Elvis Presley - Songs, Death and Daughter (2023)

Wer war Elvis Presley?

Elvis Presley came from very humble beginnings and went on to become one of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll. In the mid-1950s he appeared on radio, television and the big screen. On August 16, 1977, he died at the age of 42 from heart failure related to drug addiction. Since his death, Presley has remained one of the world's most beloved music icons.

Early life

Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. (He later changed the spelling of his middle name to the Biblical form of Aaron.) Presley was meant to be a twin, but his brother Jesse Garon (sometimes spelled Jessie) was stillborn. From very humble beginnings, Presley has grown into one of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll.

Raised by loving, working-class parents, Presley's family was poor and moved frequently from place to place. He was deeply devoted to his parents, especially his mother, Gladys, and was raised with a strong belief in God. Presley attended Assembly of God Church with his parents, where gospel music became a major influence on him.

Presley received his first guitar from his mother in 1946 for his 11th birthday and found his first musical success a few years later when he won a talent show at Humes High School in Memphis. After graduating in 1953, he worked various jobs while pursuing his musical dream. That year he recorded his first demo at the studio later known as Sun Studio, and it wasn't long before Sam Phillips, the label's owner, decided to take the young artist under his wing. Presley soon began touring and recording, trying to get his first big break. "That's Fine" was Presley's first single in 1954.

Primer-Hit Nr. 1: „Heartbreak Hotel“

By 1955, Presley had begun to develop a following with fans drawn to his offbeat musical style, provocative, gyrating hips, and good looks. That same year he signed with RCA Records to an agreement made by his manager CoronelTom Parker. Presley was on the road to success, scoring his first No. 1 single with "Heartbreak Hotel," as well as his first No. 1 album, Elvis Presley, and signing a film deal with Paramount Pictures, all in 1956. The sultry dances caused him, too became a popular guest on various TV variety shows.

military service

Before long, Presley was everywhere, working as a musician and actor. his first movielove me very much(1956) was a box office success. Even a stint in the US Army could not harm Presley's successful career. In 1957 he received his draft and was drafted into the army the following March. He ended up serving in Germany for about a year and a half. Just before Presley left for Europe, his beloved mother, Gladys, died. He was placed on leave and returned to Memphis for the funeral. Deeply saddened by her death, Presley returned to work. While in Germany, her spirits lifted somewhat when she met a young teenager namedPriscilla Beaulieu. The couple fell in love and married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Movies and Soundtracks

After leaving the Army in 1960, Presley resumed his career and soon returned to the top of the charts with his film music.Soldier Blues. He continued to record songs and act in films such asBlue Hawaii(1961),Girl! Girl! Girl!(1962) milang lebe las vegas(1964). Although his films were hit or miss with critics and audiences alike, they turned a profit and the soundtracks generally sold well. By the late 1960s, however, the enigmatic performer seemed to be losing his box-office success. As proof that he was still the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," he recorded his first TV special in 1968, often dubbed the "'68 Comeback." He wowed the audience with his performance, which showcased his talent as a singer and guitarist.

Hija, Priscila's divorce and drug addiction

Around this time, Presley's personal life also seemed to be on the rise. He and Priscilla married in 1967 and had a daughter,lisa maria, Next year. Unfortunately, this moment of joy was not to last. In the early 1970s, Presley's marriage fell apart. The couple divorced in 1973 and Priscilla was given custody of Lisa Marie. Presley also struggled with other personal issues, including a growing addiction to prescription drugs; The once skinny rock star was struggling with a weight issue and his destructive lifestyle hit him that fall when he was hospitalized for drug-related health issues. Despite his personal obstacles, Presley remained a popular attraction in Las Vegas and on tour. He played his last show in June 1977 in Indianapolis, Indiana. After the show, he returned to his Graceland mansion in Memphis to prepare for another tour.

death and inheritance

On the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure at the age of 42. It was later determined that his death was related to prescription drug use. Presley was buried at the Graceland estate near the graves of his mother Gladys, father Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.

Throughout his incredible career, Presley helped popularize rock 'n' roll in America. He has also won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings. A major musical force, Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, including "Don't Be Cruel," "Good Luck Charm," and "Suspicious Minds," as well as numerous gold and platinum albums. He was one of the first artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. But Presley has been recognized for his contributions to various genres of music, particularly rock, country, and gospel. In 1998, Presley was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame; three years later he was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame of the Gospel Music Association.

land of grace

Presley's Memphis home, Graceland, is open to the public, and countless fans from around the world visit the iconic residence annually, especially around Presley's birthday and death.

Thousands of fans traveled to Graceland on August 16, 2012, the 35th anniversary of Presley's death, for a special vigil honoring the King of Rock 'n' Roll. During the gathering, fans lit candles and stood in front of Presley's house. Although the Presley family holds a tribute event each year to mark the anniversary of Presley's death, the 2012 reunion was unique: Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla, and their daughter, Lisa Marie, made their first appearance together at the annual event.

“You should see this from our point of view. It's amazing," Priscilla said during the event, according to the outlet.Washington Post. "The candles are lit. It really is a sight to behold...Elvis never thought this could happen.”

Pop Culture

Since his death, Presley has remained one of the world's most beloved music icons. Several documentaries and films have explored the enigmatic artist over the years, including a 2005 television mini-series starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Elvis. A two-part documentary was released in 2018,Elvis Presley: The Seeker, premiered and explores his childhood, rise to fame and his many musical influences.

That year, online auction site IronPlanet announced that a private jet owned by Presley and his father was on the market. Sitting on a New Mexico airstrip for decades, the red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar has a gilded wood interior and red velvet seats, but no engine. The previous owner bought the plane in 2017 for $430,000.

Another auction in 2018, held at the Guest House at Graceland and online, featured more than 200 memorabilia by outside collectors, once owned by the King himself, worn and signed. The most expensive item, a 1942 Beretta M1934 pistol presented to General Omar Bradley Presley, sold for more than $51,000.