2 minute read
Elvis Day
By: Gina Dewar
August 16 is the King of Rock N Roll International Day, Elvis Presley. Elvis Aaron began his music career in the 1950s with producer Sam Phillips. They wanted to incorporate African American music into their audience. Elvis was inspired by the gospel music he heard in church and the R&B he grew up with as a teenager in Memphis.
He quickly became a legendary sensation amongst the youth that learned to dance to his peculiar moves. He had to overcome the barriers of social and racial issues, but his talent and charisma were more powerful and influential to a whole new generation of American music.
Some facts about Elvis Presley:
• He had a twin that was stillborn (therefore, Elvis was an only child).
• He served his country in the U.S. Army.
• He starred in 33 successful films.
• He made several record-breaking appearances on television.
• Elvis has received 14 Grammy nominations with three wins.
• He held non-stop concerts in Las Vegas, back-to-back.
• He is one of the most iconic figures of twentieth-century popular culture.
• Became a worldwide sensation even though he never performed outside of the U.S. (only Canada for a brief time).
• He taught himself how to play the guitar.
• His first record was for his mother.
• He bought Graceland, his iconic mansion, when he was 22.
• “Elvis the Pelvis” was his nickname because of how he moved his hips while dancing.
• Married Priscilla Presley and had one daughter Lisa Marie Presley.
• He died in his home at the age of 42. A heart attack was the cause of death, but popular opinion states that his addiction to barbiturates is what deteriorated his health.
