Posts Tagged ‘Presley’

Elvis Presley and the Stanley Brothers

Oct
20

Elvis Presley and the Stanley Brothers

Let me tell you about my brother


A brother like no other


His father married my mother


But he’s more than a brother


Wherever I go


The people keep asking me


What’s it like to be the brother


Of a Celebrity……


By Billy Stanley


Billy, Rick and David grew very close to Elvis.

Elvis wasn’t only their big brother, he became a role model the boys admired and loved.


When Rick was in first grade of school, he remembers his first time autograph. Rick was feeling pretty sure of himself this day, as he approached some of the seventh grade girls asking them if they wanted his autograph. Sure enough being Elvis’ little brother they weren’t about to say no, so Rick took out his crayon and started signing, just like his big brother.


Being apart of Elvis’ world for the Stanley brothers was fun, exhilarating and at times frightening when they found themselves suddenly thrust into Elvis Presley’s golden aura. In the years to follow, it became more evident to the boys the powerful effect Elvis Presley’s presents had on the world.


To Billy, Rick and David, Elvis was just a guy that they loved. But as the boys would soon learn through experiences watching the rest of the world going crazy over their stepbrother, Elvis was more than just a guy they loved.


The Stanley boys new experience being stepbrothers to the King of Rock and Roll wasn’t always fun and games, it could get serious very quickly.


Dee Presley’s concerns about the effects of Elvis’ wealth and fame on her boys were always a high priority. As the years went by, Dee would have the boys involved in Sunday schools, summer camps, swimming pools, and a controlled group of screened friends.


Dee would offer to her boys the more conventional life in respect of the unconventional circumstances. Billy remembers, it being a fairly strict life.


Vernon would make sure the boys understood some rules with being apart of his sons world, having them aware of the situation as Elvis’ stepbrothers. The boys are about to learn their first rule.

LESSON ONE: Never, under any circumstances, reveal anything concerning Elvis to the public or the press. This was the Golden rule, the boys always respected this rule.

Billy, Rick and David all grew up very security minded and tight lipped with any conversation outside the walls of Graceland.


The boys always looked forward to Elvis’ return to Graceland. Naturally, the feeling was mutual, Elvis also looked forward to being home with his stepbrothers, but there were occasions where the age difference would effect Elvis and he simply didn’t want his stepbrothers around.


Billy, Rick and David learned how to be aware of these occasions, giving Elvis his space and respecting his privacy, even though the boys longed to be in their big brothers company.


But Elvis would spend valuable time with his brothers; he would go all out when he had his brothers on board. Offering his brothers endless hours of fun excitement and adventure.

When they all got together, Elvis ran the boys ragged involving them in a range of activities.


There were times they would all be off to Memphis at midnight in his fleet of cars, and times involving country side all night horse rides. Other occasions involved all night movies, when Elvis rented the movie theater from Paul Shafer.


There was a range of exciting experiences for the boys, go-cart racing, and touring around on Elvis’ motor bikes at exhilarating speeds. When the boys were bigger, they would be included in Elvis’ football games.


Ricky remembers, they would always team up against Elvis, and Elvis being the speedy sure handed flanker, he would knock the boys flying at full strength. Elvis being both big brother and father figure to the boys, the boys would turn to Elvis for advice.


Elvis was always happy to offer when any of his brothers reached for it, Elvis wasn’t one to tell them what to do; he would give his opinion on the matter, leaving it completely in the hands of the one involved to work it out.

A Brief Elvis Presley Biography And How The King Lived

Oct
5

A Brief Elvis Presley Biography And How The King Lived

If you think about rock and roll then the first person that comes to mind is Elvis Presley. We know him as the “King” — his voice, looks, and moves have captivated us all in a timeless loop of the 70′s and many today are seen impersonating him by wearing an Elvis jumpsuit, toning their voices to match his, and imitating his legendary moves. But do we really know him?

The Elvis Presley biography started when this cultural icon was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in January 1935. Both as an actor and musician in the entertainment industry, the King became one of the widely celebrated men even after he died on August 1977.

