 16 || 1970
|- ||-
| "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" || 2 || 1959 || "The Wonder of You" || 9 || 1970
|- ||-
| "I Need Your Love Tonight" || 4 || 1959 || "Mama Liked the Roses" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "A Big Hunk o' Love" || 1 || 1959 || "I've Lost You" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "My Wish Came True" || 12 || 1959 || "The Next Step Is Love" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Stuck on You" || 1 || 1960 || "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" || 11 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Fame and Fortune" || 17 || 1960 || "Patch It Up" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "It's Now or Never" || 1 || 1960 || "I Really Don't Want to Know" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "A Mess of Blues" || 32 || 1960 || "There Goes My Everything" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" || 1 || 1960 || "Where Did They Go, Lord" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "I Gotta Know" || 20 || 1960 || "Rags to Riches" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Surrender" || 1 || 1961 || "I'm Leavin'" || 36 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Lonely Man" || 32 || 1961 || "Until It's Time for You to Go" || 40 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Flaming Star" || 14 || 1961 || "Burning Love" || 2 || 1972
|- ||-
| "I Feel So Bad" || 5 || 1961 || "Separate Ways" || 20 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Wild in the Country" || 26 || 1961 || "Steamroller Blues" || 17 || 1973
|- ||-
| "Little Sister" || 5 || 1961 || "Fool" || || 1973
|- ||-
| "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" || 4 || 1961 || "I've Got a Thing About You Baby" || 39 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Can't Help Falling in Love" || 2 || 1961 || "Take Good Care of Her" || || 1974
|- ||-
| "Rock-a-Hula Baby" || 23 || 1961 || "If You Talk in Your Sleep" || 17 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Good Luck Charm" || 1 || 1962 || "Promised Land" || 14 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Anything That's Part of You" || 31 || 1962 || "My Boy" || 20 || 1975
|- ||-
| "Follow That Dream" || 15 || 1962 || "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" || 35 || 1975
|- ||-
| "She's Not You" || 5 || 1962 || "Hurt" || 28 || 1976
|- ||-
| "King of the Whole Wide World" || 30 || 1962 || "For the Heart" || || 1976
|- ||-
| "Return to Sender" || 2 || 1962 || "Moody Blue" || 31 || 1977
|- ||-
| "One Broken Heart for Sale" || 11 || 1963 || "She Thinks I Still Care" || || 1977
|- ||-
| "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" || 3 || 1963 || "Way Down" || 18 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Bossa Nova Baby" || 8 || 1963 || "My Way" || 22 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Witchcraft" || 32 || 1963 || "Guitar Man" || 28 || 1981
|}

==Filmography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epfilms.htm Filmography]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable collapsible" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
|-
| ''Love Me Tender'' || 1956 || ''Girl Happy'' || 1965
|-
| ''Loving You'' || 1957 || ''Tickle Me'' || 1965
|-
| ''Jailhouse Rock'' || 1957 || ''Harum Scarum'' || 1965
|-
| ''King Creole'' || 1958 || ''Frankie and Johnny'' || 1966
|-
| ''G.I. Blues'' || 1960 || ''Paradise Hawaiian Style'' || 1966
|-
| ''Flaming Star'' || 1960 || ''Spinout'' || 1966
|-
| ''Wild in the Country'' || 1961 || ''Easy Come, Easy Go'' || 1967
|-
| ''Blue Hawaii'' || 1961 || ''Double Trouble'' || 1967
|-
| ''Follow That Dream'' || 1962 || ''Clambake'' || 1967
|-
| ''Kid Galahad'' || 1962 || ''Stay Away, Joe'' || 1968
|-
| ''Girls! Girls! Girls!'' || 1962 || ''Speedway'' || 1968
|-
| ''It Happened at the World's Fair'' || 1963 || ''Live a Little, Love a Little'' || 1968
|-
| ''Fun in Acapulco'' || 1963 || ''Charro!'' || 1969
|-
| ''Kissin' Cousins'' || 1964 || ''The Trouble with Girls'' || 1969
|-
| ''Viva Las Vegas'' || 1964 || ''Change of Habit'' || 1969
|-
| ''Roustabout'' || 1964|| ''Elvis – That's the Way It Is'' || 1970
|}

