Elvis Presley was born into a poor family in Tupelo, Mississippi. His father, Vernon, was a sharecropper and his mother, Gladys, was a homemaker. The family often struggled to make ends meet, and Elvis had to work hard to help support them. He began working at the age of 12, mowing lawns and picking cotton.
Family tragedy
When Elvis was 13 years old, his mother died of cancer. This was a devastating blow to Elvis, who was very close to his mother. He never fully recovered from her death, and it continued to affect his life and career.
Racism
Elvis Presley faced racism throughout his career. He was a white artist who performed music that was heavily influenced by African-American music. This made him a target for criticism from both white and black people. Elvis was often called names and even threatened with violence.
The Army
In 1958, Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army. He served for two years in Germany. This was a difficult time for Elvis, who was used to being in the spotlight. He missed his music career and his family.
Drug addiction
Elvis Presley began using prescription drugs in the late 1950s. He used them to help him sleep, to deal with stress, and to improve his performance. Over time, Elvis became addicted to drugs. This addiction had a devastating impact on his life and career.
Health problems
Elvis Presley's drug addiction led to a number of health problems. He was overweight, had high blood pressure, and was in constant pain. He died from a heart attack on August 16, 1977. He was only 42 years old.
Despite all of the hardships he faced, Elvis Presley became one of the most successful musicians of all time. His music has sold over a billion copies worldwide, and he has been inducted into numerous music halls of fame. Elvis Presley is a true icon of American culture.