Elvis presley biography. Elvis Presley: biography, creativity, personal life and interesting facts

Musician and actor Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He later changed his middle name from Aron to the biblical form, Aaron. Presley's brother, Jesse Garon, died at birth.

Presley's family was from a working class family that lacked money, causing them to move frequently from place to place. Presley loved his parents dearly, especially his mother, Gladys. He grew up a deeply religious man. Presley attended the Assemblies of God Church with his parents, where he was strongly influenced by gospel music.

At the age of 10, Presley got his first guitar, and a little later he won a talent competition at Humes High School in Memphis, which allowed him to feel his first taste of victory. After graduating from high school in 1953, Presley worked in many places at the same time, trying to realize his dream in the musical field. He recorded his first demo of the song at what would later be called Sun Studio. Sam Phillips, the owner of a recording studio, decided to take the young performer under his wing. Soon Presley was already recording his songs and touring in the hope of success. Presley's first single was "That's All Right".

A first-class hit

In 1955, Presley began to gain fans, attracted by his unusual musical style, provocative hip rotation and good looks. The same year he signed a contract with RCA Records. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, helped negotiate the deal. In 1956, Presley became successful with his single "Heartbreak Hotel" and his first album, "Elvis Presley", and signed a film contract with Paramount Pictures. Despite the gossip about his immodest hip movements, he became a frequent guest at numerous variety television concerts.

Soon Presley found himself everywhere - on radio, television and film, working as a musician and actor. His first film, Love Me Tender, released in 1956, became a hit in theaters. Even military service did not interfere with Presley's rapidly developing popularity. He received a summons in 1957, and ended up among the recruits in March 1958. He served in Germany for a year and a half. Shortly before leaving for Europe, his mother died. At the service, he was given a leave of absence so that he could attend her funeral, after which Presley returned to service, grieving the loss. His state of mind improved slightly after meeting Priscilla Bewley.

After serving in the army, Presley returned to his music career and was soon at the top of the ratings with the soundtrack to the film Soldier's Blues, in which he played main role. In subsequent years, he continued to make music and star in films such as Blue Hawaii in 1961, Girls!

Girls! Girls! in 1962 and "Viva Las Vegas" in 1964. Although his films had mixed success, they were profitable, as were the film soundtracks, which usually sold better. But by the end of the 60s, Presley's popularity in movie theaters began to decline. In an attempt to prove that he was still the “King of Rock and Roll,” Presley released his first TV concert in 1968, entitled “’68 Comeback.” He pumped up the audience with a performance that showcased his talents as a singer and guitarist.

Problems in personal life

Presley's personal life was also at its best. He and Priscilla married in 1967 and had a daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968. Unfortunately, they were not together for long. By the early 70s, Elvis's marriage began to fall apart, and in 1973 he and Priscilla divorced and she received custody of their daughter. Presley also struggled with other problems - he became dependent on the drugs prescribed to him. He also struggled with excess weight. In the fall of the same year, his health failed: Presley was hospitalized due to problems with medications and their administration.

Despite the circumstances in his personal life, Presley remained popular both in Las Vegas and beyond. His last concert took place in Indianapolis, Indiana, after which he returned to the Graceland mansion in Memphis to prepare for his next tour.

Death and legacy

On the morning of August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, Presley died of heart failure. It was later determined that his death was due to an overdose of prescribed medications. Presley is buried on the grounds of the Graceland estate, next to the graves of his mother, father and grandmother.

During his career, Presley helped popularize rock and roll in America. He has won three Grammy Awards for his gospel compositions. Presley has 18 number one songs, including "Don't Be Cruel", "Good Luck Charm" and "Suspicious Minds", and has numerous gold and platinum albums. He was one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (in 1986).

Elvis contributed to several genres of music such as rock, country and gospel. In 1998, Elvis was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and three years later he was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association.

Presley remains one of the main symbols of the music world. Numerous films have explored the life of the enigmatic musician, including a 2005 film in which Jonathan Rhys Meyers played Elvis. The house where Elvis lived is open to the public and is visited by fans from all over the world every year, especially on his birthday and death.

On August 16, 2012, thousands of fans attended Graceland on the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death for a late-night service in memory of the King of Rock and Roll. At this meeting, fans lit candles outside Presley's house. Although the family hosts various events to mark the death anniversary, 2012 was special because Elvis Presley's wife and daughter appeared together in public for the first time.

Quotes

“Fingerprints, like valuables, are everywhere you go.”

“After a course of combat training, you can eat a whole bull.”

“The goal is a dream with a turbocharged engine.”

“Animals cannot hate, and we are considered better than them.”

“If things go wrong, don't go with them.”

“It’s true, like the sun - although you can get rid of it for a while, you won’t be able to get rid of it forever.”

“I love Vegas so much!”

“Some beat the rhythm with their feet, some bite their nails, and some cannot make a final decision. And I kind of unite them all.”

“Yes, compared to my contemporaries, I was just a quiet person. Are you laughing? I was just dancing, swaying my hips.”

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Forty years have passed since his death, and we pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. When Elvis Aaron Presley died at age 42 on August 16, 1977, he was wearing gold pajamas. This wasn't the only thing about the King of Rock and Roll, as he was called. One evening, Elvis Presley picked up a Triumph Bonneville 750, loved it, and insisted that a dozen be delivered to his Bel Air home by midnight so his friends could tear through the streets that night. Presley remained the man of the Harley-Davidson Electra Glade itself.

Eager to deliver a personal letter to President Richard Nixon, he approached security guards at the White House wearing a "dark blue karate-style Gabardine two-piece suit over a high-collared shirt, a coat over his shoulders, a gold medallion around his neck, and a gold-handled cane in his hand." , as his friend, Jerry Schilling, recalled. It had pockets cut out of the trousers to provide a smoother, tighter fit. And as a gorgeous teenager, he, according to a contemporary, "combed his hair in the morning using three different hair oils: wax for the front, one kind of oil for the hair at the top, another for the hair at the back." He used cloth wax so that when he performed, his hair would fall a certain way.”

On the set of It Happened at the World's Fair with Colonel Tom Parker, 1963

And when that hair fell... Roy Orbison, who watched Elvis Presley's first performances in early 1955, said: "I can't overstate how shocked he looked and seemed. He was this punk boy, just a real cat, singing like a bird. And he moved in a way that no one had ever seen before. His lips began to mock, and his legs shook, jerking and pushing, of their own accord. As his guitarist Scotty Moore said, "I think with those loose pants we wore, you were shaking your leg and it looked like all hell was going down there." To a student nurse who saw one of the King's shows in May 1955, he was "just a big, beautiful piece of forbidden fruit."

Elvis Presley was born at 4:35 a.m. on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn. His father, Vernon Presley, was a truck driver, his mother, Gladys Presley, a housewife. The family moved to Memphis when Elvis Presley was 13. The Presleys were poor and, as Kevin Kern said of Presley, "denim reminded Elvis that he was poor, so he didn't wear jeans like adults."

