Date of Birth
8 January 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi, USADate of Death
16 August 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, USA (cardiac arrhythmia)Birth Name
Elvis Aron Presley
Nickname
The PelvisThe King
The King Of Rock 'n' Roll
Height
6' (1.83 m)Mini Biography
In 1956 following his 6 TV appearances on The Dorsey Brothers'" Stage Show" , Elvis was cast in his first acting role in a supporting part in Love Me Tender (1956), the first of 33 movies he starred in. Critics blasted most of his films, but they did very well at the box-office earning upwards of $150 million total. In 1958, Elvis was drafted into the military where he relocated to Bad Nauheim, Germany. There he met and quickly fell in love with 14-year old army damsel, Priscilla Ann Wagner (later known as Priscilla Presley). Elvis's military service and the "British invasion" of the 1960s reduced his concerts, though not his movie/recording income. Through the 1960s, Elvis settled in Hollywood where he starred in over 20 movies, acting alongside some of the most well known character actors in Hollywood. He finally married Priscilla after years of living together, and in 1968 they had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley Lockwood on Thursday, February 1st, 1968.
Elvis made a comeback in the 1970s with live concert appearances starting in early 1970 in Las Vegas with over 57 sold-out shows. Elvis toured throughout the USA appearing on-stage in over 500 live appearances, many of them sold out shows. Sadly, his marriage ended in divorce, and the stress of constantly traveling as well as his increasing weight gain and dependence upon stimulants and depressants took their toll. Elvis Presley died on Tuesday, August 16, 1977 at his mansion in Graceland, near Memphis at age 42. Since his death, his Memphis home Graceland has become a shrine for millions of followers worldwide. Elvis impersonators and purported sightings have become stock subjects for humorists.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>
Mini Biography
Elvis Presley began his career as first performer of rockabilly, an up-tempo fusion of country and rhythm and blues with a strong back beat. His novel versions of existing songs, mixing 'black' and 'white' sounds, made him popular - and controversial - as did his uninhibited stage and television performances. He recorded songs in the rock and roll genre, with tracks like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog" later embodying the style. Presley had a versatile voice and had unusually wide success encompassing other genres, including gospel, blues, ballads and pop. To date, he is the only performer to have been inducted into three separate music 'Halls of Fame'.In the 1960s, Presley made the majority of his thirty-three movies - mainly poorly reviewed musicals. 1970 saw a critically-acclaimed return to live music, followed by performances in Las Vegas and across the U.S. Throughout his career, he set records for concert attendance, television ratings and recordings sales. He is one of the best-selling and most influential artists in the history of popular music. His death, at the age of 42, shocked his fans worldwide.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Chris Holland
Spouse
| Priscilla Presley | (1 May 1967 - 9 October 1973) (divorced) 1 child |
Trade Mark
The famous left-sided grinThe movement of the pelvis that gave him the nickname, "Elvis, the pelvis", which he disliked so much
Longer and slightly deeper sideburns
White sequined jumpsuits with rhinestones
Onstage karate moves
Peanut Butter and banana sandwiches (with bacon)
Trademark Phrase: "Thank ya', Thank ya' Very Much!"
Southern accent
Black hair often greased back
Husky voice
Trivia
The home address of Vernon Presley and Gladys Presley, as they became parents, on Tuesday, January 8th, 1935, was 306 Old Saltillo Road, East Tupelo, Mississippi. Zip codes were not created, until the 1960's decade. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, died at birth. Elvis was successfully delivered, approximately 35 minutes later.Earned a black belt in karate, in 1960.
Won three Grammy Awards, all for his Gospel music.
His hair color was blonde until his early teens. As he got older his hair became darker. By the time he had his hair cut for the army at age 22 its natural color was dark chestnut (according to Charlie Hodge, who served with him in the army).
Was originally considered for the Kris Kristofferson role in A Star Is Born (1976), but Elvis turned it down because his manager, Tom Parker refused him permission to act in a movie where he wouldn't have top billing. Also, he didn't like the fact that the producer, Jon Peters, was completely unknown.
Owned a pet chimpanzee called "Scatter".
Has more multiplatinum album sales than any other performer, with twelve albums selling over 2 million copies.
Father of Lisa Marie Presley Lockwood (birthdate, Thursday, February 1st, 1968).
Interred at Graceland Estate, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
His autopsy detected ten different drugs in his bloodstream.
Is a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln's great-great grandfather, Isaiah Harrison.
Had 18 Billboard number one songs, the first "Heartbreak Hotel" in March of 1956. His 18th and final number one, "Suspicious Minds" in September, of 1969.
When The Beatles came to America in 1965 there was only one person they wanted to meet - Elvis, and on Friday, August 27th, 1965 they got their wish and according to John Lennon spent an entirely enjoyable evening at the Presley home in Bel Aire, California, talking, singing and laughing with each other.
He bought Graceland mansion on Tuesday, March 19th, 1957 from Mrs. Ruth Brown Moore for $102,500. The mansion, built of tan Tennessee limestone, consists of 23 rooms and 13.7 surrounding acres. The Music Gates were installed in April of 1957. The name "Graceland" came with the mansion, from the days while the mansion, was a church, originally.
