About Elvis Presley, One of Legends of Music, and His Life

When we hear the melodies of hit songs such as "Can't Help Falling In Love", "Love Me Tender" and "It's Now Or Never", his sideburns, glossy black hair, unique stage outfit, perfect facial features and velvet voice are the first things that pop in our minds. We are talking about the legendary singer Elvis Presley. Leaving an indelible mark on the music memory of the whole world and holding the title of "world star" with his unique style with justified pride even after his death, Elvis Presley is a star arousing curiosity not only with his music but also with his private life. Here are the starred details about Elvis' life…

Elvis Aaron Presley, King of Rock 'n' Roll,  was born on January 8, 1935 in Mississippi. Also known by his nickname "The King", Elvis Presley is also referred to as an actor as well as a singer. Emphasizing his handsomeness and sexiness in 1950s, he became much more famous with the nickname "Elvis The Pelvis". Actually born as twins, Elvis' brother died before birth. With evident interest, love and talent for music at a very young age, Elvis grew up listening to blues and country music. Elvis, who was going to rock the world with a huge fan base when he grew up, was exposed to mockery and ostracized by his friends as a quiet and introverted boy when he was young.

In 1946, when he was 11 years old, his family gave him his first guitar.  In high school, Elvis was still an unpopular teenager among his friends.  His peers were saying that his music was not good and that he would never succeed. Despite this evident pressure, Elvis continued to build himself up with his unique stance and lifestyle.  His sideburns and stage outfits reflecting him started to shape slowly. His sideburns, which he grew after he was inspired by other drivers while he was a part time truck driver at night, were going to become one of his symbols. 

Year 1954. Elvis graduated from high school and started to climb the fame ladder by signing a contract with Sun Records. Signing a contract with RCA Records in 1955, the young talent began to climb the career ladder rapidly. He released his first single and album, Heartbreak Hotel.  In 1956, he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures and started his acting career.  He started to become famous with his unique dance moves and attraction.  He started to make his name with his first movie on the big screen, Love Me Tender. 

He performed improvised jazz session with The Beatles. In 1967, he married his girlfriend Priscilla Bealieu in Las Vegas. Becoming a well-known star all around the world, Elvis said that he made almost all of his childhood dreams come true. The following sums him up: "Without a song, the day would never end. Without a song, a man ain’t got a friend. Without a song, the road would never end. So I keep singing a song.  For myself, for you…”

Winning three Grammy awards, Elvis Presley continued to make an indelible impression not only with his voice but also with his "sexy" image. Now he had a collection of luxury cars, including pink Cadillacs, luxury homes, and a glamorous life. But things did not go well. Developing eating disorder to the point of obesity, Elvis loved to eat giant sandwiches, which were almost fifty centimeters in size and containing all kinds of foods such as bananas, peanut butter, sausage, bacon, and these sandwiches started to be known as Elvis sandwiches.

Their daughter Lisa Marie was born to the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla. In 70s, the happiness of the couple started to fade away. In 1973, they divorced officially and parted their ways. Mother Priscilla gained the custody of their daughter Lisa. In Elvis' life, things were not going well as before. Struggling with drugs and weight problems, Elvis Presley was hospitalized and received treatment for a long time.

In July 1977, the famous star gave his last concert in Indianapolis.  He returned to Memphis to prepare for his next tour; but, on August 16, 1977, he died of heart failure.  He was only 42 years old when he fell like a star.  The examinations after his death showed that his death was due to drug. Elvis Presley was buried in the family graveyard in Graceland.

It was only his body that was buried.  His soul, voice, music and the glamorous mark he left have been shining the world for 44 years.  With the nickname "king" due to his velvety voice, romantic songs and unique style, Elvis Presley seems to continue to be remembered and shine with the same brightness in the hearts and minds of music lovers. The following quote of Elvis, who has an inspiring power through all of his features, sums up the situation:  “Only you can make this world brighter.”