Elvis Presley Life & Career Timeline

8 January 1935Tupelo, Mississippi

Born in Tupelo

Elvis Aaron Presley was born in a two-room house in Tupelo. Music from church, radio and the surrounding communities became part of the sound he later brought to a mass audience.

Why it matters: His roots connected gospel, country and rhythm and blues traditions.

1946Tupelo, Mississippi

First guitar

For his eleventh birthday, Elvis received a guitar. He learned informally and absorbed gospel, country and blues heard around Tupelo.

September 1948Memphis, Tennessee

The family moves to Memphis

The Presley family moved to Memphis, placing Elvis close to the city’s vibrant gospel, country and rhythm-and-blues scenes.

3 June 1953Memphis, Tennessee

Graduates from Humes High School

Elvis completed high school and worked several jobs while continuing to pursue music.

5 July 1954Memphis, Tennessee

The Sun Records session

During a studio session with Scotty Moore and Bill Black, Presley recorded “That’s All Right.” Memphis radio play quickly turned the recording into his first breakthrough.

Why it matters: The session established the energetic hybrid sound associated with his rise.

15 August 1955United States

Colonel Parker becomes manager

Tom Parker became closely involved in Presley’s management as national record-company interest accelerated.

21 November 1955New York, New York

RCA acquires the contract

RCA Victor acquired Presley’s Sun Records contract, preparing his recordings for national distribution.

28 January 1956United States

First national number one

“Heartbreak Hotel” was released as Presley’s first RCA single. It became his first number-one pop hit and introduced him to an enormous national audience.

Why it matters: It marked the transition from regional sensation to national star.

9 September 1956New York, New York

The Ed Sullivan Show

Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, reaching one of the largest television audiences of the era.

15 November 1956New York, New York

Love Me Tender premieres

His first motion picture, Love Me Tender, opened and began a long Hollywood chapter.

19 March 1957Memphis, Tennessee

Graceland is purchased

Presley bought Graceland, the home that became inseparable from his public story and legacy.

24 March 1958Memphis, Tennessee

Enters the U.S. Army

At the height of his fame, Presley was inducted into the United States Army and later served in Germany.

2 March 1960United States

Returns from military service

After nearly two years in the Army, Presley returned to recording, television and filmmaking.

1 May 1967Las Vegas, Nevada

Marries Priscilla Beaulieu

Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu married in Las Vegas after a long courtship.

3 December 1968Burbank, California

The comeback special

NBC broadcast the television special now widely known as the ’68 Comeback Special. The intimate black-leather performances returned the focus to Presley as a live performer.

Why it matters: Its success revitalised his recording and concert career.

1 February 1968Memphis, Tennessee

Lisa Marie is born

The couple’s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was born exactly nine months after their wedding.

31 July 1969Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas return

Presley opened a major engagement at the International Hotel, beginning the concert era most associated with his jumpsuit stage image.

14 January 1973Honolulu, Hawaii

Aloha from Hawaii

The satellite concert Aloha from Hawaii presented Presley to an enormous international television audience.

16 August 1977Memphis, Tennessee

A life becomes a legacy

Presley died at Graceland at the age of 42. His recordings, films, stage image and home in Memphis continued to shape popular culture around the world.

Why it matters: His influence extends far beyond the years of his active career.

26 June 1977Indianapolis, Indiana

Final concert

Presley gave his final concert at Market Square Arena.