Elvis Presley: Remembering the Rock 'n' Roll Legend on His 86th Birthday

In 1935, rock-and-roll legend Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Elvis' life - and death - is indelibly intertwined with his Graceland home, situated in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

He lived here for over 20 years, and it was the fulfilment of a childhood dream to buy the grand house in Memphis.

Fans come to Graceland to celebrate the singer who crooned "Love Me Tender" and "Falling in Love with You."

The family atmosphere is evident in the furnishings and decoration.

Although Elvis had several homes, Graceland was always his primary base.

Graceland will be holding the annual birthday ceremony with Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises officials, a birthday cake cutting and a proclamation of Elvis Presley Day by Memphis and Shelby County officials.

Fans who are unable to attend can watch the ceremony online on the Elvis Presley's Graceland Facebook page.

Graceland closed for weeks at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, but it reopened months ago.

Tours of the home/museum are still taking place, with virus protocols in place, such as social distancing and mask wearing.

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on the 8th January 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi.

His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child.

In 1948, Elvis moved with his parents to Memphis Tennessee, where he graduated from high school in 1953.

One year later, he began his music career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis.

In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor.

By the time he had reached 21, he was an international sensation.

Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honourably served his country in the U.S. Army, starting in 1958.

After two years of service, Elvis returned to the recording studios, and to his success.

On the 1st of May 1967, he married Priscilla Ann Beaulieu, whom he had met back in Germany in 1959 when she was only fourteen.

They had one child, a daughter called Lisa Marie. The couple divorced in 1973.

To this day Elvis - the man and his music - remain legendary.

His sound uniquely combined the diverse musical influences of his youth, and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time.

Globally, Elvis has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist.

His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 150 different albums and singles.

But Elvis' career was not only in music.

He starred in 33 successful films - including Jailhouse Rock in 1957.

Among Elvis' many awards were 14 Grammy nominations, including three wins, from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36.

Elvis is still regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture.

He is worshipped by fans around the world and has inspired many impersonators.

In Manila, the Elvis Presley Friendship Club Philippines International, normally organises a special tribute artists performance to mark Elvis' birthday, but that is not possible this year due to the pandemic.

Undeterred they have moved their show online and are inviting people to post videos of themselves singing Elvis' hit songs explains Douglas Masuda, of the Elvis Presley Friendship club :

"Everybody loves Elvis Presley and they (club members) promise to take care of Elvis forever. So anything we can do to make people remember Elvis and keep Elvis close to our hearts, we want to do, no matter what it is. Usually we like to get together three times a year to do that, but because of the pandemic we are not able to do that, so we will just do it in our hearts, do it on a virtual show, get everybody to participate that wants to participate, and everybody that wants to watch can watch our singers in the Elvis club sing, and that is the purpose of that and already we are getting nice comments and I know people are enjoying that."

Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977. He was 42.

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