Happy Birthday to
the king
We dedicate page 8 of this month’s issue to none other than the King of
Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Why you ask? Elvis Aaron Presley’s birthday is
January 8th!
The amazing story of Elvis’ life began when he was born to Vernon and
Gladys Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was
stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. In 1948, he and his
parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis graduated from
Humes High School in 1953.
Elvis’ musical inspirations were pop and country music of the time, the
gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he often
attended, and the black R&B he absorbed while spending time historic
Beale Street as a Memphis teen.
Elvis started his singing career with the Sun Records in Memphis In
1954. Later the following year, RCA
Victor purchased his recording contract. 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.
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.
8
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE
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JANUARY 2015