Elvis Aaron Presley 1935 1977 Early Years Elvis

Elvis Aaron Presley 1935 - 1977

Early Years Elvis was born on January 8 th 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a tiny 2 room house built by his Father. His identical twin brother Jessie Garon died soon after he was born.

Elvis desperately wanted a bike for his 11 th birthday but his Mum persuades him to have a guitar instead…little did she know what the future held for her son! In 1948 they move to Memphis, Tennessee.

First Recording Elvis sang at a school talent show and won first prize! In 1953 when he was 17/18, Elvis recorded a couple of songs at Sun Studios for his Mum Gladys’ birthday.

In the summer of 1954 Elvis is teamed up with a group of musicians and backing singers and records his first track ‘That’s Alright’. Double click to hear That’s Alright

On October 16 th 1954 Elvis and his band appear on a radio show and are an instant hit! On November 20 th 1955 Elvis signs a record contract and records his first single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ a few months later. Double click here to listen to Heartbreak Hotel

Elvis has his first number 1! ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ reaches number 1 and Elvis starts to appear on TV shows. He also makes his first movie, ‘Love Me Tender’ in which he sings many songs.

Graceland – Elvis Presley’s home!

The third film Elvis makes is called ‘Jailhouse Rock’. Miss Townsend’s Favourite! Double click here to hear ‘Jailhouse Rock’

Elvis joins the army! In 1956 Elvis joins the army and has to have his famous ‘quiff’ shaved off. He is sent to Germany. Sadly his Mum dies that year too.

In May 1967 Elvis gets married to Priscilla and in February 1968 their daughter Lisa-Marie is born.

In 1977 Elvis and Priscilla get a divorce. Elvis has been touring for years and is very tired. He has made 31 films and had 149 songs in the charts! He finishes his career playing in Las Vegas, sometimes doing 2 shows a night.

Elvis Dies! Sadly on August 16 th 1977 Elvis dies of a heart attack, he is 42. He is found dead in his bathroom the next morning. He is buried in the grounds of Graceland with his mother. His father dies a few years later. Find out if anyone you know can remember what they were doing when they heard Elvis had died.

Changing Fashions! Now look closely at how the clothes that Elvis wore changed over the years. Does his hair change too?

Elvis at Number 1! • It’s Now or Never – Number 1 for 8 weeks! • All Shook Up – Number 1 for 7 weeks • Wooden Heart – Number 1 for 6 weeks • Good Luck Charm – Number 5 for 6 weeks