Elvis Presley’s 90th Anniversary Celebrated with Decade-by-Decade Milestones

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As Graceland prepares to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Elvis Presley‘s birth on Jan. 8, 2025, fans and historians alike are reflecting on the enduring legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. From his humble beginnings in a Tupelo, Mississippi, shotgun shack to his global stardom, Elvis’ life and career remain a cultural touchstone.

Born Elvis Aron Presley on Jan. 8, 1935, the singer’s journey began with tragedy. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, was stillborn, a loss that haunted Elvis throughout his life. “The dead twin… was never forgotten,” wrote biographer Peter Guralnick in “Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley.”

Elvis’ first public performance came in 1945, when a 10-year-old Elvis sang “Old Shep” at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. The $5 prize and fair ride ticket he won that day foreshadowed a career that would redefine music and entertainment.

The 1950s marked Elvis’ rise to fame, beginning with his first recording at Sam Phillips‘ Memphis Recording Service in 1953. By 1954, his debut single, “That’s All Right,” ignited the rock ‘n’ roll revolution. The 1960s saw Elvis dominate the box office with films like “Blue Hawaii,” while the 1970s brought his iconic Las Vegas performances and final concert in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977.

Elvis’ death on Aug. 16, 1977, at age 42, did not diminish his influence. Graceland, his Memphis mansion, has become a cultural landmark, attracting over 25 million visitors since 1982. In 1997, “Elvis: The Concert” pioneered posthumous performances, blending live music with archival footage of the King.

The 2000s saw Elvis’ music reimagined, with Junkie XL’s remix of “A Little Less Conversation” becoming a global hit. In 2017, the $45 million “Elvis Presley's Memphis” complex opened, further cementing his legacy. The 2020s brought Baz Luhrmann‘s biopic “Elvis,” which grossed $289 million and earned eight Oscar nominations, alongside Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough‘s memoir, which offers a personal glimpse into the Presley family.

As fans worldwide celebrate Elvis’ 90th anniversary, his music, films, and cultural impact continue to resonate, proving that the King’s legacy is truly timeless.