Elvis Presley

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[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''Jailhouse Rock'', filmed in 1957]]
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[[File:Elvis presley.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A still of Presley in the film ''[[Jailhouse Rock]]'', filmed in 1957]]
'''Elvis Aaron (or Aron) <ref>Presley's spelling of his middle name at birth was "Aron". It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by the single name '''Elvis''',  (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang rock, [[Country music|country]], [[blues]], and [[Gospel music|gospel]]. He has become an American cultural icon and a major figure in American popular culture. Presley is known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.
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<center>''For more information, see [[Elvis Presley directory]]''.</center>
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'''Elvis Aaron <ref>Presley's middle name is also spelled "Aron", as is the case on his birth certificate. It was common during the [[Great Depression]] to use alternate spellings of names due to a lesser focus on the written word. It is likely they intended "Aaron" as his middle name. "Aaron" is the spelling that appears on gravestone as well. Presley had it legally changed to Aaron.</ref> Presley''', popularly known by his first name '''Elvis''',  (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a musician, actor and performer. Presley became an essential figure of [[rock and roll]] and sang [[rock music]], rockabilly, [[Country music|country]], [[blues]], and [[Gospel music|gospel]]. He has become an American cultural icon and a major figure in American popular culture. Presley is often known as "'''The King of Rock n' Roll'''" or simply "'''The King"'''.  
  
Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to [[drug]] abuse and poor eating and health habits; he died in his home, [[Graceland]], a day before he was scheduled to go back on tour.  
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Presley died on August 16, 1977 of complications due to prescription drug abuse and poor eating and health habits; he died in his home, [[Graceland]], from cardiac arrest, a day before he was scheduled to go back on tour.  
  
Presley was inducted into four Halls of Fame, won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen Grammy awards, winning three, all for gospel songs.
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Presley has been inducted into four music halls of fame, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971, and was nominated for fourteen [[Grammy Awards]], winning three, all for gospel songs. He has also earned more than thirty number one hits, including the posthumous remix of "A Little Less Conversation". He also had ten #1 albums, tying him with [[Bruce Springsteen]] for number of #1 albums; only [[the Beatles]] (19) and [[Jay-Z]] (12) have more.
  
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Presley is one of the most important popular culture icons of the twentieth century, and the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. He was one of the originators of rockabilly, an uptempo fusion of country music and [[rhythm and blues]].
 
==Early Life==
 
==Early Life==
 
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|Gladys Love]] and [[Vernon Presley]]. Presley's identical twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn 35 minutes before him. Presley's mother Gladys almost died from the birth and both were taken to the hospital. The Presley family lived in near-poverty during the early years of Presley's life. They were on [[welfare]] and got help from their neighbors. Vernon supported the family by working different odd jobs. Despite living in poverty, Presley benefited from a closely knit family. On May 25, 1938 Vernon was sentenced for three years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary for check [[forgery]]. During the brief time Vernon spent in prison, Gladys and Presley had to temporarily live with Gladys' in-laws next door. Vernon was released on February 6, 1939 on account of good behavior.
 
Presley was born in a two-room house without running water or electricity in East Tupelo, [[Mississippi]] to [[Gladys Presley|Gladys Love]] and [[Vernon Presley]]. Presley's identical twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn 35 minutes before him. Presley's mother Gladys almost died from the birth and both were taken to the hospital. The Presley family lived in near-poverty during the early years of Presley's life. They were on [[welfare]] and got help from their neighbors. Vernon supported the family by working different odd jobs. Despite living in poverty, Presley benefited from a closely knit family. On May 25, 1938 Vernon was sentenced for three years in the Mississippi State Penitentiary for check [[forgery]]. During the brief time Vernon spent in prison, Gladys and Presley had to temporarily live with Gladys' in-laws next door. Vernon was released on February 6, 1939 on account of good behavior.
  
