Difference between revisions of "Elvis Presley"

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Elvis Aaron (or Aron) ^[1] 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 n' roll and sang rock, country, blues, and 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 habits; he died in his home Graceland a day before he was supposed 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 Grammys, 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 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.

For his eleventh birthday, Presley received a guitar for his birthday. The store owner said he wanted a 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.^[2][3]

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. ^[2]

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 a four minute version of "Hound Dog". 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. 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'.

Films

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. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries

Concert Performances

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 1950s. 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 at his concerts when he was dancing. His style of dancing came from nervousness.

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.

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 accompianied 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 extravagant gave rings to audience members.

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.

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. 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.

Personal life

Army service

On January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. Presley received a draft notice on December 20, 1957, but seeked 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 stationed in Friedberg, Germany.

Marriage

Presley married 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 Presley's only 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. ^[4]

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.^[5]

Death

At age 42, Elvis Presley died at 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 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, his fans heard across the radio, and grief struck the nation.^[6]

Legacy

In 1986 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1998 the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 2001 the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2007 Elvis Presley was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

The Elvis Presley estate earns over 40 million dollars 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.

Elvis Impersonators

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. They 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.

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, acquantiances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate.

Discography

Before the year ended Presley had 16 records on the Hit Parade, four of them also reached #1:

• “I Want You I Need You I Love You,”
• “Don’t Be Cruel,”
• “Hound Dog”
• “Love Me Tender”

In 1957 Presley had other hits that leaped to the top of the charts:

• “Too Much,”
• “All Shook Up,”
• “Teddy Bear”
• “Jailhouse Rock”

The following year saw two more #1 songs:

• “Don’t”
• “Hard Headed Woman”

While other songs were also million sellers:

• “I Beg Of You,"
• “Wear My Ring Around Your Neck,”
• “One Night”
• “I Got Stung,”

In 1959 Presley had four additional hits:

• “A Fool Such As I,”
• “I Need Your Love Tonight,”
• “A Big Hunk of Love”
• “My Wish Came True”

In 1960 four more #1 hits were released:

• “Stuck On You,”
• “It’s Now Or Never,”
• “Are You Lonesome Tonight”
• “Surrender”

In 1961 Presley also had a good year with hits:

• “I Feel So Bad,”
• “Little Sister,”
• “His Latest Flame”
• “Can’t Help Falling In Love”

In 1962 Presley added:

• “Good Luck Charm,”
• “She’s Not You,”
• “Return to Sender”

In 1963 “You’re The Devil in Disguise” was released.

Before the 1960’s ended Presley would have more hits:

• “Crying in the Chapel,”
• “Love Letters,”
• “If I Can Dream,”
• “In the Ghetto,”
• “Don’t Cry Daddy,”
• “Suspicious Minds”

In the 1970’s Presley had the following hits:

• “The Wonder of You,”
• “Burning Love,”
• “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,”
• “Promised Land”
• “Way Down”

Filmography^[7]

• Love Me Tender (1956)
• Loving You (1957)
• Jailhouse Rock (1957)
• King Creole (1958)
• G.I. Blues (1960)
• Flaming Star (1960)
• Wild in the Country (1961)
• Blue Hawaii (1961)
• Follow That Dream (1962)
• Kid Galahad (1962)
• Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
• It Happened at the World's Fair (1963)
• Fun in Acapulco (1963)
• Kissin' Cousins (1964)
• Viva Las Vegas (1964)
• Roustabout (1964)
• Girl Happy (1965)
• Tickle Me (1965)
• Harum Scarum (1965)
• Frankie and Johnny (1966)
• Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966)
• Spinout (1966)
• Easy Come, Easy Go (1967)
• Double Trouble (1967)
• Clambake (1967)
• Stay Away, Joe (1968)
• Speedway (1968)
• Live a Little, Love a Little (1968)
• Charro! (1969)
• The Trouble with Girls (1969)
• Change of Habit (1969)
• Elvis-That's the Way It Is (1970)

Grammys

Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.^[8]

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

1. ↑ 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.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Elvis biography
3. ↑ Biography of Presley's Early Life
4. ↑ Elvis and Marriage
5. ↑ Elvis religion
6. ↑ Elvis death
7. ↑ Filmography
8. ↑ Elvis' Grammys

See also

• Rock music
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Hollywood values

External links

• Biography
• Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life