Elvis Presley was born to Gladys and Vernon Presley in the humbles of circumstances in a two room house in Tupelo, Mississippi.
His twin brother Jessie Garon was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, where he graduated from Humes High School in 1953.
Elvis's musical influences came from pop and the country music of the time, from the gospel music he heard in church, as well as R & B, which he liked to listen to on historic Beale Street in Memphis as a teenager.
In 1954 he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Record label in Memphis, Tennessee, which was owned by Sam Phillips.
1956 "Love Me Tender"
He starred in 33 successful films and made history with his television appearances. He knew great acclaim through his many, often record breaking Live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist of his time. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum and multi platinum Awards for 131 different Albums and Singles.
Among his many Awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations and three wins from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36. He was also named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation in 1970 by the United States Jaycees, without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him.
He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 until 1960.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma and good humor endeared him to millions all over the world, as did his humility and human kindness which he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he was regarded as one of the most important figures of the twenties century popular culture.
Elvis died at his home "Graceland" in Memphis, Tennessee on August 16, 1977.
