January 8, 1935
In Tupelo, Mississippi, shortly before dawn, in a two-room house built by her husband, Vernon Presley, and her brother-in-law, Gladys Presley gives birth to twin sons. The first, Jessie Garon, is born stillborn. The second, Elvis Aaron, is born alive and healthy. Elvis would be their only child.
1935 - 1948
Elvis grows up within a close-knit, working class family, consisting of his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all live near one another in Tupelo. There is little money, but Vernon and Gladys do their best to provide for their son, who is the center of their lives. They move from one house to another in Tupelo. Elvis attends the Assembly of God Church with his family, and the music and preaching register deeply. Other influences are black bluesmen in the neighborhood and country music radio programs enjoyed by his family.
October 3, 1945
Ten-year-old Elvis stands on a chair at a microphone and sings "Old Shep" in a youth talent contest at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, held in Tupelo. The talent show is broadcast over WELO Radio. Winning fifth prize, Elvis receives $5.00 in fair ride tickets.
1946
Elvis’ parents cannot afford a bicycle that Elvis wants, so Gladys talks him into accepting a guitar instead. Elvis' first guitar costs $12.95 and is purchased at the Tupelo Hardware Company.
November 6, 1948
Elvis plays his guitar and sings "Leaf on a Tree" for his Milam Junior High class in Tupelo as a farewell. Elvis and his parents pack their belongings in a trunk, strap it to the roof of their 1939 Plymouth, and move to Memphis, Tennessee, in search of a better life economically. Other members of the Presley and Smith family would follow.
1948-1953
Elvis and his parents live in public housing or low rent homes in the poor neighborhoods of north Memphis. Life continues to be hard. Vernon and Gladys go from job to job and Elvis attends L.C. Humes High School. Elvis works at various jobs to help support himself and his parents. The Presley-Smith family remains close-knit, and Elvis and his family attend the Assembly of God Church. The teenage Elvis continues to be known for singing with his guitar. He buys his clothes on Beale Street and he absorbs the black blues and gospel he hears there. He’s also a regular audience member at the all-night, white and black, gospel sings that are held downtown. He wears his hair long (compared to the day’s standards) and slick, and lets his sideburns grow. He’s really different from the other kids, a good-natured misfit.
While at Humes High, Elvis nervously sings with his guitar at a student talent show. Much to his own amazement, he gets more applause than anyone else and wins, then performs an encore. The acceptance feels good.
INFLUENCES
June 3, 1953
Elvis graduates from Humes High School.
1953
Elvis works at Parker Machinists Shop right after graduation. That summer, he drops by The Memphis Recording Service, home of the Sun label, and makes a demo acetate of "My Happiness" and "That’s When Your Heartaches Begin" for a cost of about $4.00. (The studio came to be known as Sun Studio, though it was never officially named that until many years later. For simplicity, this text uses the name Sun Studio.) The studio owner isn’t in, so his assistant, Marion Keisker, handles the session. Elvis wants to see what his voice sounds like on a record and he has aspirations to become a professional singer. He takes the acetate home and reportedly gives it to his mother as a much-belated extra birthday present. By the fall, he is working at Precision Tool Company.
MYSTERY TRAIN/TIGERMAN!!!
January 1954
Elvis makes another demo acetate at Sun. Sam Phillips, the owner, is in this time and, like Marion Keisker, is intrigued by this unusual looking and sounding young man.
April 20, 1954
Elvis changes jobs again, going to work for Crown Electric Company. At Crown, he does various jobs, including driving a delivery truck and delivering supplies to job sites. He also goes to night school and studies to be an apprentice electrician.
June 6, 1954
At Marion Keisker’s suggestion, Sam Phillips calls Elvis into the studio to try singing a song Sam hopes to put out on record. The song is "Without You" and Elvis does not sing it to Sam’s satisfaction. Sam asks Elvis what he can sing and Elvis runs through a number of popular tunes. Sam is impressed enough to team Elvis up with local musicians Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass) to see if they together can come up with something worthwhile.
SOUNDS LIKE
July 4, 1954
Elvis meets Scotty and Bill, but nothing really clicks until July 5, when after a tedious session, Elvis and the guys break into a sped-up version of Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's "That's All Right." This song, backed with “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” becomes the first of five singles Elvis will release on the Sun label.
