Four decades after his death, Elvis Presley's image and influence remain undiminished. The editors of Rock & Roll say that while other artists preceded him and he by no means invented rock and roll, he is indisputably its king.
As a recording artist, he sold over one billion records. About 40 percent of those in the United States. He had 18 No. 1s, 40 records in the Top 10, and 115 in the Top 40.
In 1945, 10-year-old Elvis stood on a chair and sang "Old Shep" in a talent contest. He won second prize. In 1946, he wanted a rifle, but his mother talked him into taking a guitar instead. In high school, he nervously sang with his guitar at a talent show and was surprised to win .
In 1954, he recorded "That's All Right" backed up by "Blue Moon of Kentucky" at Sun Studio and later made appearances on Louisiana Hayride. His career was started.
Presley was a white Southerner singing blues laced with country and gospel. He performed with a natural hip-swinging style that made him a teen idol and music icon.
