Elvis Presley

1935 – 1977

Elvis Aaron Presley was an American singer and actor known as the "King of Rock and Roll" and one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century. His 1950s recordings for Sun and RCA—including "Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," and "Jailhouse Rock"—and his charismatic, sexually provocative performance style helped bring rhythm and blues to a mass white American audience and reshape popular music permanently. He died at his Graceland home in Memphis in August 1977 at age 42, having sold an estimated 500 million records worldwide.

Last checked: May 10, 2026, 1:06 PM