Presley began to fill the family's pockets when he appeared on Sam Phillips' Memphis Recording Service on July 5, 1954. At first he sang, not very well, some ballads. Then he sang "It's Okay, Mommy" and that changed everything. His voice trembled with passion. He was exciting, dangerous. He was, the headlines screamed: “the libertine of youth,” his actions “too indecent to mention in every detail.” When he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, he was only shown from the waist up. “It’s like electricity flowing through you,” Presley said. “It's like making love, but it's stronger. Sometimes I think my heart will explode."

At the Milton Berle show, June 1956

In 1956 it all came out: "Heartbreak Hotel", "Blue Suede Shoes", "Don't Be Cruel", "Hound Dog", all in 1956. They tried to emasculate him. On the Steve Allen Show, Presley wore a white tie and tails and sang “Hound Dog.” But at the Milton Berle show in June 1956 it was the real deal, legs doubled, pelvis thrust, microphone his toy. Movies beckoned, and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, a former carnival barker and dog catcher, introduced him to Hollywood. Elvis Presley filmed "Love Me Tender" in 1956. And then he began courting Natalie Wood (of West Side Story fame), whom he took back to Memphis.

Natalie Wood, Memphis, October 1956

"Jailhouse Rock" was released in 1957. The seats were torn. The world was Presley's oyster. And then the US government developed it, or "brought it out" as he later told an audience in Las Vegas. What if the police had intervened? Don't know. But within two years, Presley lost his hair and his freedom by listening to Uncle Sam.

Three things followed as a result. One of them was "GI Blues," a high-powered but cheesy musical that set the tone for too many of Presley's films, even as he gravitated toward deeper, more demanding roles. For example, he loved Beckett and once challenged his chief producer, Hal Wallis: "When will I get my Beckett?" When Barbra Streisand offered him the male lead in her 1975 remake of A Star Is Born, Colonel Parker caused difficulties. Elvis Presley hoped this might be his From Here To Eternity, the film that saved Frank Sinatra's career, but it wasn't.

At the end of military service Friedberg, Germany, March 1960

Second military man side effect was his marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu, the adopted daughter of an army officer. She was only 14 years old when the King met her. They grinned, a little too much for Ms. Beaulieu when, at age 18, she visited her now-discharged suitor in Memphis. “Wait,” Presley said. “Things can get out of control.” The following year he said, "I want this to be something to look forward to" when she returned to live with her parents and continue her studies. "There's a desire there." Instead, she dyed her hair to match his blue-and-black locks, dressed in her school uniform and posed for Polaroids.

She, too, had her ups and downs, just like the King, and it was the third thing Presley picked up in the army, from a sergeant on maneuvers. Like his comrades who surrounded him, the Colonel's gang was dubbed the Memphis Mafia. It was not easy for the girl to share her man with a platoon of ever-present bantering friends, but Beaulieu managed. Until, finally, on May 1, 1967, Presley and Beaulieu flew Sinatra's private jet from Palm Springs to Las Vegas, paid $15 for a marriage license and tied the knot at the Aladdin Hotel. The banquet station then included bratwurst and oysters Rockefeller. And some of the Memphis Mafia accompanied the loving couple on their honeymoon, reports Peter Guralnick in his master's biography, "Sloppy Love."

Elvis and Priscilla Presley after their wedding, Las Vegas, 1967

Married bliss reached, Presley got down to business. He liked the phrase “take care of business,” and on the tail of his private Convair 880 jet was the TCB logo, which he bought in 1975 and named Lisa Marie in honor of his cherished daughter (who later married Michael Jackson). Not that Presley was idle. Between 1960 and the end of 1967, he made 21 films, including Blue Hawaii, and released 44 singles.

None of the films were worthy of his intensity. Of the singles, well, there's "Little Sister" and "Return To Sender", but there's also "Do The Clam" and "You Never Never Walk Alone". Of course he was revered. The Beatles visited in 1965 and paid tribute, although things were rough at first. “If you just sit and look at me, I’ll go to sleep,” said the King. John Lennon later asked Schilling to "tell Elvis that if it weren't for him, I wouldn't have done anything."

It was true, but the moment came when Presley showed that he still had it. In 1968 he proved this. He made NBC special. He was wearing a black leather suit. He kicked off with “Heartbreak Hotel” and “All Shook Up.” He looked flexible and fast. He felt dangerous. He made his way through “Lawdy, Miss Clawd.” His hair fell in his face. He is back. He was a star. He was the King.

On the set of the film Blue Hawaii, April 1961

And he continued to produce. “In The Ghetto” and “Suspicious Minds” went fast. So is Vegas: two shows over four weeks, in a 2,000-seat room at the new International Hotel. Elvis Presley triumphed, in a white Cossack suit that nodded to the image of karate. “Jailhouse Rock” and “Don’t Be Cruel” brought Cary Grant to his feet. Priscilla Presley felt the energy: "I don't think I've felt myself in any entertainment since." Colonel Parker had tears in his eyes. It was the King.

And then, later, the wheels came off. There was a paternity suit. There was Presley's surreal visit to President Nixon, in search of a BNDD (Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs) badge. There were more bejeweled costumes. And there were drugs, and doctors, and dentists, and pharmacists who dispensed them. Indeed, six days after his divorce was finalized on October 9, 1973, Presley was hospitalized in Memphis, his breathing terrible, his body swollen.

Landing on his private plane, Lisa Marie, in Cincinnati, May 1976

He hid a little. But his behavior on stage was erratic. He talked a lot and wildly. He did 15 minutes of karate. He seemed "sleepy." On stage he played with weapons and looked for love. He returned to the hospital to find himself attended to by nurse Marian Kok and nurse Kathy Simon. President Nixon called to wish him well, as did Sinatra. Suddenly he was touring. For Houston Press the show was terrible, "presented by a bloated, mumbling figure who didn't perform as the King of Everything." And so it went on.

But he was the King. He was handsome. He moved with an explosive sexuality that was unmatched by anyone. Elvis Presley changed the world. And to do so is a gift given to few. Everyone salutes Presley. Everyone salutes the King.

Elvis Presley was born into a rather poor family of Irish immigrants - Vernon and Gladys Presley. His twin brother died at birth, so his parents took great care of their remaining only son. The family was religious: attending church and participating in the church choir was mandatory. When Presley turned 11, he received a guitar as a birthday present. Elvis dreamed of a bicycle, but it was much more expensive. Probably, the choice of this particular gift was influenced by Elvis’s first musical success: a few months earlier, he received a prize at the fair for his performance of the folk song Old Shep.

In 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, where Elvis began to become seriously interested in modern music. He walked along the Beale Street block, where black blues musicians played. Influenced by the style of African Americans, Elvis developed his own distinctive style of clothing and performance.

