Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, emerged as one of the most iconic figures in music history, widely known as the "King of Rock and Roll." Raised in a humble, working-class family, Presley was deeply influenced by gospel music from his church and the vibrant blues scene in Memphis, where his family moved when he was 13. He began his music career in 1954 with Sun Records, where producer Sam Phillips saw in him the potential to bring African-American music to a broader audience.

Presley's unique style, a blend of rockabilly, country, and rhythm and blues, quickly gained popularity. His first RCA Victor single, "Heartbreak Hotel," released in 1956, became a number-one hit, marking the start of his meteoric rise. Known for his energetic and provocative performances, Presley became a cultural icon, though not without controversy, as his style challenged the conservative norms of the time.

In addition to his music career, Presley made significant inroads into film, debuting in "Love Me Tender" in 1956 and starring in numerous films throughout the 1960s. Despite his success, many of his films were critically panned. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, he served until 1960, after which he returned to music with renewed vigor.

Presley's personal life was as public as his career. He married Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967, with whom he had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, before divorcing in 1973. His later years were marred by health issues and a struggle with drug addiction, leading to his untimely death from heart failure on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. He was buried at his beloved Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee.

Despite his death, Elvis Presley's legacy endures, with his influence evident in countless artists across various genres. His contributions to music and culture have been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Presley remains a symbol of rock and roll's transformative power and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.