Elvis Aaron Presley passed away this week on August 16 back in 1977 at the age of 42.
He died at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee from a heart attack which was likely caused by prescription drugs such as barbiturates
Although Mr. Presley did not originate the music video his unique inventive dance moves, gyrations, and charisma gave birth to much of the music / visual art form we know today. With over 700 songs recorded, Elvis will always carry the honor of King. The American icon transformed and redefined not just music but the culture and very essence that surround it.
Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, impoverished, with a twin brother, Jesse, who died during the birth. The family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee,
His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records. “That’s All Right,” which Presley imbued with an accessible country-and-western flavor, he agreed to release the rendition as a single on his Sun Records label. The recording went to the top of the local charts, and Presley’s career was launched.
Presley played rhythm acoustic guitar accompanied by lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, who was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley’s classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage him for more than two decades.
Presley’s first RCA Victor single, “Heartbreak Hotel”, was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the United States. Within a year, RCA would sell ten million Presley singles. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, Presley became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. Read more about Elvis
The following written content from Graceland
We are so excited to announce our Elvis Week 2021 schedule and cannot wait to welcome fans back to Memphis in August for a celebration like no other! It will be a great time to gather again with friends to celebrate the music, movies and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Our Elvis Week 2021 schedule includes concerts, panel discussions, special tours, Elvis tribute artist events and contests, and so much more! An Elvis Week not-to-be-missed!
In addition, Graceland has just announced Virtual Elvis Week 2021 – Live from Graceland! Fans who are unable to visit Memphis during Elvis Week now have the option to participate through an amazing, never before offered online experience with live concert events, incredible fan experiences, and conversations with celebrity guests such as Priscilla Presley, James Burton, and others! Read more from Graceland
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