Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Sadly, his twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. The family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, where Elvis graduated from Humes High School in 1953.

Elvis was influenced by a variety of music genres, including pop, country, gospel, and black R&B, which he absorbed while living in Memphis. He began his singing career with Sun Records in 1954 and later signed with RCA Victor in late 1955. By 1956, he became an international sensation, blending his diverse musical influences to challenge social and racial barriers of the time.

Throughout his career, Elvis starred in 33 films, made groundbreaking television appearances, and achieved immense success with his live concert performances, selling over one billion records globally. He received numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy nominations and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Despite his fame, Elvis served honorably in the U.S. Army without special privileges. He was beloved for his talent, charisma, and humility, becoming one of the most iconic figures in twentieth-century popular culture. Elvis passed away at Graceland, his Memphis home, on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42.