Summer 1954
Elvis, Scotty, and Bill start performing together, with Scotty acting as the group’s manager. Elvis continues to work at Crown Electric as the group starts to play small clubs and other smalltime gigs locally and throughout the South, enjoying moderate success with the records and personal appearances.
October 2, 1954
Elvis’ one appearance on the “Grand Ole Opry” doesn’t go over particularly well, with one of the Opry officials reportedly suggesting that Elvis go back to driving a truck. The Opry is very important at this time. This is a painful disappointment in Elvis' early career.
Elvis, Scotty and Bill continue to record and to travel. They quit their day jobs in mid-October 1954.
October 16, 1954
They appear for the first time on the ”Louisiana Hayride,” a live, Saturday night, country music radio show originating in Shreveport, Louisiana, broadcast over KWKH Radio. The show is the “Grand Ole Opry's” chief competitor, carried by 190 stations in thirteen states. This leads to regular appearances on the Hayride. In November, Elvis signs a one year contract for 52 Saturday night appearances. This is a great break, but as Elvis’ popularity grows, his commitment to the Hayride prevents him from traveling much outside the South to further his career on a larger scale.
January 1, 1955
Elvis signs a contract with Bob Neal, who now becomes his manager.
January 15, 1955
During his association with the Hayride, Elvis meets “Colonel” Tom Parker, a promoter and manager connected with various acts and the ”Louisiana Hayride.” Parker is also the manager for country star Hank Snow. A previous Parker client is country star Eddy Arnold.
1955
Elvis, Scotty and Bill continue touring on their own and in package shows with various country stars, including package tours of artists from the Hayride. Colonel Parker is involved. This includes touring with Hank Snow. The regular Hayride appearances continue. Drummer D.J. Fontana joins Elvis’ band. In the spring, Elvis fails to be accepted on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts,” a network television show. As always, Elvis’ live appearances have special appeal for the teenagers, especially the females. His unusual style, sexy moves, and good looks start to cause more and more excitement wherever he plays. Sometimes the crowds break through the barricades in near-riot behavior. Elvis gains more and more popularity and begins to receive national attention. Colonel Parker becomes more involved in Elvis’ career.
August 15, 1955
Elvis signs a management contract with Hank Snow Attractions, which is owned equally by Snow and Colonel Tom Parker. Bob Neal remains involved as an advisor. Colonel Parker is to be Elvis’ exclusive manager from this time on and Snow is soon no longer connected to Elvis
MUSIC
November 20, 1955
Elvis signs his first contract with RCA Records. Colonel Parker negotiates the sale of Elvis’ Sun contract to RCA, which includes his five Sun singles and his unreleased Sun material. The price is an unprecedented $35,000, with a $5,000 bonus for Elvis. RCA soon re-releases the five Sun singles on the RCA label. At the same time, Elvis signs a contract with Hill and Range Publishing Company, which is to set up a separate firm called Elvis Presley Music, Inc. Elvis will share with Hill and Range the publishing ownership of songs bought by Hill and Range for him to record. Elvis is the hottest new star in the music business.
January 10, 1956
Two days after his twenty-first birthday, Elvis has his first recording session for RCA, held at their studio in Nashville. Among the songs laid to tape during this session is "Heartbreak Hotel."
Roll Over Beethoven!
January 27, 1956
"Heartbreak Hotel" b/w "I Was the One" is shipped by RCA and sells over 300,000 copies in its first three weeks on the market. It is soon to go to #1 on Billboard’s pop singles chart for eight weeks and hits #1 on the country chart and #5 on the R&B chart. It becomes the first Elvis single to sell over one million copies, thus earning Elvis his very first gold record award.
January 28, 1956
Elvis appears with Scotty, Bill and D.J. on the Jackie Gleason-produced “Stage Show,” starring Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, on CBS. This is Elvis’ first network television appearance. He appears five more nights on “Stage Show” over the weeks ahead and makes minor waves nationally. The last of these six appearances is March 24. Traveling and personal appearances continue during this time, including the “Louisiana Hayride” appearances for which he is still under contract
February 1956
As "Heartbreak Hotel" makes its climb up the charts on its way to #1, "I Forgot to Remember to Forget" b/w "Mystery Train," Elvis' fifth and last single to be released on the Sun label, hits #1 on Billboard’s national country singles chart. His first #1 hit on a national chart.