Star Trek Singer

After high school graduation, 18-year-old Presley got a job as a truck driver. With his first earnings, Elvis recorded several songs in the studio with a guitar as a gift to his mother.

Studio owner Sam Phillips became interested in the talented guy and sent his songs to local radio. Two days after the broadcast, Presley signed his first contract.

From then on, Presley began performing at country festivals and concerts, until two years later his performance was shown on TV. And a year later, Elvis Presley’s first independent single, Heartbreak Hotel, was released. This track marked the beginning of Elvis's "golden path", which consisted of such hits as I Want You, I Need You, I Love You; Don't Be Cruel; Hound Dog and Love Me Tender. Elvis's debut album, which included these songs, flew off the shelves of record stores.

In 1958-1960, Elvis Presley fulfilled his duty to his homeland by going to military service. But the moment he was drafted, he was a star, and his example inspired young men across America.

Presley returned to the studio immediately after demobilization. The artist also began actively acting in films in the 60s. Every year Presley released 2-4 new albums (an unprecedented pace!) and many singles. At the same time, Elvis quite often in his work paid attention to the theme of Christianity, in the traditions of which he was brought up.

Presley received his first Grammy in 1967 for the album How Great Thou Art. In total, Presley received the award three times and was nominated 14 times.

Elvis's decline began in the mid-70s, when the singer became addicted to stimulant drugs, which worsened both his health and appearance.

On June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley's last concert took place in Indianapolis, and on August 16, his girlfriend Ginger Alden found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. At 3.30 am, doctors pronounced Elvis Presley dead of a heart attack. There were rumors and speculation surrounding Presley's death, the most popular of which was that his death was faked. Many still believe that Elvis is alive, he just decided to hide from prying eyes.

Personal life of Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley's affair with his first wife, Priscilla Beaulieu, began in March 1963, when the girl was only 17 years old. Three years later, under pressure from the girl’s parents, Presley proposed. The wedding took place on May 1, 1967. Presley was a loving and faithful husband only until the birth of his daughter Lisa Marie in February 1968. Caring for the baby and family troubles tired the king of rock and roll, and he gradually returned to the usual rhythm of life.

In July 1972, Linda Thompson appeared in Presley's life, whom, however, Elvis also regularly cheated on.

The artist's last permanent girlfriend was Ginger Alden.

His hits from half a century ago are incredibly popular even today. And while the memory of the singer, who literally blew up the music world with his temperamental songs, lives on, the true spirit of rock and roll lives on.

Childhood and adolescence

Elvis's father, Vernon Presley, was a descendant of immigrants from Germany and Scotland; mother, Gladys Presley, had a richer pedigree: her ancestors were Scots, Irish, Normans, and Cherokee Indians.

The Presleys lived extremely modestly, since Vernon could not find permanent place work, and after his imprisonment (he was accused of forging checks), the family’s financial situation worsened even more.

Despite financial restrictions, Elvis considered his childhood to be happy: Gladys loved her son dearly, spoiling him as much as possible. The boy always remembered how his mother, not having enough money to give him a much-desired bicycle, bought what she had enough money for - a guitar, which ultimately determined the main occupation of Elvis's entire life.

The boy loved music, which accompanied him constantly: all family members were believers, so for Elvis it was mandatory not only to regularly attend services, but also to rehearse in the church choir.

First steps towards your dream

After graduating from high school, young Elvis worked as a truck driver, while simultaneously learning to become an electrician at evening courses. But such a high workload did not prevent the young man from devoting a lot of time to singing and polishing his masterful guitar playing. The first and most grateful listener of the aspiring singer was his mother, to whom Elvis dedicated songs as his closest friend in those years.

The turning point in the fate of the future King of Rock can confidently be called the young man’s chance acquaintance with Sam Phillips, the owner of a music studio, who immediately appreciated the young man’s enormous talent and sensual voice. The producer’s instincts didn’t let him down, who later became famous as the “discoverer” of Elvis Presley.

Soon Sam Phillips brought the young singer together with local musicians - double bassist Bill Black and guitarist Scotty Moore, and together they recorded those dynamic, catchy compositions that brought Presley deafening popularity.

Variety and cinematic activities

In the summer of 1955, the demand for Presley's records exceeded the boundaries of the province: the most prominent music observers in the American capital called the singer a rising country star, which Parker did not fail to take advantage of. He persistently advised the management of the large recording company RCA Records to pay attention to the talented young man. And on November 21, 1955, the contract with Presley was finally signed. This important moment in the life of Elvis can be noted as a vertical take-off of his career.

Recorded on RCA Records, the debut album “Elvis Presley” and the single “Heartbreak Hotel” took leading positions in the American National Hit Parade. The discs, released in more than a million copies, were instantly sold out.

Elvis Presley - "Blue Suede Shoes" (1956)

Presley's first performance at central television created a real sensation, and the singer’s name became known throughout the country. Invitations to participate in various shows came from all television studios. Without refusing these tempting offers, Elvis at the same time recorded new singles one after another, and also toured a lot, invariably causing an incredible stir with his person.

The widespread hysteria over Elvis Presley and his work is explained by the organic combination of the fiery, clear rhythm of the singer’s compositions with the inexpressible charisma of his nature. The King of Rock and Roll, who was natural and relaxed on stage, revived the thirst for self-expression in the souls of his listeners. His songs are a synergy of feeling and energy that had an irresistible effect on the audience, which always filled the concert halls to capacity.

Top 10 Elvis Presley songs

Abroad, Presley was also widely known to fans of pop music: by the end of the 50s of the last century, his singles took first place in the charts in Canada, Germany, England, Italy, Australia, and South Africa. He was well known even in the USSR, despite the complete lack of Elvis Presley records on sale during the years of his worldwide popularity.

Elvis Presley in the movie "Love Me Tender"

Large Hollywood companies did not ignore the singer with their favorable attention. He was offered roles in such films as Love Me Tender (1956); "Prison Rock" (1957); "King Creole" (1958); "Blazing Star" (1960); "Blue Hawaii" (1961) and others. In total, more than 30 films were shot with Presley’s participation, almost each of which featured his unique music, and, most importantly, his unique organic nature and charisma were forever captured on film.

Personal life of Elvis Presley

Presley's companion last months his life was Ginger Alden, a fashion model and actress.

Premature death

Perhaps the singer would have been able to cope with his next depressive state, as he had managed before, but the situation worsened due to the betrayal of loved ones.

The singer's father fired Presley's closest friends, Red and Sonny West, along with David Gebler, who acted as bodyguards. In retaliation, they published a book with detailed description the singer’s aggressive escapades on tour, his addiction to drugs and attacks of morbid suspicion.

Elvis, shocked by this merciless blow to the back, plunged into a maelstrom of terrible experiences. Due to sad thoughts, he began to suffer from insomnia, so he decided to resort to medication. An excessive dose of drugs caused Elvis to fall asleep forever...

