Elvis Presley Biography
Elvis Aaron Presley, a needy child from Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, birth date January 8 1935 rose to become a timeless pop legend even after his unfortunate demise on August 16 1977. Born to low-class, small town couple Vernon and Gladys Presley, he faced a near death birth after he was born frail and weak in a small cottage and with no doctors for miles. Had there been a doctor his poor parents could not have afforded it anyway. Presley was lucky to survive but his twin brother was bore already dead.
Growing up life was a struggle and he had to become a child labourer, doing odd jobs to help out his large extended family. Presley’s first contact with music came when he won a cash prize in a talent contest and used the money to buy a guitar. He taught himself how to play and soon began composing tunes for his own lyrics. Seeing his talent Vernon and Gladys relocated to Memphis, Tennessee in a move to help young Presley pursue a career in music. He attended East Topelo School and Humes High School in Tennessee and was obsessed with his guitar so much that he barely made friends or excelled in class. Being a poor kid did not guarantee him any friends so he hid behind his guitar and music.
Initially a shy performer, he was forced to brave be take part in talent search competitions with the hope of getting a quick deal that would get his family out of poverty. In 1954 Presley was signed to Sun Records where he immediately begun work on a debut album. Two years later he released his first studio single titled ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, it became an instant hit and gave him a name in the music scene. Other singles from the ‘Elvis Presley’ album are ‘My Happiness’, ‘It Won’t Be the Same without You’, ‘I’ll Never Stand In Your Way’ and ‘That’s When Your Heartaches Begin’.
Although the album was rated multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, RIAA, it was lacking in identity. Presley had not yet set a personal image other than going by the stage name Elvis Presley. Critics cited that his music was all over the place with mixes of African, American, pop, rock and roll, and RnB tunes. He later adopted the long hair and heavy make-up look.
He made an entrance to acting on the film ‘Love Me Tender’ in 1956 he also appeared on ‘Paralysed’ and ‘All Shook Up’.
He was considered a sex symbol for his rugged looks and sexy voice. There were reported incidences of young girls stalking him to his hotel rooms and Elvis tattoos were seen on many females’ bodies.
Presley was voted one of the outstanding personalities of the 70’s, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding works. He was voted the ‘Voice of The Century’ in 2001 by BBC and was also on ‘The Greatest Americans’ 2005 list by Discovery Channel.
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