Elvis Presley

Elvis Aron Presley was born Jan. 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Miss., and raised after age 13 in Memphis, Tenn. After signing with RCA records in 1955, he had his first of many million-sellers with "Hound Dog." His onstage gyrations aggravated TV censors and thrilled fans, who demanded to see "Elvis the Pelvis" on the big screen.

Presley was third-billed for his 1956 debut film Love Me Tender, but it still broke box office records. His rock 'n' roll rebel persona continued through his early films (Jailhouse Rock, Flaming Star, King Creole and others), which most fans consider his best. By the mid-'60s, Presley was cranking out two or three largely forgettable movies a year, but they still made money.

After 1969's Change of Habit and two concert documentaries, Presley successfully revived his live-performance career. He died of heart failure Aug. 16, 1977, at his Graceland mansion in Memphis.

Filmography