Elvis Presley. In the power of rock

However, for his loyal fans, Presley and his music remain alive to this day!

Biography, life story of Elvis Presley

Real name: Elvis Aaron Presley.
Date of birth: January 8, 1935.
Place of birth: USA, Tupello, (Mississippi).
Died: August 16, 1977 at 2:30 pm Elvis Presley, at Graceland.

early years

Elvis Aron Presley was born into a family of Irish-born Vernon and Gladys Presley on January 8, 1935. His twin brother died at birth, so the parents took great care of their surviving son and raised him to respect God. Elvis came to singing naturally- began singing in a local children's church choir, and later began performing at competitions and camp gatherings.

At the age of 10, Elvis won second prize for his performance of the song "Old Shep." The young talent competition was held at the Alabama (Mississippi) Dairy Show. Delighted that their son had such a respectable hobby, his parents gave him an acoustic guitar for his next birthday. He taught himself the basic chords by listening to the blues and old spirituals. In 1949, shortly before Elvis entered high school, the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

After graduating from high school, Elvis found a job as a truck driver for the Crown Electric Company, earning $1.25 an hour, and took courses in the evenings to become an electrician.

But somehow it gradually happened that Elvis’s career turned in a different direction.

"Memphis Recording Studio"

A conversation about Elvis's career should perhaps begin with his first amateur recording. But first, it’s worth saying a few words about the Sun music company, owned by Sam Phillips, the man who “discovered” the legendary singer. Beginning in 1951, Phillips recorded the best singers in Memphis (including B.B. King himself and blues legend Howlin' Wolf) and then sold the master copies to larger companies. But in 1953, Phillips began releasing his own records, decorating the “spots” of the discs with a brand name - the rays of the rising sun. The Sun company also had a subsidiary called the Memphis Recording Studio. Despite the loud name, the “studio” was a converted garage and was intended purely for amateur recordings.

CONTINUED BELOW

Phillips' assistant, Marion Kesker, was on duty that day. As she recalled, on that Saturday afternoon there were more than enough people wanting to sign up, and Elvis obediently stood in line with his battered guitar. Marion started a conversation with the young man, asking what style he sings in, to which she received the answer: "In all styles". To the question "Which singer are you like?" Elvis stated: "Not for anyone".

First recordings

For the recording, Elvis chose the popular hit of the INK SPOTS group "My Happiness" and - on reverse side records - the tear-jerking semi-recitative ballad "That`s When Your Heartache Begins". Something in the manner of the young man’s singing forced Kesker, albeit belatedly, to turn on the tape recorder (they had never recorded amateurs before) and “catch” the remaining piece of the first song and completely record the second composition. Elvis paid $4, took his record and left. Finally, Marion wrote down on a piece of paper: "Elvis Pressley (with two 's' - I.M.). Good ballad singer. Keep in mind", as well as the address and telephone number of Elvis’s friend - he didn’t have his own. When Phillips returned, Marion played him the recording, and he said that There is something in the guy, but you still need to “work and work” with him. That was the end of it.

Another 8 long months passed, during which Elvis visited the studio again, in January 1954, talked with Phillips and sang another amateur record before things got off the ground.

Lucky case

One day, Phillips received a demo recording from an unknown singer from Nashville. The song was called "Without You" and was a melodic ballad, performed to the accompaniment of a single guitar. Phillips tried to find out the artist's last name, but to no avail. "If I can't find him, I'll have to find someone else,- he said, - because I intend to release this song as a record." - "What about that guy with the sideburns?"- asked Marion Kesker. “Oh, I don’t know how to contact him, I even forgot his last name.”, Phillips replied. And then the woman took out that same piece of paper with the address and called the indicated phone number. Soon the hero of our story arrived at the studio. Sam Phillips, who at the time was looking for "a white man with the singing style and feelings of blacks" and believed that he had found such a miracle in the young Elvis Aron Presley.

Bad start to career

Unfortunately, the recording failed. Despite Elvis' numerous attempts, Phillips was not satisfied. We took a break. The future singer, demonstrating his abilities, began playing excerpts of various songs - gospel, country, melodies from Dean Martin's repertoire. Hearing that Elvis would like to find a backing band, Phillips promised to help and soon contacted guitarist Scotty Moore, a 21-year-old musician who had left the army and arrived in Memphis two years before the events described. Many believe that the style of the king of rock and roll was largely shaped by the influence of this guitarist.

Scotty called Elvis and they met at Moore's apartment. After the initial awkwardness passed, Elvis began to play and sing to his new acquaintance songs from the repertoire of then popular singers - Eddie Arnold, Hank Snow, Billy Eckstine. Double bassist Bill Black, who lived next door to Moore, came in, listened, and left again. When Elvis left about two hours later, Bill Black returned to Moore. "Well, how do you like him?"- he asked. "Nothing special",- answered the double bassist.

Scotty Moore himself had much the same reaction. He called Phillips and said the following: "Well, this guy has a good voice, but the songs he sang didn't sound any better than the originals.". However, Sam Phillips decided to give Elvis an audition.

Scotty, Bill and Elvis spent several months in the studio, gathering there almost every day after regular work. Elvis also tried to perform in local clubs with Scotty's band, but Phillips felt that Presley, accompanied by a large ensemble, did not sound right. As Marion Kesker recalled, her boss constantly repeated: “It needs to be simpler, simpler”. And finally the day came when Philps said: "Okay, it's time for the session." It was the summer of 1954...

Professional performer

On July 5, Elvis crossed the threshold of Sun Studios for the first time as a professional performer (although he had not yet left his job at Crown Electric). In four days, 4 songs were recorded - “I Love You Because”, “That’s All Right”, Blue Moon Оf Kentucky” and “Blue Moon”, as well as several compositions that were never released on records during the singer’s lifetime (Another song, "Just Because", was recorded either at this session or at the second one, in September of the same year).

In August 1954, Phillips released Presley's debut single, "That's All Right"/"Blue Moon Of Kentucky". The first composition was written by the black artist Arthur Crudup and was recorded by him back in the 40s. (Subsequently, Elvis turned to the work of this singer several more times.) The composition on the reverse side was composed and recorded by the famous country artist Will Monroe. It is interesting that on the patch of the single under the title of the song there was: “Elvis Presley, Scotty and Bill,” although the names of Moore and Black were typed in a slightly smaller font. (And so on all five of his records released by Sun). In passing, it should be noted that during his 20-year career, Elvis did not write a single song; approximately half of the compositions in his repertoire are cover versions, and the second half were written by professional composers especially for him.

First success

Elvis's debut, released in both 45 rpm and 78 rpm, gained purely local popularity. After Dewey Phillips, a local radio disc jockey, played "That's All Right" at the request of Sam Phillips, his studio was inundated with calls from listeners who liked the song.

