Elvis Presley became one of the biggest names in music history. His early career, though, started from humble beginnings. He was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew up in a poor family. Music was a big part of his early life.
Elvis listened to a variety of music as a child. He heard gospel music in church. He listened to blues and country music on the radio. These different styles blended together. They formed the basis of his unique sound. He was soaking up sounds that would later make him a star.
His family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, when he was 13. This move was important. Memphis was a city with a rich musical heritage. It exposed Elvis to even more musical influences.
Sun Records and Sam Phillips
In 1953, Elvis walked into Sun Records. This was a small recording studio in Memphis. He paid to record a couple of songs as a gift for his mother. This simple act would change his life forever.
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Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Records, heard something special in Elvis’s voice. He wasn’t immediately sure what to do with it. He eventually paired Elvis with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black. This trio began experimenting with different sounds.
That’s All Right and the Birth of Rock and Roll
In 1954, during a break in a recording session, Elvis started playing an old blues song, “That’s All Right.” He sang it in a fast, upbeat style. Moore and Black joined in. Sam Phillips realized he had found something unique.
Phillips recorded the song. He released it as a single. It became a local hit in Memphis. This was the beginning of Elvis’s rise to fame. It’s also considered by many to be one of the first true rock and roll records. The sound was new, it was energetic.
The Louisiana Hayride
To gain more experience, Elvis started performing regularly. He appeared on the ‘Louisiana Hayride’. This was a popular country music radio show. These performances helped him build a following. They also honed his stage presence.
His performances were different from anything people had seen before. He moved his body in a way that was considered wild and exciting. This energetic style became one of his trademarks. It created a lot of controversy, but also attracted huge crowds.
RCA Victor and National Fame
Elvis’s growing popularity attracted the attention of larger record labels. In 1955, his contract was sold to RCA Victor. This was a major turning point in his career. RCA had the resources to promote him on a national level.
His first single for RCA, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was released in 1956. It became a massive hit. It reached number one on the Billboard charts. This launched Elvis into superstardom. He was suddenly a national sensation.
Television Appearances and Controversy
Elvis made several appearances on national television. These included ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’. These appearances were hugely popular. They also sparked controversy due to his suggestive dance moves.
Some people were shocked by his hip-shaking and gyrations. Others, especially younger audiences, found it thrilling. This controversy only added to his fame. It made him even more of a rebellious figure.
