Elvis Presley~
33 years ago today the King of Rock and Roll died and part of Americana did as well. The King was born in Tupelo Mississippi, at the age of 13 he moved to Memphis Tennessee with his family. It was there in 1954 Elvis started his career when the owner of Sun Records, Sam Phillips wanted to bring the sounds of what would become Rock N' Roll to a wider audience thus enter Elvis Aaron Presley!
Heartbreak Hotel was released in January 1956 and became the King's first number one making him a leading figure with this new sound called rock and roll. Elvis became extremely popular with his energized and often controversial performances. In November of 1956 made his film debut in Love Me Tender. On March 24th in 1958 he was inducted into the Army he stated that he was looking forward to his service in the military. He went to Germany and it was there where he met 14 year-old Priscilla Beaulieu beginning a seven year courtship that which led to their marriage and in 1968 their daughter Lisa Marie was born. He and Priscilla built their Kingdom in Memphis and named the lush estate Graceland.
The King became an iconic figure, selling millions of records that hosted a ton of number one hits and starring in dozens of movies. Unfortunately Elvis had his share of problems, drug and alcohol addiction, marriage and health issues took their toll on the King and eventually led to his untimely death in 1977. President Jimmy Carter issued a statement that credited Presley with having "permanently changed the face of American popular culture." Nearly 80,000 people lined the processional route for Presley's funeral, outside the gates of Graceland a car plowed into the crowd killing two women. An attempt was made to steal Elvis's body at Forest Hill Cemetery so he and his mother's remains were both moved to Graceland's Meditation Gardens in October of 1977.
The King made an impact that was huge in pop culture not only did he change the face of music he also made some pretty bold and unique fashion statements. Jumpsuits of the 1970's, gold chain medallions and Hawaiian shirts were popularized by the King take a look at some of his finest fashion moments.
On Stage ~
photo via solarnavigator.net
Wedding to Priscilla~
via Photobuket
via Photobuket
In the Movie Blue Hawaii~
via guardian.co.uk
The King Waves to his Loyal Subjects~
Jailhouse Rock Promo Photo~
via FanPOP
On Stage at the Frank Sinatra Show ~
via FanPop
Thank you Dallas Goodnight !! Elvis has left the building!
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