His television debut was on the regionally telecast Louisiana Hayride (1955) (TV), Saturday, March 5th, 1955 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
In September 1955, "Country Song Roundup" magazine was the first to feature an article on Elvis, calling him a "folk music fireball".
In April of 1955 Elvis auditioned for a spot on Arthur Godfrey's "Talent Scouts" (1948) and was turned down.
Elvis' body was placed in a family crypt in Memphis on Thursday, August 18th, 1977. Eleven days later, Monday, August 29, 1977, however, an attempt was made to steal his body but the plan failed and three men were charged with trespassing and released on bond. Because of this incident, Vernon Presley, received approval from the Memphis Adjustment Board to allow re-interment of the bodies of Elvis and his mother, Gladys Presley to the Meditation Garden behind Graceland, which took place, on Sunday, October 2nd, 1977.
The book he was reading at the time of his death was "The Scientific Search for the Face of Jesus" by Frank O. Adams, (Psychical Aid Foundation, USA, 1972).
From the time they met up until his death, Elvis always sent a roomful of flowers to Ann-Margret whenever she opened up a show in Las Vegas.
Was one of the performers featured on a set of stamps of rock and blues legends issued by the U.S. Postal Service in June 1993.
His mother, Gladys, gave him his first guitar at age 12, as a birthday gift, from her, in 1947.
He was a 1953 graduate of Humes High School, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Was one of the first people in the U.S. to own a "Betamax" system VCR
Honorary Member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
After seeing him in concert, Liberace suggested adding flashy costumes into his act. Elvis took the advice, and became famous for his gold lame jackets and jeweled white jumpsuits. He later reserved a seat for Liberace at a majority of his concerts, as his way of saying thanks.
One of only a handful of artists inducted into both The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame and The Country Music Hall of Fame. Others include Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.
Died with about $5 million in his bank account.
Elvis did not like confrontation. He wanted to fire his manager, Tom Parker, many times. He would tell his friends "Tell Parker, he's fired." His friends would go tell him, then Parker would say "Tell Elvis to tell me personally". Elvis never did.
"Heartbreak Hotel", which spent 17 weeks at #1 on Billboard's country chart (and 10 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100) was the #1 country song of 1956.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998.
His 1977 country hit, "Way Down," was the #1 song on Billboard magazine's country singles chart the week of Elvis' death. Nine other songs would go to #1 on Billboard's country charts between 1956 and 1981: "I Forgot to Remember to Forget," "Heartbreak Hotel," "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," and the two-sided #1 hit "Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel" (all 1956); "All Shook Up," "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" and "Jailhouse Rock" (all 1957); "Moody Blue" (1977); and "Guitar Man" (1981, a remixed version released more than three years after his death). Most of his 1950s #1 country hits were also #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as well.
In Sam Lovullo's book "Life in the Kornfield", which recalled his years as producer of 1969's country music TV series "Hee Haw" (1969), he remarked that Elvis was a big fan of the show and had always wanted to perform on it. However, according to Lovullo, Elvis remarked they'd have to tape his spots in the middle of the night, knowing that if manager Tom Parker had found out, he'd never clear his appearance. Several months after Elvis' death, his father, Vernon Presley, appeared on "Hee Haw" and spoke about how the world would always love him and remember his music.
Hysteria over "Elvis sightings" after his death were lampooned in the Mojo Nixon song "Elvis Is Everywhere" and "Elvis Is Dead" by Living Colour.
His personal entourage were known as the "Memphis Mafia", and were given matching rings by Elvis. The diamond and gold rings sported a thunderbolt and the letters "TCB" (reportedly standing for "Take Care of Business"). Elvis was buried wearing one of the rings.
Pictured on a 29¢ US commemorative postage stamp issued on Friday, January 8th, 1993, 58 years after his birthdate. This was the inaugural issue in the Legends of American Music series.
In 2002, a re-mixed version of one his more obscure recordings, "A Little Less Conversation", became a dance club hit, and topped the charts in the United Kingdom.
The lightest Elvis ever weighed, as an adult, was 170 pounds in 1960, following his discharge from the U.S. Army. The heaviest was at the time of his death, which was 260 pounds. He gained 90 pounds, in his final 17 years of life.
Was always known to be generous to a fault with family, friends and even total strangers. Anyone who admired any posession of his, from one of his many Cadillacs to any bit of bric-a-brac in his home, often found themselves the new owners of that posession.
Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame (sponsored by the Gospel Music Association) in 2001.
Made the first ever musical video of all time: Jailhouse Rock (1957).
When Ed Sullivan finally allowed him to appear on "The Ed Sullivan Show" (1948), he was filmed from the waist upwards only once, on his third and final appearance on Sunday, January 6th, 1957.
His 1960 single "It's Now Or Never" is one of the best selling singles of all times (if not the all-time best selling single), with sales estimated to have been between 25 and 30 million copies, estimated.
He is responsible for the best selling single of the 1950s ("Hound Dog/Don't Be Cruel", 1956) and that of the 1960s ("It's Now Or Never", 1960).
His 29¢ commemorative postage stamp issued in 1993, sold more copies than any other postage stamp in U.S. Postal Service history.
