Published By: Sayan Paul

Elvis Presley's Birth Anniversary: From Getting 'C' In Music Class To Reigning As A Rockstar - The Journey

Hailed as the "King of Rock and Roll", Elvis Presley is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

"Elvis Presley's music and his personality permanently changed the face of American popular culture." - Jimmy Carter.

We all know that Elvis Presley was a great musician - specifically, a revolutionary figure in the world of rock and roll. But more than that, it was the influence that he had over the collective consciousness that made him special. From fashion to literature to politics and more, he continues to be felt everywhere, even decades after his demise. And as far as music is concerned, well, he has inspired generations of artists (not to mention the Elvis impersonators, commonly known as Elvis tribute artists) worldwide. As John Lennon put it, "If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been The Beatles."

Born on January 8, 1935, Elvis was the King of Rock and Roll and one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Besides rock and roll, he also excelled in pop, country, rockabilly, rhythm and blues, adult contemporary, and gospel. With albums like 'Elvis Presley', 'Elvis' Christmas Album', 'His Hand in Mine', and 'Something for Everybody' among others, he revolutionized the entire landscape of music, and how!

(Credit: History Defined)

It's Elvis's 89th birth anniversary today. On this occasion, let's learn about his remarkable journey which may seem straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Elvis Presley got a 'C' in his music class in school

During his childhood, Elvis found his primary inspiration for music at the local church. And when he started learning it at school, he was termed as 'average' by his friends and teachers. On October 3, 1945, at age 10, he performed for the first time in a singing contest at the Mississippi–Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. Later, he received guitar lessons from two uncles and a pastor at the family's church.

Recalling his early training, Elvis shared in an interview, "I took the guitar, and I watched people, and I learned to play a little bit. But I would never sing in public. I was very shy about it."

In 1948, he enrolled at L. C. Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee. And please hold your breath - he received a 'C' in music in his eighth grade. In fact, he was told by his music teacher that he had "no aptitude for singing".

(Credit: History Photographed)

Well, that 'average' kid who failed in his music examination went on to rock the entire world!

Becoming 'the' rockstar

As a kid, Elvis formed a musical collective with one of his neighbors and three other boys. By the time he graduated from high school, he knew he wanted to pursue music as a career. In 1954, he began his professional journey by singing for Sun Records (founded by Sam Phillips). He went on to sing a few other songs for the company, and by the next year, he was voted "The Most Promising Male Artist".

He blended various genres - such as country, blues, etc. - and created what's now known as rock and roll. During the mid-1950s, he started performing at live shows, earning unprecedented acclaim from all around. As guitarist Winfield "Scotty" Moore said, "During the instrumental parts, he would back off from the mic and be playing and shaking, and the crowd would just go wild."

He along with Moore and bassist Bill Black recorded the single "That’s All Right" in 1954, which was a major hit. In 1955, he signed with RCA Records, which catapulted him to international fame. His 1956 release "Heartbreak Hotel" sold over one million copies, while his debut album, "Elvis Presley", became a phenomenon like no other.

(Credit: Rock History)

Needless to say, there was no looking back after that. He grew only bigger with time, reigning supreme in the hearts of one and all. With time, he expanded his career and became a film star as well.

Rest In Peace, Elvis. Thanks For Everything!