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Elvis Facts

Before diving into all the facts I have about Elvis Presley, perhaps first it makes sense to read a short biography of Elvis which very briefly describes the main events of Elvis' life. Here's the best biography on the Internet taken form Elvis.com.

FILMOGRAPHY - Every one of Elvis' 31 feature films is listed here.
SONGS THAT MADE THE TOP 40 - Every one of Elvis' top 40 singles is listed here.

Elvis Aaron Presley, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in asmall house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. Sadly, his twin brother Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. The family moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948 where Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.
Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.
His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

RANDOM FACTS:

  • In 1960, following his return from military service, the various employees hired by Elvis Presley to handle security and his concert tours were affectionately dubbed the "Memphis Mafia" by the news media. After his death several Memphis Mafia members wrote books on their time working for Presley.

  • His given middle name at birth was Aron, however Aaron was placed on his gravestone by his father because Elvis preferred that biblical spelling and had legally changed it. Aaron is the official spelling used by his estate.

  • Elvis Presley made only one television commercial, an ad for Southern Maid Doughnuts that ran in 1954.

  • His hair was a natural sandy brown but he dyed it jet black after filming "Love Me Tender."

  • Billboard 's Joel Whitburn declared Presley the "#1 act of the Rock era", beating out The Beatles, based upon his dominance of Billboard's list of top 100 singles artists since 1955.

  • Elvis Presley was Jewish through his maternal great-great-grandmother. Since Judaism is traditionally inherited from one's mother, Presley qualifies as a Jew.

  • Elvis Costello borrowed Presley's first name to help his fledgling career.

  • In 2005, and for the fifth year straight, Elvis was named the richest deceased celebrity.

  • Elvis was especially proud of his role in King Creole because the part was originally offered to his idol James Dean. Although songs were later slipped into the movie, Elvis considered it his best work.