March 23, 1956
RCA ships “Elvis Presley,” Elvis’ first album. The album soon goes to #1 on Billboard’s pop album chart for 10 weeks. It is the first Elvis album to reach over $1 million in sales, thus earning Elvis his first gold album award.
March 25, 1956
Elvis arrives in Los Angeles to begin a two-part screen test for Paramount Studios in Hollywood on the 26th and 27th. He lip syncs "Blue Suede Shoes" and performs a scene from the as yet unmade film, “The Rainmaker.”
April 3, 1956
Elvis appears on “The Milton Berle Show” on NBC. This particular broadcast of the show originates from the deck of the aircraft carrier the USS Hancock.
April 2 - 6, 1956
Elvis signs a one-picture movie contract with Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures. The contract includes options for six more pictures.
April 23 - May 9, 1956
Compared to the usual hysteria, Elvis has lukewarm acceptance for his two-week engagement at the New Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas. He is not exactly what the adult audience of Vegas gamblers relates to very well. During these two weeks, the single “Heartbreak Hotel,” and the album “Elvis Presley,” both hit number one on the Billboard pop charts.
Through all of this, the travel and personal appearances around the country and new record releases continue. The crowds get bigger and bigger, wilder and wilder. Elvis’ fame grows dramatically. Some of these shows have to end early due to fans’ storming the stage. Elvis creates pandemonium wherever he goes.
June 5, 1956
Elvis appears again on “The Milton Berle Show,” this time in the studio where the show usually originates, backed by The Jordanaires, Scotty, Bill and D.J. Among his selections is a playfully sensuous performance of "Hound Dog" that drives the kids in the audience wild and disgusts the press and some of the adult viewers. It is one of his most controversial performances. This merely serves to fuel his seemingly unstoppable popularity even more.
Traveling, personal appearances and new record releases continue. By this time, his sexy moves and black-influenced sound is being condemned by certain factions of the “morally concerned” establishment and the religious community. But the kids love it.
July 1, 1956
Elvis appears on “The Steve Allen Show” on NBC. Among his performances this night is a much toned down version of "Hound Dog." Allen has Elvis dress in white tie and black tux with tails and has him sing the song to a live Basset Hound, a tongue-in-cheek response to all controversy created by the Berle appearance the month before. Elvis good-naturedly goes along with it, but is not too happy about it. Elvis also appears in a cowboy comedy sketch with Allen, Imogene Coca and Andy Griffith.
Record releases, touring and recording continue. The condemnation and controversy continues as well, along with the ever-growing popularity. Ed Sullivan, who had said that he would never have the likes of Elvis Presley on his show, changes his tune when he sees the big ratings that Elvis attracts to the Berle and Allen shows. A three-appearance deal is worked out for $50,000 and is the highest amount ever paid to a performer, up to that time, for appearing on a variety show.
July 2, 1956
The Jordanaires, a gospel quartet and popular country back-up group, begin working with Elvis in the studio during his fourth RCA session and soon begin touring with him. They will also appear with him in several films and remain his main back-up group until the late sixties
August 1956
Elvis begins shooting his first movie, “Love Me Tender,” on loan-out from Paramount to Twentieth Century Fox. It is originally titled “The Reno Brothers,” but is re-titled before its release to capitalize on Elvis’ sure-to-be-a-hit single from the soundtrack.
September 9, 1956
Elvis makes the first of three appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” the top television program of the era. Elvis attracts the highest ratings ever for any television variety show, receiving 80% of the national viewing audience. Character actor Charles Laughton hosts in place of Sullivan, who is recuperating from a car accident.
September 26, 1956
Elvis Presley Day is proclaimed in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis’ parents join him as he returns to the town of his birth as a big star. He performs two shows at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, the same fair at which he had performed at age 10. This time there are a hundred National Guardsmen surrounding the stage to control the crowds of excited fans.
By this time, souvenir merchandising using Elvis’ name, image and likeness has become a big part of the Elvis phenomenon. Licensees will soon be producing as many as thirty different products including hats, t-shirts, jeans, kerchiefs, sneakers, shirts, blouses, belts, purses, billfolds, wallets, charm bracelets, necklaces, magazines, gloves, bookends, a statue, lipstick, cologne, stuffed hound dogs, stationery, sweaters, crockery, and more. Elvis and the Colonel are to blaze new trails in the area of celebrity merchandising. This is to be forever a part of the marketing of Elvis Presley, feeding a never-ending demand.
