WASHINGTON — It was 90 years ago that Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
As part of this year’s celebration, Graceland in Memphis is hosting several days of events honoring the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, in his parents’ two-room house. He was born about 35 minutes after his twin brother, Jesse Garon, who was stillborn.
In 1948, Elvis moved with his parents to Memphis, Tennessee, where he graduated from high school in 1953.
One year later, he began his music career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis.
In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor.
By the time he had reached 21, he was an international sensation.
Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he served his country in the U.S. Army, starting in 1958.
After two years of service, Elvis returned to the recording studios, and to his success.
On May 1, 1967, he married Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, whom he had met back in Germany in 1959 when she was only fourteen.
They had one child, a daughter called Lisa Marie. The couple divorced in 1973.
To this day Elvis — the man and his music — remain legendary.
His sound uniquely combined the diverse musical influences of his youth, and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time.
Globally, Elvis has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist.
His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles.
Among Elvis’ many awards were 14 Grammy nominations, including three wins, from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36.
But Elvis’ career was not only in music.
He starred in 33 successful films — including Jailhouse Rock in 1957.
Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. He was 42.
Elvis’ life — and death — is intertwined with Graceland, situated in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
He lived there for over 20 years, and it was the fulfilment of a childhood dream to buy the grand house in Memphis.
Fans from around the world come to Graceland to celebrate the singer, who crooned “Love Me Tender” and “Falling in Love with You.”
Although Elvis had several homes, Graceland was always his primary base.
Elvis is still regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture.