Elvis Presley's Influence On Society

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis’s parents were Vernon and Gladys Presley. His twin brother, Jesse, died at birth, making Elvis grow up as an only child. For seven days after his birth, Elvis lay sick before the signs of sickness finally stopped. Elvis very easily could have died, leaving the world without ever hearing his great music. This was the beginning of a great and historic life.

Vernon and Gladys introduced Elvis to music early in his life. At the age of twelve, his parents bought him his first guitar. From here, his uncle, Johnny Smith, and pastor, Frank Smith, taught him some of the basic chords (Australia, 2016). Such a small, basic step can lead to such greatness in the future. Sadly,
In 1948, his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Here, Elvis went to school at Humes High School and graduated in 1953. In Memphis, Elvis was influenced by pop, country, gospel, and black R&B (Australia, 2016). The combination of these different genres of music helped shape the music he created in the future. From here, his music career started quickly.

After graduation Elvis looked into singing professionally. Elvis decided to not put anymore efforts into getting better with the guitar (Australia, 2016). Instead, he would just use his guitar for a prop to go along with his voice (Australia, 2016). His singing changed music forever. This was the final step in getting his music career started.

Elvis did not hesitate to start his music career. Quickly after graduation, Elvis went to a small recording studio. For only four dollars Elvis was able to record two songs. When the songs were finished, Elvis intended them as a present to his mother. Elvis must have felt like his mom played a major part in his music career. This quick start showed his potential to be great in the
At his old Hume High School, a show would be held to raise money for the school. As expected, Elvis ran away with first place (“Life and Death”, 1977). This shows that he was humble and did not see himself as better than ordinary people. The big stage was now right around the corner.

Now Elvis began to play music for real. Toward the end of 1954, Elvis began playing in small clubs and restaurants. Elvis teamed up with his high school friend, Red West. It would awesome to have a high school friend be your partner through music. The era of Elvis had finally begun.

Just as his life was going good, Elvis experienced family problems. In July of 1958, Elvis’s mother was diagnosed with hepatitis. After almost two days of being in the hospital, she passed away. Most people would crumble at the death of a parent. Everything meant so much more to him now.

Elvis quickly became one of the greatest singers of all time.Through his career he had forty-five hit records. With these hit records, he sold more than 400 million records. Even with the rough life he started with and the death of his mom, he still managed to be successful. This made him one of the best of all