Elvis Presley

Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. Nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, he won three and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".

He began his career there in 1954 when Sun Records owner, Sam Phillips, saw in Elvis the means to realize his ambition. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for over two decades. He became the leading figure of the sound of rock and roll with a series of network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs, many from African American sources, and his uninhibited performance style made him enormously popular and controversial. In November 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender. In 1973, Presley staged the first concert broadcast globally via satellite, Aloha from Hawaii, seen by approximately 1.5 billion viewers. Prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at the age of 42.

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