Elvis Presley: The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Elvis Presley, often regarded as the first true global superstar, saw his fame rivalled only by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Michael Jackson. However, one of the key distinctions between him and these later icons is simple: Elvis was first.
Born in 1935, Elvis met Sam Phillips of Sun Records when he was just 19. Phillips, who had a vision to bring black music to white audiences, partnered with Elvis to record That’s Alright, among other tracks. These early recordings caught the attention of manager Tom Parker, who brokered a deal with RCA and added a backing band, featuring drummer DJ Fontana, guitarist Scotty Moore, and bass player Bill Black. Together, they released Elvis’s first #1 hit, Heartbreak Hotel, in 1956.
In the span of just one year, Elvis helped popularise rock ‘n’ roll, selling 10 million singles and solidifying his title as “The King.” Before the 1950s were over, he had already released 9 more classics, including Don’t Be Cruel, Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes, Love Me Tender, All Shook Up, Fever, Jailhouse Rock, Teddy Bear, and One Night.
The 1960s were just as fruitful, with Elvis continuing to release hits such as It’s Now Or Never, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Return To Sender, A Little Less Conversation, In The Ghetto, and Suspicious Minds—the latter written by one of his primary songwriters, Mark James.
However, the 1970s marked a period of decline for Elvis. Struggling with drug addiction, unhealthy eating habits, and the overwhelming pressures of fame, his personal life began to unravel.
On August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley passed away, leaving behind a legacy as the most successful artist of all time, with over 500 million records sold. Though artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Michael Jackson are often compared to Elvis in terms of sales, fame, and influence, what truly sets him apart is the fact that he didn’t just change music—he changed the world. And the world embraced him fully.
Elvis Presley Tunes | Related Pages
Blue Suede Shoes | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| N.C (E G) | A5 N.C (E G) | A5 N.C | N.C |
Well, it’s a one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go, cat…
Can’t Help Falling In Love | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C | Em | Am | Am/G |
Wise men say…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Can’t Help Falling In Love (Elvis) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right | Chords + TAB
Learn how to play Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right by Bob Dylan using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| C C/G G G7 | Am7 Am/G |
Well, it ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, babe…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Bob Dylan) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Fever | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play Fever by Peggy Lee using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Am (C6) | Am (C6) | Am (C6) | Am (C6) |
Never know how much I love you, never know how much I care…
Hound Dog | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Hound Dog by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| N.C | C7 | C7 | C7 | C7 |
You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog, cryin’ all the time…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Hound Dog (Elvis Presley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
In The Ghetto | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play In The Ghetto by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Bb Bbsus4 | Bb Bbsus4 Bb |
As the snow flies…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: In The Ghetto (Elvis) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Jailhouse Rock | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| E | E Eb |
The warden threw a party in the county jail…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Love Me Tender | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Love Me Tender by Elvis using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| D D/A | E7 E7/B | A7 | D D/A |
Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Love Me Tender (Elvis) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Suspicious Minds | Chords + TAB
You can learn how to play Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| G (C/G) | G (C/G) | C (F/C) | C (F/C) |
We’re caught in a trap, I can’t walk out…
Check out the full TAB lesson here: Suspicious Minds (Elvis Presley) Guitar Lesson with TAB.
Elvis Presley on the web