Elvis’s introduction to music started with his church — the Assembly of God — in Tupelo. His first music debut was in 1945 when he joined a singing competition held during the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. He won 5th place when he sang “Old Shep” by Red Foley. His 11th birthday marked a lot of changes in his musical talents. His parents gifted him with a guitar with his family giving him lessons.

The King of Rock and Roll moved to Memphis in September 1948 along with the rest of his family and relatives. This might be where most people would say that Elvis Presley biography would all tell about his success in the entertainment industry. Despite his musical talents, Elvis was a shy boy and would often withdraw from attention even if his peers asked him to play his “hillbilly” music with his guitar. He got his first job as an usher in 1950 but was made to quite since his mother doesn’t want him to compromise his schooling.

The shy boy Elvis finally gave up on his shy side and started wearing flashy outfits of the Lansky Brothers. He was always a contestant during musical contents hosted by his school and would win prizes with his talents. His growth in the musical career was fostered by his constant listening and adoration of music from jukeboxes and radios.     

Lots of Elvis Presley biography out there would say that the King started off grandiose, when, in fact, he didn’t. As a truck driver, Elvis made do with some recordings with not much success. He flunked one recording that would have supposedly jumpstarted his career but was later given a second chance that credited to his future as a musician.

Related 70s Rock And Roll Articles

How did Elvis Presley Influence Dancing?

Sep
7

How did Elvis Presley Influence Dancing?

Elvis Presley is well known as the King of Roll and Roll, but this man had an influence in the areas of movies and dancing as well. If you aren’t aware of his influence over dancing then you definitely need to keep on reading. It is hard to imagine that when Elvis first was on TV, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, shaking his hips to his music outraged many people. They felt his moves were too sexual in nature and they also believed that he was a white man trying to dance like he was black.

For a while it became quite a controversy for him to be on shows. In fact, many of the producers only wanted to show him from the waist up so that they wouldn’t offend their viewers. Even so, there was no stopping the following that Elvis developed in part due to his amazing dancing abilities. It seemed that people all over the world just couldn’t get enough of him.

His concerts in Las Vegas and other venues around the world always sold out. Many of those that came to see him made it clear that while they loved his voice they were there for many other reasons. Among them was the fact that they loved his dance style and it was wonderful to see him offering something so new and so energetic to the crowd before him.

Many teenagers loved this rock and roll man, and it also offered them a way to freely rebel against their parents. They also found his style of dancing gave them something new to work with that wasn’t a rehash of what their parents had been dancing to. The fact that they could call this their own was magical and it allowed it to really take of. There aren’t many people who were teenagers in that era that don’t remember dancing to Elvis music and loving it.

Many of the movies that Elvis played roles in included music and dancing as well. These roles set a new boundary for what could be seen on the big screen. It helped to pave the way for the public to take an interest in dancing at a new level as well. They were willing to take those moves that they saw from Elvis and try them out on their own in many instances as well.

Unfortunately, a great deal of the dancing that Elvis did wasn’t really appreciated until after his death. Many believe he was decades ahead of his time with the visions that he had. He wasn’t a rebel as so many critics back then labeled him. Instead he was an artistic genius. If you ask any great dancers or musicians out there today many of them will tell you that one of their inspirations has always been Elvis.

Today there are many people that try to successfully impersonate both the sounds and the dance moves of Elvis. You can find plenty of them in Las Vegas at shows as well as being offered for weddings. Of course it takes a great deal of skill to be able to pull this one off successfully. The critics are very tough on these impersonators so only the best of the best are hired.

There is no denying that the legacy of Elvis is alive and well today. There are so many remarkable things that he was able to accomplish in his lifetime. History will always remember him though as a man that was able to balance music with dancing, and who was creative enough not to let society or the industry limit his talents.