A remix of his song "A Little Less Conversation" which was featured on the soundtrack to the film Ocean's Eleven (2001) became a Billboard #1 hit single over twenty years after Presley's death.
The Beatles were admirers of his work and, although John Lennon said they enjoyed his company very much, Elvis himself, ironically, thought that they were a bad influence on America's youth.
Was extremely proud of his Cherokee Indian roots. Wanted to be more open about it but was advised against it, according to some sources by Tom Parker, since this was around the time that there were still racial tensions in the US. Sometimes the audiences were "deceived with the truth" like in G.I. Blues (1960) when his character tells about his Cherokee Indian background. In real life his Cherokee Indian roots started with his maternal great-great-great grandmother Morning Dove White and it was even rumored in Memphis that he had Cherokee blood from his father's side of the family as well, though never confirmed.
He was allegedly offered roles in The Rainmaker (1956), The Defiant Ones (1958), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), West Side Story (1961), Sweet Bird of Youth (1962), The Fastest Guitar Alive (1967), Midnight Cowboy (1969), True Grit (1969), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), A Star Is Born (1976) and Grease (1978).
He said that his personal favorite of his films, that he acted in, was King Creole (1958). He personally also claimed, the film that he acted in, but disliked most of all was Clambake (1967).
During his third and final appearance, on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" weekly program, on Sunday, January 6th, 1957, Elvis Presley strongly angered Ed Sullivan by singing the gospel song, "Peace In The Valley" on his show, after Ed Sullivan personally asked him not to.
He was a distant cousin of former United States of America President Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter was in office, from January 1977 to January 1981. When Elvis Presley lost his life, on Tuesday, August 16, 1977, the following day, US President, Jimmy Carter, personally said, "Elvis Presley's death deprived our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable".
He was temporarily a Deputy Sheriff, in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Hal B. Wallis, producer of 8 Elvis films, dreamed of making a western starring John Wayne and Elvis.
In 1973 he met with Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant and John Paul Jones in Los Angeles. An idol to the members of Led Zeppelin, Elvis wanted to meet "who was outselling him" at concerts (Zeppelin was in the midst of a record-breaking tour that year). A meeting was arranged with two of the four band members (Plant and Jones). Plant was so awestruck at meeting his idol in person that he could barely speak to him. Jones, nearly as awestruck as Plant, made small talk with the "King," and mentioned what a beautiful watch Elvis wore. Elvis, always the generous one, instantly traded his $5,000 gold and diamond watch for Jones' $10 Mickey Mouse watch. This broke the ice with all of them, and they became fast friends. Throughout the early '70s, members of Led Zeppelin even attended a few of Elvis' concerts, and were granted the privilege of sitting in the front row by the King himself.
He named his four personal favorite films as: Rebel Without a Cause (1955), A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Dirty Harry (1971) and Bullitt (1968).
Was an Army veteran. He was drafted in 1958, stationed in West Germany and discharged in 1960. Presley, who achieved the rank of Private First Class, was a public relations headache for the Army, according to U.S. military documents released by the Pentagon on Thursday, June 9th, 2005. "Elvis Presley will not be released in a manner different from any other inductee serving overseas," the Army's adjutant general wrote to citizens who complained following reports that the rock 'n' roll icon would get an early "good behavior" discharge. When he entered the Army at Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, March 24, 1958, there was a public outcry from his fans, and protests flowed to Washington, including a hand-written plea released by the National Archives and Records Administration. "Dear Mamie," one correspondent wrote to then-first lady Mamie Eisenhower. "Will you please, please be so sweet and kind as to ask Ike [President, Dwight D. Eisenhower] to please bring Elvis Presley back to us from the Army? We need him in our entertainment world to make us all laugh." A 1959 Army memo set out the Presley problem: "When Private First Class Presley was first inducted, there was considerable adverse public reaction . . . alleging that he would receive preferential treatment in the Army. This impression has been largely replaced by a public impression of a good soldier serving his military obligation . . . Many teenagers who look up to and emulate Private First Class Presley will . . . follow his example in the performance of their military service".
On Monday, December 21, 1970, he paid a visit to President Richard Nixon at the White House in Washington, D.C. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit with the President and suggesting that he be made a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
More people watched Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (1973) (TV) (live via satellite TV broadcast) than those that watched astronauts, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, as they landed on the moon, and temporarily walked on it, on July 20, 1969.
He only performed two concerts outside of the United States of America. Both of them were in Canada. Therefore, all of his concerts were in North America.
Son of Vernon Presley and Gladys Presley.
Recorded 33 takes of "Hound Dog".
His favorite sports were raquetball and football.
He temporarily passed out from exhaustion, after recording "If I Can Dream".
After production of his 1968 NBC television special he told producer Steve Binder he would never make another movie or song he didn't believe in.
Once sent $1,000,000 to Buford Pusser, the crimefighting Tennessee sheriff who was the subject of the 1973 film Walking Tall (1973).
Once gave a robe to Muhammad Ali. On the back of the robe, it was labeled, 'The Peoples Champion', which was Presley's nickname of Ali.
His favorite actors were Marlon Brando and James Dean, the latter Elvis considered an acting genius (in a 1956 interview).
His two favorite books were "The Holy Bible" and "The Impersonal Life".