November 15, 1956
Elvis’ first movie, “Love Me Tender,” premieres at the Paramount Theater in New York City, opening nationwide in the days following. It becomes a smash hit and the critics’ reviews aren’t bad for his acting in this melodrama, which is set in the American South of the 1800’s Civil War era. The film has Elvis performing several songs.
December 31, 1956
The front page of The Wall Street Journal reports that in the past few months, Elvis merchandise has grossed $22 million in sales. Elvis ends the pivotal year of his career, when regional popularity gave way to unprecedented national and international fame. The year of 1956 has seen the beginning of Elvis souvenir merchandising, the beginning of a successful movie career, huge record sales (five number one singles on the pop chart, two number one albums on the pop chart, and other hits), history-making television appearances, record-breaking personal appearances and more. Elvis has become the primary symbol of the new youth culture in America. He has also become one of society’s most controversial figures. His unique blending of white country and gospel music, black R&B and gospel, white pop music, his particular brand of charisma and talent, and the resulting success and controversy, have helped him greatly to begin, without premeditation, a cycle of change in music and pop culture and the mores of American society. Nothing will ever be the same for Elvis Presley or for the world.
Welcome to Sandy and Harry's Elvis page! Harry was the lead singer in his own Rock N Roll band. Now he enjoys singing and letting Sandy create his songs into videos! Thank you for visiting our page!
January 6, 1957
Elvis makes his third and final appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” It is for this appearance, that Elvis is seen only from the waist up. It’s funny that after all of his television appearances the previous year, such censorship comes at this time. It is particularly amusing that this guideline remains in place during Elvis’ performance of the gospel standard, “Peace in the Valley,” one of five songs he performs on this Sullivan appearance. Ed Sullivan himself helps diffuse some of the controversy surrounding Elvis when he comes out on stage to thank Elvis and tells the studio audience and millions of American television viewers that “this is a decent, fine boy” and what a delight he has been to work with when appearing on the show. Ed Sullivan is the most influential person on television and one of the most powerful people in the television industry at the time. Personal appearances, recording sessions, record releases, controversy and publicity continue.
January 1957
Elvis begins production of his second movie, “Loving You.” Elvis also begins dying his hair black.
February 3, 1957
The New York Times runs a story entitled, "Presley Records a Craze in Soviet Union." Elvis records are not legally available in the Soviet Union. The article tells of bootleg recordings being cut on discarded X-ray plates and being sold in Leningrad on the black market for fifty rubles (about twelve and a half dollars) each, a lot of money at the time.
March 1957
Elvis buys Graceland Mansion for himself, his parents, and his paternal grandmother to live in for $102,500. It will be ready for them to move into on May 16th, 1957. Elvis doesn't spend his first night in Graceland until June 26th, 1957.
April 1957
While touring with his show, Elvis performs outside the U.S. for the first time when he appears in Canada. Two shows are in Toronto on April 2 and two shows are in Ottawa on April 3.
May 1957
Elvis begins work on his third motion picture, “Jailhouse Rock,” for MGM.
July 9, 1957
Elvis' second motion picture, “Loving You,” premieres in Memphis. It opens nationwide on July 30 and is on the Variety’s National Box Office Survey for four weeks, peaking at #7. Elvis skips the premiere, but take Anita and his parents to see a private midnight screening. Hit records include the title song and the classic smash "Teddy Bear." Traveling, touring, record releases and personal appearances continue.
August 31, 1957
Elvis performs in Vancouver. This is the third Canadian city he has performed in and marks the last time he will perform a concert outside the United States.
September 27, 1957
Elvis returns once more to the town of his birth to perform. This time it is a benefit for the proposed Elvis Presley Youth Recreation Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. The grounds include Elvis’ birthplace home. He will donate regularly to the center for the rest of his life.
October 17, 1957
“Jailhouse Rock,” Elvis’ third motion picture, premieres in Memphis. “Jailhouse Rock” opens nationally on November 18 and peaks at #3. It ends up being #14 for the year. By 1969, its earnings in the U.S. and Canada were roughly comparable with those of “The Wizard of Oz.” The title song is a smash hit. Years later, this film will be considered one of Elvis’ best acting performances, surpassed only by “King Creole,” which is to follow in 1958. “Jailhouse Rock” will come to be considered the ultimate classic of all “rock opera” movies. The "Jailhouse Rock" production number in the film is to be recognized as the grandfather of pop/rock music videos, a music format to become widely popular by the 1980’s.
