August 16, 2017

Forty years ago today, on Aug. 16, 1977, rock music icon Elvis Presley died suddenly at Graceland, his stately home in Memphis, Tennessee. One of the most beloved entertainers in American history, Elvis’s death shocked and saddened fans around the world. Elvis—the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”—was just 42 years old.

Elvis Presley performs in Hawaii in 1973. Credit: © United Archives GmbH/Alamy Images

Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935. His talent, good looks, charisma, and sense of humor endeared him to millions of fans during his career, which began in 1954 with the hit record “That’s All Right, Mama.” A string of hits followed over the next 15 years, cementing his super-stardom. His biggest songs included “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “All Shook Up,” “Teddy Bear,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Suspicious Minds.” “Burning Love,” his 20th and last number-one hit, was released in 1974. Presley was also a movie star, making 31 feature films between 1956 and 1969.

Elvis Presley rehearses for a 1956 appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Presley’s appearance on the TV show helped establish him as a national celebrity. Credit: UPI/Corbis-Bettman

Elvis was still at the height of his popularity when he died. In the 1970’s, Presley’s live performances in Las Vegas broke attendance records, and his tours—the last of which concluded less than two months before his death—sold out arenas throughout the United States and in other countries. But the pressures of being the King undermined his health. He began taking pills to sleep, to wake up, and to keep his weight down. Many people believe drugs hastened his early death.

Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee, is the former home of rock music star Elvis Presley, who died there 40 years ago today on Aug. 16, 1977. The 23-room mansion is one of the most visited buildings in the United States. Credit: © Steve Vidler, SuperStock

Fortieth anniversary events in Memphis began Aug. 11, 2017, and run through August 19—a cumulative “Elvis Week” celebration. Members of the King’s huge fan club met for a commemorative dinner to kick off the week. Memphis—overrun with Elvis fans and impersonators—then hosted a 5K run, a memorabilia auction, panel discussions, and several rollicking concerts. Last night, thousands of people gathered for a candlelight vigil running several blocks around Graceland. Similar events will then finish the week, punctuated by an “ultimate Elvis tribute artist” contest. Events in honor of the King have taken place and continue to be held in many other places as well. On June 26, fans converged on the former site of Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Elvis—in his by-then trademark white-and-gold jumpsuit—gave his final concert on that day in 1977.