==Awards and honors==
===Grammys===
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
===Won===
*1967: Best Sacred Performance for "How Great Thou Art"
*1972: Best Inspirational Performance for ''He Touched Me''
*1974: Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" (from ''Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis'')
===Nominated===
*1959: Record of the Year for "A Fool Such As I"
*1959: Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1959: Best Rhythm and Blues Performance for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*1960: Record of the Year for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
*1960: Best Soundtrack Album for ''G.I. Blues''
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "G.I. Blues"
*1967: Best Soundtrack Anthem for ''Blue Hawaii'' (, )
*1968: Best Sacred Performance for "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from ''How Great Thou Art'')
*1978: Best Country Vocal Performance for "Softly As I Leave You"

===Hall of fame inductions===
Presley has been inducted into different music halls of fame:
*1986: The [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*1998: The Country Music Hall of Fame
*2001: The [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]]
*2007: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame

== References ==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Elvis Presley movies]]
*[[Elvis Presley albums]]
*[[Notable works of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Graceland]]
*[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]]
*[[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]
*[[Rock music]]
*[[Country music]]
*[[Gospel music]]
*[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*[[Elvis impersonator]]
*[[Cultural impact of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.elvis.com Elvis.com-Official Website of Elvis Presley]
*[http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/bio/elvis_overview.asp Biography]
*[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/elvis_presley_biography.shtml Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life]
*[http://www.shopelvis.com/default.aspx ShopElvis]
*[http://www.azlyrics.com/e/elvis.html Elvis Presley lyrics]
*[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis.com biography]
*[http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/menu.html Complete discography]
*[http://elvis.wikia.com Elvis Wiki]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
{{Elvis Presley}}
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
[[Category:Tennessee]]
[[Category:Male Singers]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Guitarists]]
[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Elvis Presley

2012-01-05T17:52:49Z

Musdan77: /* Legacy */

[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''Jailhouse Rock'', filmed in 1957]]
'''Elvis Aaron (or Aron) <ref>Presley's spelling of his middle name at birth was "Aron". It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by the single name '''Elvis''', (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang rock, [[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 known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.

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

Presley was inducted into four Halls of Fame, won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen Grammy awards, winning three, all for gospel songs.

==Early Life==
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|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 it 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>

The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>

==Career==
===Early Career===
After graduating from high school, Presley paid to record two songs meant to be a birthday gift to his mother. The songs “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” would be his first steps toward becoming what many say was the greatest entertainer of the century and “the King of Rock n’ Roll.”

In 1954 Sun Records released “That’s All Right,” a 45 rpm record with the B-side “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Within a few days it was a hit when Memphis radio station WHBQ began programming the record and Presley began a regular touring schedule outside of the Memphis area. His second single, “Good Rockin' Tonight,” with “I Don't Care if the Sun Don't Shine” was released in September, 1954 and a month later Elvis Presley made his first appearance on the “[[Louisiana]] Hayride”, a country music radio show, in Shreveport to the delight of a large audience. He was signed to a one-year contract with the Hayride for a weekly performance.

Elvis Presley moved from Sun Records to RCA by suggestion of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, who officially became Presley's manager after his contract with former manager Bob Neal expired on March 26, 1956. RCA paid $35,000 to Sun and $5,000 to Presley, a sum unheard of at that time. A few months later in 1956 his first single on the RCA label “Heartbreak Hotel,” topped the charts at #1.

