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Elvis is Born
Elvis Presley was born into poverty in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8th, 1935. He had a twin brother named Jesse who was still born. His mother's name was Gladys and his father Vernon. He was born in this one-room shack where they lived. (https://www.biography.com/musician/elvis-presley) -
Talent Contest
Elvis enters a talent contest at 10 years old in October 1945 at the Mississippi - Alabama Fair. He sings a song called Old Shep, coming in 5th place. A few months later his parents bought him a guitar for his birthday. He wanted a bike but his parents could not afford one. (https://www.graceland.com/early-childhood) -
High School
Elvis attended Humes High School, in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating in 1953. He was an average student, mostly attaining B and C grades. He was a member of the music club where he often played the guitar that he received for his birthday. (https://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/articles/1953-humes-high.html) -
Worldwide Fame
Elvis achieves worldwide fame in 1956 with hits like Heartbreak Hotel, All Shook Up, and Love Me Tender. There is widespread controversy in the United States after his live performance of Hound Dog on national television. Eventually he will be filmed only from the waist up when singing so TV audiences don't see his gyrations. (https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/elvis-rocks-the-milton-berle-show) -
Elvis Joins Army
During the time of the Cold War, and at the height of his fame, Elvis is drafted into the army and sent to Germany. Although offered a place in the entertainment corps, he chose instead to join the tank regiment and became a tank commander. He reached the rank of sergeant by the time he left 2 years later. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2018/03/22/sixty-years-ago-elvis-presley-was-drafted-into-the-army-he-was-never-the-same/?noredirect=on) -
Comeback
After making movies throughout most of the 60s, Elvis performs his first concert in 10 years. It is hailed as his comeback on the music scene. He gradually moves away from making movies and focuses on concerts by touring the United States and playing shows in Las Vegas. (https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/inside-elvis-presleys-legendary-1968-comeback-special-192201/) -
Hawaiian Concert
In January 1973, Elvis performs a live concert that was beamed around the world by satellite. Over 1.5 billion people watched the concert on their TVs, making it the most watched television event in history at that time. The proceeds went to cancer research. (https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/aloha-from-hawaii-via-satellite-fact-fancy.shtml) -
Death
Elvis is found dead in his bathroom in the early hours of the morning. It is later revealed that he died from a heart attack caused by abuse of prescription drugs and unhealthy eating. During the last 6 years of his life his weight increased from 72KG to 163KG. His family revealed that he would eat a pint of ice cream every day and would often consume 4 or 5 foot long subs in one meal. (https://www.newsweek.com/elvis-presley-death-anniversary-facts-1454609)
