Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answers blog

 Before ‘Beatle-mania’ struck the world, there was one man who would change the face of popular music forever. From his humble roots in America’s deep south, Elvis Aaron Presley rose to become one of the worlds most iconic rock & roll megastars. Few other performer in the history of popular music have exuded such raw sex appeal and charisma. Sadly Elvis is no longer with us but today marks the 30th anniversary of his passing.

Elvis began his career at Sun Studios in Memphis under the watchful eye of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, and studio manager Sam Phillips. While Elvis was gaining in popularity with every appearance it wasn’t until Parker and Phillips negotiated a deal with RCA Records that his career truly sky rocketed. The deal – worth $40,000 – was the largest to date at the time and gave Elvis his first in a string of number ones with the re-release of his single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’.

Once the wheels of Elvis’ hit making machine began to turn the man could do no wrong. He became a symbol of American rock & roll and the good time attitude that went with it. The world over women loved him and the men wanted to be him. Even President Nixon couldn’t resist the charms of the lip quivering, hip swivelling Presley. Andrew1969 asked the answers community “How do you remember Elvis?” to which the responses were as imagined: varied yet heartfelt.

But why is Elvis still popular? Perhaps it’s because Elvis was one of the rare artists who was able to transcend notions of race and cultural background at a time when segregation was rife. His music is still popular today in its original format, and remixes of his songs in recent years have continued to keep his name alive.

The Answers community might not be able to agree on their favourite Elvis number, but just the fact that his name is still spoken in houses all over the world, and millions of fans are drawn to his Graceland mansion each year, is a testament to his success and achievements. 30 years on from Elvis’ death his music and performance is still just as relevant as when he first slipped on his blue suede shoes and conquered the world of rock & roll. Long live the King.

– Yahoo! UK & Ireland Answer team