Elvis Presley had a physical style in his concerts that was considered by many to be suggestive and scandalous. He gyrated his body with the music, in a way that would be considered tame by contemporary standards, but was unheard-of at the time. He was sometimes given the name "Elvis the Pelvis" for this, and was sometimes shown in television concerts only from the waist up.
====Ed Sullivan Shows====
Presley first appeared on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'' on September 9, 1956, despite Sullivan personally vowing he would never have Presley on the show. Sullivan entered Presley after rival Steve Allen received a jump in ratings due to Presley's appearance on his show. His second appearance on the Sullivan show was on October 28, 1956. That appearance included Elvis performed "Don't Be Cruel", and "Love Me Tender", as well as a four minute version of "Hound Dog". As Sullivan stood behind Presley during the show, addressing the audience, Presley began shaking his legs, eliciting an uproar from the audience. As Sullivan stood his head, Presley became motionless. After Presley was leaving the stage, Sullivan said "I can’t figure this darn thing out. You know. He just does this [Sullivan shakes his legs] and everybody yells." The third and final show was on January 6, 1957. This show sparked controversy, as Presley was shot only from the waist up. It was seen as censoring his hip gyrations. Presley responded by wiggling his finger and causing an uproar in the audience.

===Music===
A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Elvis Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine''. He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.

Presley makes more money than any deceased artist on re-releases of his records and compilations such as ''Elvis 30 #1 Hits'''. Special compilations of certain areas of his musical works, such as ''Elvis Ultimate Gospel'' have sold reasonably well. He has also had some of his more popular songs remixed in publications such as ''Viva Elvis''.

===Films===
*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]]
Presley starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.

===Concert Performances===
[[File:Elvis Presley 1970.jpg|thumb|right|125px|Presley in 1970]]
During his career, Presley performed many concerts. Many of these concerts were sold out and fans waited for days in line just to buy tickets. His first concerts were performed in the late 1950s, and these were the most provocative of Presley's concerts. His other major concert era came after his career in film. He performed in [[Las Vegas]] and did a road tour.
====Early Concerts====
Presley started touring in the 1950s and he caused controversy over his hip gyrations and music. The older generation thought his style was vulgar. As a result, Presley's performances on television were often shot from the waist up so it would not offend anyone. Many of Presley's fans were young women, and they would often scream incessantly at his concerts, a practice which has since become commonplace during concerts of male heartthrobs. His style of dancing came from nervousness of dancing in front of women.<ref>[http://www.moviesmusicgamesandmore.com/elvis-presley-biography.html The Life of Elvis Presley]</ref>

In 1956, Presley made his network television debut with the first of his six appearances on ''Stage Show'', a weekly variety program hosted by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. On ''The Milton Berle Show'', he performed "Hound Dog" and the performance was considered very provocative for the time.

====1968 Comeback Special====
He stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when he released his '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.

The concert consisted of an informal jam session with Presley performing in front of a small audience consisting of friends and family members. He performed hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Don't Be Cruel".

The band that performed was:
*Elvis Presley: vocals, guitars
*D. J. Fontana: drumming, using a guitar case
*Alan Fortas: guitar back-slapping, occasional vocals
*Charlie Hodge: acoustic guitar, occasional vocals
*Lance LeGault: guitar back-slapping, tambourine
*Scotty Moore: guitars

====1970s Live Concerts====
After two more feature films, ''The Trouble With Girls'' and ''Change of Habit'', the only other films Presley starred in were concert documentaries. In 1969, he performed a series of concerts at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. Between 1969 and 1976, Presley performed in Vegas at locations such as the Hilton Hotel, as well as a road tour. Despite deteriorating health, Presley performed over a thousand sold-out concerts during the 1970's. He performed some of his early hits, as well as new hits and cover versions of songs by artists such as [[The Beatles]], the Righteous Brothers, and [[Chuck Berry]]. He was accompanied by gospel quartets, an orchestra, and other band members. He was notorious for wearing various extravagant jumpsuits during these concerts and for passing out scarves to female fans. He occasionally gave extravagant rings to audience members.

====Aloha from Hawaii====
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.

====Elvis Lives Concerts====
After Presley's death, concerts were put together using past live performances of Presley's, and his original band played live on stage with Presley's concert footage on a large screen via computer technology. Everything from the performances but Presley's voice is edited out, and gives the simulation of a real concert. Many sold-out concerts were performed across the world. Presley could not perform in many different countries due to his manager, Colonel Tom Parker's immigration status.

The tours started in 1997, and has been extremely popular throughout the world. A concert was conceived on August 16, 1997 (twenty years after Presley's death) after EPE was experimenting with Presley recordings and discovered through multitracking how to remove virtually all background music except Presley's voice, and it featured Presley's original 1970s back-up band (TCB Band), his back-up singers (The Stamps Quartet, The Imperials, The Sweet Inspirations and Millie Kirkham) and was performed at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.