His favorite class in high school was wood shop.
His mansion, Graceland, is the second most-visited place in United States of America. Second, only to the White House.
Elia Kazan wanted him for several movies but Tom Parker refused to allow Elvis to act in those movies.
The last film he saw at the cinema was The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).
He tried to get a print of Star Wars (1977) to show his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley Lockwood, his last full day of life, on Monday, August 15th, 1977.
He is mentioned in the song "Three Minute Boy" by Marillion (from their 1998 album, "Radiation").
He was on the school boxing team at Humes High School, as he graduated, in 1953.
Loved football and often had three televisions set up at Graceland to watch all of the games, that were in progress, at all the same game times, early Sunday Afternoon games at 12:00 PM and mid-afternoon games at 3:00 PM.
He used to play touch football at Whitehaven High School during the '60s and early '70s with kids around the neighborhood.
Helped to support an All-Negro Day at the Memphis Zoo in 1956.
In 1975 he purchased a poor black East Memphis woman an electric wheel chair and picked her up and personally sat her in it. The woman's teenage daughter told Elvis she liked his car. He gave it to her and even gave her boyfriend a job.
He was a huge friend-to-be of Reverend and Dr. Martin Luther King and had hoped to meet him in 1966, but the meeting, he hoped for never occurred.
Was a huge fan of the television shows "The Jeffersons" (1975), "Good Times" (1974), "Happy Days" (1974) and "Flip" (1970).
Once an opera singer attended one of his 1950s concerts and met him backstage. The singer told Elvis that he sang like a hillbilly and needed singing lessons. Elvis replied by saying, "Thanks for the advice, but how many of the thousands of people out there tonight came to hear you sing?".
His surname was Anglicized from the German Pressler during the Civil War. His ancestor Johann Valentin Pressler emigrated to North America in 1710. Pressler first settled in New York, but later moved to the South. Jaime Pressly is also a descendant from him. A connection between the Pressley's of Oprah Winfrey's great-grandfather and the ancestors of Elvis Presley has been posited but not confirmed. He also had Scottish, Dutch , Cherokee and Jewish ancestry among others. There is a Star of David and a Cross on his mother's grave.
Shown on a 5.50 kr postage stamp issued by Sweden in 2004.
He was the #1 touring act in America for 1977; the year he died. This, despite the fact that he was well below par and only toured until July, is quite an achievement.
Held the world indoor attendance record for a concert, which was at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, on Wednesday, December 31st, 1975. There was 62,500 in attendance, with another record for takings in a single show $850,000.
Held a single day's attendance record for his march 74 shows at the Houston Astrodome in March of 1974 -- 89,000 fans for two shows.
He was voted the 3rd Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.
According to a show on the A&E Biography channel, he once attended a concert for singer Connie Francis and had to leave for emotional reasons once he heard her sing the old Italian song "Mama", as his mother had recently died.
Shares a birthday with fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members David Bowie, The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and legendary promoter Bill Graham.
Lived with Linda Thompson for four and a half years years, from 1972 to 1976. She was a former "Miss Tennessee," actress and songwriter. Other than Priscilla Presley, Thompson was the most significant romantic relationship that Elvis ever had.
As an infant, he and his parents survived a tornado in Tupelo, Mississippi, that killed 233 other people and injured quite a few other residents there.
Is portrayed by Kurt Russell in Elvis (1979/I) (TV), Bruce Campbell in Bubba Ho-Tep (2002), Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Elvis (2005) (TV), Tyler Hilton in Walk the Line (2005), Val Kilmer in True Romance (1993) and Michael St. Gerard (I)' in Elvis (1990).
Suffered from chronic insomnia.
Is mentioned in Shania Twain's song "That Don't Impress Me Much"
His tombstone gives his name as "Elvis Aaron Presley", whereas he was in fact named "Elvis Aron Presley". Although this fueled conspiracy theories that he had faked his death, it is generally believed he changed his middle name so it would be the same as Biblical person, Aaron, (brother of Moses).
Spoofed in Eminem's music video "Without me"
Had glaucoma in the 1970s.
At the time of his death in 1977, he was the second best-selling recording artist of all time, second only to crooner, Bing Crosby.
He was a born again Christian who loved to sing gospel music.
Among his 33 films, 31 feature films and two musical documentaries, none of them were ever nominated for a single Academy Award, in any category, at all.
He had two full face-lifts and rhinoplasty during the mid-1970s. On one of these visits to hospital he was accompanied by Linda Thompson.
He worked with legendary guitar player Hank Garland from 1957 to 1961.
Was director Robert Wise's original choice to play Tony in West Side Story (1961).
He was portrayed by Jason Alan Smith in Crazy (2008/II).
Nephew of Vester Presley.
Most of the films he starred in were not critically acclaimed - although he received good reviews for Flaming Star (1960) and King Creole (1958) - but only Wild in the Country (1961) failed to get its money back.
In the month following his final concert, at Indianapolis, Indiana on Sunday, June 26th, 1977, he was reported to have gained a further 50 pounds, in weight.
Is portrayed by Val Kilmer in True Romance (1993). Like Presley, Kilmer also has Cherokee heritage.