Presley received a [[guitar]] for his eleventh birthday. The store owner said he wanted a [[rifle]]. Some other variants of the story claim he wanted a bicycle, though it was most likely the rifle. However, Gladys did not want her son to have one and he eventually settled on the guitar. He would often sing in school for his classes, and they were pleased with him.<ref name="official bio">[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis biography]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/elvis_presley_1935_1953.html Biography of Presley's Early Life]</ref>  
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Presley received a [[guitar]] for his eleventh birthday. The store owner said he wanted a [[rifle]]. Some other variants of the story claim he wanted a bicycle, though accounts from those who knew Presley during his earlier life say that what he wanted was most likely the rifle. However, Gladys did not want her son to have one and he eventually settled on the guitar. He would often sing in school for his classes, and they were pleased with him.<ref name="official bio">[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis biography]</ref><ref>[http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/elvis_presley_1935_1953.html Biography of Presley's Early Life]</ref>  
  
 
The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>
 
The Presley family moved to [[Memphis]], [[Tennessee]] on November 6, 1948, where a thirteen-year-old Presley was influenced by the gospel music of an Assembly of God [[Pentecostal]] church. He was also influenced by country, pop and the African American music he heard on the streets of Memphis. On September 20, 1949, the Presley family moved to a building complex in Memphis. He was exposed to a great deal of music and was in a band with four other boys. Vernon, Gladys, and the teenage Presley worked various jobs to support the family. However, the family stayed closely knit. After graduating from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis in 1953, Presley worked at Crown Electric as a truck driver to pay for recording sessions at Sun Records. <ref name="official bio"/>
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===Music===
 
===Music===
A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Elvis Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine''. He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.
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A multiple [[Grammy]] award winner, in his first dozen years Presley had 100 hits on the Billboard charts and was the most famous entertainer in the world. Presley's first released single was "That's All Right" under the Sun label. It was after Colonel Parker transferred Presley to RCA that he would record his first number-one hit, "Heartbreak Hotel". His early music was mainly rock, such as his hit singles "Hound Dog", "Don't Be Cruel", and "All Shook Up". He also recorded gospel songs, such as "Peace in the Valley", which Presley said was one of his mother's favorite songs. During his Hollywood career, the main music Presley produced were movie soundtracks. After his career in film, Presley recorded a slew of new material at various studios. Included in these sessions were several gospel albums including ''His Hand in Mine'' (1960). He later had a studio built in his home that was called the Jungle Room.
  
Presley makes more money than any deceased artist on re-releases of his records and compilations such as ''Elvis 30 #1 Hits'''. Special compilations of certain areas of his musical works, such as ''Elvis Ultimate Gospel'' have sold reasonably well. He has also had some of his more popular songs remixed in publications such as ''Viva Elvis''.
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Presley was in second place as a top-earning, deceased celebrity (after [[Michael Jackson]]), earning approximately $55 million per year. Most of this income is derived from admissions to Graceland, licensing and merchandising. A ''Cirque du Soleil'' show in Las Vegas that is based on his music also contributes. Sales of music and movies also contributed significantly.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2011/10/25/the-top-earning-dead-celebrities/ The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities] Pomerantz, Dorothy, forbes.com, October 25, 2011, retrieved May 31, 2012.</ref>
  
 
===Films===
 
===Films===
*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]]
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*See also: [[Elvis Presley movies]], filmography at the end of the article
 
Presley  starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.
 
Presley  starred in thirty-three enormously profitable films, most of which were lighthearted comedic musicals. His first film, ''Love Me Tender'', a western, was released in 1957. His film ''Loving You'' was released soon after. He then starred in ''Jailhouse Rock'', playing an anti-hero character. For a while, Presley was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors. He starred in ''King Creole'', for which he deferred his Army service to star in. After his service, he starred in ''G.I. Blues'' He was cast in light, clean-cut roles during the 1960s, and Presley was not happy about it, since he aspired to be a serious actor. These feature films were generally poorly received by critics, often for "them all being the same", but still sold extremely well, and were popular with fans. ''Charro'' was an exception, as it did not feature music other than a title song. After his final feature film in 1969, the only Presley films released were concert documentaries, such as ''Elvis:That's the Way it Is''.
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Presley started work on two karate films, ''The New Gladiator'' (1974) and ''Billy Easter'' (1977). The former starred Presley and other fighters training and then competing in tournaments around the world. The latter involves an ex-CIA agent who then owns a karate school getting revenge on drug dealers for the murder of his best friend. Neither of these karate films were finished in their entirety or released.
  