In 2007, a DVD of the twenty-fifth anniversary concert was sold.

==Personal life==
===Army service===
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.

===Marriage===
Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis Presley had many affairs. Priscilla tried to make amends, but was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>

===Religion===
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. He was accompanied by several different gospel singers during his career including The Jordanaires, The Stamps, and the Imperials. He recorded several gospel albums including ''You'll Never Walk Alone''. 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>

===Death===
Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be related to an overuse and overdose of prescription drugs, combined with poor eating habits.

He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>

==Legacy==
*''Main Article: [[Legacy of Elvis Presley]]''
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
Presley has had a great effect on music; this includes: a satellite radio station dedicated to playing just his songs, his home is a historic landmark which attracts many visitors from across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any performer who is dead.

===Halls of Fame===
Presley has been inducted into different music halls of fame:
*1986: The [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*1998: The Country Music Hall of Fame
*2001: The [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]]
*2007: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame

===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
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.

===Graceland===
''Main Article: [[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.

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.

===Elvis Impersonators===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis impersonator]]''
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.

Elvis impersonators are in great demand due to the iconic status of Presley, and many of these tribute acts exist. The first recorded Elvis impersonator was Jim Smith in 1956, shortly after Presley began to rise in popularity. Smith looked like and imitated Presley, but was just pretending since he could neither sing nor play the guitar. The first influential Elvis impersonator was Phil Ochs in 1970. Andy Kaufman was a significant Elvis impersonator in the mid 1970's and Presley himself said Kaufman was his favorite. While Presley was alive, impersonators largely competed in talent shows. It was after Presley's death the art grew into the industry it is today. Elvis impersonators range from professional performers to people who do it as a hobby to people who do it as part of a comedy act. There is also an Elvis Tribute Artist contest sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises.

In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.

===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.

===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
*''Main Article: [[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]''
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. 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.