Of his many numerous impersonators, his personal favorite was Andy Kaufman.
Prior to being signed by RCA in November 1955, Elvis was known as "The Hillbilly Cat" in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
Although his height was measured as 6' when he joined the army in 1958, photographs show Elvis was wearing his army boots at the time which may have slightly increased his height.
Is portrayed by Michael St. Gerard in Great Balls of Fire! (1989)
His song "Heartbreak Hotel" is based on a suicide note left in a Florida hotel suite.
Elvis topped the Forbes list of deceased highest earners for the fourth consecutive year, with earnings of $45 million in the year 2004.
In 1977 alone, his personal physician, Dr. George Constantine Nichopoulos, (usually referred to as "Dr. Nick") had prescribed at-least 10,000 hits of amphetamines, barbiturates, narcotics, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, laxatives, and hormones for Presley, causing him to lose his medical degree.
Barbra Streisand originally wanted Elvis to play the role of John Norman Howard in A Star Is Born (1976), but the studio couldn't meet Tom Parker's demands ($1 million plus equal billing with Streisand).
Among the actors who coveted the role, Elvis dreamed of playing Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972), but was ignored and refused, while trying to ask for an audition, of the film.
One of Elvis Presley's biggest hit songs, "Are Yoe Lonesome Tonight?", was written in 1926 by Lou Handman and Roy Turk and first recorded by Lou's sister Edith with Lou at the piano.Vaughn Deleath and The Colonial Club Orchestra had a popular 1927 version of the song. The Carter Family recorded a Bluegrass version with additional verses in 1936. The first charted version was by Blue Baron, in 1950(#16 US Pop), which introduced the spoken portion, modeled after Jacques' "All The World's A Stage" speech in Sakespeare's "As You Like It". Al Jolson recorded that version several weeks later. Additionaly, it was Jaye P. Morgan's 1959 (#65 US Pop) version of the song, as well as Blue Barron's earlier 1950 version that Elvis heard while in Germany, that influenced him to record the song, shortly after his discharge from the service.
He was an avid collector of guns and badges.
Is the subject of the song "Elvis Ate America" on the album Passengers Original Sountrack 1.
Once claimed Robert Mitchum was the inspiration for his famous hairstyle. Presley met Mitchum to discuss the possibility of starring together in Thunder Road (1958), but unfortunately Tom Parker's demands for Presley's salary could not be met.
He was portrayed by Peter Dobson in Forrest Gump (1994).
Along with Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins, Elvis was a member of the celebrated "Million Dollar Quartet", so named because they were money-makers for Sam Phillips' Sun Records label.
Newspaper reports indicated that Sammy Davis Jr., Farrah Fawcett, Burt Reynolds and John Wayne were supposed to attend Presley's funeral, but they did not turn up. Ann-Margret, James Brown and George Hamilton were the only celebrities in attendance.
He was seriously considered for the role of the Texas Ranger in True Grit (1969) starring John Wayne. Unfortunately, Tom Parker's demand that Presley receive top billing could not be met, so the part went to Glen Campbell instead.
He was offered a role in the animation film, Gay Purr-ee (1962), but disliked the roles of off-screen voice acting.
His autopsy detected fourteen different drugs in his bloodstream, ten in significant quantity.
His home Graceland in Memphis is the second most popular private tourist attraction in the United States after the White House, and is estimated to bring in $150 million to the city itself each year.
Named the highest earning deceased celebrity for the sixth consecutive year in 2006 by Forbes.com.
He was considered for Ricky Nelson's role in Rio Bravo (1959) starring John Wayne and Dean Martin. However, by the time filming began in May 1958 Presley was stationed with the US army in Germany.
He is credited as a co-writer of "(I'll) You'll Be Gone" (1965). This was the B side of the hit from his film Girl Happy (1965), "Do The Clam". It is found in his five-CD box set of '60s recordings. Elvis composed the lyrics and brought the song to a recording session.
In 1973, he was the biggest taxpayer in the United States of America.
It was estimated that he earned earned $4.5 billion in his lifetime.
With a lot of entertainers making a living mimicking Elvis, Jimmy Buffett wrote a song called "Elvis Imitators" making mention of a few of Elvis' films, song titles, and mannerisms.
Has sold 1.8 billion records worldwide, more than any other artist or music group.
He was discovered by Sam Phillips.
On Thursday, November 11th, 2004, he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to British music and integral part of British music culture.
Both of his parents, Vernon Presley, his father, and Gladys Presley, his mother, were unemployed and lived on welfare and then on Social Security, when it was originally created, during United States of America's President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first term in office.
In 1970 he wrote to J. Edgar Hoover requesting to join the FBI at the height of its campaign against political protests in the United States.
Met President Lyndon Johnson at the White House in 1965.
Was voted best singer of all time by Q Magazine.
Has been portrayed by Val Kilmer, Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kurt Russell, Don Johnson, Bruce Campbell, David Keith, Rob Youngblood and Peter Dobson.
The very last song, he sang, in public, was "Can't Help Falling In Love", at The Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Sunday, June 26th, 1977.
He did an early '60s concert in Hawaii, and donated the proceeds to help build the USS Arizona memorial.
