Elvis Dies at 42: The King of Rock Is Gone
Elvis Presley's 1956 hit "Heartbreak Hotel" catapulted him to stardom and cemented his status as rock and roll's leading figure through a performance style that challenged racial boundaries during the dawn of the Civil Rights Movement. His fusion of country and rhythm and blues on Sun Records sparked a cultural revolution, yet years of prescription drug abuse ultimately cut his life short in 1977 at age 42.
August 16, 1977
49 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on August 16
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