 
===Concert Performances===
 
===Concert Performances===
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====1968 Comeback Special====
 
====1968 Comeback Special====
He stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when he released his '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
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Presley stopped touring while he was in Hollywood until 1968, when his special ''Elvis'' or also called the '''68 Comeback'' on NBC. The network originally wanted it to be a soft Christmas special with Presley in a tuxedo, but Presley did a rock performance in leather. He saw this as his comeback from his films to live performing. He performed many of his previous hits, and had a gospel section of the performance which included the famous song "If I Can Dream". The concert was later sold on VHS and DVD by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
  
 
Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.  
 
Colonel Parker originally wanted the show to be a Christmas performance with little more than Presley performing Christmas carols. He believed that this could be a television version of the Christmas show Presley performed the year before. However, producer Steve Binder felt that this would not be best for the singer since they wanted to reestablish his reputation with this concert after he made many films and recordings of varying quality.  
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====Aloha from Hawaii====
 
====Aloha from Hawaii====
 
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
 
[[File:ElvisPresleyAlohafromHawaii.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Presley at the Aloha from Hawaii concert]]
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*''Main Article: [[Aloha from Hawaii]]''
 
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.
 
Elvis Presley’s "Aloha from Hawaii" concert originally broadcasted on January 14, 1973 was the first of its kind to be broadcast worldwide via satellite, and was seen by at least a billion viewers worldwide. It took place at the International Convention Center Arena in [[Honolulu]]. Despite the satellite innovation, the United States did not air the concert until April 4, 1973 per network decision. The concert aired in forty countries across Asia and Europe. The concert cost $2.5 million and raised $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund. It featured an array of old and recent hits by Presley including "Hound Dog", "Steamroller Blues", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Suspicious Minds". The concert also was released via soundtrack and later CD and DVD.
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Presley's manager, Colonel Parker, decided that he was going to air a live concert via satellite since it was impossible for Presley to tour in every major city. He initially wanted the concert to take place in late 1972, but was changed to 1973 since MGM was releasing its ''Elvis on Tour'' concert documentary. On September 4, 1972, Parker held a conference announcing the Presley concert would air on January 14 the next year.
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Presley arrived in Hawaii on January 9, 1973, having lost twenty-five pounds for the show, to begin rehearsing.
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Those who performed instrumentals were:
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*James Burton (lead guitar)
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*Charlie Hodge (acoustic guitar/vocals)
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*Glen Hardin (piano/keyboards)
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*Ronnie Tutt (drums)
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*John Wilkinson (rhythm guitar)
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*Jerry Scheff (bass)
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*J.D. Sumner & the Stamps Quartet (vocals)
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*Kathy Westmoreland (vocals)
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*The Sweet Inspirations (vocals)
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*Joe Guercio & his Orchestra
  
 
====Elvis Lives Concerts====
 
====Elvis Lives Concerts====
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===Army service===
 
===Army service===
 
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.
 
At the age of eighteen, like all young American men, on January 19, 1953, Presley registered for the Selective Service system. At the time, there was a draft and all young men in good health were to be able to serve two years in the military, and then spend four years in the reserves. Presley, after signing up, became the sensation he was. Then Presley received a draft notice, No. 40-86-35-16 on December 20, 1957, but sought deferment to finish his film ''King Creole''. Presley went to the Memphis Draft Board on March 24, 1958 to be processed into the Army. He then spent 10 weeks in advanced tank training in Fort Hood, Texas. Presley returned soon after to see his mother, Gladys, who was gravely ill. She died on August 14, 1958. Presley served for two years and was assigned as an M48 Patton tank crewman to Company A, 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor Regiment of the 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed at Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany.
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===Martial Arts===
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It was while stationed in Germany that Presley first developed his lifelong interest in martial arts. He was a student of Hank Slemansky, a German Chito Ryu master, and became a black belt upon returning to the United States in 1960. His [[gospel music|gospel]] album "His Hand in Mine," released in 1961, features Presley on the cover, sitting at the piano wearing a black belt pin. He earned black belts from several famous instructors.<ref>http://www.tracyskarate.com/Stories/was_elvis_really_a_black_belt.htm</ref>
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He later came under the tutelage of Kendo master Ed Parker, who said that Presley was an excellent martial artist and actually knew the contents of the IKKA manual for Kendo better than he did. Presley was able to achieve a 6th degree black belt in Kendo by 1973.
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Elvis Presley is credited with popularizing martial arts in the United States through the use of exciting fight sequences in his movies, for which he did not use a stuntman. In 1960, while filming the film ''G.I. Blues'', he accidentally injured his hand with enough force to cause it to swell up noticeably. He finished the filming regardless, and was known among other martial artists for his high tolerance for physical punishment. <ref>http://members.tripod.com/beyondthereef__1/tigerman.html</ref>
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Some of Presley's jumpsuits in the 1970s were based on karate outfits, and allowed him to perform karate-style moves on stage.
  
 
===Marriage===
 
===Marriage===
Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis Presley had many affairs. Priscilla tried to make amends, but was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>
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Presley married [[Priscilla Presley|Priscilla Beaulieu]], who was fourteen years old when they met in 1959, ten years younger than Presley, on May 1, 1967. Presley met her while he was in the Army, stationed in Germany. Both of them wanted children. [[Lisa Marie Presley]], Elvis' only and Priscilla's first child, was born on February 1, 1968. During the marriage, Elvis had many affairs. Priscilla tried to repair the marriage, but she was largely unsuccessful. The marriage ended on October 9, 1973 and affected Presley for the rest of his life; this was evidenced by the fact that many of Presley's recordings later in his career were about lost love. <ref>[http://www.fingerprintsofelvis.co.uk/Elvis_and_Marriage.html Elvis and Marriage]</ref>
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===Gun Collection===
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Presley was a lifelong collector of firearms, including a silver-plated Colt 45 which he presented to President Nixon. At the time of his death, he had a collection of 37 handguns, an unknown number of rifles and at least one machine gun. One of his handguns, a Walter PPK he gave to actor Jack Lord, fetched $28,800 at auction. <ref>http://www.elvispresleynews.com/ElvisGuns.html</ref>
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In 2007, an unidentified thief stole a 9mm Smith and Wesson from a Graceland display case during an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of his death. The thief apparently abandoned the gun in a toilet, where it was found by a janitor and soon after returned to police. <ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6956224.stm</ref>
  
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Presley was known to shoot guns at televisions if they displayed something he did not like.
 
===Religion===
 
===Religion===
Presley came from a Christian background; he had a superficially religious family and they attended First Assembly of God Church in East Tupelo, Mississippi, and then First Assembly of God in Memphis after the family moved. He was accompanied by several different gospel singers during his career including The Jordanaires, The Stamps, and the Imperials. He recorded several gospel albums including ''You'll Never Walk Alone''. After concerts, Presley would often perform gospel music all night with some of his band members and friends. It is unknown whether Presley was a devout Christian.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/Elvis_Presley.html Elvis religion]</ref>
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Presley came from a Christian background; he had a superficially religious family and they attended First Assembly of God Church in East Tupelo, Mississippi, and then First Assembly of God in Memphis after the family moved. During his career, he was accompanied by several different gospel groups including The Jordanaires, The Stamps, and The Imperials. He recorded several gospel albums beginning with ''His Hand in Mine''. After concerts, Presley would often perform gospel music all night with some of his band members and friends. It is unknown whether Presley was a devout Christian.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/people/pp/Elvis_Presley.html Elvis religion]</ref> <ref>[http://www.cbn.com/blogs/scottross/121207elvis.aspx]</ref>
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Rev. [[Sun Myung Moon]] considered making a movie of his life, but made "[[Incheon!]]" instead. After his death, a copy of Moon's ''[[Divine Principle]]'' was found on a Graceland bookshelf.
  
