Elvis Presley died 41 years ago today.
Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, Elvis is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".
Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, Elvis is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love Presley in the two-room shotgun house built by his father, Vernon Elvis Presley, in preparation for the birth.
Jesse Garon Presley, his identical twin brother, was delivered 35 minutes before him.
Presley became close to both parents and formed an especially close bond with his mother. The family attended an Assembly of God church, where he found his initial musical inspiration.
The family often relied on help from neighbors and government food assistance. In 1938, they lost their home after Vernon was found guilty of altering a check written by his landowner and sometime employer.
He was jailed for eight months, while Gladys and Elvis moved in with relatives.
In 1941, Presley entered first grade at East Tupelo Consolidated, where his teachers regarded him as "average". He was encouraged to enter a singing contest after impressing his schoolteacher with a rendition of Red Foley's country song "Old Shep" during morning prayers.
