THE KING

In 1946, Elvis asked for a bicycle for Christmas. His parents could not afford one so his mother talked him into a guitar instead.

The family moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948 and Elvis graduated high school there in 1953.

During those years and ones right out of high school, Elvis held various jobs to help support the family. The family attended the Assembly Church of God. Elvis "hung out" on Beale street and bought his clothes there. His hair was longer than other young men and he let his side-burns grow. He attended the all night gospel sings that were held downtown. In the summer of 1953, he dropped by the Memphis Recording Service (now known as Sun Records) and recorded two songs, "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" for a cost of $4.00. In 1954, he went back to the studio and recorded "Casual Love Affair" and "I'll Never Stand In Your Way". The owner of the studio, Sam Phillips was there and took a liking to Elvis. Sam teamed Elvis up with Scotty Moore on guitar and Bill Black on bass. Nothing really clicked until July 5, 1954. After a long session, Elvis and the boys were just playing around and started singing "That's All Right." Sam Phillips knew he had a hit. That song, backed with "Blue Moon of Kentucky" became the first single Elvis released.

On October 16, 1954, Elvis met Colonel Tom Parker. On August 15, 1955, Elvis signed a contract with the Col. making him Elvis' manager. He remained his manager from that time on.

On January 27, 1956, Elvis recorded "Heartbreak Hotel which became Elvis' first gold record.

On March 13, 1956, the first album, "Elvis Presley" was released and went on to become Elvis' first gold album. Elvis was an international sensation!

On April 6, 1956, Elvis signed a seven year movie contract with Paramount Pictures. He went on to star in 33 successful films.

By December of 1956, Wall Street Journal reported that Elvis merchandise had grossed $22 million in sales.

By the end of 1956, Elvis purchased Graceland and moved his mom and dad in with him. A far cry from his humble beginnings. Elvis had also received his draft notice.

Elvis Presley is inducted into the United States Army on March 24, 1958 and assigned serial number 53310761.

On March 25, 1958, Elvis get his G.I. haircut at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

In August of 1958, Gladys Presley became very ill. Elvis was granted emergency leave to go home to be by his mothers side. Elvis was very close to his mother. She passed away on August 12, 1958 at the age of 46. Elvis was never the same after that.

Elvis reported back to Fort Hood on August 25, 1958. He was sent to Friedberg, West Germany in October 1958.

In November of 1959, Elvis met Priscilla Ann Beaulieu through a mutual friend.

On January 20, 1960, Elvis was promoted to Sergeant. He left Germany on March 1, 1960 and was discharged from active duty on March 5, 1960. On March 21, 1960 he received his first degree black belt in karate, an interest he developed while in the army. During this time Elvis kept in contact with Priscilla. In December of 1962, her family allowed her to visit Elvis at Graceland for Christmas. She returned to Germany for a brief time, but then went back to Graceland to live and finish her senior year at high school. She turned 18 on May 24, 1963. On May 1, 1967, Elvis and Priscilla were married in Las Vegas.

Lisa Marie Presley was born on February 1, 1968, nine months to the day of the marriage of Elvis and Priscilla. Elvis was elated.

Elvis' popularity continued to grow and his career was booming.In July of 1972, Elvis and Priscilla seperated. Elvis was devastated. On October 9, 1973 Elvis and Priscilla went to court and their divorce was granted. They vowed to remain close friends and Elvis was to see Lisa Marie on a regular basis. Elvis began to have problems with his health and weight and became increasingly dependant on prescription drugs. On August 16, 1977 Elvis Presley passed away at the age of 42. "Ladies and Gentleman, Elvis has left the building."

Thankyouverymuch

Elvis was laid to rest at Graceland.

However, Elvis lives on in the hearts of all of his fans. His estate keeps growing from the sales of his records and memorablia. Long live the king.

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