 
===Death===
 
===Death===
Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be related to an overuse and overdose of prescription drugs, combined with poor eating habits.
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Elvis Presley died at the age of 42 in his home in Memphis on August 16, 1977. The cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest related to overuse and overdoses of prescription drugs such as codeine, Valium, morphine, and Demorol, combined with poor eating habits.
  
 
He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>
 
He was scheduled to fly to Portland, [[Maine]] that night, do a show the next day, and finish his tour. During the early morning of the 16th, Presley was taking care of last minute details. He went to his suite at 7 AM and died of heart failure. Within hours, the news was being announced on the radio, and grief struck the nation. Callers would even ask jockeys to tell their stories about Presley. <ref>[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/the_death_of_elvis_presley_august_16_1977.shtml Elvis death]</ref>
  
 
==Legacy==
 
==Legacy==
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*''Main Article: [[Legacy of Elvis Presley]]''
 
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
 
*''See also: [[Elvis Presley phenomenon]]''
 
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
 
[[File:YoungElvisPresley.jpg|thumb|right|110px|A young Presley]]
Presley has had a great effect on music and has a satellite radio station dedicated to his works, his home is a historic landmark and attracts many visitors across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any deceased performer.
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Presley has had a great effect on music; this includes a satellite radio station dedicated to playing his songs, his home is a historic landmark which attracts many visitors from across the world, and many entertainers make a living impersonating him. Presley also makes the most money of any deceased performer.
===Halls of Fame===
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In 1986 he was inducted into the [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]], in 1998 the Country Music Hall of Fame and in 2001 the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  In 2007 Elvis Presley was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
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===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
 
===Elvis Presley Enterprises===
Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) originally founded by former manager Neal in 1954, created Graceland as a tourist attraction, secured copyrights for Presley's image and intellectual property. They have become the official organization to sell Presley merchandise. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley are involved with and solely owned the company, until CKX Inc. acquired an 85% stake with Lisa Marie with a 15% stake.
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[[Elvis Presley Enterprises]] (EPE) originally founded by former manager Neal in 1954, created Graceland as a tourist attraction, secured copyrights for Presley's image and intellectual property. They have become the official organization to sell Presley merchandise. Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley are involved with and solely owned the company, until CKX Inc. acquired an 85% stake with Lisa Marie with a 15% stake.
  
 
EPE is responsible for all legally produced Presley merchandise such as music, movies, costumes, action figures, hot sauces, and any other piece of Presley memorabilia.
 
EPE is responsible for all legally produced Presley merchandise such as music, movies, costumes, action figures, hot sauces, and any other piece of Presley memorabilia.
  
 
===Graceland===
 
===Graceland===
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''Main Article: [[Graceland]]''
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Graceland is the former residence of Presley and is where he is buried, after being moved from Forest Hill Cemetery at 1661 Elvis Presley Blvd due to an unsuccessful break-in by graverobbers. It is a large white-columned mansion located on 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis about nine miles away from Downtown Memphis and less than four miles north of the Mississippi border. The Elvis Presley estate earns over $40 million and draws over 600,000 tourists yearly, a record for a deceased entertainer.  Graceland Mansion, his home while alive, and his burial place, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Graceland garners many tourists, and is second only to the [[White House]] in number of tourists visiting a private residence. Tourists are invited to see much of the house and the meditation garden where the family is buried, but the upstairs is reserved for Presley's family.
 
Graceland is the former residence of Presley and is where he is buried, after being moved from Forest Hill Cemetery at 1661 Elvis Presley Blvd due to an unsuccessful break-in by graverobbers. It is a large white-columned mansion located on 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis about nine miles away from Downtown Memphis and less than four miles north of the Mississippi border. The Elvis Presley estate earns over $40 million and draws over 600,000 tourists yearly, a record for a deceased entertainer.  Graceland Mansion, his home while alive, and his burial place, is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Graceland garners many tourists, and is second only to the [[White House]] in number of tourists visiting a private residence. Tourists are invited to see much of the house and the meditation garden where the family is buried, but the upstairs is reserved for Presley's family.
  
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===Elvis Impersonators===
 
===Elvis Impersonators===
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*''Main Article: [[Elvis impersonator]]''
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[[File:Elvis impersonators.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Some people show tribute toward Presley by imitating his voice, looks, or both. Some entertainers are professional Elvis Tribute Artists, who perform concerts in Las Vegas or elsewhere emulating Presley.]]
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Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.
 
