It’s been four decades since Elvis Presley died in August 1977, but his music and legacy lives on. Many people visit his former home, Graceland in Memphis, to honor the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
While Elvis’s premature death was cause at least in part by a poor diet and drug abuse, he still had a long career ahead of him. So, if he were still alive today, how old would he be?
Elvis Presley was Born on January 8, 1935
When it comes to the music industry, no one can dispute that Elvis Presley is the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The American singer has been induct into five Halls of Fame, and he sold over one billion records worldwide.
He was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys and Vernon Presley. He and his family moved to Memphis in 1948, and he graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.
Poor Boy
In his early years, he was a poor boy. He was gift a guitar by his parents when he turn 11 and start performing with the band at the local dance club.
Elvis started his career as a country and pop singer, but eventually became a rock star. He was a pioneer in rockabilly, a fusion of country and blues that had a powerful back beat. He also incorporated gospel and R&B into his repertoire, which helped him achieve widespread success.
Died on August 16, 1977
August 16, 1977, marked the end of Elvis Presley’s life. Though he had been a huge celebrity for decades, it was a shock to the world when he died that day.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
The rocker had been found unconscious in the bathroom of his Graceland mansion by his fiancee, Ginger Alden. He was later pronounce dead by Dr. George Nichopoulos, who listed the cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia.
It would be weeks before toxicology reports revealed the singer’s heavy drug use. Several drugs, including Quaaludes and Dilaudid, were detect in his blood.
Doctors believe that Presley’s death was cause by the combination of the drugs in his system and his body weight. He was a heavy user of prescription medications, including antidepressants and barbiturates, as well as opiates.
Left Behind a Legacy
Elvis Presley left behind a legacy of cultural influence that continues to resonate with modern music. His unique sound and style captivated audiences everywhere, and he inspired generations of musicians to create their own versions of his classics.
Variety of Musical Genres
He was a trailblazer for a variety of musical genres, combining elements of blues, country, gospel, and pop music. He also changed the face of popular culture by challenging norms about race, gender, and fashion.
His philanthropic efforts were also appreciate by the public; he donated money to charities and organizations throughout his career, including the American Cancer Society. He also established his own charity, the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, which provided financial aid to people in need.
King of Rock
Today, younger millennials and gen-Z continue to connect with him in an entirely new way. Austin Butler’s portrayal of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll carries on his impact in ways that he would have never imagined. Whether it’s through hip-hop covers, modern artists taking inspiration from his style, or books about him, the impact of Elvis Presley has been felt in all aspects of our lives.
Trailblazer
Elvis Presley was a trailblazer in the music world, and in many ways in our society as well. Not only did he produce an impressive number of songs, but he was also responsible for introducing the world to rock ‘n’ roll.
He was also a social trailblazer, paving the way for musicians of all genres to break into the mainstream and challenging racial barriers and social norms along the way. His legacy lives on today, not just in his hometown of Memphis but across the globe, with music legends and fashion icons alike paying homage to him and his time.
Final Words:
Using an array of cutting edge technology, writer and filmmaker Eugene Jarecki assembles the best of the best in this high-tech, multimedia ode to Elvis Presley and his time. His findings are both enlightening and entertaining, as are the many memorable moments and memorable occurrences that make up this fascinating and often enigmatic film.
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