November 10 – 11, 1957
Elvis performs shows in Hawaii for the first time. This would also be his last public appearance before entering the Army.
December 1957
Elvis and family enjoy their first Christmas at Graceland. Elvis also officially receives his draft notice, a day he has known would be coming soon.
Late January- Early March 1958
Elvis films and records for his fourth motion picture, "King Creole."
March 24, 1958
Elvis Presley is inducted into the U.S. Army at the Memphis Draft Board and is assigned serial number 53310761.
March 25, 1958
Elvis gets his famous G.I. haircut at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
March 28, 1958
Elvis arrives at Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training and is stationed there for six months.
June 10, 1958
After basic training, while on his first leave, Elvis has a recording session. This is his last recording session until 1960. Among the songs recorded is "A Big Hunk O' Love."
June 20, 1958
Elvis' parents soon move into a temporary trailer near the Army base at Fort Hood, Texas. They move into a house on July 1.
Late January- Early March 1958
Elvis films and records for his fourth motion picture, "King Creole."
March 24, 1958
Elvis Presley is inducted into the U.S. Army at the Memphis Draft Board and is assigned serial number 53310761.
March 25, 1958
Elvis gets his famous G.I. haircut at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.
March 28, 1958
Elvis arrives at Fort Hood, Texas, for basic training and is stationed there for six months.
June 10, 1958
After basic training, while on his first leave, Elvis has a recording session. This is his last recording session until 1960. Among the songs recorded is "A Big Hunk O' Love."
June 20, 1958
Elvis' parents soon move into a temporary trailer near the Army base at Fort Hood, Texas. They move into a house on July 1.
September/October 1958
Elvis boards a troop train to New York on September 19, and then later boards the USS Randall and sails to Germany, arriving on October 1. He will be stationed in Friedberg for 18 months, maintaining an off-base residence in Bad Nauheim, shared with his father, grandmother and some friends from Memphis. He finds the fans in Europe to be as enthusiastic as those in the U.S.
January 8, 1959
Elvis is interviewed off-camera via trans-Atlantic telephone by Dick Clark on “American Bandstand” on ABC-TV. The show commemorates the star’s 24th birthday. Later in January, the family moves from a hotel to a rented house. Also, Elvis poses with actress Vera Tschechowa and the March of Dimes poster child. Colonel Parker continues to keep Elvis’ career alive with promotions and hit record releases.
March 3 – 5, 1959
On a three-day leave, Elvis travels to Munich where he visits actress Vera Tschechow and the Moulin Rouge.
June 13 – 27, 1959
Elvis visits Paris and Munich.
August 15, 1959
Captain Joseph Beaulieu moves from Texas to Weisbaden Air Force Base near Friedberg, Germany, accompanied by his wife and children, including his 14 year-old stepdaughter, Priscilla Ann. Priscilla is the only child from Ann Beaulieu’s marriage to her first husband, James Wagner, a Navy pilot who was killed in a plane crash when Priscilla was an infant.
September 13, 1959
Through a mutual friend, Priscilla is invited to a party at Elvis’ home soon after her arrival in Germany. They meet and the rest is history.
January 1966
MGM extends Elvis’ contract for four more movies. Plans are made to add onto the house what is now known as the trophy room to accommodate Elvis’ slot-car tracks. On January 22, 1966, Elvis and Priscilla, along with their friends, build a huge snowman on the front lawn.
February - April 1966
Elvis records the soundtrack music and shoots his 22nd motion picture, “Spinout,” co-starring Shelley Fabares. Elvis has a renewed interest in music which prompts him to buy a great deal of new equipment and spend his free time working on music at home with Red and Charlie. He is especially interested in folk music. Elvis has also purchased a Greyhound bus that is now being customized by George Barris.
March 30, 1966
“Frankie and Johnny” opens nationally and doesn’t do particularly well. The soundtrack album goes to #20.
May 25, 1966
Elvis meets his new record producer Felton Jarvis and begins working on what will become the album “How Great Thou Art.” Also during this session, he is especially enthusiastic about working with one of his mentors Jake Hess and his group The Imperials.
