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Birth
On this date, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. His parents were Glady and Vernon Presley. His twin brother was stillborn, so Elvis was raised an only child (www.elvis.com). -
Memphis, TN
The exact date the Presleys moved is not available, but they did move from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Memphis, Tennessee, in November of 1948. This city is known for its musical influences, and Elvis often credited many of these musicians for influencing his sound and appreciation for music (www.alanskitchen.com). -
Graduation
Elvis became the first in his family to graduate from high school. In 1953, he graduated from Humes High school in Memphis, Tennessee (www.elvis.com). -
TV Appearances
Elvis appeared on national TV for the first time on "Stage Show," a weekly program hosted at night by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey (www.elvispresley.com). Elvis appeared on other variety shows after this first appearance, and soon he was a national scandal for his provocative dancing (elvis.com). In this image, Elvis is dancing to his number one hit, "Blue Suede Shoes," on "Stage Show" (http://www.elvispresleymusic.com). -
Graceland
Elvis buys the Graceland Mansion in Memphis, Tennessee, with the proceeds from the sales of his single, "Heartbreak Hotel." The mansion cost him $102, 500 (www.elvis.com). -
In Film
Elvis's first film, "Love Me Tender," was a box office success. Elvis continued to make films until he returned to performing during his 1968 Comeback Special. During his 12-year long film career, Elvis starred in 33 movies (en.wikipedia.org). -
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Military
Elvis begins his tour of duty in Friedberg, Germany, according to his draft order. He is stationed on the USS Randall for 18 months. He was discharged from the army on March 5, 1960 (www.twoop.com). -
Future Wife
Elvis meets his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu. In 1962, Priscilla flies from West Germany to visit Elvis in Memphis. According to her parents instructions, they must be chaperoned at all times (www.twoop.com). -
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Lisa Marie
Priscilla Presley gives birth to Lisa Marie Presley, their first and only child (www.twoop.com). Lisa Marie makes music of her own and released her second album in 2005 (wikipedia.org). In 2007, she sang with her father on the song "In the Ghetto." The original release of the single occurred in 1969. -
Elvis's Comeback
In June, Elvis taped one of his most famous television appearances, his 1968 Comeback special. This special was a turning point in his career because it was the first time in 12 years that he had performed live. The special aired on NBC on December 3rd, just in time for the holiday season (www.elvisnews.com). -
Las Vegas
On this date, Elvis performed for the first time in Las Vegas (http://www.elvisconcerts.com/2.htm). Elvis's concerts in Vegas were very popular, breaking many attendance records for the venues where he performed (www.elvis.com). -
American Tour
Elvis's "concert years" include 1969 to 1977. During this time, he performed around 1,100 times (www.elvis.com). -
TV Specials
Elvis made three network television specials from 1968 to 1977 (www.elvis.com). "Aloha Hawaii," arguably the most popular of the three specials and definitely the most widely broadcast, broadcast around the world via satellite. The show was watched by over one billion people around the world (en.wikipedia.org). This special was watched by more Americans than the first moonwalk (www.elvis.com). -
Divorce
Priscilla and Elvis separated in late 1971 when Priscilla left Graceland and took Lisa Marie with her. Priscilla did not file for divorce until July, 1972, but they were officially divorced on October 9, 1973 (www.twoop.com). Elvis never married again. -
Final Curtain
Elvis performs live for the last time at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana (www.twoop.com). -
Death
Elvis died at Graceland. To this day, he is still one of the most important figures in popular culture. Of course, he is known for his talent and good looks, but he is also known for his humantarian nature, which he demonstrated with donations to charities until the day he died (www.elvis.com). -
Hall of Fame
Elvis Presley is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the dinner, Julian and Sean Lennon, sons of the legendary Beatles member John Lennon, were the presenters of the award (www.rockhall.com). -
The Elvis Stamp
Before the stamp's first issue, the American public voted on which of the two stamps should be released for sale. One of the stamps featured a younger Elvis, and the other was a rendering of an older Elvis. In the end, voters chose the younger Elvis (http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/). "The Elvis stamp is the most widely publicized stamp issue in the history of the U.S. Postal Service, and it is the top selling commemorative postage stamp of all time" (www.elvis.com). -
Graceland Mansion
Elvis's home, Graceland Mansion is designated as a National Historic Landmark (en.wikipedia.org). Over 600,000 people visit Graceland every year (www.elvis.com). -
Popularity
Elvis Presley has sold more records/CDs, which is more than any other artist in history. This picture is the hallway in Graceland where Elvis's gold and platinum records are on display. The hallway has been named the Trophy Room. (http://www.elvis.com) -
Billboard Hits
149 of his songs have been billboard hits in America. 114 of these 149 songs were on the top forty list, 40 were on the top ten list, and 18 of these songs were number one hits. Ten of his 90 pop chart albums have reached number one on the billboard charts. (Please note that all of these statistics are for America only.) (http://www.elvis.com)
