A Complete Guide to Elvis Presley: Learn All About the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll!

Elvis Presley was certainly a talented musician who brought the world a whole new level of entertainment. A lot of life happened in the few short years that Elvis was on the road and performing. Whether you’re intrigued by this man or simply want to learn a little more about him, we’ve got you covered! 

In this guide, we will share all of the insight and things to know about Elvis. He certainly has an unusual story. We will share some basic details and a few quick facts for you to know. Keep reading to find out more! 

About Elvis Presley

You see, Elvis is portrayed in a lot of different ways. Some sources show him as a devoted singer and performer, while others get into drug use and other issues throughout his life and career.

As a global superstar, even now some 45 years since his death, his likeness is commonly used in a variety of markets, niches and promotions. 

Here are the basics of Elvis’s life that most people are at least familiar with. He was born in 1935 and originally sang gospel music. However, he loved jazz sounds and African American music and wanted to integrate those sounds – and he did. He was deemed the King of Rock and Roll and is still known as such today. He is known for being a controversial artist both for the music he performed and also for his dance moves on stage. 

Elvis produced many popular hits but was absolutely a source of controversy during his time of fame. He lived a short life, passing away at age 42 in 1977. 

Elvis Presley Career

Elvis started singing at a young age. He was a talented boy with an awesome voice, and he started becoming interested in music when he was just a kid going to church. The first noteworthy time of impressing someone with his song was when he was in first grade and sang in a music competition. He placed in that competition, and that was the beginning of what became his music career. 

But the truth is at that time, Elvis was very shy and had no intentions of ever singing in public. He was learning how to play guitar, but that’s where his ambitions stopped. They finally got him to perform in public when he was only about 12 years old. He kept working and practicing but continued to be shy. It was during high school that he started growing out his famous hairstyle. At the time, it was odd, but later it became a hit. 

In 1953 was when he first recorded in a music studio, and he stood out then. He was recommended to a band and then continued to be discovered and receive offers from there. He became part of a trio. They performed together in 1954 for the first time. The trio traveled and played everywhere they could. It was around this time that he also started appearing in TV and radio commercials. 

The first official debut album came out in 1956, titled Elvis Presley. Throughout his career, he had multiple record-breaking albums and starred in 31 different films as well. 

These are some of his most well-known hits: 

• Jailhouse Rock
• Can’t Help Falling in Love
• Burning Love
• Don’t Be Cruel
• Return to Sender
• All Shook Up
• Heartbreak Hotel
• It’s Now or Never
• Are You Lonesome Tonight? 

These are just a few, but you likely recognize many more songs by Elvis. 

Fun Facts About Elvis

While Elvis’s life was short, he certainly made an impression during his musical career. His unique music style, his talent, and his on-stage moves captured audiences all over the world. He did have a child as well, which is Lisa Marie Presley. 

Check out some of these fun facts. 

• More than 114 Top 40 hits
• Inducted into five different Hall of Fames
• More than 1 billion records sold
• Won three Grammys for gospel music
• Elvis spent two years on active duty in the Army and four years in the reserves
• Holds two postal commemorative stamps (2015 and 1993)

Final Thoughts

There are mixed opinions out there about Elvis, and there likely always will be. There are different theories behind his death as well. What we know is that he was a very talented individual who took the rock ‘n roll industry by storm. His name still means something in the industry, and many of his songs continue to hold a special place in our hearts.