Download Elvis Presley MP3 Songs *

“The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Elvis Presley was the most commercially successful singer of that genre, as well as an influential figure in 20th century popular music. He was the first to integrate country and blues to create rockabilly and later in his career incorporated gospel and pop generating continuous hits throughout the mid 1950s and mid 1970s.

Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi. His only sibling was his twin brother Jesse Garon who unfortunately was a stillborn. He grew up an only child in a poor family during the De Continued... Elvis Presley's 30th Anniversary

pression which caused him to often isolate himself at school as he was not known to have many friends. When he was 10, he entered a singing contest and won second place. His family eventually moved to Memphis, Tennessee when he was 11. That year, he received his first guitar on his birthday and was taught to play by his pastor and his father’s brother. In his spare time, he would often visit the Black.section of town, particularly Beale Street where African American musicians such as Furry Lewis and B.B. King performed. He graduated from Humes High School in 1953 majoring in History, English, and Shop. After graduation, he worked for several companies eventually landing a job at Crown Electric as a truck driver.

Elvis recorded a few demos between 1953 and 1954 eventually gaining the attention of Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. He teamed Presley with local musicians, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. Elvis’ cover of Arthur Crudup’s “That’s All Right (Mama)” became his first single released along with a version of Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky”. The record was aired on the radio and quickly became a local success. On September 25, 1954, he released his second single “Good Rockin’ Tonight” along with “I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine” which also received much praise and began to top the country charts. The success led Elvis and his musicians to embark on a tour where Elvis developed his signature hip swivel. On August 15, 1955 Presley was signed by management company “Hank Snow Attractions” which was owned by Hank Snow as well as “Colonel” Tom Parker who became his manager when he was sold to RCA for $ 35,000 and was in fact the one to negotiate the deal.

Singles released after his move to RCA include number one hits “Heartbreak Hotel” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You”. His biggest selling single was the double sided “Hound Dog”/”Don’t Be Cruel”. Presley was constantly booked for television appearances on CBS, NBC and ABC performing often on the Ed Sullivan Show (CBS). His performances became very controversial due to his “obscene” gyrations causing some broadcasts to film him from the waist up to avoid pandemonium. Elvis’ credibility soon expanded into the film business appearing in several movies throughout his career, notably Love Me Tender (1956), Jailhouse Rock (1957), and King Creole (1958).

On December 20, 1957, Elvis received a United States Army draft notice for a two year service. During his service he encountered his future wife Priscilla Beaulieu who was 14 years old at the time. When he returned from the army two years later, his prominence and popularity remained unchanged. Upon his return, he focused on his movie career for the next eight years while producing soundtracks for the films as well. During the 1960s, he starred in a total of 31 movies. Dissatisfied with the film industry, Presley returned to his rock and roll roots appearing on the televised performance the ’68 Comeback Special. From 1969 to 1977 performed over 1,000 sold out shows. However, shortly after his divorce from Priscilla in 1973, his appearance and overall manner began to change. He became overweight, was wearing excessive makeup and was abusing drugs and alcohol. His final live concert was on June 26, 1977 in Indianapolis. On August 16, 1977, Presley was found dead of a supposed heart attack in his bedroom by his fiancée Ginger Alden.

The legendary Elvis Presley has continued to live on through his music, memorabilia and many accomplishments. In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998, as well as the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2001. Also, in 1993 a younger image of Elvis appeared on a United States postage stamp. His Graceland Mansion became a National Historic Landmark in 1991 and continuous to welcome thousands of visitors yearly.