A Look Into The Life of Elvis Presley — And His Fashion

Sep
4

A Look Into The Life of Elvis Presley — And His Fashion

Aside from being the king of rock and roll, one of the few things that made Elvis Presley stand out as one of the greatest men alive is his fashion statement. Today, many events feature a lot of Elvis costumes – jumpsuits, sunglasses, even the haircut that made him famous all around the globe. If you really want to get to know the start of his fashion then you might want to read through Elvis Presley biography first.

If you read the life story of Elvis Presley, then you will see that he started out as any normal kid in the early 19th century. He has always been a shy boy — both in school and church — and doesn’t stand out in the crowd. His fashion sense started when he moved to Memphis with the rest of his family in 1950. He started growing out his sideburns and start dressing up in the flashy costumes of the Lansky Brothers.

Most Elvis Presley biography give a lot of definition to his hairstyle. The sideburn is practically the most notable feature of this cultural icon. Others would include his white jacket with flashy rhinestones that carries a lot of weight to his appeal, especially on stage.

But despite this popular outfit of the King of Rock and Roll, he first started out as would be normally seen in people during that in time — striped shirt tucked neatly into tight-fitting jeans, and, of course, leather or a plain jacket to spark of the Presley mood. Since he started out his career as a truck driver, his main outfit included rugged jeans and shirts.

Elvis’ fashion sense improved when he moved up into his career as a musician. He is often seen wearing heavily decorated skin-tight jumpsuit with a high collar, white boots, white bell bottom pants, and, of course, his patented hairstyle and sideburns.

Of course, you would never be a true Elvis fan if you don’t consider his trademark sunglasses — brown-tinted lens and a heavy frame that brings out his distinguished looks — which he is never without during concerts when you read through this Elvis Presley biography.

Find More Rock And Roll High School Articles

ALL ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY

Aug
18

ALL ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY

CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY OF AVATAR

Elvis Aaron (or Arona) Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American musician and actor. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll” or simply “the King”. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley at the age of 13 moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee. He began his career there in 1954 when Sun Records owner Sam Phillips, eager to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience, saw in Presley the means to realize his ambition. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was one of the originators of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country and rhythm and blues. RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for over two decades.

Presley’s first RCA single, “Heartbreak Hotel”, released in January 1956, was a number one hit. He became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll with a series of network television appearances and chart-topping records. His energized interpretations of songs, many from African American sources, and his uninhibited performance style made him enormously popular—and controversial. In November 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Conscripted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He staged few concerts, however, and, guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided.

In 1968, after seven years away from the stage, he returned to live performance in a celebrated comeback television special that led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of profitable tours. In 1973, Presley staged the first global live concert via satellite, Aloha from Hawaii, seen by approximately 1.5 billion viewers—the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in television history.[1] Prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at the age of 42. Presley is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th-century popular culture. He had a versatile voice and unusually wide success encompassing many genres, including country, pop ballads, gospel, and blues. He is the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music, with sales of approximately 1 billion units worldwide.[2][3][4] He was nominated for 14 competitive Grammys, winning three times, and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. He has been inducted into four music halls of fame.

Michael Jackson vs Elvis Presley

Aug
9

Michael Jackson vs Elvis Presley

Who was the best?

Elvis Presley VS Michael Jackson, who was the best. To be frank they were both brilliant entertainers in their own right.

Elvis presley

Elvis was a singer from the 1950′s through to the 60′s and 70′s and died at the age of 42 on 16th August 1977 at his home at Graceland of Cardiac Arrest and not a Heart Attack as was reported. Elvis left one daughter Lisa Marie aged 9.
Elvis had suffered from glaucoma, water retention in the past and the effects of years of American Southern cooking and legal use of drugs prescribed by his physician, which ultimately lead to the singers death. Elvis played racquetball in the morning before he died. He returned to his home and played Unchained Melody in his living room, then he proceeded to his bedroom, so Elvis seemed to be quite fit as he was preparing for another concert tour.