Presley's legacy is such that many entertainers have made careers emulating him in voice, looks, or both. They are called Elvis Tribute Artists, or informally as Elvis impersonators. Professional Elvis impersonators highlight in Las Vegas and other areas across the United States and around the world.
  
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In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.
 
In addition to Las Vegas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a popular spot for Elvis impersonators.
 +
 +
[[Doug Church]] is considered to be the Elvis impersonator with the closest voice to Presley's. He recorded an album of cover songs that caused some to believe Presley was still alive since those songs were recorded originally after Presley's death.
 +
 +
An Elvis impersonator did well on ''America's Got Talent''.
  
 
===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
 
===Sirius-XM Elvis Radio===
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances, lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes.
+
With the launch of satellite radio, a channel dedicated entirely to the works of Elvis Presley was created. The 24 hour station plays his studio recordings, live performances (nights are often dedicated to playing a Presley concert in its entirety), lost and rare studio sessions and interviews with many of Presley's former friends, acquaintances and bandmates. The station is located in Memphis across the Graceland estate. The Elvis Quiz Show is periodically hosted on the network, where fans can answer questions about Presley and his work to earn prizes. The station dedicates Sunday mornings to Presley's gospel recordings.
 +
 
 
===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
 
===Elvis is Alive conspiracies===
 +
*''Main Article: [[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]''
 
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. A claim to justify this belief is that Presley faked his death being tired of fame. There have also been claims of people seeing Presley, but these were most likely Elvis impersonators. While these claims are pure speculation and do not have validity, they are prominent in American popular culture.
 
Immediately after his death, people have speculated that Presley faked his death. ''National Enquirer'' published an article claiming the photo of Presley in his casket was actually taken of a double of his body. A claim to justify this belief is that Presley faked his death being tired of fame. There have also been claims of people seeing Presley, but these were most likely Elvis impersonators. While these claims are pure speculation and do not have validity, they are prominent in American popular culture.
 +
 +
However, a considerable amount of people believe that Presley did not die in 1977. They believe that he went into hiding and is still alive today. People have even made claims that they have seen Presley after his death.
 +
 +
Even though there is almost no probability of Presley being alive, it would not be an impossibility; Presley would be 77 years old as of January, 2012.
 +
 +
==Factoids==
 +
*Presley's favorite sandwich was peanut butter and banana. He also enjoyed hamburgers and jelly donuts.
 +
*He would buy cars for family, friends, and even complete strangers.
 +
*He would rent out amusement parks and other establishments, or at least go after hours, because he did not want to run into a huge swarm of fans.
 +
 +
==Quotes==
 +
"Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine."
 +
 +
"A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It's my favorite part of the business, live concerts."
 +
 +
"Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity."
 +
 +
"I don't do any vulgar movements."
 +
 +
"I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."
 +
 +
"I don't think I'm bad for people. If I did think I was bad for people, I would go back to driving a truck, and I really mean this."
 +
 +
"I hope I didn't bore you too much with my life story."
 +
 +
"I never expected to be anybody important."
 +
 +
"I sure lost my musical direction in Hollywood. My songs were the same conveyer belt mass production, just like most of my movies were."
 +
 +
"I think I have something tonight that's not quite correct for evening wear. Blue suede shoes."
 +
 +
"I was training to be an electrician. I suppose I got wired the wrong way round somewhere along the line."
 +
 +
"I've never written a song in my life. It's all a big hoax."
 +
 +
"I'm no hillbilly singer"
 +
 +
"Man, that record came out and was real big in Memphis. They started playing it, and it got real big. Don't know why-the lyrics had no meaning"
 +
 +
"Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I can't help it."
 +
 +
"Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over"
 +
 +
"The Army teaches boys to think like men."
 +
 +
"The Lord can give, and the Lord can take away. I might be herding sheep next year."
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"Until we meet again, may God bless you as he has blessed me."
 +
 +
"When I got outta High School I was driving a truck. I was just a poor boy from Memphis."
 +
 +
"When I was a boy, I always saw myself as a hero in comic books and in movies. I grew up believing this dream."
  
