Elvis Presley: Biography Essay Example

Elvis Aaron Presley known famously as "king of rock and roll" or as "Elvis the pelvis" is among the biggest names in popular culture and a legend in rock and roll. People recognize him as a cultural music icon in the blend of blues and country (Elvis Presley Biography).

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

Early Life and Childhood

Gladys Presley delivered twin sons, Jesse Garon and Elvis Presley on January 8, 1935 in a two roomed abode in Tupelo, Mississippi (Marsh). The first son, Jesse Garon Presley was stillborn leaving Elvis Aaron Presley to be the only child of Gladys and Vernon. The Presley's had some financial struggles but raised him well and lovingly nonetheless, moving from house to house in Tupelo. Elvis, brought up with great conviction in God, frequented the Assembly of God Church with his parents. Elvis became intrigued by gospel music and identified his passion for music.

In 1946 when he was 11years old, Elvis Presley received his first guitar from his parents purchased at Tupelo hardware store when they could not afford a bicycle he wanted. Elvis Presley and his parents then relocated from Tupelo Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948. It was in Memphis that Elvis received his education at L.C. Humes high school. In his time spent at L.C. Humes High-school Elvis tasted his first musical triumph and accomplishment after winning a school talent show (Marsh). As a young guy, Elvis visited Beale Street that was popular for the black, blues and gospel that captivated him and fuelled his passion for music. Elvis then graduated from Humes High School on June 3, 1953

Career

Elvis commenced his music career on July 5, 1954 in Memphis at the Sun Records Label where he made a demo of the songs for his mother "My Happiness" and "That's when your heartaches begin". Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records Label recorded Elvis' songs that he later played on air. Sam Phillips took Elvis up and developed his talent.

Elvis Presley's career skyrocketed in 1955 when he gained surmounting influence with his fans, awestruck them with his unique sound and style. Later in the same year, his contract was pledged to RCA Victor for an estimate of $40000. After the commitment changed, his first single would then be orchestrated as "Heartbreak Hotel" which was also his number one album, having sold one million copies (The Famous People). Elvis premiered in the world of television on January 26, 1956 on "Stage Show" superseded by many other shows one of them being a contract signing for a movie with Paramount Pictures. He was a fast-rising star who laid the foundation for a new age of music and culture.

In 1957, Elvis acquired his official draft into the army where he began service to his country for about a year and a half in Germany before the coming of his mother's death on August 14, 1958. Gladys Presley passed away and Elvis who had been informed of his mother's illness was granted pardon to mourn his loss (Elvis Presley). It was on his resumption of duty that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, a young teenager and their fates intertwined as he was to marry her later.

On March 2, 1960 Elvis was discharged from the army. He went back to his singing career and was soon releasing new songs in his comeback album "Elvis is back" and resumed television appearances and movie contracts. In the late 1960s however, the "king of rock and roll" seemed to be losing his appeal to fans and critics, leading him to record his first TV special on December 3, 1968, popularly known as the "68 comeback" which was a big success and embodied his talents in music. Elvis continued his career despite of deterioration in his health due to drug addiction. (Marsh).

Major Works and Achievements

Elvis over the course of his life was a highly decorated musician and actor. With an estimated one billion records sold globally, he was an international sensation. Elvis featured in 33 films including 31 feature films and two theatrical concert films. In conjunction with his three television network specials "Elvis" of 1968 "Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii; via satellite "and "Elvis in concert" (Marsh).

Elvis also received some of the most highly valued accolades such as: 14 Grammy nominations winning three times for "How Great Thou Art" album "He touched me" and a live recording at the Memphis concert of "How Great Thou Art" (The Biography). NARAS sanctioned him in 1971 with the lifetime achievement award and also initiated some of his recordings into the NARAS hall of fame. The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1970 identified Elvis as one of the ten outstanding young men of the nation. As a charitable man, he also gave back to the society through charity concerts such as one held in Bloch Arena that raised $65000 for the building of the U.S.S Arizona Memorial. His mansion in Graceland is one of the most historic landmarks and is one of the most stopped by homes in America today generating a lot of revenue for the country.

Personal Life and Legacy

Elvis married Priscilla Beaulieu at Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas on May 1, 1967. On February 1, 1968, Priscilla gave birth to their daughter Lisa Marie. With the singer facing a string of personal problems, drug addiction and weight problems, he divorced Priscilla in January, 1973 with Priscilla getting custody of their daughter. Elvis was last seen on stage at his concert on June, 1977 Indianapolis, Indiana and went back home to Memphis mansion, where he perished on the morning of August 16, 1977 (The Biography). Elvis passed on due to heart failure attributed to his drug addiction. Dying at the age of 42, he was a legend and an icon and still is one of the most sought after musicians in the world and with his stunning career; he is still "king of rock and roll."

Works Cited

"Elvis Presley Biography."Thefamouspeople.com. 04 April 2018 www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/elvis-aaron-presley-1337.php.Accessed 13 September 2018.

"Elvis Presley Biography."TheBiography.com.02 April 2014.www.biography.com/people/elvis-presley-9446466.Accessed 15 September 2018.

"Elvis Presley Biography."www.graceland.com/elvis/biography/1954_1957.aspx.Accessed 13 September 2018.

"Elvis Presley." www.elvispresleymusic.au.www.elvispresley.au/pictures/1958-august-14.html.Accessed 16 September 2018.

Marsh, Dave. "Elvis Presley."www.britannica.com.www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Presley. Accessed16 September 2018.