According to Elvis's parents, on the eve of the "premiere" he was so confused and embarrassed by his first success that on the evening when his song was to be broadcast on the radio, he, having tuned the receiver to the desired wavelength for them... simply ran to the cinema.

Dewey Phillips began broadcasting the song over and over again. As a result, after just a few days, requests for no less than 5 thousand copies of the record accumulated on Marion Kesker’s desktop. The album remained on the Memphis Country & Western Recordings Chart until December, rising to a short time to number 1, and also briefly appeared on the charts in Nashville and New Orleans. Alas, Memphis is not all of America - the disc did not make it into the charts. His total circulation didn’t even reach 20 thousand.

Session #2

In September 1954, a second session took place, at which “I Don`t Care If The Sun Doesn`t Shine” and “Good Rockin` Tonight” were recorded. Its participants were the same Moore and Black. During the recording of the first song, it turned out that Elvis did not know one verse. Marion Kesker came to the rescue. She composed the missing piece, but before recording the composition, it was necessary to obtain the consent of its composer, a certain Mack David, to this “arbitrariness” (in America, apparently, the phrase “copyright” was never an empty phrase!). He agreed, on the condition that only his last name would be mentioned on the “patch” and that he would not have to share the fee with Marion. That's what they decided on.

The single, released in October 1954, did not rise above number 3 on the Memphis charts, and did not appear at all on the bestseller lists of other cities. "Every session was difficult,- Marion recalled. - He never had anything ready, and the session dragged on and on and on. He always wanted to exactly reproduce some song he heard on the jukebox, and Sam convinced him that this couldn’t be done, that he needed to do something new, different from the others, and let other artists copy him.”

BLUE MOON VOYS

At the same time as working in the studio, Elvis, Scotty and Bill, calling their trio BLUE MOON BOYS, began performing in the Memphis area, playing in sports and assembly halls of local schools, gradually getting further and further from home. In a used Lincoln, the back seat of which often served as a bed for musicians, the trio logged twenty-five thousand miles! At first, Scotty Moore took over the duties of the group's manager, which was secured by a contract signed on July 12, 1954. But he always felt that music interested him more than administrative duties, so over time they found someone else to fill the position.

Session #3

In December 1954, the musicians gathered in the studio for the third time and recorded songs for Elvis's next single - "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "You`re A Heartbreaker". When recording the first song, an interesting technique was used, which, using sports terminology, can be called a false start. The composition (by the way, originally recorded back in 1930) begins as an ordinary blues. After a few bars, Elvis stops singing and says: "Wait, guys. This doesn't bother me. Let's hit it hard!" After which the languid blues turns into energetic rock and roll.

However, the disc, which went on sale in January 1955, went almost unnoticed. In the same month, the trio recorded another number, “I`ll Never Let You Go,” but it was not released by Sun.

Meeting Oscar Davis and Tom Parker

In the winter of 1955, Oscar Davis, assistant to the famous impresario Tom Parker, came to Memphis to organize a tour of the popular country singer Eddie Arnold. Davis walked into the radio station where Bob Neal worked and asked if he had any Elvis records. Management forbade Neil to play Elvis songs on the air, since they did not fit into the station’s “format.” (Ironically, Presley's manager after Moore became...it was Bob Neal). Nevertheless, Neil played several recordings for Davis and added that the singer would be performing at the airport hotel.

They went to the airport. Davis was shocked: there were only three musicians, the hall accommodated only about 60 people, but the audience, the bulk of which were girls, screamed with delight at the top of their lungs! "Bob, this guy is great,- said Davis. - I want to meet him. Imagine me". Bob Neal replied: "He hates me to the core because I can't play his records." Then Davis himself invited Elvis to his table. Scotty Moore, who was still serving as manager, came along with him. We agreed to meet in a few days when Eddie Arnold arrived in Memphis.

Tom Parker, the future legendary impresario of the King of Rock and Roll, was also present at the next meeting. "This guy won't make it at Sun"- he remarked.

It took Parker some time to make inquiries about the young singer. It turned out that Billboard magazine ranked Elvis 8th in the "up and coming" category, that his records sold well in Memphis, and that the audience reaction at his concerts indicated that he could become a star in the future.

Fourth single

In the meantime, the musicians recorded their next, fourth single with the songs “Baby Let`s Play House” and “I`m Left, You`re Right, She`s Gone”. In the first, Elvis used his later famous “hiccupping” vocals for the first time. The record was released in May 1955. Both compositions received good reviews in Billboard and Cashbox magazines, and “I`m Left..” reached number 8 in Memphis.

Rise in popularity

Elvis's popularity grew. In June - July, he took part in concerts with country music stars such as Marty Robbins and Sonny James, traveling throughout the south of the country - Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas. During a performance in Jacksonville, heated teenagers attacked their idol, tore his jacket and shirt, and tore his shoes off his feet.

Billboard reviewed Presley's single a second time, noting that the record began to sell well not only in Memphis, but also in Houston, Dallas, New Orleans, Nashville, Richmond, St. Louis and the Carolinas. More importantly, "Baby Let's Play House" was the first song to hit the national charts: it peaked at number 15 on the country chart and number 11 on the country charts. country songs played on the radio.

The appearance of drummer D.J.Fontana

The Sun session in the summer of 1955 was the last and notable for being the first time Elvis used a drummer on a recording. He was D.J. Fontana, a musician who later worked with the singer for many years. Surprisingly, the absence of drums, an instrument so necessary in rock music, is not felt at all in Elvis’s first recordings!

The last single on Sun contained a composition written by Sam Phillips himself with the black singer Little Junior Parker, called "Mystery Train", as well as the song "I Forgot To Remember To Forget". The composition "Tryin` To Get To You", also recorded at this time, was not released on Sun.

Elvis's final Sun single went on sale in August 1955. The record reached the top of the American country charts and stayed on the charts for 40 weeks!

Transition to "RCA Victor"

Elvis became a national phenomenon. One after another, the largest companies lured Phillips with impressive sums, wanting to “acquire” rising star. Mercury offered 10 thousand, Columbia - 15, Atlantic - all 25. RCA Victor outdid everyone, offering 35 thousand for a new contract with the singer, plus the right to use all his published and unreleased recordings. Tom Parker repeatedly visited Elvis's parents, convincing them that their son's future lay only with a large company like RCA Victor. The firm also promised advertising for Elvis's music in all three areas of popular music - country, rhythm and blues and pop. Sam Phillips conceded: he himself understood that his company was too small to “promote” the singer on a national scale. The deal took place in November 1955.

On January 10, 1956, two days after his 21st birthday, Elvis Presley walked into RCA Recording Studios in Nashville for the first time.

New members

The musicians who accompanied Elvis at Sun - lead guitarist Scotty Moore and double bassist Bill Black - continued to work with him at RCA. Although new ones also appeared: pianist Floyd Cramer, guitarist Chet Atkins, backing vocalists Gordon Stoker, Ben and Brock Speer and drummer Dee. Jay. Fontana, who participated in the singer's last session at Sun.

