The History
of the
King!
BY: MISS YOUNG
Elvis’ Childhood
 Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a two
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room house his family built.
Elvis came from a working class family that made little money.
Elvis’ family were church goers which later in life influences his music.
When Elvis was just ten-years-old he sang “Old Shep” in a youth talent
contest at Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. Elvis won fifth
place and received $5.00 in fair ride tickets.
In 1946, Elvis’ father bought Elvis his first guitar for $12.95 (today
guitars can cost between $150.00 to $300.00)!
Left is Elvis’ first house and
birth place. Right: Elvis
with his mother Gladys,
and father Vernon. Far
Right: Elvis’ First guitar.
The Big Move
 When Elvis was thirteen-years-old he did a farewell concert
at Milam Junior High on November 6, 1948 before Elvis
and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
 Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, Elvis was
considered a misfit with his long hair (compared to the
day’s standards) and grown out sideburns.
 Elvis attended Humes High and participated in the student
talent show. Elvis was amazed by the applause from the
audience and that he had won.
Moving on to Bigger and Brighter things!
 The summer after Elvis graduated he stops by The Memphis Recording
Service, home of the Sun label and makes his first demo “My
Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin,” the cost for
making a demo was $4.00. He gives his first demo to his mother for a
belated birthday present.
 January 1954 Elvis goes back to Sun Studio to make another demo and
the own, Sam Phillips, is in to hear him.
 At first Sam doesn’t like his style but in the summer of 1954, Elvis pairs
up with Scotty Moore and Bill Black.
Elvis’ Break!
 In November 1954, Elvis signs a one
year contract for 52 Saturday night
appearances. This is Elvis’s big break
and his popularity begins to grow.
 Later that year on November 20, 1955
Elvis signs his first contract with RCA Records.
 January 10, 1956, Elvis has his first
recording session for RCA. During this taping session he
records “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Elvis Off to War
 On March 24, 1958 Elvis was inducted into the U.S. Army at the
Memphis Draft Board.
 March 25, 1958 Elvis gets his famous G.I. haircut at Fort Chaffee,
Arkansas. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyS5wOcYua4)
 Elvis starts basic training at Fort Hood, Texas on March 28, 1958. He
was stationed there for six months.
 After basic training, June 10, 1958, Elvis recorded “A Big Hunk O’
Love,” this is his last recording session until 1960.
Start of Presley Family
 On September 13, 1959, Elvis meets Priscilla (His future wife) at a party
through a mutual friend.
 Elvis and Priscilla continue to see each other and shortly before
Christmas 1966 Elvis proposed.
 On May 1, 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Elvis and Priscilla
married. Nine months later on February 1, 1968, Lisa Marie Presley
was born.
The Death of the King
 August 16, 1977, Elvis is taking care of last minute details
for his tour. He retires to his master suite at Graceland
around 7:00 a.m. to rest for his evening flight. By late
morning, Elvis Presley is dead of heart failure. It is
announced by mid-afternoon that the King of Rock ‘n Roll
is dead.
Famous Hit Singles
 During Elvis’ time he released all different types of musical hits from
Pop to Country, here is a list of some his better known Hit Singles:
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Heartbreak Hotel #1 in 1956
Blue Suede Shoes #20 in 1956, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMBGkDkRFbk
Hound Dog #1 in 1956, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJsQSb9RFo0
Love Me Tender #1 in 1956
All Shook Up #1 in 1957
Jailhouse Rock #1 in 1957, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4Mk
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck #2 in 1958
Hard Headed Woman #1 in 1958
(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such As I #2 in 1959
A Big Hunk O’ Love #1 in 1959
Are You Lonesome Tonight? #1 in 1960
Surrender #1 in 1961
(You’re the) Devil in Disguise #3 in 1963, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3_Q96eJr1k
Viva Las Vegas 1964, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPuKoqu6kMk
Burning Love #2 in 1972
Elvis was an Actor Too!
 Elvis was not only famous for his voice, Elvis could act as
well! Some of his better known movies are:
 Love Me Tender 1956, Director: Robert D. Webb
 Jailhouse Rock 1957, Director: Richard Thorpe
 GI Blues 1960, Director: Norman Taurog
 Blue Hawaii 1961, Director: Norman Taurog
 Girls! Girls! Girls! 1962, Director: Norman Taurog
 Viva Las Vegas 1964, Director: George Sidney
 Easy Come, Easy Go 1967, Director: John Rich
 The Trouble with Girls 1969, Director: Peter Tewksbury
Graceland
 It was named after S.C. Toof’s daughter, Grace. The first
owner of Graceland.
 In early 1957, Elvis gave his parents $100,000 and asked
tem to find a “Farmhouse” type property to purchase it.
 Today you can visit Graceland and take a tour of the
mansion, Elvis’ cars, jets, articles, and the King’s fashion.
Credits
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