Elvis Presley: The Superstar of Rock and Roll
The Life and Death of a Music Icon
On August 16 in 1977, the sudden news of Elvis Presley’s death shocked the world. He was only 42. There was no greater star in the world than Elvis. He’s sold almost a billion records worldwide, more than anyone else—numerous gold and platinum. And, he had 8 number-one songs in his career. His concerts and TV specials were hugely successful. He was inducted into 5 musical halls of fame. He won three Emmy’s and a Lifetime Emmy Achievement Award. In 1993, the Post Office put his likeness in a commemorative postal stamp.
Guinness World Records proclaimed him the best solo artist of all time. President Donald J. Trump posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love and Vernon Elvis Presley. His twin brother, Jessie, died at birth. They lived in a two-room house on the poor side of town. Then in 1948, the Presley’s, looking for opportunity, moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
Gladys bought him a guitar for his 12th birthday. At this point, the “King of Rock and Roll” was born. His charisma and good looks captivated the world.