How were the Elvis sessions? The singer's producer Steve Sholes recalled: "When we started recording (him), he was holding the guitar too high in his face, and we were trying to record the vocals at the same time (with the accompaniment) because there was no overdubbing at that time. (His) guitar was playing so loud that we almost couldn't We heard voices. We started moving the microphone this way and that, and finally we gave him a pick. He played the guitar so vigorously that every two or three tries he broke a string. And even after he started using the pick, he continued to break the strings. I remember during one test he dropped the pick, but continued to hit the strings with his fingers, when we finished the song, his fingers were bleeding, and I asked: “Why didn’t you stop?” - “Oh,” he answered, “that’s it.” It was going so well that I didn’t want to stop recording.”

“In the beginning, we did a lot of tests, and when I thought we had achieved the best version, I would say, “I think this one turned out pretty good, Elvis.” And he would say, “I think I can do better.” He never criticized anyone. If someone made a mistake in a song, he never made a comment, but simply said: “Let's try again, I think I'm out of tune here.”

An example of such a picky attitude towards one's work is the recording of the song "I Beg Of You". On January 13, 1957, after 27 (!) samples, Elvis was still not satisfied. More than a month later, on February 23, he returned to this composition again and was satisfied with the recording only after the 34th sample!

First single "RCA Victor"

The first RCA Victor single (not counting the reissued records "inherited" from Sun) went on sale in January 1956. It was the legendary "Heartbreak Hotel", which immediately rose to 1st place in the American hit parade (2nd in England ) and sold millions of copies. By April 1956 (after two more sessions - January 30-31 and February 3), RCA had accumulated enough material to release the artist’s long-playing disc.

"Elvis Presley" record

Without further ado, the record was simply called "Elvis Presley". The album contained 12 tracks. It is curious that 4 songs included on the disc - "Blue Moon", "Just Because", "I`ll Never Let You Go" and "I Love You Because" - were recorded at Sun, but were rejected by Phillips due to some reasons. some shortcomings of this or that musician. Indeed, capitalists never waste anything!

The disc rose to 1st place on the charts, where it remained for ten weeks. In total, the record spent 49 weeks on the American bestseller list. In 1956, it held first place in the charts for 36 weeks. His energetic singing combined with brazen stage moves gained increasing popularity, selling millions of records, and his success helped rock and roll become a lucrative music genre. The way was opened for a whole generation of studio performers.

Working with "THE JORDANAIRES"

In the summer of 1956, Elvis began many years of fruitful work with the vocal quartet THE JORDANAIRES. If you remove their “pa-pu-ra-rum” or “doo-wop” from the background, many of the songs of the king of rock and roll will lose some of their charm. It is a mistake, however, to believe that this group worked entirely “for Elvis.” It was created back in 1948 and had sessions with many country artists, and also recorded independently (receiving, by the way, a Grammy Award in 1965 for best album on religious themes). The composition of the quartet changed, but at that time it included the following musicians: Gordon Stoker - first tenor, Hoyt Hawkins - baritone, Neal Matthews - second tenor, Hugh Jarrett - bass. Stoker recalled: "After the session, Elvis said that if any of these songs became a hit, he wanted us to record with him full time. We didn't think those songs would be popular. We didn't think anything about them at all. To be honest, We didn't even remember his last name. It was just another session for us."

The first recordings with JORDANAIRES were made on July 2, 1957. On that day, the super popular “Hound Dog” was recorded, its flip side “Don`t Be Cruel” and the song “Any Way You Want Me”, which fell on the flip side of the “ballad of all time” and peoples" "Love Me Tender". Elvis's collaboration with this vocal quartet continued until January 1967.

Studio work often brought the singer famous musicians, such as the aforementioned guitarist Chet Atkins, who won Cashbox magazine's "Best Instrumentalist" category for 14 years in a row (most current music fans know him from his work with Mark Knopfler on the album "Neck And Neck" (1990), country music star Glen Campbell (Glen Campbell), lead guitarist James Burton, singer and composer Jerry Reed.

Army and cinema

In 1957, riding the crest of newfound success, Elvis received a new job from Uncle Sam as a jeep and truck driver in the Third Armed Division stationed in Germany. There he meets 14-year-old Priscilla Bewley and soon wins her favor. She would later become his wife. Soon after returning to the States, Elvis stopped performing concerts and immersed himself entirely in cinema (his debut took place in the 1956 film "Love me Tender") and studio recordings.

60's - 70's

His popularity is still high, although gradually the Beatles, who are themselves fans of Presley, are gradually beginning to displace him from musical Olympus. Dozens of compositions recorded by Elvis Presley in the late 50s and 60s have become classics of pop and rock music.

Later in the 60s, rock and roll changed radically, and Elvis continued to sing ballads in the style of Hollywood and often released albums with songs recorded back in the 50s. In 1967, he married Priscilla, and a year after the birth of his daughter Lisa Marie, he began touring and performing a Christmas special on ABC, where he reunited with his first band. This brief resurgence of his career culminated in 1972 with the release of Burning Love, his last album to reach the top ten on the charts.

Depression

The following year, a breakup with Priscilla followed, and Elvis went into voluntary confinement for a long time at his vast estate in Graceland, originally built for his mother. He led a nocturnal lifestyle, was compulsively afraid of people and spent most of his time in a drug haze. Elvis began to lose sensation, gained weight, fell into melancholy and periodically returned to karate, which he had learned during his military service.

In the mid-70s deteriorating health forced the famous singer to leave the recording studio for a long time. After a 3-day session in May 1975, he went silent for almost 9 months. In early February 1976, when Elvis still hadn't shown up in the studio, RCA, seriously concerned that it would not be able to maintain its three-album-a-year schedule, decided that if the mountain didn't come to Mohammed...

The company delivered recording equipment to Elvis' Graceland mansion. Musicians also arrived with him. In a week, the singer recorded 12 songs. The session was difficult, Elvis's mood often changed. As Elvis biographer Jerry Hopkins wrote, the artist sang “lazy and uncertain.”

Another similar recording took place in the singer’s house on October 29 - 31, 1976. Only 4 songs were recorded then.

Nevertheless, Elvis continued to perform. In 1977 - the year of his death - he gave 54 concerts! The last one took place on June 26 - less than two months before the death of the King of Rock and Roll.

The final...

On August 16, 1977, at 2:30 p.m., Elvis Presley (or someone remarkably similar to him) was found in a toilet at Graceland, and an hour later he was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis. At the time of his death, he was wearing blue pajamas and clutching a copy of "Scientific Research on the Face of Jesus" for the Face of Jesus"). Numerous traces of pharmacological intervention were found on the body.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are drawn to the luxurious estate at Graceland each year (it is now home to a thriving tourist complex).

