Elvis Presley: The King Of Rock and Roll
Elvis Presley will forever be remembered as the King of Rock and Roll. His iconic style and passionate performances have influenced multiple generations and his songs will enjoy listening for generations to come. But do you know when Elvis began his meteoric rise to music superstardom?
A Young Dream
Elvis Presley began his journey to stardom at a young age. At the tender age of 10, after attending a performance by gospel singer and cousin Junior Barnard, Elvis was captivated by the power of music. Barnard was quoted as saying “I may have made a small impression on him that night, but he gave me the credit for awakening his interest in music.”
Start Of His Career
By the time he was thirteen, Elvis had started to perform in churches and competitions across Memphis, Tennessee. In 1953, he graduated high school with the intent of joining the army. However, he was granted an early discharge and which is when he entered the music industry.
In 1954, he entered into a recording contract with Sun Records, who released his first single ‘That’s All Right (Mama)’. From then on, his career rocketed, becoming one of the most renowned singers of all time.
Singles, Albums and Fame
In 1956, Elvis released his epic single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ which reached number one on the Billboards’ Pop Singles list. This success was cemented with the release of his eponymous debut album, Elvis Presley, in the same year.
After the founding of his own record label, ‘Elvis Presley Enterprises’, in 1957, Elvis released multiple number one singles and albums that would establish him as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll. By the end of the 1950’s, his fame was undeniable and Elvis had established himself as a true music legend.
Legacy
Elvis Presley was much more than the King of Rock and Roll; he was the pioneer of the industry and his influence can be heard in the music of multiple artists and genres today. He has left an incredible legacy and will continue to be remembered throughout time.
Notable Achievements
To conclude, some of Elvis’ most memorable achievements include:
- Cracked Billboard Hot 100 – 1956
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award – 1971
- The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – 1977