 
==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
 
==Discography<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/elvis/epchart.htm Elvis Presley's Top 40 Hits]</ref>==
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|}
 
|}
  
==Grammys==
+
==Awards and honors==
 +
Presley had over thirty number one hits; he has more number one hits than any solo artist other than [[George Strait]].
 +
===Grammys===
 
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
 
Presley was nominated for fourteen Grammys and won three.<ref>[http://www4.sul.com.br/epkingd/awards.htm Elvis' Grammys]</ref>
===Won===
+
====Won====
*''How Great Thou Art'' (Best Sacred Performance, 1967)
+
*1967: Best Sacred Performance for "How Great Thou Art"
*''He Touched Me'' (Best Inspirational Performance, 1972)
+
*1972: Best Inspirational Performance for ''He Touched Me''
*''How Great Thou Art'' (Best Inspirational Performance, 1974)
+
*1974: Best Inspirational Performance for "How Great Thou Art" (from ''Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis'')
===Nominated===
+
====Nominated====
*''A Fool Such As I'' (Record of the Year, 1959) 
+
*1959: Record of the Year for "A Fool Such As I
*''A Big Hunk O'Love'' (Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist, 1959)   
+
*1959: Best Performance by a "Top 40" artist for "A Big Hunk O'Love"   
*''A Big Hunk O'Love'' (Best Rhythm and Blues Performance, 1959)
+
*1959: Best Rhythm and Blues Performance for "A Big Hunk O'Love"
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Record of the Year, 1960) 
+
*1960: Record of the Year for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Best Male Vocal Performance, 1960) 
+
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?
*''Are You Lonesome Tonight?'' (Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist, 1960)  
+
*1960: Best Performance by a Pop Singles Artist for "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"  
*''G.I. Blues'' (Best Soundtrack Album, 1960)
+
*1960: Best Soundtrack Album for ''G.I. Blues''
*''G.I. Blues'' (Best Male Vocal Performance, 1960)
+
*1960: Best Male Vocal Performance for "G.I. Blues"
*''Blue Hawaii'' (Best Soundtrack Anthem, 1967)
+
*1967: Best Soundtrack Anthem for ''Blue Hawaii''
*''You'll Never Walk Alone'' (Best Sacred Performance, 1968)
+
*1968: Best Sacred Performance for "You'll Never Walk Alone" (from ''How Great Thou Art'')
*''Softly As I Leave You'' (Best Country Vocal Performance, 1978)
+
*1978: Best Country Vocal Performance for "Softly As I Leave You"
 +
 
 +
===Hall of fame inductions===
 +
Presley has been inducted into different music halls of fame:
 +
*1986: The [[Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]]
 +
*1998: The Country Music Hall of Fame
 +
*2001: The [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]]
 +
*2007: The Hit Parade Hall of Fame
 +
 
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
Line 317: Line 428:
 
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]
 
*[[Elvis is Alive conspiracies]]
  
 +
== External links ==
 +
*[http://www.elvis.com Elvis.com-Official Website of Elvis Presley]
 +
*[http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/bio/elvis_overview.asp Biography]
 +
*[http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/biography/elvis_presley_biography.shtml Comprehensive history of Elvis Presley's dynamic life]
 +
*[http://www.shopelvis.com/default.aspx ShopElvis]
 +
*[http://www.azlyrics.com/e/elvis.html Elvis Presley lyrics]
 +
*[http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx Elvis.com biography]
 +
*[http://www.sergent.com.au/elvis/menu.html Complete discography]
 +
*[http://elvis.wikia.com Elvis Wiki]
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Presley, Elvis}}
 
+
{{Elvis Presley}}
 
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
 
[[Category:Elvis Presley|*]]
 
[[Category:Tennessee]]
 
[[Category:Tennessee]]
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[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
 
[[Category:Rock & Roll]]
 
[[Category:Musicians]]
 
[[Category:Musicians]]
[[Category:Biography]]
 

Latest revision as of 21:47, 18 August 2012

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