Elvis gave us everything you could imagine, from "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Hound Dog" to "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Love Me Tender."

A definite plus is a career in Hollywood. Each of the 31 films in which Elvis starred was a success, if not critically, then financially. But perhaps most importantly, if you want to become a King, you need to live the life of a King. No celebrity before or since has done as much as Presley to attract attention to his person. During a stormy tour, "Memphis Mafia", Elvis distinguished himself to the fullest: he destroyed televisions in hotels; swallowed pills; met the most wonderful women in the country; ate mountains of fried food; flew on a private Convair 880 jet, named after his daughter Lisa Marie, between his huge mansion in Memphis (Graceland) and his tour stops. Isn't it surprising that the tabloids are still hunting for details of the singer's life?

Elvis Presley discography:

1956 Elvis Presley
1956 Elvis Presley
1956 Elvis
1957 Loving You
1957 Jailhouse Rock
1957 Christmas Album
1958 King Creole
1959 For LP Fans Only
1959 A Date with Elvis
1960 Elvis Is Back!
1960 G.I. Blues
1960 His Hand in Mine
1961 Something for Everybody
1961 Blue Hawaii
1962 Pot Luck with Elvis
1963 It Happened at the World's Fair
1963 Fun in Acapulco
1963 Girls! Girls! Girls!
1964 Kissin' Cousins
1964 Roustabout
1965 Girl Happy
1965 Elvis for Everyone
1965 Harum Scarum
1966 Frankie & Johnny
1966 Paradise, Hawaiian Style
1966 Spinout
1966 Anyway You Want Me
1967 How Great Thou Art
1967 Double Trouble
1967 Clambake
1967 Special Christmas Programming
1968 Speedway
1969 From Elvis in Memphis
1969 From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis
1970 Elvis in Person (At the International Hotel,...
1970 On Stage: February1970
1970 Almost in Love
1970 Elvis Back in Memphis
1970 Elvis: That's the Way It Is
1971 Elvis Country (I`m10,000 Years Old)
1971 You'll Never Walk Alone
1971 Love Letters from Elvis
1971 Elvis Sings "The Wonderful World of...
1972 Elvis Now
1972 He Touched Me
1972 Elvis as Recorded at Madison Square Garden
1973 Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite
1973 Elvis
1973 Raised on Rock/For Ol` Times Sake
1974 Good Times
1974 Elvis Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis
1974 Having Fun with Elvis on Stage
1974 U.S. Male
1975 Promised Land
1975 Today
1976 From Elvis Presley Boulevard,Memphis,...
1977 Welcome to My World
1977 Moody Blue
1977 Elvis in Concert
1978 Elvis Sings for Children and Grownups Too!
1978 Mahalo from Elvis
1992 Madison Square Garden
1995 Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!
1998 Live in 55
1999 Private Elvis
1999 Elvis
1999 That's the Way It Is
1999 It's Christmas Time
2000 Elvis Presley: Live1955 the Hayride Shows
Santa Claus Is Back in Town
Sings for Children
Elvis Presley: Live!

