Elvis Presley Died 41 Years Ago Today

Full Name: Elvis Presley

Profession: Singer & Cultural Icon

Born: January 8, 1935
Star Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tupelo, Mississippi, USA

Died: August 16, 1977 (aged 42)
Cause of Death: Heart attack caused by a suspected but disputed overdose of prescription drugs



Why Famous: One of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, Elvis helped establish the emerging Rock and Roll sound, incorporating blues and gospel influences. He was also a leader in popularizing both the rockabilly sound and the four-man band line-up which would later dominate the music industry.

His first single, "Heartbreak Hotel" (1956), began a string of number-ones that radically reshaped American music and put Presley at the forefront of rock and roll. In 1958 he was drafted into the army and served in West Germany. Following this he began a much-derided acting career and did not perform live for seven years. In 1968 he returned to the stage with the acclaimed "Elvis" special, and then took up an extended Las Vegas residency which became iconic in its own right.

A series of successful concert tours followed, as did the 1973 live concert special "Aloha from Hawaii", which was a technological first. On August 16, 1977, Presley died of a heart attack at his Graceland estate in Memphis, often considered to be the result of an accidental prescription drug overdose.

Presley is one of the best-selling artists in music history, with sales of over 600 million units.