Today, January 8th 2010, is the 75th birthday of the King of Rock N' Roll, the one and only Elvis Presley. Elvis was born Elvis Aaron Presley on January 8th 1935 to Vernon Elvis and Gladys Love Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi. 35 minutes earlier, Elvis' twin brother was stillborn. In his early teens the family moved to Memphis, TN. where Elvis would start playing guitar and singing although he was generally too shy to perform in front of too many people. By his senior year Elvis was walking Beale Street trying to catch live rhythm and blues and country acts playing in the lounges and bars.
From his beginnings in the music industry Elvis was said to have been able to capture the sound of a black man. His voice and music were reminiscent of that same rhythm and blues he had sought after walking in Memphis. It wasn't a mistake that all his Grammy's came from gospel songs.
He was treated like every other working american and joined the army. Stationed in Germany he turned on to amphetamines. He would later succumb to this vice, the thought that every one of his problems could be fixed with medicines.
The King starred in movies galore accompanied by soundtracks, mostly by the recommendation of his manager. He was laughed at but grew into a different Elvis that came back in 1968. At one point he said he would never sing another song he didn't believe in.
As we celebrate his 75th birthday today lets remember the songs he did believe in. Lets remember the man that changed the world of music. Lets remember the man the FBI couldn't change. Lets remember Elvis Presley, The King of Rock N' Roll.
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