Michael Jackson

Michael was a singer from the 1960′s,70′s,80′s,90′s through to 2009 when he died at the age of 50 on 25th June 2009 at his home at Holmby Hills in Los Angeles, he also died of reported cardiac arrest. Michael left 3 children Prince Michael, 10; Paris Katherine, 9; and Prince Michael II, aka “Blanket,” 5.
Michael suffered for years from a skin disorder vitiligo, a rare disease that discolors the face and body, plus he had many cosmetic surgery operations at least 20, to change his face as he was unhappy with his features especially his nose, probably as a result from physical and mental abuse in his childhood.
Jackson probably died as a result of all the stress and anguish of the years of accusations and resulting court cases over the last 10-15 years. Michael was apparently fighting fit two days before his death, as he was preparing to play a 50 date concert at the O2 Arena in London, England. His body most likely couldn’t take the strain of the rehearsals that put upon him.

Difference between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack

A heart attack is when the heart becomes irregular and there is ciculation problems.
A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating and happens without warning. Though they are both deadly, a cardiac arrest needs treatment within minutes if not seconds, where as a heart attack can come on more slowly, as long as the patient is made comfortable they can survive long enough for help to arrive, but I must STRESS this is not always the case as every situation is different.

Summary

The difference between the two singers, you can’t really judge as Elvis Presley started it all,he was the original music rebel, as John Lennon said ‘If it wasn’t for Elvis Presley, there would be no Beatles” he was known as the King of Rock’n’ Roll, a title given to him by his fans.

Michael Jackson is what started the video era, even todays music videos do NOT have a patch on any of his videos, even the ones from the 1970′s. The King of Pop is the self-proclaimed title that was given to him by Elizabeth Taylor who had become a close friend and advisor.

All in all they both were geniuses in there own genre giving fans and the World music they loved, movements and dances that are and still original, which nobody can immitate, even though they spawned thousands of immitators, tribute acts, impersonators(imps) or whatever you want to call them. There will NEVER be another Elvis Presley or Michael Jackson.

Find More 90s Rock And Roll Articles

Elvis Presley Biography 101

Jul
29

Elvis Presley Biography 101

Elvis Presley is well-known as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  This Elvis Presley Biography 101 article will cover the basics of his incredible life. Throughout the years on the stage, he produced 12 famous albums and left remarkable history in the world of rock and roll.

From a country-side boy, he became the idol of uncountable young girls during his time. He died at the age of 42 but his story remains to be the widely known legend of the King.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was born on the 8th of January, 1935 to the Presley family in Tupelo, Mississippi.  Due to poverty, Elvis Aaron Presley moved to Memphis with his parents at the age of 13.

There, he graduated from the local Humes High School and he later found his first job as an usher at a theatre.

Elvis discovered his interest and talent in music when his parents bought him his first guitar. His uncle and pastor gave him basic lessons on guitar and he developed a passion in blues.

Earlier, he attended church sessions and they taught him how to sing. One day, he went to a record shop to record a birthday present for Gladys, his mother. His talents caught the eye of Sam Philips, the owner of Sun Records and he then signed a three-year contract with the company.

Within the first week, they sold 7000 copies of Elvis’ first record, “That’s Alright Mama” and from there onwards, he began his journey as a rock star and appeared frequently on stages. In 1955, Colonel Parker bought his contract from Sun Records for 35 thousand dollars.

His achievements include three Grammy Awards and appeared in over 30 films and were estimated to have earned .5million throughout his career life. He sold 2 million copies of his twelve albums and was crowned the “multiplatinum album sales performer”.

He was a perfectionist and recorded the hit “Hound Dog” 33 times before he was satisfied. He gradually developed the desire to perform on stages.

Despite his career as a rock singer, he served the U.S military and was the Deputy Sheriff of Shelby County in Tennessee.

Elvis had a remarkable life, and anyone wanting to get a free Elvis Presley biography to download can get one at fan websites like elvis-presley-forever.com which is dedicated to telling his remarkable life story and achievements.

The King was found dead due to severe cardiovascular disease in his own mansion at the age of 42, leaving behind his wife, Priscilla Presley and daughter Lisa Marie.

