Elvis Presley

American singer, musician, and actor, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, at age 13. He began his music career in 1954 at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who aimed to bring African-American music to a broader audience. Presley, playing guitar and accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, pioneered rockabilly—a lively blend of country and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D.J. Fontana joined to complete Presley's classic quartet. That year, RCA Victor acquired his contract through manager Colonel Tom Parker, who managed his career until his death. Presley's first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel," was released in January 1956 and became a number-one hit in the U.S. Within a year, RCA Victor sold ten million Presley singles. Through successful television appearances and hit records, he became the leading figure in the emerging rock and roll genre, though his performance style and promotion of African-American sounds caused concern among parts of American society. In November 1956, he made his film debut in "Love Me Tender." Drafted into the army in 1958, he resumed his music career in 1960 with commercially successful works. In the 1960s, he focused on Hollywood films, releasing over 30 movies, including "Jailhouse Rock," "Blue Hawaii," and "Viva Las Vegas," though most were critically mixed. In 1968, he returned to the stage with the television special "Elvis," leading to a Las Vegas residency and profitable tours. In 1973, he held the first concert broadcast globally via satellite, "Aloha from Hawaii," whose album topped U.S. charts. Years of substance abuse and unhealthy living took a toll on his health, and he died on August 16, 1977, at age 42 at his Graceland estate.