Turned down leading role in The Fastest Guitar Alive (1967), which went to his friend Roy Orbison.
In 2007 the National Rifle Association (NRA) released an Elvis Presley Tribute Revolver, officially authorized by his estate.
Following a concert in Hawaii in 1961, Presley concentrated on making movies and he did not perform before a live audience again for seven years until his 1968 TV Special and subsequent return to Las Vegas in 1969.
Ranked #2 on VH1's 100 Sexiest Artists.
Ranked #8 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll.
As a young man, Elvis idolized a gospel group called The Statesmen. According to Elvis' backup singer and lifelong friend Joe Moscheo, Elvis' leg-twitching dance moves were inspired by The Statesmen's bass singer, 'Big Chief' Wetherington, who was famous for his leg twitching.
Between 1957 and 1969, he performed only two concerts and made just two television appearances.
In 1962 he ceased almost completely to record non-soundtrack songs until his 1969 album "From Elvis in Memphis".
In July of 2005, Presley was named one of the top 100 "Greatest Americans," following a vote organized by Discovery Channel. In the vote, Presley ranked ahead of all entertainers and in 8th place behind Presidents Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, plus Martin Luther King and Benjamin Franklin.
His records have spent a total of 79 weeks at the top peak, of number one position in the United States, alone.
His records have spent 2,574 weeks in both the UK singles and album charts, were and still are way ahead of his closest competitors Cliff Richard (1,982), Queen (1,755), The Beatles (1,749) and Madonna (1,660).
He was planning his first ever European tour in 1978.
In Alexandria, Louisiana, early in 1977 a local journalist complained that the singer was on stage for less than an hour and "was impossible to understand." In Baton Rouge, Presley didn't go on stage at all. He was unable to get out of his hotel bed and the rest of the tour was canceled.
Investor CKX paid $100 million for an 85% interest in Presley's income in February 2005.
Robbie Williams dedicated his song "Advertising Space" to him.
He is credited as a co-writer of "(I'll) You'll Be Gone" (1965). This was the B side of the hit from his film Girl Happy (1965), "Do The Clam". It is found in his five-CD box set of '60s recordings. Elvis composed the lyrics and brought the song to a recording session.He is also listed in the writer's credits to "Heartbreak Hotel".
His favorite actors were James Dean, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando. Brando personally strongly disliked Presley.
He was mentioned in Walter Kirn's novel, "Thumbsucker".
Elvis Presley was a great fan of Peter Sellers and Tony Curtis.
On seeing Elvis Presley in rehearsal for "Stage Show" (1954) for which he was the producer, Jackie Gleason described Elvis as "Marlon Brando with a guitar".
Was the first entertainer to introduce karate in an American motion picture (Flaming Star (1960)).
While he never joined any political party, his political views were somewhat mixed. During the early 1960s he was an outspoken admirer of liberal President John F. Kennedy. He later confessed to "weeping openly" at the news of Kennedy's death. Later in life, however, he made a more conservative move on the political spectrum. He began singing the praises of President Richard Nixon, and his right-wing streak culminated in a visit to the White House in December 1970. During the visit, Presley was photographed giving the President a handgun, which was (for security reasons) presented but not given. Presley spoke of his admiration for Nixon, revealed his disgust at the hippie counterculture, spoke disparagingly of The Beatles (he said that having earned their money in America, they had then left for England to promote "anti-American" feelings), fervently expressed his patriotism, offered to infiltrate and go undercover in left-wing hippie groups, asked to be appointed a federal narcotics agent, and even hugged the president twice. Nixon, for his part, was not sure if Presley was serious or not, but granted his request and made him an honorary federal agent. Nixon said he was equally parts bewildered and amused by the encounter, thanked Presley for his support, and the picture of the duo has become one of the most famous photos taken in the White House. On Presley's death in 1977, the former president asked Americans to lower their flags all over the country as a mark of respect.
He was good friends with Johnny Cash, going back to their Sun Records' days.
Voted the third greatest singer of the rock era in a Rolling Stone magazine poll in 2008.
Elvis' original combo (Elvis, Scotty Moore and Bill Black) were nicknamed and known as "The Blue Moon Boys featuring that Hillbilly Cat" after their popular rendition of Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon Of Kentucky". Scotty Moore acted as Elvis' first manager. Bill Black in the late '40s was a member of Gene Krupas's band.
The last song he sang was "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", at home, and playing the piano, to family and friends, Monday evening, August 15th, 1977.
According to Elvis and Colonel Parker, Elvis' return to TV in 1968 was in part due to NBC (Universal Pictures) agreeing to finance the remaining movies he was scheduled to make.
In 1953 while working as an usher in a local Memphis movie theater he sang, by request, "That's Amore" on stage.
He unsuccessfully auditioned for CBS TV's " "Talent Scouts" (March 1955) nine months before his successful debut on "Stage Show".
Autumn of 1955, he appeared in a Rock n' Roll documentary, "The Pied Piper of Cleveland", filmed in various locations in the Cleveland, Ohio area, mainly Brooklyn High School. The film headlines many top acts of the day including Bill Haley and the Comets, Pat Boone, The Four Lads and others. This film has yet to be released. It is still reportedly the property of Polygram International and in the Universal vault.
