Happy Birthday Elvis

Elvis Presley, who would later become known as the "King of Rock 'n' Roll," was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Miss. to Vernon Elvis Presley and Gladys Love Smith. He would have celebrated his 71st birthday today.

You know the story.

A twin brother Jessie was a stillborn. Elvis began singing hymns and gospel tunes in church and at state fairs as a child. At age 18, he walked into a Memphis studio and paid $4 to record 'My Happiness' and 'That's When Your Heartaches Begin' as a present for his mother. The studio owner, Sam Phillips, recognized the teenager's talent and helped him score a record deal.

Presley was an almost immediate success, an international sensation, infusing rock 'n' roll with country music, R&B and gospel. He also became international controversy with his hip-shaking moves; it made teens swoon but their parents cringe.

Elvis also starred in 33 films as he enjoyed steady chart success from the mid '50s through the mid '70s, selling more than a billion records to date.

On August 16, 1977 Elvis died of cardiac arrhythmia -- a form of heart attack -- inside his Graceland mansion.

He has gone down in history as one of the most important figures of popular culture.