The most influential performer of the rock-and-roll era. With his recordings for Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, 1954-55 and early hits such as Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, and Love Me Tender, all 1956, he created an individual vocal style, influenced by Southern blues, gospel music, country music, and rhythm and blues. His records continued to sell in their millions into the 1990s. Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. His first records were regional hits in the South, and he became a nationwide star 1956, Sun having sold his recording contract to RCA at the instigation of his new manager, the self-styled Colonel Tom Parker (1909-...), a former carnival huckster. Of the four films Presley made in the 1950s, Loving You 1957 and Jailhouse Rock 1957 offer glimpses of the electrifying stage performer he then was. After his army service 1958-60, the album Elvis Is Back 1960 and some gospel-music recordings made that year were outstanding, but from then on his work deteriorated quickly. Parker pushed him into a demeaning career divided between Hollywood and Las Vegas. By the time of his death, Presley had long been a caricature. His early contribution to rock music was, however, inestimable, and his Memphis home, Graceland, draws millions of visitors each year.