He did not pass an audition for CBS TV's "Talent Scouts" (March 1955) just 9 months before his successful debut on "Stage Show" on the same network.
Elvis' original bassist Bill Black was a member of Gene Krupa's band in the late '40s and in the early '60s formed "The Bill Black Combo".
He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6777 Hollywood Boulevard for Recording in Hollywood, California.
At his funeral procession, on Thursday, August 18th, 1977, there were 49 cars led by 11 white Cadillacs, totaling 60 vehicles.
His live performance of "My Way" done early in his 1977 tour and featured on his October 1977 TV Special, was a million selling single following his death.
Many Elvis fans and historians agree that his 1969 recording sessions at American International Studios in Memphis which produced 34 songs of varying musical genres, from Pop to Country to Rhytmm and Blues, standards and new, was among his greatest work.
Grandfather of Riley Keough (birthdate, Tuesday, May 29, 1989), 'Benjamin Storm Keough' (birthdate, Wednesday, October 21, 1992) and fraternal twins, Harper Vivienne Ann & Finley Aaron Love Lockwood (birthdate, Wednesday, October 7th, 2008).
1967 was the only year he failed to have a single in The Billboard Pop Top 20 during his recording career with RCA records (1956-1977).
He is no relation to Reg Presley (b: Reginald Maurice Ball) the lead singer of the popular British rock band "The Troggs", who had 2 million sellers of their own, with the standards "Wild Thing" (1966) and "Love Is All Around"(1968).
Owned a collection of Andy Kaufman tapes.
He had a total of 28 singles to reach the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the 1970s. Posthumously, he had a #1 single on the Hot 100 in 2002 with the remix of "A Little Less Conversation.".
Both his father, Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae completely outlived him. Vernon died in 1979 at age 63 and Minnie Mae died in 1980 at age 90. Both were alive when Elvis was born, on Tuesday, January 8th, 1935, and were still alive, when he lost his life, on Tuesday, August 16th, 1977.
Former wife Priscilla Presley opened up their home Graceland to the public in 1985. Elvis' Aunt Delta remained living on the estate until her death in 1993.
Bought former US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's yacht "Potomac", for $55,000 in January of 1964.
According to Tommy Steele, Presley did visit London once in 1958. However, this has not been substantiated.
Elvis Presley's date of birth, Tuesday, January 8th, 1935 was just one day, before late actor, Bob Denver's, on Wednesday, January 9th, 1935.
While he was still alive, Elvis Presley personally asked his father, Vernon Presley to pick Rex Humbard, to officiate his funeral, (whenever it was to occur) which was in August of 1977.
Elvis Presley's death on Tuesday, August 16th, 1977, was 29 years after baseball athlete and first home-run king, Babe Ruth's death, Monday, August 16th, 1948 and 21 years after actor, Bela Lugosi, on Thursday, August 16th, 1956.
Reports of the last words spoken by Elvis vary. He ended his last press conference with the words: "I hope I haven't bored you." Other reports say his last words were: "Okay, I won't" (The last words spoken to Ginger Alden, his girlfriend at the time of his death, who told him on the way to the bathroom not to "fall asleep in there.").
Elvis owned one of the world's first mobile phones. He had to have one after seeing Sean Connery use a car phone in the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963). Elvis's phone was contained in a suitcase-size carrying case with his name in black letters on a gold label on the front. He would use it to talk from his limousine.
Was a huge fan of Professional Wrestling.
"Change Of Habit"(1969), Elvis' last acting role was as a doctor in an urban clinic, with some songs including a gospel performance. Unlike many of his films of the 60s, in recent years, it has received critical acclaim. Mary Tyler Moore co stars opposite Elvis in this precursor to "Sister Act"(1992).
After not having a Top 20 hit single since 1966, Elvis' Nov. 68 "comeback" TV Special spawned the now standard "If I Can Dream", (#13 US Pop). This was followed in 1969 by "Memories" (#35 US Pop), which was also performed on the Special, "In The Ghetto" (#3 US Pop), "Suspicious Minds" (#1 US Pop), and "Don't Cry Daddy" (#6 US Pop).
On his first appearance on The "Dorsey Brothers' Stage Show" on Jan 28, 1956 he sang a medley "Shake Rattle and Roll"/ "Flip Flop and Fly" and later performed "I Got A Woman". That breakthrough performance of "I Got A Woman", to a startled 1956 audience, had not been seen for years, but as of 2010, has been made available on YouTube.
He and 'Andy Griffith (I)' debuted together, but at different times, on Steve Allen's weekly program "The Steve Allen Plymouth Show" (1956), which occurred on July 1, 1956. It was Steve Allen's second show, as the host, and the show skyrocketed in popularity.
While Elvis was appearing on NBCs "Steve Allen Show " on July 1, 1956. Col. Parker was contacted by Ed Sullivan to have Elvis appear on Sullivan's weekly variety show. "The Toast Of The Town", broadcast by CBS. Elvis was signed for a then staggering $50,000 for three appearances. This was quite an accomplishment, or lack of foresight, as Ed Sullivan and Steve Allen were broadcast in the same Sunday night time slot and had an ongoing "ratings war". Even more amazing was that Elvis' prestigious record label, RCA, was then part of the same corporation as NBC. Elvis already had sold at least 5 million records for RCA-NBC with several hit 45 RPM and 78 RPM records. He also had a best selling LP.
