Elvis Presley's Life in Photos

1935: A Young Elvis

Elvis Aron Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Gladys and Vernon Presley. He had an identical twin brother named Jesse Garon Presley, who was stillborn.

1940: Growing Up

Presley was born into a religious working class family. As a child, he moved frequently and was very close with his parents.

1946: A Major Influence

Presley's family attended the Assembly of God Church, which is where he was introduced to Gospel music. At 11 years old, he received his first guitar for his birthday and began making music. Later in life, the singer won three of his Grammys for Gospel tracks.

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1953: Graduating High School

In 1953, Presley graduated from Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Here he is in his school's ROTC uniform. After graduating, he worked odd jobs to save enough money to record a demo.

1953: A Studio Contract

Presley caught the attention of Sun Studio owner Sam Phillips, who cut the young singer's first single "That's All Right." Presley signed with the studio and began touring around the country to boost his profile.

1954: Iconic Dance Moves

Presley gained a following on tour, but it wasn't just his music that caught the eye of teenagers, it was his dance moves. The singer's unique gyrating hips became a signature move.

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1954: His First Single

A teenage Elvis holds a stack of 45s of his first commercial recording, "That's All Right, Mama." It only took two takes in the studio to get the song right.

1955: A Record Deal

With the help of Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the singer's contract with Sun Studio was bought out by the major record label RCA Records for $35,000. RCA also bought the rights to Presley's previously recorded songs.

1955: Scotty Moore

Elvis performs with guitarist Scotty Moore, a member of his backing band, The Blue Moon Boys. Moore eventually became the singer's first manager in the early days of his career, and they remained close through the years. "Elvis loved Scotty dearly and treasured those amazing years together, both in the studio and on the road," Priscilla Presley shared in a statement following Moore's death in 2016.

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Circa 1955: A Special Friendship

1956: His Big Break

After signing with RCA, Presley's career took an upward turn. His new single "Heartbreak Hotel" climbed the charts and quickly took over the top spot.

1956: A National TV Debut

Presley's debut on national television was on The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show in 1956. Afterward, the singer became a regular appearing on various variety shows.

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1956: The Million Dollar Quartet

Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash teamed up for a one-night studio session in 1956. Music's biggest names—later dubbed "The Million Dollar Quartet"—came together at Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

1956: A Top Album

To capitalize on Presley's growing popularity, RCA released an album called Elvis Presley, which was made up of songs he had previously recorded with Sun Studios and new tracks. The album quickly rose to the number one spot on the charts.

1956: Headed to Hollywood

Thanks to his mainstream appeal, Presley snagged himself a three-year contract with Paramount Pictures in 1956. Soon he was embarking on a promising film career.

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1956: A Film Debut

Presley made his on-screen debut in Love Me Tender, which was a hit at the box office. Presley's move into film was huge for his career and, by the end of the year, he was one of the most high-profile celebrities of the decade.

1956: His Famous Hair

In the mid-'50s, Elvis was often spotted with his signature comb. His natural hair color was sandy blonde, and he dyed it jet black. He used the same salon and stylist as other stars of the time, like Marlon Brando, Steve McQueen, and Rock Hudson.

1957: Say Hello to Graceland

Presley returned to his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee in 1957 and purchased his now famous mansion, Graceland.

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1957: 'Jailhouse Rock'

One of Presley's most famous songs was "Jailhouse Rock," which he recorded for the 1957 film of the same title. Here, he poses for a promotional shoot for the movie.

1957: Becoming The King

Presley starred in three films by the end of 1957 and secured a devoted fanbase, which led to him being dubbed The King of Rock 'n' Roll by reporters. The nickname stuck and soon enough he simply became known as The King.

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