Born:

Elvis Aaron Presley, 8 January 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi at 4:35am to Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Presley..
Note: Elvis was the “second” son born on January 8, 1935 with his twin named Jesse Garon who (sadly) died at birth – aka: stillborn) approximately 30 minutes before Elvis was born. Jesse Garon was buried in the Priceville Baptist Cemetery in an unmarked grave on the 9th of January 1935. Elvis always “lived with” the guilt/sadness of knowing that a “exact copy” of him was inside the womb, alongside him, and yet did not (sadly) survive.

 

Elvis carried, as did his Mother and Father, this “memory” with him every moment of his life – mostly in private but sometimes (in great detail) with those who he confided with (i.e. friends, loved ones, etc.) which must have been very "difficult" for Elvis to discuss. One of the things that kept Elvis "sane", during his youth, was the fact that he and his Mother had (what can only be described) as a "spiritual - mind - body - soul - thought" connection. There were many times that Gladys would go to "extremes" to protect Elvis by telling him that "something bad was going to happen" at a certain place/date/time. Elvis recanted that on at least (3) three different dates that Gladys' predictions were (in fact) correct.

 

Even after his Mother's passing Elvis remembered, and adhered to (for a great deal of time), his Mother's objections to his flying. Gladys had shared with Elvis, around the age of 18 (eighteen) that she envisioned him dying in a plane crash. Elvis had also shared with others that he believed that he would never "outlive the age of his Mother" which he believed (up until his death in 1977) that his Mother was 42 years old. In reality his Mother was actually 46 years old as she has "reduced" her age, over time, by (4) four years to appear/be...younger.

 

Vernon Presley, Elvis’ father, built the Presley’s two-roomed home located on "Old Saltillo Road" in 1934. In order to construct this home Vernon Presley used a loan for $ 180.00 (one hundred and eighty dollars and no cents) from a local farmer named "Orville Bean". 

 

Elvis’ birthplace was known (then and now) as a Shotgun Shack because it was so small that you could actually discharge a shotgun shell (bullet) from the front door and it would go out the back without hitting anything. Elvis' birthplace was scheduled for demolition but it was (fortunately) salvaged and then opened to the public beginning in June of 1971.

 
Elvis was born...POOR. The Presley's lived in utter proverty. Elvis' Father Vernon was once put in jail for forging a check. During his Fathers' jail "stint" Elvis became even closer to his Mother.

 

 

   Died:

16 August 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

 

  History:

Simply put Elvis Presley was the GREATEST recording artist, entertainer, and (yes it is true – using the criteria that each of his movies MADE money which no other “actor/actress” can claim) actor…ever.

Equally as significant Elvis was a loving son, loving/caring/supportive father, and a great/loyal friend. Elvis also loved his (only) wife Priscilla even though their marriage (sadly) ended in divorce (with both parties sharing in the blame – in fairness Elvis was probably a little more “to blame”).

Elvis was the PUREST embodiment of rock 'n' roll, gospel, and rhythm and blues. Elvis Presley's life and career have become part of rock legend. Elvis started his musical career at the age of eight when he won $5 in a local song contest performing the Red Foley ballad, "Old Shep" at the local fair.

It is worth noting that Elvis had to have been influenced by attending, and sometimes “sneaking away to” the Pentecostal Church. Elvis LOVED listening to, and signing, religious and gospel songs. Elvis also had a great admiration for country and “rhythm and blues” and he “melded” these into a style that could only be described as…wonnderful!

 

(Note: you can "click on the guitar photo" to be taken directly to the site that Elvis got his first guitar from-highly recommended)

Elvis was given his first guitar on his 11th birthday (i.e. January 8, 1946) as his Mother has purchased this guitar from the Tupelo Hardware Company for him. Elvis and Gladys had previously visited the Tupelo Hardware Company and Elvis had shared with Gladys his desire to have a bicycle for this birthday. Due to the Presleys' financial condition (i.e. poor) Gladys could not afford to purchase the bicycle as it was much more costly than the guitar. It is worth "noting" that one of Gladys relatives later stated that the REAL REASON why Gladys got Elvis the guitar was so that Elvis would always be "near her" as she feared that a bicycle would allow Elvis to travel distances afar from her.