Personal Quotes
[when asked who he sounded like] I don't sound like nobody.[when asked what kind of music he sings] I sing all kinds.
I don't like being called Elvis The Pelvis. That's gotta be one of the most childish expressions I've ever heard coming from an adult.
Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do 'em all together, I guess.
[his acceptance speech from the 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Awards] When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times . . . I learned very early in life that "Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain't got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song". So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you.
There's been a big change in the music field in the last 10 or 12 years. I think everything has improved - the sounds have improved, the musicians have improved, the engineers have definitely improved. I like a lot of the new groups, y'know, The Beatles and The Byrds and the . . . whoever, but I really like a lot of the new music, but a lot of it is basically, our music is basically, rock 'n roll music is basically gospel or rhythm and blues. People have been adding to it, adding instruments to it, experimenting with it.
I just fell into it, really. My daddy and I were laughing about it the other day. He looked at me and said, "What happened, El? The last thing I remember is I was working in a can factory and you were driving a truck". We all feel the same way about it. Still, it just caught us up.
[on performing] It's like a surge of electricity going through you. It's almost like making love, but it's even stronger than that . . . sometimes I think my heart is going to explode.
My daddy had seen a lot of people who played guitars and stuff and didn't work, so he said, "You should make up your mind either about being an electrician or playing a guitar, and I never saw a guitar player that was worth a damn".
The image is one thing and the human being is another, it's very hard to live up to an image.
A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It's my favorite part of the business - live concerts.
I've never gotten over what they call stage fright. I go through it every show. I'm pretty concerned, I'm pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don't let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it's a new crowd out there, it's a new audience, and they haven't seen us before. So it's got to be like the first time we go on.
[at a 1972 press conference in Madison Square Garden] Man, I was tame compared to what they do now, are you kidding? All that I ever did was just jiggle.
I want to entertain people. That's my whole life. To my last breath.
The police filmed a show one time in Florida because of the PGA, YMCA, or somebody. They thought that I was . . . something. They said, "Man, he's got to be crazy". So they, the police, came out and filmed the show. I couldn't move. I had to stand still. The only thing I could move was my little finger like that. "You ain't nothing but a hound dog crying all the time", y'know, for the whole show.
Take care of the fans and they will sure as hell take care of you.
I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to.
I wiggle my shoulders, I shake my legs, I walk up and down the stage, I hop around on one foot. But I never bump and grind. Why, that's vulgar. I'd never do anything vulgar before an audience. My mother would never allow it.
Roy Orbison is the greatest singer in the world.
[1956] The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know. They played it like that in their shanties and in their juke joints and nobody paid it no mind 'til I goosed it up. I got it from them. Down in Tupelo, Mississippi, I used to hear old Arthur Crudup bang his box the way I do now and I said if I ever got to a place I could feel all old Arthur felt, I'd be a music man like nobody ever saw.
I get tired of playing a guy who gets into a fight, then starts singing to the guy he's just beat up.
I am not the King. Jesus Christ is the King. I'm just an entertainer.
Since I was two years old, all I knew was gospel music. That music became such a part of my life it was as natural as dancing. A way to escape from my problems, an my way of release.
[on Blue Hawaii (1961)] In the movie we did a song called the "Hawaiian Wedding Song". And it was so real that it took me ten years before I realized I wasn't married to the chick.
Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't goin' away.
I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyor belt mass production, just like most of my movies were.
Just because you look good, don't mean you feel good.
I knew by heart all the dialogue of James Dean's films; I could watch Rebel Without a Cause (1955) a hundred times over.
Only thing worse than watching a bad movie is being in one.
Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over.
Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.
I can never forget the longing to be someone. I guess if you are poor you always think bigger and want more than those who have everything.
[When asked by a reporter in 1972 about his opinion of war protesters] Honey, I'd just as soon keep my own personal views about that to myself. I'm just an entertainer, and I'd rather not say.
Salary
| Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (1973) (TV) | $450,000 |
| Elvis: That's the Way It Is (1970) | $500,000 + 60% of profits |
| Charro! (1969) | $850,000 + 50% of profits |
| Paradise, Hawaiian Style (1966/II) | $225,000 + 50% of profits |
| Tickle Me (1965) | $750,000 |
| Girl Happy (1965) | $500,000 + 50% of profits |
| Viva Las Vegas (1964) | $500,000 + 50% of profits |
| Fun in Acapulco (1963) | $500,000 + 50% of profits |
| It Happened at the World's Fair (1963) | $500,000 + 50% of profits |
| Kid Galahad (1962) | $1,000,000 |
| Follow That Dream (1962) | $1,000,000 |
| Blue Hawaii (1961) | $175,000 |
| G.I. Blues (1960) | $175,000 + % of gross |
| Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley (1960) (TV) | $125,000 |
| King Creole (1958) | $250,000+50% of profits |
| Jailhouse Rock (1957) | $250,000 |
| Loving You (1957) | $150,000 |
| Love Me Tender (1956) | $100,000 |
Elvis Presley Biography
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