America's Forever Rock Star

No matter how many years have gone by since his passing, Elvis Presley's name will forever be an influential one in American history. While you likely know him for his hit songs like "Jailhouse Rock" and "Heartbreak Hotel," he was so much more than just a rock artist. He was a real stand-out individual during his time, taking his dreams of music to new heights, higher than anyone knew was possible. But while you're familiar with his songs, do you know anything about his life behind the scenes? From being born into a struggling family to overshadowed strong acting passions, there's a lot more to know about Elvis than meets the eye. 

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1. The King of Rock Was Born — But He Wasn't Alone

The music industry changed forever on January 8, 1935, when Elvis Presley was born to Gladys Love and Vernon Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi. A lesser-known fact about this day was that Elvis wasn't alone when he took his first breath; he was actually a twin and had a brother named Jesse Garon. Unfortunately, his twin brother had arrived 35 minutes before him and was already declared stillborn.

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2. An Unstable Household

Though Elvis’ household was full of love and he grew to be quite close with his parents, particularly his mother, they still struggled to make ends meet. His father was unable to consistently support the family, resulting in him taking on a number of odd jobs such as working as a farmer, a truck driver, and a painter.

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3. A Turn For The Worse

Though Vernon Presley had great character, sometimes you make bad choices for the right reasons. In 1938, he was found guilty of forging a check which he had handed to Orvillle Bean, his boss. Though it may seem like a small crime, the consequences were huge. The family not only lost their home, but Vernon ultimately spent eight months behind bars.

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4. It Was Love At First Sight

Elvis didn't let family issues get in his way of music though. While he intially grew fond of music thanks to church, it was his drive and energy that made him pursue it.  At just ten years old in 1941, he made his very first public performance at the Mississipi-Alabama Fair singing contest. He might've only won a measly fifth place, but that was by no means any indicator of his future success which we all know. 

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5. No One Saw His Potential

Though you likely remember Elvis as a rockstar, he didn't start out that way. He was a rather shy and timid performer in the beginning, and it certainly didn't help that he was often teased by his fellow classmates at school for being an outsider. And ironically enough, not even his high school teachers could see his talent. It's believed that Elvis once failed a music class, the very thing that he would soon be forever remembered for.

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6. A Change Of Heart

But throughout his later years in high school, Elvis learned to embrace who he was. From growing out his iconic sideburns to wearing flashier clothes, his reputation took a turn for the better when he performed at his school's annual talent show. He wowed his fellow students with his amazing cover of Teresa Brewer's "Till I Waltz Again With You." When people realized he could actually sing, it turned him from the school outcast into the most popular guy around. 

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7. Head Over Heels In Love With Music

Elvis' talents didn't just spark from nowhere though. He had a lot of musical influence from African-American artists like Arthur Crudup and B.B. King, alongside plenty of country performers like Jimmie Rodgers. He spent all his free time visiting record stores, listening to music, and spending time down at Beale Street. At this point, Elvis knew music was here to stay for the rest of his life. 

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8. One Right Fixed All The Wrongs

The music career of this talented artist didn't start off smoothly though. Until his iconic partnership with Sun Records in Memphis, Elvis experienced plenty of failed attempts to make it big. It wasn't until he made his breakthrough with "That's All Right" by Arthur Crudup during a break session with fellow musicians Scotty Moore and Bill Black that he found his voice. Once it played on air for the very first time, the rest was history.

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9. When Nerves And Rhythm Combine

With guitarist Moore and bassist Black at his side, the three would be asked to make several live performances. But it was at the Overton Park Shell that Elvis created his signature move that would forever go down in history. Known as the "Rubber Legs," his feelings of nervousness while dancing to the rhythm built this strange yet iconic dance move that captured the hearts of everyone in America for years to come. 

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10. Music Like No Ones Ever Heard

As his musical career began to scale up with a number of stage appearances that were well-received, it became harder to identify what genre he fell into. While some hits were more jazzy, others felt far more country. At the end of the day, Elvis became a pioneer in the genre of rockabilly, holding himself as The King of Western Bop and The Hillbilly Cat. 

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11. Making History

It was in 1955 that Elvis met his third and final manager Colonel Tom Parker. With every major recording label wanting a piece of this amazing singer, Parker and Sam Phillips finally made a $40,000 contract deal with RCA Victor. History was made with this deal; no performer had been paid that much before. 

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12. Topping The Charts

In the years to come with RCA Victor, huge hit singles like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Hound Dog" would be released. At this point, Parker managed to successfuly bring Elvis to national television, skyrocketing his popularity even further. When his first self-titled debut album finally released on March 23, 1956, his name would forever be remembered as the first artist to top the Billboard charts with a rock and roll album. 

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13. A New Passion Began

As Elvis started to grow comfortable with fame, it wasn't just music that his heart followed, he also had a deep interest in acting. Wanting to appear in films, he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. Most people don't even know Elvis was also an actor, but he appeared in numerous films like Loving You, King Creole, and Blue Hawaii. Though he was considered quite gifted on the screen, his overpowering music persona overshadowed his acting performances.

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14. Young And Rich

Can you really say Elvis' name without thinking about Graceland? At just 22 years old in March 9, 1957, Elvis purchased Graceland, his iconic mansion, for around $100,000. While he didn't move in until June later that same year, his parents and grandparents moved in with him. This made it clear that family was always very important to Elvis, no matter how famous he got. 

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15. Getting Drafted

Just like many other young and able men in the country, Elvis was drafted into the army on December 20, 1957. Already immensely popular, this news spread like wildfire and was heavily broadcasted by the media. He was assigned to the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32d Armor, 3d Armored Division. Wanting to be treated equally as everyone else despite his rockstar status, he worked hard during his time there and was even promoted to sergeant. 

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16. A Karate Master

During his time serving his country, Elvis was introduced to karate which he discovered a lifelong passion for. His first instructor was a German man named Juergen Seydel, and since that moment on, he would pursue the sport until he became an eighth-degree black belt. Elvis was so invested in karate that he even opened up his very own Tennessee Karate Institute in Memphis later on in 1974!

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17. His Most Iconic Relationship

As someone under the limelight, Elvis' love life was often scrutinized by the public. While the rockstar was tied to a few women in his lifetime, his relationship with Priscilla Beaulieu was the most notable. She would become the only woman he'd ever marry, and she'd be the mother of his only child, Lisa Marie Presley. Though the two did go their separate ways after six years of marriage in 1973, Priscilla continued to speak positively of her husband and his legacy for years until her eventual passing.

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18. Deteriorating Health

After years of experiencing the pressures of being a star, Elvis' divorce with Priscilla seemed to lead him to a downward spiral. This once lively and energetic rockstar became riddled with health complications due to his growing addictions and meddling with substance abuse. As he continued to perform on stages and hold numerous concerts, his health deteriorated, leaving him overweight, mindless, and sloppy in his final stages of life. 

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19. An Untimely Death

August 16, 1977 is a sad day in American history. At just 42 years of age, Elvis Presley passed away due to a heart attack that was the result of his building health problems. It was his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, who discovered him on his bathroom floor, unconscious. His death was felt deeply across the nation, with even President Jimmy Carter making a statement about this forever American treasure. 

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20. A Pure American Treasure

Despite Elvis Presley being a name that's recognized around the world, he never actually performed outside of North America. Though he wanted to tour overseas, it sadly never came to fruition. He performed in a few cities in Canada, but that was the extent of his international performances. He remains a breathtaking talent that sadly, mainly only Americans got to witness during his amazing lifetime. 

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