Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977), also known as Elvis, was an American singer, musician, and actor. He is considered one of the most important icons of the 20th century culture and is often referred to as "the king of rock and roll" or simply "the king". His energetic interpretations of songs and sexually provocative style of performance, combined with an exceptionally strong mix of influences from different color lines in an era of transformation in race relations led him to great success - and initial controversy.
Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, when he was 13. His musical career began there in 1954, recording on Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to show a wider audience the sound of African-American music. Presley, playing acoustic rhythm guitar with lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, pioneered rockabilly, an accelerated, backbeat-based fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined the band to complete the classic Presley quartet, and RCA Victor signed a contract arranged by Colonel Tom Parker who would manage it for over two decades. Presley RCA's first single, "Heartbreak Hotel," was released in January 1956 and became the number one hit in the United States. Thanks to a series of successful television appearances and topping the charts, he has become a leading figure in the new popular rock and roll sound.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley resumed his recording career two years later, performing some of his most commercially successful works. He did, however, organize a few concerts and, under Parker's direction, spent most of the 1960s shooting Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of which were criticized. In 1968, after a seven-year hiatus from live performances, he returned to the stage on the acclaimed television show Elvis, which resulted in an extended concert residence in Las Vegas and a series of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave his first solo artist concert worldwide, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of abuse of prescription drugs seriously threatened his health and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate at the age of 42.
As he rose from poverty to notable fame, Presley's success seemed to epitomize the American dream. He is the best-selling solo artist of all time and has had commercial success in a wide range of genres including pop, country, R&B, contemporary adult and gospel. He won three Grammy Awards, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36, and was inducted into many famous music venues. Presley has several records; the most RIAA certified gold and platinum albums, the most Billboard 200 albums and the most artist solo albums on the UK Albums Chart and the most number one singles in the UK Singles Chart. In 2018, Presley was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.