Profile of the Day: Elvis Presley

Today we remember the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, who passed away on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42.

Image: Elvis Presley / Wikimedia Commons

Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Vernon and Gladys Presley. From very humble beginnings, Elvis would go on to be one of the most successful musicians in history. In 1956, he scored his first number one hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” Shortly after, he made his big screen debut in the movie Love Me Tender. A popular fixture on television, his performance of “Hound Dog” on the Milton Berle Show is perhaps one of his most memorable and controversial appearances on the small screen.

As one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century, Elvis not only transformed the field of popular music, he was the catalyst for the cultural revolution that was rock and roll.

Do you have a favorite Elvis Presley song?

Explore Elvis Presley’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related to the King of Rock and Roll.

View Elvis Presley’s Geni Profile