Elvis Joins the ARMY - A man in uniform holding a microphone

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. He was the couple's only child. Elvis' father Vernon worked a series of odd jobs to support the family, including working as a truck driver and a machinist. Gladys worked as a seamstress and took care of the home. Elvis grew up in a poor household and had a difficult childhood. His parents were often struggling to make ends meet, and the family moved around frequently, living in a series of small apartments and houses in Tupelo and other parts of Mississippi. Despite these challenges, Elvis was a happy and outgoing child. He enjoyed singing and playing music from a young age, and was particularly drawn to gospel music. As a teenager, Elvis attended Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a good student and was active in the school's music program, singing in the choir and participating in school plays. After graduating in 1953, Elvis worked a series of odd jobs before eventually being signed to a record contract in 1954. Elvis Presley was born and raised in the American South during a time when racial segregation was still prevalent. As a young musician, Elvis was heavily influenced by African American music, particularly blues and rhythm and blues. He incorporated elements of these genres into his own music, which helped to create a new, hybrid style known as rock and roll. At a time when racial segregation was still widespread, Elvis' music and style challenged traditional norms and helped to break down barriers between white and black audiences. His performances were often attended by both white and black fans, and he was praised by some for his ability to bring people of different races together through his music. Elvis' association with African American music and culture also brought criticism and controversy. Some people saw his style as a threat to traditional values and accused him of being "unwholesome" or even "immoral." Despite these criticisms, Elvis continued to embrace and celebrate his love of African American music and culture, and his influence helped to pave the way for greater integration and acceptance in the music industry and beyond. Elvis Presley's career spanned more than two decades, and he had numerous hits and successful performances throughout his career. Some of his most notable career highlights include: 1956: Elvis' first album, "Elvis Presley," is released, and he has his first number one hit with "Heartbreak Hotel." 1957: Elvis appears on "The Ed Sullivan Show," attracting a record-breaking audience of over 60 million viewers. 1958: Elvis is drafted into the U.S. Army and serves a two-year stint in Germany. Despite being away from the spotlight, he continues to have hits and remains popular with his fans. 1960: Elvis returns from military service and resumes his music career. He performs a series of successful concerts and tours and releases a number of popular albums. 1968: Elvis makes a highly publicized television special, "Elvis," which is seen by over 50 million viewers and helps to revive his career. "King of Rock and Roll" died on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. The cause of death was officially listed as a heart attack, although there has been much speculation and controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death. At the time of his death, Elvis was living at his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. He had struggled with a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including obesity, high blood pressure, and drug addiction. Despite these problems, Elvis remained active and continued to perform and record music up until his death. Elvis' death was met with widespread shock and grief, and he remains an enduring cultural icon and a prominent figure in the world of music. His music and style continue to influence artists and fans around the world.