Topical 15/8/24

August 16 marks 47 years since Elvis Aaron Presley, known as the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ passed away at the age of 42. Elvis had a twin brother called Jesse Garon Presley, but was delivered stillborn 35 minutes before Elvis was born to parents Vernon and Gladys Presley. Elvis’ first single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the US. In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender before being drafted into military service in 1958. Two years following that he relaunched his recording career. Presley is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with sales estimated around 500 million records worldwide. He was commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, adult contemporary and gospel. He won three Grammy awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame. Elvis couldn’t read music and played by ear. Originally a blonde, he started colouring his hair black for an edgier look and would sometimes touch it up himself with shoe polish.