Elvis Presley Biography – Elvis Girlfriends

Jul
23

Elvis Presley Biography – Elvis Girlfriends

Elvis had many girlfriends, before and after he became popular, including celebrities like Natalie Wood, Mamie Van Doren, Cybill Shepherd, Tuesday Weld, Connie Stevens, Barbra Streisand, Ann-Margret, and Nancy Sinatra.

In 1954, during Elvis’s high-school years, Dixie Locke was one girlfriend. However, the courtship ended, after he did his shows with Bill and D. J. Scotty.

In 1955, he had his first sweetheart named June Juanico. This was the only girl his mother ever approved of. Elvis met June when she came out of the comfort room at half-time of one of his shows.

Elvis and June kept in touch with one another through phone calls whenever he was on tour. They were sweethearts for 3 years.

Elvis then dated Anita Wood seriously for many years. Anita was 19 years old when she met the king of rock ‘n’ roll. They both shared wonderful moments.

Anita felt part of the family around the guys. Anita lived for a long time at Graceland and she became close to Elvis’ mother. They even spoke about the time Elvis would walk her down the aisle.

Over time, he would buy Anita lots of gifts; one was a diamond friendship ring, a Ford, which she gave to her brother. One day, while Elvis was shooting a movie at the studio, in 1962, Anita stayed at Elvis’s room in Graceland, and found a letter from a girl.

She asked Elvis about it, he got upset and it turned into a fight. Anita was very upset about the whole situation, and felt very hurt so she decided to leave Elvis.

When Elvis was doing the Viva Las Vegas movie, he met Ann-Margaret. Elvis deeply cared for this star and believed that they truly loved each other; however, for some reasons, they simply stopped seeing each other and remained good friends for several years.

When Elvis was sent to Germany for the Army, he met the very young schoolgirl Priscilla Beaulieu. Elvis Presley married Priscilla Anne Beaulieu, after she spent 4 living years at Graceland before their marriage.

Nine months after the wedding they had a beautiful baby girl named Lisa Marie. Five years after baby Lisa was born, the two got divorced.

Linda Thompson came into Elvis’ life at a time he was divorced. Linda is of course a wonderful and beautiful woman. She was not only beautiful but with a beautiful spirit and soul, compassion and humor. It has been said that Linda was by far the closest woman to Elvis besides his ex-wife.

Elvis showered Linda with beautiful gifts, cars, credit cards, clothes, jewelries, a home, and anything else Linda wanted.

However, it was not all about just the benefits, being in a relationship with the king of rock ‘n’ roll, she gave a very deep love for the Elvis and stayed with him longer than Priscilla did. Linda really loved Elvis; it was believed that Linda would love him even if he had not been the King of Rock and Roll.

They split up because Linda felt Elvis would not marry her, so she gave up on Elvis. With Linda no longer on his side, he seemed to age fast; his health and drugs became a real concern.

The king of rock and roll became very lonely so he tried to fulfill his loneliness with companionship of women. With short flings, flirtations, and affairs, he was seen with Sheila Ryan and Cybill Shepherd, and then there was Mindy Miller and Ann Pennington who also performed a short fandango with Elvis.

When Elvis met Ginger Alden, the king of Rock and Roll had really fallen for this girl. The saddest part of the relationship is that Elvis would spend the last, and most painful year of his life with someone younger, who could hardly understood what was happening to him. Ginger was living with him in Graceland the day that Elvis died all alone.

Related Rock And Roll High School Articles

Elvis Presley Biography – Elvis Gospel Music

Jul
22

Elvis Presley Biography – Elvis Gospel Music

A group of writers from Asean on a reporting excursion of Pluralism and Religious Freedom in US took a visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. The tour emphasized the influence of Elvis’ religious beliefs on his early singing career. When he was in his teenage years, he had worn bright, loud clothes and sported long sideburns. The king of rock and roll was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, and died on August 18, 1977.