 

Elvis, upon receipt of the guitar and after the "realization" that the bicycle would not be forthcoming, took to "plucking the guitar"...constantly. To anyone, and everyone, who Elvis came in contact with Elvis was heard (over and over) inquiring "do you know how to play a guitar?" and/or "can you teach me?". It was not long after that Elvis was able to play a few chords and began to sing to the music originating from his youthful fingers.

 

Soon after, in the summer of 1945, Elvis (unknown to his parents who were initially "shocked" and then VERy proud) Elvis entered himself into the Mississippi Alabama Fair Talent Contest. There is, and has been, various accounts that Elvis took "second place" but records indicate (and Elvis confirmed during an onstage performance in the early 70;s) that he actually took 5th (fifth) place. This was the first time Elvis appeared onstage. Thankfully, for all of us, it was just the...beginning.

 

 

  Humes High School:

Elvis graduated from Humes High School which was located at 659 North manasas Street on June 3,1953.Humes High School was named after Laurence Carl Hughes, a former president of the Memphis Board of Education. Elvis was a very shy student who limited his "social settings" to the AV Club (aka: audio visual) as well as the ROTC. However Elvis was known to bring his guitar to school, once for a school talent show but more routinely during lunch where he played under a specific tree, whereby he played the few chords/songs he knew...and sang along. Gradually the "crowds" of students became increasingly greater thereby giving Elvis some confidence in performing in front of people. This shy, poor, and humble young man had found an outlet for his talents and to those who were present at the beginning, and every concert/performance thereafter, Elvis made a lasting impression...to say the least!

 

Nevertheless Elvis "stood out" at Humes, as he would anywhere in America in the early 50's, due to his sideburns and his slicked back hair and the way he dressed. Elvis also had a very distinct way of walking as he put his hand into his belt and (basically)...glided. Many of the young ladies of Humes took notice of Elvis which caused some "young men" to become jealous to the point that Elvis was physcially acosted while in the boys bathroom. Fortunately a star player on the football team, named Red West, was also in the boys bathroom at the time and rescued Elvis from his "would be attackers". A friendship was soon formed between Red West, and Elvis, that was NOT to last (up until Elvis' passing sadly on August 16, 1977) as it "ended" on terms that both (Elvis and Red West)...regretted.

 

 

  Elvis Employment:

When Elvis was (approximately) sixteen years old, and during his Humes High School days, he worked part-time as an usher at the Loew’s theatre (in Memphis of course). Elvis also worked, for a brief time, at these places as well; Precision Tool Co., Parker Machinists,  and the Crown Electric Company (where he was a delivery driver).

 

 

  Elvis 1st Recording:

 

In 1953 Elvis’ made his first recording, during the summer, at the Memphis Recording Service (which was located at 706 Union Avenue) for the "huge sum" of $ 4.00 (four dollars and no cents). He recorded (2) two songs entitled "My Happiness" along with "That’s When Your Heartaches Begin". At the time Elvis stated that these recordings were a gift for his Mother (for her birthday). Needless to say, Elvis made these recordings (which he deserves a lot of respect for having the courage to pursue his dream/aspiration) for his own reasons. 

 

During Elvis' first recording he was introducted to Marion Keisker, who was the "assistant" to Sam Phillips (the owner), who made a "mental note" of Elvis' distinct look...and sound. It is a fact that had it not of been for Marion Keisker the world would never have had the pleasure of hearing Elvis Presley for the (approximately) twenty-two years he made recordings!  

 

  History of Sun Studio:

 

 

Beginning in the summer of 1953 Marion Keisker kept "reminding" Sam Phillips, every chance she got, of this "hometown kid" that had something "special". However Sam Phillips did not "act" upon this information until he had scheduled a recording session, with another "new talent", who failed to show up for the recording session. Sam Phillips was so "upset" that he called in Marion Keisker who immediately reminded Sam Phillips about "Elvis" (the hometown talent with the distince voice, way of dressing, unique name, etc.). DESTINY had "reared it's head" as Marion Keisker picked up the phone and dialed the number...of Elvis Presley. Thank you Marion Keisker, Sam Phillips, and Sun records for putting into motion the career of Elvis A. Presley.