1956 Rock`n`Roll, No. 2
1958 Elvis` Golden Records
1959 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can`t Be Wrong: Elvis`...
1964 Elvis` Gold Records, Vol. 3
1967 Special Palm Sunday Programming
1968 Elvis` Gold Records, Vol. 4
1968 Elvis` Gold Records, Vol. 4
1968 Singer Presents Elvis
1968 Elvis TV Special
1969 Elvis Sings Flaming Star
1970 Elvis` Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol.1,...
1970 Elvis` Gold Records
1971 C'mon Everybody
1971 The Other Sides: Worldwide Gold Award Hits,...
1971 I Got Lucky
1971 Today Tomorrow & Forever
1971 Collector's Gold
1972 Elvis Sings Hits from His Movies, Vol.1
1972 Elvis Sings Hits from His Movies, Vol. 2
1972 Burning Love and Hits from His Movies, Vol. 2
1972 Let's Be Friends
1972 World Wide 25 Gold Award Hits, Vol.1
1972 World Wide 25 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 2
1972 World Wide 25 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 3
1972 World Wide 25 Gold Award Hits, Vol. 4
1972 Elvis: The Rockin' Days
1972 Rock Rock Rock
1973 Separate Ways
1974 Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Vol.1
1974 Elvis Forever
1974 Hits of the 70`s
1974 Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Pts.1 & 2
1975 Rock'n Roll
1975 Pure Gold
1975 Double Dynamite
1975 Lid Rocks
1975 Gold Thirty
1975 40 Greatest Hits
1975 A Portrait in Music
1975 Pictures of Elvis
1975 The Sun Collection
1976 Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Vol. 2
1976 The Sun Sessions
1977 In Demand
1977 The Elvis Presley Story
1977 Elvis: His Songs of Inspiration
1977 Elvis Speaks to You
1978 He Walks Beside Me: Favorite Songs
1978 Elvis: A Canadian Tribute
1978 Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Vol. 3
1978 The Elvis Presley Collection
1978 40 Greatest Hits
1978 Worldwide Gold Award Hits, Pts. 3&4
1978 Country Classics
1978 From Elvis with Love
1978 Legendary Concert Performances
1978 Elvis Commemorative Album
1978 Memories of Elvis
1978 The Greatest Show on Earth
1978 The `56 Sessions
1979 Our Memories of Elvis
1979 The `56 Sessions, Vol. 2
1979 Our Memories of Elvis, Vol. 2
1979 First Years
1979 Please Don`t Stop Loving Me
1979 The King Speaks
1979 Love Songs
1979 Jailhouse Rock/Tickle Me
1979 Easy Come, Easy Go/Kid Galahad
1979 Pure Elvis
1979 Elvis Tapes
1979 Golden Boy
1980 Elvis Sings Leiber & Stoller
1980 Elvis Aron Presley
1980 Elvis: A Legendary Performer, Vol. 4
1980 Double Dynamite, Vol.1-2
1980 Double Dynamite, Vol. 2
1980 Inspirations
1980 Elvis Aron Presley In-Store Sampler
1980 Elvis Aron Presley Radio Station Sampler
1980 Country Memories
1980 The Legendary Recordings of Elvis Presley
1980 Greatest Moments in Music
1980 The Legendary Magic of Elvis Presley
1981 Guitar Man
1981 This Is Elvis
1981 Elvis: Greatest Hits, Vol.1
1981 Return to Sender
1981 Wonderful World
1981 Heartbreak Hotel
1981 20 Greatest Hits, Vol.1
1981 20 Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
1981 Elvis Answers Back
1981 Ultimate Performance
1981 It's Now or Never
1981 Lightning Strikes Twice
1982 The Elvis Medley
1982 Hillbilly Cat
1982 EP Collection, Vol.1: G.I. Blues...
1982 G.I. Blues Alternative Takes, Vol. 2
1982 The EP Collection, Vol. 2
1982 Love in Las Vegas
1982 Are You Lonesome Tonight?
1982 Personally Elvis
1982 Romantic Elvis/Rockin` Elvis
1982 Images
1982 Can`t Help Falling in Love
1982 Rock & Roll Rebel
1982 It Won't See Like Christmas Without You
1982 Suspicious Minds
1982 The Sound of Your Cry
1982 Elvis! His Greatest Hits
1982 Elvis Sings Inspirational Favorites
1982 Elvis in Hollywood
1982 Elvis Christmas Classics
1982 Memories of Christmas
1983 Fliphits 4 Great Hits
1983 Jailhouse Rock/Love in Las Vegas
1983 I Was the One
1983 By Request of Japan Fans
1983 The First Year (Elvis, Scotty and Bill)
1983 Elvis: The Beginning Years,1954 to `56
1984 Elvis: The First Live Recordings
1984 Elvis: A Golden Celebration
1984 Collection, Vol.1
1984 Collection, Vol. 2
1984 Collection, Vol. 3
1984 Collection, Vol. 4
1984 Rare Elvis
1984 Magic Moments
1984 Rare Elvis, Vol. 2
1984 Rare Elvis, Vol. 3
1984 At His Best
1984 I Can Help
1984 The First10 Years
1984 The Legend
1984 32 Film Hits
1984 Blue Rhythms
1984 32 Film Hits, Vol. 2
1984 The Legend Lives On
1984 Elvis` Gold Records, Vol. 5
1984 Rocker
1985 A Valentine Gift for You
1985 Always on My Mind
1985 Sweet Songs
1985 Reconsider Baby
1985 Merry Christmas
1985 Fifty Years/Fifty Hits
1985 Elvis Sings Country Favorites
1985 One Night with You
1985 His Songs of Faith and Inspiration
1985 An Audio Self Portrait
1985 Elvis on Stage
1986 Return of the Rocker
1986 All Time Greatest Hits
1987 Heartbreak Hotel
1987 The Memphis Record
1987 The Essential Elvis, Vol.1
1987 Just Elvis
1987 Just Elvis, Vol. 2
1987 Top Ten Hits
1987 The Number One Hits
1987 Top Ten Hits
1987 The Complete Sun Sessions
1988 The Alternate Aloha
1988 Remembering Elvis
1988 Elvis Talks
1988 The Essential Elvis, Vol. 2: Stereo `57
1988 Elvis in Nashville
1988 The Essential Elvis: The First Movies
1988 Elvis Aron Presley Forever
1989 Jailhouse Rock
1989 Love Me Tender
1989 Known Only to Him: Elvis Gospel1957-1971
1990 The Million Dollar Quartet
1990 The Definitive Country Album
1990 The Definitive Film Album
1990 The Definitive Gospel Album
1990 The Definitive Rock & Roll Album
1990 The Definite Love Album
1990 The Essential Elvis, Vol. 3: Hits Like Never...
1990 Heartbreak Hotel & Other Hits
1990 Great Performances
1991 Elvis Presley's First Session
1991 Elvis: The King
1991 The Lost Album
1991 Elvis and Jim: Christmas Favorites
1992 The King of Rock `n` Roll: The Complete 50`s...
1992 Blue Christmas
1992 Elvis` Christmas Album
1992 Elvis Country
1993 Love in Las Vegas/Roustabout
1993 Kid Galahad/Girls! Girls! Girls!
1993 It Happened at the World`s Fair/Fun in...
1993 From Nashville to Memphis: The Essential...
1993 Harum Scarum/Girl Happy
1993 Frankie & Johnny/Paradise, Hawaiian Style
1993 Spinout/Double Trouble
1993 Viva Las Vegas/Roustabout
1994 Kissin` Cousins/Clambake/Stay Away Joe
1994 Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Songs
1994 If Every Day Was Like Christmas
1995 His Life & His Music
1995 Gold: The Very Best of the King
1995 Heart and Soul
1995 Live a Little, Love a Little/Charro!/The...
1995 Command Performances: The Essential 60`s...
1995 Elvis Presley & Friends
1995 Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential 70`s...
1995 Golden Years
1995 Easy Come, Easy Go/Speedway
1995 Flaming Star/Wild in the Country/Follow That...
1995 The Essential Collection
1996 The Legend Begins
1996 Live
1996 Elvis 56
1996 The Essential Elvis, Vol. 4: A100 Years...
1996 A Portrait in Words & Music
1996 Louisiana Hayride
1996 Great Country Songs
1996 In the Beginning
1997 Great Elvis Presley Live
1997 An Afternoon in the Garden
1997 Classic Elvis
1997 Jailhouse Rock/Love Me Tender
1997 Raw Elvis (Live at the Eagles Hall in...
1997 Platinum (A Life in Music)
1997 Hayride
1997 Forever in Love
1997 Elvis Elvis Elvis: The King & His Movies
1997 24 Karat Hits
1997 Elvis Tapes, Vol. 2
1997 Greatest Jukebox Hits
1997 The Louisiana Hayride Anthologies of Legends
1997 Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits, Vol.1
1997 Always Elvis
1997 30 Suositunita
1997 Always on My Mind: The Ultimate Love Song...
1997 The Elvis Presley Collection: Rock `N` Roll...
1998 Love Songs
1998 A Golden Celebration
1998 A Touch of Platinum
1998 Blue Suede Shoes: The Ultimate Rock `n` Roll...
1998 A Touch of Platinum, Vol. 2
1998 The Essential Elvis, Vol. 5: Rhythm and...
1998 The Truth About Me
1998 Tiger Man
1998 Memories: The `68 Comeback Special
1998 The Elvis Presley Collection: From the Heart...
1999 All the Best, Vol.1-2
1999 Remembering Elvis: Louisiana Hayrides &...
1999 Sunrise
1999 Concert 1999 World Tour
1999 Home Recordings
1999 Elvis Shaped CD Box
1999 Suspicious Minds
1999 Tomorrow Is a Long Time
1999 Artist of the Century
1999 Elvis
1999 Burning Love
1999 The Collection
1999 Can`t Help Falling in Love: The Hollywood...
1999 Ballads
1999 Movies
1999 Rockin'
1999 Rock & Roll
1999 Country Side of Elvis
1999 Love Songs
1999 Gospel Favorites
2000 The Essential Elvis, Vol. 6: Such a Night
2000 Elvis 2000
2000 Canadian Tribute
2000 Take My Hand: Gospel Favorites
2000 Best of Artist of the Century
Great Performances
Speedway/Clambake
The Best of Elvis
Graceland Live in Memphis
Panel Deluxe
Great Hits
Rockin' On, Vol.1
Rockin' On, Vol. 2
Greatest Hits
Burbank Sessions
Audiofon
Para Los Fans Espagnoles
South Africa
Elvis Presley1954-1961
Elvis the King1954-1965
He Touched Me, Vol.1