August 16 (Saturday) sees the 31st anniversary of the death of Elvis
Presley.

WARNER HOME VIDEO -
 31 years after his death, the legend of Elvis Presley lives on.
But behind the legacy is a man remembered for mixing country music with gospel
rhythms, creating what we know today, as Rock n Roll. More than just The King,
Presley has become, a cultural icon.  Rock stars have come and gone, but no
other musician has had as big an impact on the world as Elvis Presley. Through
his music, memorabilia and of course Graceland, fans are still pledging their
undying devotion, proving the King can still shake them up. 
Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
From his humble small town beginnings, Elvis and his family moved to Memphis,
where he began his career. 
It was in Memphis' Sun Studios, a local recording venue, that Elvis paid $2
(USD) to record four songs. Presley returned to the studio several times
before he caught the eye of Sun executive Sam Phillips in 1955. Soon, Elvis
was playing on stage, blending his black-style blues with country rhythm and
his swivelling hips. 
But Elvis' unique "rockabilly" sound had a tough time catching on
with mainstream audiences. It wasn't until 1956 that Elvis had his first
breakthrough hit, "Heartbreak Hotel." The song instantly skyrocketed
to No. 1 on the American charts, and was a hit around the world. 
Other classics like "Hound Dog" and "Don't be Cruel"
hit soon after, and Elvis' popularity soared. He shook up audiences across the
globe, and his on stage gyrations earned him the nickname, Elvis the Pelvis, a
moniker he loathed. 
Hollywood was on the heels of the music industry and signed Elvis to star
in "Love me Tender," the first of many movies he would make.
Juggling the roles of actor and singer, Elvis did it again in 1957, rising to
the top of the charts with the hit singles "Love Me Tender" and
"Jailhouse Rock." At the age of 22, Elvis bought Graceland, a white
mansion situated on 14 acres of land, with 23 bedrooms. After moving to
Graceland with his parents, Elvis' devotion to his roots grew stronger. 
"I have no plans of leaving Memphis. I hope to keep Graceland as long
as I possibly can," Elvis told reporters. 
But it wasn't long before the singer turned actor had to leave his home
town for a new calling - serving Uncle Sam. 
Despite efforts made by the Pentagon to get Elvis into a special unit where
he'd serve as an entertainer for the US military, the superstar insisted he be
treated like any other soldier. So, Elvis went from making millions each year
as The King, to earning $78 (USD) per month as GI Presley. 
Like other American recruits Elvis underwent physicals and basic training.
Before he departed for his tour of duty overseas, Elvis made a quick stop in
New York to say good-bye to thousands of fans waiting to see him off. When he
arrived at the Brooklyn pier, Presley was flooded by fans eager to get a
glimpse of their idol. 
While girls across the country cried their hearts out, Elvis was received
with open arms in Friedberg, Germany. From the moment he arrived on base,
Elvis was greeted by fans and flashbulbs. During a press conference he told
reporters, he was overwhelmed with the response he received. 
"I was very surprised at the reception. I wasn't expecting anything
quite that big and I only regret that I didn't have time to stay there with
them. But maybe someday I can come back when my army tour is up as an
entertainer, and then I'll have more time, and I'll have an opportunity to
make myself at home over here." While in the army, Sergeant Presley's
desire to make more films and prove himself as a great talent never waned.

Presley wanted to take on more serious roles, and not just be typecasted as
a handsome musician. 
"I hope they won't all be rock n roll pictures because I've made four
already and you can only get away with that so long, I'm thinking in terms I'd
like a little more of the serious roles, because my ambition is to progress as
an actor, which takes a long time and a lot of experience." But before he
could get the "GI Blues," Elvis met his bride to be, 14-year-old
Priscilla Beaulieu. Presley's courtship with the young beauty lasted eight
years, even after he completed his tour of duty and returned to the US in
1960. 
The lovebirds married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas and shortly after held a
private reception in Graceland. Nine months later to the day, on February 1,
1968, Priscilla gave birth to Elvis' pride and joy, Lisa Marie. 
The same year, Presley's manager Col. Tom Parker masterminded Elvis'
comeback. Kicking off a string of public appearances was a TV special
featuring the King clad in a black leather jumpsuit soulfully singing the
songs that made him famous.