Elvis Presley performing in 1956
The death of Elvis Presley on Aug. 16, 1977, marked the end of one of the most influential careers in American music history.
Known as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, Presley reshaped the sound, style and cultural reach of popular music in the 20th century. He died at age 42 at Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tenn.
By blending gospel, rhythm and blues and country music, Presley helped define rock ’n’ roll. His early recordings at Sun Records — along with later hits such as “Heartbreak Hotel” — transformed him into a cultural force whose music, performance style and swagger changed American entertainment forever.
Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Miss., Presley rose from poverty to international superstardom. Beyond music, he starred in more than 30 films, served in the U.S. Army and won multiple Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings.
There’s also no shortage of Elvis trivia: He had a stillborn twin brother named Jesse Garon Presley, earned a black belt in karate and loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Today, Graceland welcomes 600,000 tourists a year, making it the second-most visited home in the U.S., after the White House.