==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable sortaable collapsible" border="1"
|+ Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits
|-
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Song
! scope="col" | Position
! scope="col" | Year
|- ||-
| "Heartbreak Hotel" || 1 || 1956 || "Kissin' Cousins" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Was the One" || 19 || 1956 || "It Hurts Me" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Blue Suede Shoes" || 20 || 1956 || "Kiss Me Quick" || 34 || 1964
|- ||-
| "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" || 1 || 1956 || "What'd I Say" || 21 || 1964
|- ||-
| "My Baby Left Me" || 31 || 1956 || "Viva Las Vegas" || 29 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Don't Be Cruel" || 1 || 1956 || "Such a Night" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Hound Dog" || 1 || 1956 || "Ask Me" || 12 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Love Me Tender" || 1 || 1956 || "Ain't That Loving You Baby" || 16 || 1964
|- ||-
| "Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)" || 20 || 1956 || "Do the Clam" || 21 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Love Me" || 2 || 1956 || "Crying in the Chapel" || 3 || 1965
|- ||-
| "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again" || 19 || 1956 || "(Such an) Easy Question" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Poor Boy" || 24 || 1957 || "I'm Yours" || 11 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Too Much" || 1 || 1957 || "Puppet on a String" || 14 || 1965
|- ||-
| "Playing for Keeps" || 21 || 1957 || "Tell Me Why" || 33 || 1966
|- ||-
| "All Shook Up" || 1 || 1957 || "Frankie and Johnny" || 25 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(There'll be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" || 25 || 1957 || "Love Letters" || 19 || 1966
|- ||-
| "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" || 1 || 1957 || "Spinout" || 40 || 1966
|- ||-
| "Loving You" || 20 || 1957 || "Indescribably Blue" || 33 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Jailhouse Rock" || 1 || 1957 || "Big Boss Man" || 38 || 1967
|- ||-
| "Treat Me Nice" || 18 || 1957 || "U.S. Male" || 28 || 1968
|- ||-
| "Don't" || 1 || 1958 || "If I Can Dream" || 12 || 1968
|- ||-
| "I Beg of You" || 8 || 1958 || "Memories" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" || 2 || 1958 || "In the Ghetto" || 3 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Doncha' Think It's Time" || 15 || 1958 || "Clean Up Your Own Backyard" || 35 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Hard Headed Woman" || 1 || 1958 || "Suspicious Minds" || 1 || 1969
|- ||-
| "Don't Ask Me Why" || 25 || 1958 || "Don't Cry Daddy" || 6 || 1969
|- ||-
| "One Night" || 4 || 1958 || "Rubberneckin' " || || 1969
|- ||-
| "I Got Stung" || 8 || 1958 || "Kentucky Rain" || 16 || 1970
|- ||-
| "(Now and Then There's) a Fool Such as I" || 2 || 1959 || "The Wonder of You" || 9 || 1970
|- ||-
| "I Need Your Love Tonight" || 4 || 1959 || "Mama Liked the Roses" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "A Big Hunk o' Love" || 1 || 1959 || "I've Lost You" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "My Wish Came True" || 12 || 1959 || "The Next Step Is Love" || 32 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Stuck on You" || 1 || 1960 || "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" || 11 || 1970
|- ||-
| "Fame and Fortune" || 17 || 1960 || "Patch It Up" || || 1970
|- ||-
| "It's Now or Never" || 1 || 1960 || "I Really Don't Want to Know" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "A Mess of Blues" || 32 || 1960 || "There Goes My Everything" || 21 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" || 1 || 1960 || "Where Did They Go, Lord" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "I Gotta Know" || 20 || 1960 || "Rags to Riches" || 33 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Surrender" || 1 || 1961 || "I'm Leavin'" || 36 || 1971
|- ||-
| "Lonely Man" || 32 || 1961 || "Until It's Time for You to Go" || 40 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Flaming Star" || 14 || 1961 || "Burning Love" || 2 || 1972
|- ||-
| "I Feel So Bad" || 5 || 1961 || "Separate Ways" || 20 || 1972
|- ||-
| "Wild in the Country" || 26 || 1961 || "Steamroller Blues" || 17 || 1973
|- ||-
| "Little Sister" || 5 || 1961 || "Fool" || || 1973
|- ||-
| "(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame" || 4 || 1961 || "I've Got a Thing About You Baby" || 39 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Can't Help Falling in Love" || 2 || 1961 || "Take Good Care of Her" || || 1974
|- ||-
| "Rock-a-Hula Baby" || 23 || 1961 || "If You Talk in Your Sleep" || 17 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Good Luck Charm" || 1 || 1962 || "Promised Land" || 14 || 1974
|- ||-
| "Anything That's Part of You" || 31 || 1962 || "My Boy" || 20 || 1975
|- ||-
| "Follow That Dream" || 15 || 1962 || "T-R-O-U-B-L-E" || 35 || 1975
|- ||-
| "She's Not You" || 5 || 1962 || "Hurt" || 28 || 1976
|- ||-
| "King of the Whole Wide World" || 30 || 1962 || "For the Heart" || || 1976
|- ||-
| "Return to Sender" || 2 || 1962 || "Moody Blue" || 31 || 1977
|- ||-
| "One Broken Heart for Sale" || 11 || 1963 || "She Thinks I Still Care" || || 1977
|- ||-
| "(You're the) Devil in Disguise" || 3 || 1963 || "Way Down" || 18 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Bossa Nova Baby" || 8 || 1963 || "My Way" || 22 || 1977
|- ||-
| "Witchcraft" || 32 || 1963 || "Guitar Man" || 28 || 1981
|}

==Filmography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epfilms.htm Filmography]</ref>==
{| class="wikitable collapsible" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
! scope="col" | Movie title
! scope="col" | Year released
|-
| ''Love Me Tender'' || 1956 || ''Girl Happy'' || 1965
|-
| ''Loving You'' || 1957 || ''Tickle Me'' || 1965
|-
| ''Jailhouse Rock'' || 1957 || ''Harum Scarum'' || 1965
|-
| ''King Creole'' || 1958 || ''Frankie and Johnny'' || 1966
|-
| ''G.I. Blues'' || 1960 || ''Paradise Hawaiian Style'' || 1966
|-
| ''Flaming Star'' || 1960 || ''Spinout'' || 1966
|-
| ''Wild in the Country'' || 1961 || ''Easy Come, Easy Go'' || 1967
|-
| ''Blue Hawaii'' || 1961 || ''Double Trouble'' || 1967
|-
| ''Follow That Dream'' || 1962 || ''Clambake'' || 1967
|-
| ''Kid Galahad'' || 1962 || ''Stay Away, Joe'' || 1968
|-
| ''Girls! Girls! Girls!'' || 1962 || ''Speedway'' || 1968
|-
| ''It Happened at the World's Fair'' || 1963 || ''Live a Little, Love a Little'' || 1968
|-
| ''Fun in Acapulco'' || 1963 || ''Charro!'' || 1969
|-
| ''Kissin' Cousins'' || 1964 || ''The Trouble with Girls'' || 1969
|-
| ''Viva Las Vegas'' || 1964 || ''Change of Habit'' || 1969
|-
| ''Roustabout'' || 1964|| ''Elvis – That's the Way It Is'' || 1970
|}

==Grammys==
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
===Won===
*''How Great Thou Art'' (Best Sacred Performance, 1967)
*''He Touched Me'' (Best Inspirational Performance, 1972)
*''How Great Thou Art'' (Best Inspirational Performance, 1974)
===Nominated===
*''A Fool Such As I'' (Record of the Year, 1959)
*''A Big Hunk O'Love'' (Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist, 1959)
*''A Big Hunk O'Love'' (Best Rhythm and Blues Performance, 1959)
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Record of the Year, 1960)
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Best Male Vocal Performance, 1960)
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist, 1960)
*''G.I. Blues'' (Best Soundtrack Album, 1960)
*''G.I. Blues'' (Best Male Vocal Performance, 1960)
*''Blue Hawaii'' (Best Soundtrack Anthem, 1967)
*''You'll Never Walk Alone'' (Best Sacred Performance, 1968)
*''Softly As I Leave You'' (Best Country Vocal Performance, 1978)
== References ==
<references/>

== See also ==
*[[Elvis Presley movies]]
*[[Elvis Presley albums]]
*[[Notable works of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Graceland]]
*[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]]
*[[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]
*[[Rock music]]
*[[Country music]]
*[[Gospel music]]
*[[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
*[[Elvis impersonator]]
*[[Cultural impact of Elvis Presley]]
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.elvis.com Elvis.com-Official Website of Elvis Presley]
*[http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/bio/elvis_overview.asp Biography]
*[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/elvis_presley_biography.shtml Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life]
*[http://www.shopelvis.com/default.aspx ShopElvis]
*[http://www.azlyrics.com/e/elvis.html Elvis Presley lyrics]
*[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis.com biography]
*[http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/menu.html Complete discography]
*[http://elvis.wikia.com Elvis Wiki]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
{{Elvis Presley}}
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
[[Category:Tennessee]]
[[Category:Male Singers]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Guitarists]]
[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Featured articles]]

Hulk Hogan

2011-12-06T02:03:33Z

Musdan77:

'''Terry Bollea''', born 11 August 1953 (age {{age|1953|8|11}}), is a semi-retired [[American]] [[sports entertainer]]. He is best known for his performances for [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] and [[World Championship Wrestling]] under the ring name Hulk Hogan. He has also been billed as Hollywood Hogan and Mr. America.

==External Link==
*[http://www.hulkhogan.com/ Official Web Page]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hogan, Hulk}}
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:World Wrestling Entertainment]]
[[category:Wrestling]]

User:Musdan77

2011-12-06T01:17:41Z

Musdan77: Created page with "{{Infobox person | name = Dan M | birth_date = 6/19/1962 | birth_place = San Diego, California }} [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Musdan77 Wikipedia pr..."

{{Infobox person
| name = Dan M
| birth_date = 6/19/1962
| birth_place = [[San Diego, California]]
}}
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Musdan77 Wikipedia profile] 
[http://wiki.answers.com/Q/User:Musdan77 Wiki.answers.com profile]