June - September 1966
Elvis does soundtrack recording and shooting for “Double Trouble.”
July 6, 1966
“Paradise, Hawaiian Style” is released. It lands at #40 for the year. The soundtrack album peaks at #15, while the single "Love Letter" makes it to #19 on the charts.
July 12, 1966
Colonel Parker turns down a Japanese movie deal saying that Elvis is booked through 1969.
August 30, 1966
Deciding not to wait until the end of 1967, RCA goes ahead and picks up its option to extend Elvis’ contract until 1974
September - November 1966
Elvis does soundtrack recording and filming for “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
September 21, 1966
Elvis signs a lease on a Palm Springs house at 1350 Ladera Circle.
November 23, 1966
“Spinout” opens nationally and is #57 for the year. The soundtrack album goes to #18. Elvis is the 10th highest paid star for the year.
December 1966
Elvis’ interest in horses becomes serious by December 5 and he purchases riding clothing and equipment. On December 20, he buys Priscilla a horse for Christmas. He also formally proposes marriage just before Christmas, presenting her with a ring.
February 8, 1967
Elvis buys a 163-acre ranch in Mississippi, minutes across the Tennessee state line from Graceland for $437,000. Elvis, his entourage and their wives have become interested in horseback riding after Elvis purchased a horse for Priscilla as a gift. The hobby has outgrown the pasture at Graceland. Over the months to come, Elvis and the gang enjoy spending a lot of time at the Circle G. It becomes a happy diversion for Elvis as his frustration and unhappiness over the state of his career reaches its height.
RCA releases Elvis’ second gospel album, “How Great Thou Art,” which was recorded in mid-1966. It gets very good reviews and goes on to earn Elvis the Grammy Award for Best Sacred Performance from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. This is the first of his three Grammy wins.
March 22, 1967
“Easy Come, Easy Go” opens nationally and is #50 for the year.
March – April 1967
Elvis does soundtrack recording and filming for “Clambake.” It is the third of three Elvis movies to co-star Shelley Fabares.
April 5, 1967
“Double Trouble” opens nationally. Although better than some of his recent screen efforts, it is #58 for the year.
April, 12 1967
Ironwork is added to Graceland’s windows and doors
May 1967
On May 1, Elvis and Priscilla are married in a private ceremony amongst a small group of family and friends at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, just after 11:40 a.m. A press conference and breakfast reception follow. The couple honeymoon for a few days in Palm Springs. Then they return to Memphis.
May 24, 1967
Elvis and Priscilla celebrate her 22nd birthday.
May 29, 1967
Elvis and Priscilla dress in their wedding clothes and have a second wedding reception in the trophy room at Graceland to accommodate family and friends who were not in Las Vegas for the wedding.
June - August 1967
Elvis does soundtrack recording and filming for “Speedway,” co-starring Nancy Sinatra. During the production, news of Priscilla's pregnancy is announced.
September 29, 1967
Memphis Mayor William Ingram and Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington each declare “Elvis Presley Day” in recognition of Elvis' many charitable contributions. Elvis names one of his horses Mare Ingram in the mayor’s honor.
October - November, 1967
Elvis does soundtrack recording and filming for “Stay Away Joe.” In this western-themed comedy, he once again plays a character who is part Native American. It's a real departure from the virtually interchangeable plots and characters in most of the films over the past several grueling years. He has fun with this one.
October 26, 1967
Priscilla and several other wives and girlfriends of the entourage travel to Sedona, Arizona, to visit the set of “Stay Away Joe.”
November 1967
Elvis and Priscilla buy their first home in Beverly Hills at 1174 Hillcrest for $400,000.
November 22, 1967
“Clambake” is released nationally and goes to #15 at the box office. The soundtrack album goes to #40.
January/February 1970
Elvis returns to the International Hotel for another month-long engagement. This time, he breaks his own attendance records. One-piece jumpsuits debut and karate moves are now an even bigger part of his stage show. The live album, "On Stage," is recorded in February and will be shipped in June. It will reach #13 on the album chart.
February/March 1970
A press conference is held in Houston on the 27th. Elvis performs afternoon and evening shows at the Houston Astrodome. Two more shows follow on both February 28 and March 1. A closing press conference and banquet follow and Elvis is presented an armload of recent gold record awards. The six shows attract 207,494 people and sets records. There is speculation among the press and the public that Elvis might tour in concert for the first time since the fifties.
