Profile of the Day: Elvis Presley

Posted January 8, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday, Elvis! 86 years ago today, Elvis Presley was born. Known as the King of Rock and Roll, Presley is remembered as one of the most successful and iconic musicians in history.

Image: Elvis Presley / Wikimedia Commons

Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi in a two-room shotgun house built by his father, Vernon Presley. Sadly, Presley’s identical twin brother was delivered stillborn 35 minutes before his birth. Presley grew up as an only child and was very close to his parents, especially his mother, Gladys. At the age of 11, he was given his first guitar for his birthday.

In 1956, Presley scored his first number one hit with the single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” and became an international star. That same year, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender. In 1958, Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army and served for two years. After he was discharged, Presley returned to the top of the charts. Over the course of his career, he would star in 33 films and sell over 600 million records worldwide.

Presley died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42 in his home at Graceland. To this day, he continues to remain one of the world’s most popular music icons.

Explore Elvis Presley’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the King of Rock and Roll.