Elvis Presley was one of the most influential and popular musicians of the 20th century. He was known as the “King of Rock and Roll” and sold more than one billion records worldwide. He was also a father, a husband, and a movie star. But his life was cut short by a heart attack on Aug. 16, 1977, at his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 42 years old.
Profile Summary
| Name | Elvis Aaron Presley |
|---|---|
| Birth date | January 8, 1935 |
| Birthplace | Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Death date | August 16, 1977 |
| Death place | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Nickname | The King of Rock and Roll |
| Occupation | Singer and actor |
| Genre | Rock and roll, pop, rockabilly, country, blues, gospel, R&B |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano |
| Years active | 1954–1977 |
| Awards | 3 Grammy Awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Kennedy Center Honors, and many more |
| Spouse | Priscilla Presley (1967–1973) |
| Children | Lisa Marie Presley |
| Estate | Graceland |
| Legacy | One of the most influential and popular musicians of the 20th century, a pioneer of rock and roll, and a cultural icon |
How Did Elvis Presley Die?
Elvis Presley died of a heart attack on Aug. 16, 1977. The “preliminary autopsy findings” indicated that the cause of death was “cardiac arrhythmia,” according to Dr. Jerry Francisco, the Shelby County coroner, who conducted a two-hour examination of the body. Initially, the coroner was unable to uncover the cause of the arrhythmia, prompting speculation that the singer might have died as a result of a drug overdose based on published reports that 10 prescription drugs were found in his body.
However, the New York Times confirmed in October that drugs were ruled out as a cause of Elvis’ passing “although prescription drugs were found in his body at the time of his death,” noted the outlet with a statement issued by Dr. Francisco.
“The cause of death has been ascribed to hypertensive heart disease, with coronary artery heart disease as a contributing factor,” read the report. Dr. George Nichopoulos, Elvis’ friend and physician, said that he didn’t think the singer had a drug problem, despite having “abused drugs accidentally.”
What Were Elvis Presley’s Health Problems?
Before his death, Presley was visibly no longer the hip-swaying “Elvis the Pelvis” sex symbol. One of the first responders who arrived at Graceland after the emergency call on the day Elvis died and helped carry him to the ambulance was quoted in the book “Elvis Presley: A Southern Life” saying he “must have weighed 250 pounds,” according to Salon.
Weight was not his only issue. The book, according to an excerpt in Salon, said it later was “established in court that during the seven and a half months preceding Elvis’s death, from January 1, 1977, to August 16, 1977, Dr. Nichopoulos had written prescriptions for him for at least 8,805 pills, tablets, vials, and injectables. The drugs included uppers, downers, and powerful painkillers such as Dilaudid, Quaalude, Percodan, Demerol, and cocaine hydrochloride in quantities more appropriate for those terminally ill with cancer.”
Presley also suffered from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, and constipation. His eating habits and lifestyle contributed to his health problems. He often consumed high-calorie, high-fat foods such as fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. He also had a hectic schedule that involved touring, recording, and filming, which left him little time for rest and exercise.
What Will Be The Contort Age of Elvis Presley in 2024
If Elvis Presley was still alive, how old would he be in 2024? If yes, the answer is 89 years since his birth on January 8, 1935.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley changed music and culture with his talent and vision. He created a new style of music that inspired many other artists. He also helped many people and causes with his generosity and compassion. He was a father, a husband, and a legend. His death was tragic, but his legacy is still alive and strong. He was the King of Rock and Roll.