April 20, 1970
The single “The Wonder of You” is released and hits #9.
June 1970
In Nashville, Elvis records several singles and the material for the albums “Elvis Country” and “Love Letters From Elvis.”
July/September 1970
Elvis returns to Vegas for what the Colonel has now dubbed “The Elvis Presley Summer Festival.” This is another month-long engagement at the International. He opens on August 10 and closes on September 7. MGM is on hand to shoot a documentary film called “Elvis -That’s the Way It Is” that will show Elvis off stage, in rehearsals, in the recording studio, and on stage. RCA will also release an album with the same title.
September 1970
Starting on September 9 through September 14, Elvis takes his show on a nine-city tour. It is a smashing success, the first tour since 1957. MGM films portions of the first show on this tour for use in “Elvis - That’s the Way It Is.”
Elvis has a recording session in Nashville to finish up the albums started in June.
October 9, 1970
Elvis buys his first Stutz Blackhawk, a 1971 model.
October 19, 1970
The first order of 12 TCB necklaces is picked up from Schwartz and Ableser Jewelers in Beverly Hills.
November 11, 1970
“Elvis, That’s The Way It Is,” Elvis' 32nd film, opens in theaters to good reviews and good box office. An album of the same title is released, but only one song, "I Just Can't Help Believin'," is actually from a stage performance included in the film. The other songs are studio recordings, some of which Elvis performs live on stage or in rehearsal footage in the film. The album peaks at #21 on the album chart.
December 4, 1970
Elvis and Priscilla complete the purchase of another home in California at 144 Monovale for $339,000.
December 21, 1970
Elvis’ famous visit with President Richard Nixon at the White House occurs. Today, copies of the photos from that meeting are the most requested documents from our National Archives.
January 16, 1971
Elvis attends a day of functions culminating in an evening awards banquet. He and nine others accept the honor of being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce (The Jaycees). He is nervous about his acceptance speech. He is touched, excited and deeply proud. This national honor has been given each year since the late 1930’s and recognizes young men who have made great achievements in their field of endeavor, illustrating the opportunities available in the free enterprise system. It also applauds humanitarianism and community service. Scientists, inventors, performers, film makers, politicians bound for the Presidency, and men of greatness in all fields, have been selected for this award over the years. For Elvis, a man who grew up poor, and, in his early career knew the sting of ridicule from the Establishment, who, through the years has known criticism of his work, this is one of his proudest moments. It is a sign that he has achieved acceptance, recognition, and respect for his work and for the kind of person he is.
Late January/February 1971
Elvis plays another month-long engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
March 1971
Elvis begins a recording session in Nashville, but cancels it due to pain and inflammation in an eye. He is treated at a Nashville hospital where he is diagnosed with secondary glaucoma.
May 1971
Elvis is featured on the cover of “Look Magazine,” which carries an installment of the forthcoming biography on Elvis by Jerry Hopkins. Many books and articles have been written over the years, but this is the first in-depth, serious biography. The book, “Elvis : A Biography,” will be released in October.
Elvis has recording sessions in Nashville. Much of the work is for his forthcoming album “Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas.”
December 2-15, 1975
Elvis returns to the Hilton in Vegas to make up for the shows that were canceled during his previous engagement.
December 31, 1975
Elvis performs a special New Year’s Eve concert in Pontiac, Michigan, and sets a single performance attendance record of 62,500.
February 1976
Elvis has a week of recording sessions in the den at Graceland, with RCA bringing in mobile recording equipment. Songs from this will comprise the forthcoming album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee” and over half of the forthcoming “Moody Blue” album.
March 17-22, 1976
Elvis tours in concert.
April 21-27, 1976
Elvis tours in concert.
April 30 - May 9, 1976
Elvis performs an engagement at the Sahara Tahoe in Nevada.
August 27 - September 8, 1976
Elvis tours in concert.
October 29 - 30, 1976
Elvis continues recording in the den at Graceland, including his last single "Way Down."
Early November 1976
Elvis and Linda Thompson, his steady girlfriend since 1972, split up.
November 19, 1976
Elvis meets Ginger Alden who will be his steady girlfriend until his death.
