Elvis Presley was a hometown kid and a constant source of news around the world, some of which was fabricated by the Memphis press. Of course, Elvis Presley was a talented vocalist with a colorful life story, and it is those stories that make the history of Elvis Presley so interesting.
Elvis was the largest selling recording artist of all time and amazingly continued to be BMG’s biggest star 25 years after his death. From the beginning of his recording career in 1954 to 2002, Elvis Presley sold over one billion records around the world. As part of that accomplishment, he had 131 gold and platinum albums in the United States and he also made more than 30 movies.
Elvis Presley was also known for his generosity. Friends, family and even total strangers often received presents from him.
Elvis Presley wasn’t just a one-dimensional singer. He also crossed over into television and movies, where he also was a smashing success. In fact, Elvis appeared on programs such as The Steve Allen Show, The Milton Berle Show and The Toast of the Town (all very popular in their day).
Presley’s most famous and sensational appearance was aired on The Ed Sullivan Show. Because he was a controversial guest, the camera operators were instructed to stay above the waist and not show his dancing hips. As a result, Presley became known as “Elvis the Pelvis”, which horrified the parents and excited the youth in towns across America.
Elvis was fresh and new and he became a pivotal figure in the history of rock music. He defined rock and roll’s new sound and he also started a youth culture and the symbol of teenage rebellion. It is no shock given his popularity that there are so many Elvis Presley gifts on the market today.
His movies, which of course contained his singing, as well as his acting, were well loved by the public though he never received critical acclaim. In a twenty year period Elvis was often a top box office draw (people loved him). He made over 32 movies and it’s believed he grossed over $175 million. The movies further extended Elvis’s image and increased his fame. There are many Elvis Presley Collectibles on the market today from that era.
It is well known that John Lennon of the famous Beatles once said that Elvis Presley’s music was one of the Beatles biggest and most important influences. Further, Lennon has also been quoted as saying, “before Elvis there was nothing”.