Early Life & Rise to Fame
Discover the journey of Elvis from humble beginnings to legendary stardom
Elvis Aron Presley (later spelled Aaron) was born on January 8, 1935 in a tiny two‑room house in Tupelo, Mississippi. Growing up poor, he sang in his local Assembly of God church and soaked up gospel hymns, blues and country music. In 1948 the Presley family moved to Memphis, where teenage Elvis visited Beale Street clubs and Black churches, widening his musical palette.
At age 11, he received his first guitar and began teaching himself to play, influenced by the music he heard in church and on the radio. His unique sound emerged from blending these diverse musical influences with his natural talent.
By 1955, "Colonel" Tom Parker had become Elvis's manager and negotiated a contract with RCA Victor. Early singles such as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," and "Love Me Tender" topped the charts in 1956. His energetic performances on nationally broadcast programs like Louisiana Hayride and The Ed Sullivan Show attracted audiences of 60 million viewers. The combination of his unique voice, charismatic stage presence, and innovative musical style made him a cultural icon almost overnight.
Rare 1956 Interview with Gladys & Vernon Presley
In this rare 1956 interview, Gladys and Vernon Presley share personal memories about their son Elvis shortly after he rose to fame. Recorded for the television show "The Hy Gardner Show," this interview provides a glimpse into Elvis's family life and his parents' perspective on his sudden stardom.
The interview captures the Presleys' humble nature and their pride in their son's accomplishments, offering valuable insights into Elvis's upbringing and family background during the early days of his career.
Timeline of the Early Years
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| January 8, 1935 | Born Elvis Aaron Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi in a two-room house built by his father. His identical twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn 35 minutes earlier. |
| 1946 | Received his first guitar for his 11th birthday from his mother |
| 1948 | Moved with family to Memphis, Tennessee at age 13, where he was exposed to diverse musical influences |
| 1953 | Graduated from Humes High School in Memphis |
| July 1953 | Paid $4 to record his first demo at Sun Studio as a gift for his mother |
| July 1954 | Recorded "That's All Right" at Sun Records, his first commercial recording |
| July 30, 1954 | First professional performance at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis |
| August 1954 | Began performing regularly on the Louisiana Hayride radio show |
| 1955 | Signed by manager Colonel Tom Parker, who negotiated his contract with RCA |
| January 27, 1956 | Made first national TV appearance on Stage Show |
| March 1956 | Released his first album, "Elvis Presley" |
| April 1956 | First Las Vegas engagement at the New Frontier Hotel |
| September 9, 1956 | First appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, drawing 60 million viewers |