During the tour on Graceland, one had constantly reminded that Elvis started by singing every Sunday in church. In 1951, some years before he became a rock ’n’ roll sensation, he attended youth organization at the “First Assembly of God” (a church in Memphis’ McLemore Avenue) “He came in late,” said Blackwood, Stamps (one of the popular Blackwood Brother Quartet).  Stamps, the only 2nd baritone in the 63-year history of the Southern gospel’s renowned quartet, became the best friend of Elvis when they were sixteen and high-school mates in Memphis.

“When he comes in class, everyone would stare at Elvis because he dressed a bit different. His hair was different too. Elvis had long side-burns, and he wore second-hand clothes, loud and bright, white shoes, and a red coat,” Blackwood recalled.

Elvis’ family lived in a simple wooden shack located at the poorest area of Tupelo. His father Vernon later moved them to Memphis. Despite the poverty they were experiencing, Gladys, his mother ensured that Elvis would not turn to crime for them to survive. In 1958 when he was on leave from the US Army, he was strolling on his beloved Graceland home. He had bought the isolated house of Memphis to run away from public attention.

Elvis’ decision to create a record at Sun Studios in Memphis for his mother’s birthday was a turning point in his life and it popularized rock ’n’ roll forever. He paved the way for other performers to sing and present the Afro-American music. As one went through Elvis’ beloved Graceland home, the audiotape tour restated that gospel music was Elvis favorite music.

The old folks at Memphis remembered the early days when the legendry singer strummed his guitar to the blues with the Afro-American singers. Blues song was borne out of hardship and slavery. This music became a form of therapy in the midst of painful experience. The king of rock ‘n’ roll sought relief by singing these blues music as it expressed pain and love from the human heart.

The Graceland tour as well exposed that Elvis warmed-up for his recording sessions with gospel music, and when not, he was always at his home playing his favorite hymns on piano.

During his lifetime, he completed 3 gospel albums: “Hand in Mine” during the 1960, “How Great Thou Art” in 1967 which won the Grammy award for the best sacred performance and “He Touched Me” in 1971. These albums, along with many inspirational tracks of his live performances, are enclosed in the two CD set called the “Amazing Grace.” The collection had not only given spotlight to the remarkable talents of Elvis, but as well served as an opening to the various styles of Southern gospel.

Since then, Elvis was not just a rock ‘n’ roll star; he was also the most versatile song and dance artiste.

Elvis Presley Ringtones

Jul
11

Elvis Presley Ringtones

Elvis Presley is a legend.  He is and always will be the King of Rock and Roll. He took black music and brought it to white America, and they fell in love.

Ringtones are a popular form of media today and a passive marketing tool that music artists never thought of.  Every time a person receives a call on their mobile phone, their ringtone is played.  People on trains, in offices, gyms and anywhere can hear that ringtone.  

Elvis Presley is a legend.  He is and always will be the King of Rock and Roll. He took black music and brought it to white America, and they fell in love. From his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, Elvis Presley grabbed the country by the throat and shook em all night long. Coming from an extremely poor and humble background, Elvis never forgot about what was really important. He never lost his love for giving and never stopped making America dance. It all started with a song that he wanted to record for his mother for her birthday.

Elvis paid his four dollars and played his song for Sam Phillips. It was then that the music producer knew he had something big on his hands, the next biggest thing the world has ever seen. It was from then on that Elvis would become the King of Rock and roll. From his movies to his service in the war, it was obvious that Elvis Presley owned the hearts and minds of many of our country’s youth population. Even when his popularity somewhat dwindled in the late 60′s, it was his 68 comeback special that put him back on top. He would sit comfortably on his thrown through much of the 70′s, reawakening America with his concerts in Hawaii and then ultimately in Las Vegas. Though the king has passed on, it is amazing to see how much he still is the king of rock and roll. His face is everywhere, on everything, from t-shirts to coffee mugs, impersonators to wax figures, one thing is for sure, that the king has definitely not left this building yet.

Elvis ringtones are popular and remind us of a time in history when music changed the world.  Elvis lives on in many ways and now lives through ringtones.