In 1954, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation.
With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture. Sometime in the morning of August 16, 1977, Presley died of heart failure, at the age of 42. It was later ruled that his death was related to his prescription drug use. Presley was buried on the Graceland property, near the gravesites of his mother, Gladys, father Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae Hood Presley.
Elvis’ is still making solid earnings almost 40 years after his untimely death. Graceland continues to see excellent ticket sales, which houses memorabilia of his amazing career. There’s also licensing of his images and music, which no doubt helps cement his ever-growing fortune. His popularity sees no end, as can be seen by the recent release of a stamp in his honor. He’ll always be a legend, which is evident by the amount of Elvis impersonators still entertaining the crowds in Vegas. It also helps that his music is timeless and his voice is as iconic as it is unique.