One of the most interesting things about Elvis Presley is how Elvis’s music evolved. It all started for less than the cost of an Elvis CD today.

During the year 1954 (over fifty years ago) Elvis recorded a record with two songs on it to give to his mother for her birthday. He paid $4.00 at Sun Records to do this record. Hard to imagine what the return on that investment would be today. He was lucky - Sam Phillips, head of Sun Records, heard the recording. Sam was looking for a “white man” who could emulate the R&B and jazz sounds of the black artists — and knew he had found his perfect combination in Elvis.
Phillips made Presley an offer, Elvis accepted, and this launched the beginning of the frantic career of Elvis Presley. Sun Records released Elvis Presley’s first single as “That’s All Right Mama” and it sold 20,000 copies. Elvis would record five records with Sun Records before RCA bought out his contract. During this time, Elvis connected with Colonel Tom Parker who became his manager.

In 1958 Elvis was drafted and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. He was later transferred to Germany where he remained until his discharge. Presley was known as a good and dedicated soldier. While Elvis was in the military his mother, whom he was very close to, died. Elvis met Priscilla Beaulieu while stationed in Germany. Elvis and Priscilla were married on May 1, 1967 and their only child, Lisa Marie, was born February 1, 1968. Elvis and Priscilla were divorced in October of 1973 and agreed to share custody

The late 50’s brought Elvis international status. He was known by his first name, and was becoming a living legend. Elvis was a new sensation. He brought a new rockabilly sound, rock and roll dance songs and ballads to his music and his stage presence was one that had not been seen before. His unique sound and style brought a diverse musical influence that blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time.

Presley laid a foundation upon which other rock and roll musicians could build. Black performers such as Chuck Berry and Little Richard came to national notice after Presley’s acceptance among audiences of white teenagers. Singers such as Jerry Lee Lewis, the Every Brothers, Rob Orbison followed in Elvis’s wake. Elvis continued to make music until his death in the 80’s.

Tags: Black Artists, Colonel Tom Parker, Dance Songs, Elvis And Priscilla, Elvis Cd, Elvis Music, Elvis Presley, Fort Hood, Living Legend, Musical Influence, New Sensation, Perfect Combination, Phillips Head, Priscilla Beaulieu, Racial Barriers, Roll Dance, Sam Phillips, Stage Presence, Sun Records, Year 1954