The Presley Family
Kathy Pinna Vernon had built a small shotgun house (two room) in preparation for the birth of the twins and this is where Elvis spent his first 3 years. The family belonged to the Assembly of God church and were of Scots-Irish, Scottish, German, ancestry with a little French and (perhaps) Cherokee.
School Years
Kathy Pinna Moving to Nashville in 1948, the family finally found some stability in public housing and Elvis began to blossom. He and others formed a musical collective and began to perform a bit, while Elvis earned additional money ushering at a movie theater and working at Precision Tool and MARL Metal Products. By 1950, his look began to change - he could afford the flashy clothes he loved, he grew sideburns, and greased his hair with rose oil and Vaseline. As his confidence grew, he competed in Hume's Annual "Minstrel" Show in spring of 1953 - and he became more popular with his peers!
Starting His Career
Nothing came of his first effort at Sun Records (or even his second) so Elvis began working as a truck driver. He also auditioned for groups but they told him that he wasn't a singer. Finally, however, in July of 1954, Elvis hit gold. He and other musicians were fooling around with the song "That's All Right" when Sam Phillips happened by. He loved the sound!
Kathy Pinna By 1956 Elvis was a certified star and even an international sensation.
The Ed Sullivan Show
Kathy Pinna The Draft
On March 24th, 1958, Private Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army. After six months of basic training (including an emergency visit to see his dying mother), Elvis was sent to Germany where he spent the next 18 months, rising to the rank of Sergeant. It was here that he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu, who was the daughter of stepdaughter of an officer.
Kathy Pinna Life after the Army
Ricky Dent Far from ruining his career, Elvis' stint in the Army only enhanced his image. He was praised by everyone for serving in the Army - and when he was given a polio shot in the Army (televised), even vaccination rates went from 2% to 85%. He went on to record numerous #1 hit songs. In addition, he continued to make films, perform in Vegas, and perform in tv specials. Not bad for a poor, shy boy - and for someone who served his country before working on his career. Elvis - The King of Rock and Roll.
AncientFaces 
