Stories 2023
Elvis Presley: The Rock and Roll Royalty
John Lennon once said, “If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been the Beatles.”
Often regarded as the “King of Rock and Roll”, Elvis Presley was a legendary American musician who became an influential cultural icon of the post-war generation. Famous for his pioneering music and rhythmic dance moves, he made a major contribution to the music scene. He was also known for his distinctive fashion sense and charismatic performances. Apart from being a gifted musician, he was a skilled dancer and actor who left a lasting impression on pop culture as a whole. It comes as no surprise that his influence and impact has endured over generations.
Elvis Presley entered the music industry in 1954 with his debut single “That’s All Right (Mama)”, a version of the old blues track. By 1956, he had become an international icon, dominating the bestsellers charts. He gave the world famous songs like “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, “If I Can Dream”, “Jailhouse Rock”, amongst many others. By giving voice to an entire generation and owing to his ability as a performer to connect with his fans catapulted him to fame of epic proportions. This sadly was cut short by his untimely death on 16 August 1977 at his Graceland home due to a heart attack. He was only 42.
From humble beginnings to meteoric rise to stardom to early death, let’s dive deep into Elvis Presley’s rock and roll journey through time.