December 2 - 12, 1976
Elvis plays the Hilton in Vegas for the last time. Evangelist Rex Humbard and his wife visit Elvis’ show and meet with him backstage on December 12, 1976. Humbard will be asked to speak at Elvis’ funeral the next year.
December 27 - 31, 1976
Elvis tours in concert, ending with a special New Year’s Eve concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 3 - 13, 1977
Elvis and his friends enjoy a vacation in Hawaii.
April 1 - 5, 1977
Elvis is hospitalized in Memphis and tour shows scheduled for March 31-April 3 are canceled.
June 1977
The single “Way Down” is released and peaks at #18.
June 17 - 26, 1977
Elvis tours in concert. The shows on June 19, 20, and 21 are recorded by RCA for an upcoming live album and are videotaped for an upcoming CBS-TV television special. The special will be called “Elvis in Concert.” It will first air on October 3 after Elvis’ death in August. The camera gives a shocking picture of Elvis’ poor health in his final days, but his voice is strong.
June 26, 1977
Elvis performs his last concert at Indianapolis’ Market Square Arena.
June 27 - August 15, 1977
Elvis relaxes in Memphis and prepares for the next leg of touring for 1977
July 1977
Elvis’ album “Moody Blue” is released. After his death, it will hit #3, selling more than two million copies.
August 16, 1977
Shortly after midnight, Elvis returns to Graceland from a late-night visit to the dentist. Through the early morning of the 16, he takes care of last minute tour details and relaxes with family and staff. He is to fly to Portland, Maine, that night and do a show there on the 17, then continue the scheduled tour. He retires to his master suite at Graceland around 7:00 a.m. to rest for his evening flight. By late morning, Elvis Presley is dead of heart failure. It is announced by mid-afternoon. In a matter of hours the shock registers around the world.
August 18, 1977
Elvis’ funeral is held.
October 2, 1977
Gladys' and Elvis' bodies are moved to Graceland
October 3, 1977
The CBS special “Elvis In Concert” airs. The album is also released and peaks at #5 quickly, selling 1.5 million copies.
June 7, 1982
Graceland opens to the public
1984
Elvis' record sales top one billion worldwide.
January 23, 1986
Elvis is inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of
Fame during the first induction dinner.
January 26, 1987
Elvis receives the first posthoumous presentation of the Award of Merit from the American Music Awards.
January 8, 1993
Elvis stamp is released by the U.S. Postal Service. In 1992, the U.S. Postal Service announced that Elvis’ image would be used for a commemorative postage stamp. The Postal Service narrowed the artwork choices down to two images - one of Elvis in the 1950’s as a sizzling young rocker, and one of him as a concert superstar in his 1973 "Aloha from Hawaii" special. In an unprecedented move, the USPS put the decision to the American people and distributed ballots coast to coast. Over 1.2 million votes were cast and the image of the young rocker won. The stamp was released on January 8, 1993, with extravagant first day of issue ceremonies at Graceland. The Elvis stamp is the most widely publicized stamp issue in the history of the U.S. Postal Service and it is the top selling commemorative postage stamp of all time. The USPS printed 500 million of them, three times the usual print run for a commemorative stamp. Several countries outside the U.S. also have issued Elvis stamps over the years.
August 16, 1997
Elvis, via video, stars in a concert production at the Mid-South Coliseum where he is accompanied live on stage by former band mates and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
1998
Elvis is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
July 2001
Presley Place opens in Memphis. Presley Place is a 12-unit housing community constructed in 2001 and funded by Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. In the same way that Lauderdale Courts provided low-income, transitional housing for families like the Presleys, Presley Place shelters homeless families until they can make it on their own.
November 26, 2001
Elvis is inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame.
June 2002
A remix of Elvis' song "A Little Less Conversation" hits #1 on charts in countries around the world.
October 2, 2002
BMG and RCA announce that "Elvis 30 #1 Hits" release as debuted at #1 in 17 countries.
2004
Elvis is inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural group.
March 27, 2006
Graceland is named a National Historic Landmark.
June 30, 2006
U.S. President George Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi visit Graceland.
August 2007
Over 75,000 people descend on Memphis for Elvis Week 2007, the 30th anniversary of Elvis' passing. The week consists of many events celebrating the life and legacy of Elvis. Elvis - The Concert sells out the FedEx Forum in Memphis.
February 2010
New Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil show opens in Las Vegas
