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About the USA

About the USA is a digital collection of background resources on american society, culture, and political processes. In addition to featuring selected websites, it provides access to documents in full text format (E-Texts) on topics ranging from the history of German-American relations, government and politics to travel, holidays and sports. About the USA is maintained by the Information Resource Centers/U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Germany. usa.usembassy.de

In Focus: Pop Icon Elvis Presley Remembered on Anniversary of Death

Before "Elvis," Beatles vocalist and rhythm guitarist John Lennon once said, "there was nothing."

Elvis Presley, “The King of Rock,” died in 1977, but his presence is still felt in America and in the world. Why are people so captivated by Elvis?His music, personality and verve touched millions. 

Elvis Presley, 1957. (© AP Images)

By the late 1950s, Elvis Aaron Presley (1935–1977), a dirt-poor country boy had emerged as “The King" -- Hollywood star, top-selling recording artist (of all time, by some measures) and cultural icon. His first and perhaps most lasting achievement, though, was introducing the rhythm-and-blues music pioneered by African Americans to a white audience. Elvis fused what then often was known as "black music" with the "country" sound prevalent in the South. The result was called “rockabilly”.

In 1953, Presley made his first demo recording for producer Sam Phillips' Memphis-based Sun Records.

Between 1953 and 1955, Presley recorded a number of regional hits for Sun. Some were country-flavored, while others were remakes, or "covers," of African-American blues. In November 1955, his manager arranged the purchase of Presley's contract by the much larger RCA Records.

Major hit records followed: classics like "Heartbreak Hotel," "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," "Don’t Be Cruel" "Hound Dog," and "Love Me Tender" in 1956 alone.

In March 1958, Presley was inducted into the United States Army for a two-year stint. Elvis returned to civilian life two years later, and more hit records and movies followed. It has been estimated that The King has sold more than 1 billion recordings.

Presley continued to enjoy commercial success during the 1960s, although changing tastes brought artists associated with Motown and the "British Invasion" more to the fore with younger listeners. Elvis' audience aged with him, and for many, Presley symbolized the America of their youth.

Factoids

The first song that Elvis Presley recorded was one he made at the Memphis Recording Service that was supposedly made for his mother. The name of it was "My Happiness" and on the flip side he records "That's When My Heartache Begins." These songs were made popular by a local group, The Ink Spot. Elvis's first commercial recording was "That's All Right Mama," recorded on July 8, 1954.

Approximately 750,000 people visit Graceland each year. Outside of the White House, it is the most visited home in America.