 

Elvis recorded his first "hit song" in January of 1954 which is/was titled (correctly) "That's All Right Lil Mama" but alot of people, and "third parties", know the song as "That's All Right". At the same session he also recorded "I’ll Never Stand In Your Way" as well as "(It Wouldn’t Be The Same) Without You". Sam Phillips was present at this "historical recording" but (at the time) he did not find Elvis' talent...that special (lesson learned - it's sometimes NOT how you "start"....but how you "finish" that counts - yeah baby!).

 

Prior to the actual recording, in January of 1954, it is important to know/understand the events leading up to this "first hit song". The way it began was that , Sam Phillips (eventually) called Elvis back into the studio (the following summer of 1953) by asking Elvis to record the ballad "Without You". Since Elvis did not have any "back-up musicians" Sam Phillips opted to team Elvis up with Scotty Moore (on lead guitar) and Bill Black (on bass). Scotty, and Bill, were known around Memphis as "slap and/or rockabily" musicians who (a) performed with ENERGY onstage and (b) could be counted on to perform...when the recording sessions began.

 

Sam Phillips had Elvis, backed by Scotty and Bill, try several different songs none of which "impressed" Sam. Song after song, attempt after attempt, hour after hour, Sam Phillips came to the conclusion that "this was just not working" AND it was costing Sam Phillips time...and money (two things that Sam Phillips never had enough of). Fortunately Sam Phillips called for a "break" at which point Elvis asked Scotty and Bill if they knew the song known as "That's All Right Lil Mama"...and they did! As Elvis started to sing, and Scotty and Bill started to "work it", Sam Phillips IMMEDIATELY KNEW that this was what he had been looking for. A distinct sound, a raw and talented singer, and a combination that transferred all of that energy/talent into the recording. Sam Phillips was so excited that he asked Elvis "what are you doing" at which point Elvis, who thought perhaps he had done something 'wrong", replied "we were just fooling around sir". Same Phillips said "well keep fooling around and start over....I have to get this recorded!". This single was recorded on July 5 (and later backed on the "flip side" with "Blue Moon Of Kentucky") and this song became his debut single on the Sun Record Label...and for Elvis Presley.

 

 

  Radio Debut:

If you had a "heartbeat", in 1954, and lived in Memphis you knew (whether you admitted it to your parents/family or not) about the disc jockey named Dewey Phillips and his "Red Hot and Blue" radio show on WHBQ Memphis. Dewey Phillips was a music LOVER...plain and simple. Regardless of color, which at the time (sadly) was a dominant issue between Americans, Dewey Phillips respected/appreciated/supported/played any/every Artist that had talent and/or a "unique sound".

 

Hence, Elvis' recording of "That’s All Right" fit right into Dewey Phillips "muscial tastes" along with the fact that Dewey Phillips and Sam Phillips (no relation but isn't it strange that they both had an identical last name) personally took the "hot sounding 45" to WHBQ (and gave it to Dewey Phillips along with a "long winded verbal recommendation" to play this platter)...hot off the presses.

 

On July 8, 1954 Dewey Phillips played Elvis' recording of "That's All Right" and the Memphis Listeners responded with tremendous support (calls requesting the song were made such that the phone lines were literally overwhelmed). The Listeners actually demanded that the record be played, and replayed through the night, prompting Dewey to invite Elvis (note: Dewey Phillips got the phone number for Elvis from Sam Phillips and called the Presley home. Gladys answered the phone and told Dewey that Elvis was working at the Theater that night. Between Dewey Phillips phone calls, and Gladys frantically calling the Theater, Elvis was told to come "down immediately to WHBQ. Elvis left his job so fast that when he reached WHBQ he was (literally) out of breath. Dewey Phillips introducted himself to Elvis and they started to talk. Elvis was not aware that they were "live" on the air. Thus Elvis did his first "media interview" on July 8, 1954 as well.

 

 Scotty and Bill - aka "The Blue Moon Boys":.
That's All Right instantly became a success in Memphis as well as parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisianna. There was such a demand for that song, and the Artist who performed it (by the way most people who heard the song believed that it was recorded by an African American - which was/is a compliment due to the amount of energy/rythmn/soul contained in the song), that soon Elvis began touring around Memphis (and parts of the South) with  Scotty Moore and Bill Black (who were known as the Blue Moon Boys). It was soon determined that they were in need of a drummer who could "keep up the energy", of Elvis - Scotty - Bill, and after a few "interviews" they (rightfully so) added (the amazingly talented in his own right) DJ Fontana. Now the act was...complete.