The 42 year old rock n'roll icon died of a heart attack, probably brought on by an addiction to barbiturates.

Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse, died during the birth.

Elvis worked as a truck driver after leaving school. At age 19 he paid $4 to a Memphis recording studio to record some songs for his mother.

Sam Philips, owner of the studio, was impressed by his voice and invited him back to play with some local musicians. When he heard Presley's version of "That's All Right Mama" he decided to release it as a single. This is now regarded as the birth of rock n' roll.