His first solo song, Heartbreak Hotel, was released in 1956 and became a big hit song for the United States. He agreed a contract with Colonel Tom Parker who managed Elvis for more than two decades. Presley then made a career as an actor in a few movies including Love me Tender, King Creole (which Elvis would later say was his favourite) and Viva Las Vegas.

Elvis Aaron Presley born January 8th 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, United States of America. He was eventually going to become one of the biggest artists in the world.

Elvis began to play the guitar at the age of 13 and eventually sang at Sun Records in 1954 accompanied by bassist Scotty Moore and guitarist Bill Black.

Then in 1958 Elvis joined the US army and still recorded 5 songs in Nashville, but back in Memphis his mother was diagnosed with hepatitis. Presley demanded emergency leave and arrived at the hospital on 12th August, his mother died 2 days later of heart failure at the age of 46. Elvis was devastated and buried her in Graceland.

Now Elvis was just left with his father. He was called to come to Freidburg in Germany with the army.

While in Germany he met a 14 year old girl called Priscilla Beaulieu, she was the daughter of Presley's General. They eventually married after seven years.

Parker then pushed Elvis to a schedule of film making - mostly on musical comedies. He would have preferred and suited more serious roles. Later Elvis would play an important role in the Elvis Presley comeback special show.

Elvis and Priscilla had an only child; Lisa Marie Presley born in 1968.

Of Elvis's films in the 1960s, 15 were accompanied by soundtrack albums! (wow!!) The films very quick production and release schedules—he often starred in three a year—sadly affected his music.

In the first half of the 1960s, three of Elvis's soundtrack albums hit number one on the pop charts, and a few of his most popular songs came from his films, such as " Can't Help Falling in Love" in 1961 and " Return to Sender" in 1962.

Hi gospel album How Great Thou Art from 1967 won him his first Grammy Award, for Best Sacred Performance. Elvis was described as "arguably the greatest white gospel singer of his time"

Elvis and 'The '68 Comeback Special'

Now Elvis was having problems with his career and was unhappy. So in June 1968 he recorded the special, called simply Elvis. It didn't go on TV until December 3, 1968.

It later was known as the '68 Comeback Special, and there were some studio songs along with songs performed with a band in front of a small audience. It was Elvis's first live performances since 1961. Elvis wore a tight black leather suit and played and sang more like he did when he first became a rock and roll star.

Elvis in the 1970s

In 1972 Elvis and Priscilla split up.

Elvis's number one singles: