If you can remember August 1977, you probably remember the shocking news that took place. On the 16th of that month, the world lost Elvis Presley and even down to this day, people are still mourning the loss. When we look through Elvis’ life, it is difficult to really point out one single thing that he did that was more memorable than another. The fact of the matter is, he did so many fantastic things that he left us a legacy in more ways than many of us know.
From the time that Elvis was born to the hardships that were associated with climbing the ladder of fame, he was able to endure many difficulties. Some people would say that he was destined to become a star but in reality, he worked very hard to achieve that goal. We might look at his life and think of him as being a bedazzled performer on a stage in Las Vegas but even in his younger days, he stood out from the crowd. He had a style and personal presence that really made him different. You might even say that he was one-of-a-kind. Let’s take a look together at some of his moments in life, both happy and sad.
1.January 8, 1935: Elvis Aaron Presley Is Born
Did you know that Elvis had a twin brother, Jesse Garon? He was stillborn and his parents never had more children. He displayed a love for music, even when he was very young.
2. January 8, 1946: Elvis Gets His First Guitar
His parents purchased a cheap acoustic guitar and gave it to Elvis on his 11th birthday. It cost $7.90 from the Tupelo Hardware Store.
3. November 6, 1948: The Presleys Move To Memphis
Elvis performed in the annual talent show at his high school and he got a huge applause. He also won the show. Those who knew him in those early years said that he stood out because he had long hair and vibrant outfits.
4. Summer Of 1953: Elvis Performs For First Time At Sun Records
Elvis went to the Memphis recording studio shortly after high school and sang That’s When Your Heart Ache Begins and My Happiness as a present for his mom.
5. Summer 1954: His First Single Goes Wild
Elvis teamed up with local musicians to cut the single, That’s All Right on July 5. A popular DJ put it on the radio a few days later and people were asking for more. The rest of the summer was spent playing at local events.
6. Spring 1956: RCA Releases His First Album
Elvis was able to negotiate a major record deal with RCA in late 1955. It was just after his 21st birthday when he went to the studio to record his debut album. After the album was released in March, it became quite popular and he continued to play for local audiences.
Heartbreak Hotel won him his first gold record in April. He ended up with more TV appearances, including the performance Hound Dog with his gyrating hips.
7. November 15, 1956: Elvis Stars In His First Film
Love Me Tender became the first film for Elvis. It was a box office hit and featured several musical performances, including the titular ballad
8. December 4, 1956: Million Dollar Quartet Records Their Impromptu Session
Elvis got together with Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash at Sun Studios. They sang a few songs together, put them on tape and those songs are still popular today.
9. March 25, 1957: Elvis Buys Graceland
Elvis spent $102,500 on this estate. He moved in with his parents and grandparents that summer, stating in June.
10. March 24, 1958: Elvis Is Drafted By The Army
Elvis got his hair cut after being called up by the Memphis draft board. He spent six months in basic training and was stationed in Germany for 18 months.
11. August 8, 1958: Gladys Passes Away
He was given a temporary leave from the Army when his mother’s bad health was getting worse. She had acute hepatitis and she passed away after being in the hospital for a week. After her funeral, he returned to military service.
12. September 13, 1959: Elvis Meets Priscilla
Priscilla moved to Germany when she was 14 years old with her mother and stepfather. They met after being introduced by a mutual friend and the sparks flew.
13. March 20, 1960: Elvis Finally Gets Back To Recording
Elvis was discharged from the Army in March and he went right into the recording studio. The album he recorded was entitled, Elvis Is Back. He also shot the film, G.I. blues.
14. May 1, 1967: Elvis Marries Priscilla
Priscilla moved to Memphis in 1963, got her high school degree and married Elvis. They tied the knot before the Summer of was in full swing. They were married in Las Vegas.
15. February 1, 1968: Priscilla Gives Birth To Lisa Marie
Nine months after the Vegas wedding, Lisa Marie Presley was born in Memphis.
16. December 3, 1968: NBC Airs His Comeback Special
The ’68 Comeback Special was involved in this successful television program. 40% of the viewing audience was involved in watching the show.
17. March 1969: Elvis Makes A Serious Return To Music
Elvis returned to Memphis and began recording in 1955. He put out four of his biggest hits at that time, Suspicious Minds, Kentucky Rain, In the Ghetto and Don’t Cry Daddy.
18. July 31, 1969: Elvis Starts His Las Vegas Residency
Elvis spent eight years away from live performances and then went on a 57 show engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. He also started wearing his bedazzled jumpsuits.
19. December 21, 1970: The King Meets The President
Elvis brought Richard Nixon a gift, a commemorative World War II colt 45 pistol with seven silver bullets. He also said that he wanted to help battle the war on drugs. Nixon provided him with an honorary badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.
20. June 9, 1972: Elvis Sells Out Madison Square Garden
When the king of rock ‘n roll played for consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden, the demand was extremely high. Some ticketholders included John Lennon, David Bowie, and Bob Dylan.
21. January 14, 1973: Elvis Says Aloha From Hawaii
His performance from Hawaii was telecast via satellite and had over 1 billion viewers from some 40 different countries. The viewers were asked to donate what they felt like paying for a ticket and earned $75,000 for a cancer fund.
22. August 16, 1977: Elvis Passes Away At Graceland
Elvis continued to tour and perform in Las Vegas but he was in poor health. He was admitted to hospital multiple times. It was during a break at home that he passed away on August 16. Fans around the world were shocked and his funeral was held two days later, on the 18th.
Eventually, Elvis was buried between his parents on Graceland grounds. Fans continue to visit his grave down to this day.