200 Favourite Music Acts. Today: #128: ELVIS. Continues tomorrow.

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200

FAVOURITE

MUSIC ACTS

#128

ELVIS PRESLEY

Arguably the most significant influence on rock and roll, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in 1935. His family moved fromTupelo, Mississippi to Memphis while he was in his teens. This relocation proved pivotal. It was here that Presley was exposed to the energy of the blues, country, rock and gospel genres.

In his early adulthood, he came to the attention of Sam Phillips, head of Sun Records. Presley recorded "That's All Right Mama" for the label. In 1954, the track became Elvis' debut single.

His blend of country and rhythm & blues was being sharpened. Presley's 1st hit was on the Country Chart in 1955 ("Baby Let's Play House"). The following year, "Heartbreak Hotel" topped the Pop and Country Charts and peaked at #3 on the R&B equivalent.

The #! hits came in quick succession: "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You", "Don't Be Cruel", "Hound Dog" and "Love Me Tender" in 1956; "Too Much", "All Shook Up", "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" and "Jailhouse Rock" in 1957; "Don't" and "Hard Headed Woman" in 1958 and "A Big Hunk A' Love" in 1959. 

By now, Colonel Tom Parker had become Presley's manager. The singer had begun starring in a series of films. His musical and acting career was interrupted in 1958 by Presley's stint in the US army. 

His military commitment was over in 1960 and Elvis was still the hottest property in popular music. That year, he topped the charts with "Stuck On You", "It's Now Or Never" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?". "Surrender" followed in 1961. "Good Luck Charm" reached the top the following year. 

The British Invasion and the arrival of The Beatles in particular, dethroned Presley. Changing tastes made him appear passé. He had to wait until 1969 for another #1 in America. "Suspicious Minds" remains his final chart- topper there. 

The 1970s saw Presley continue recording, but the superstar showed signs of losing his edge. His marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu was over. Elvis was relying more on prescription drugs and gained weight. 

Such was the reverence reserved for Presley, that the world stopped on the announcement of his passing on August 16, 1977. Elvis was found dead in his Graceland home, most likely due to drugs. Posthumous hit "Way Down" ruled the UK chart for 5 weeks.

Presley's popularity has not waned over the 4 decades since his death. In 2002, JXL's remix of his "A Little Less Conversation" reached #1 in Britain, Canada, Australia and many European countries. A compilation album made the top in America and the UK (as well as several other territories). In 2015, 'If I Can Dream' (with the Royal Philharmonica Orchestra) topped the UK and Australian charts. A second collaboration with the orchestra went to #1 in Britain in 2016. There has been a series of posthumous duets, teaming Elvis with an array of performers including Barbra Streisand on her 2014 'Partners' album (with "Love Me Tender").

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129 ERIC BENET

130 SAM SMITH

131 JAMES TAYLOR

132 STEELY DAN

133 IKE & TINA TURNER

134 DES’REE

135 ACE OF BASE

136 VAN MORRISON

137 SAM COOKE

138 THE DOORS

139 AMY WINEHOUSE

140 PHARRELL WILLIAMS

141 GEORGE BENSON

142 MINNIE RIPERTON

143 VILLAGE PEOPLE

144 CURTIS MAYFIELD

145 FOREIGNER

146 EURYTHMICS

147 TOTO

148 BARRY WHITE

149 CARL RISELEY

150 TONI BRAXTON

151 NEIL DIAMOND

152 HALL & OATES

153 LUTHER VANDROSS

154 ERIC CLAPTON

155 THE O’JAYS

156 RUMER

157 SLY & THE FAMILY STONE

158 LITTLE RICHARD

159 HAROLD MELVIN & THE BLUE NOTES

160 CHRIS ISAAK

161 MICHAEL McDONALD

162 GLORIA GAYNOR

163 TWENTY ONE PILOTS

164 BEN E. KING

165 MEAT LOAF

166 JAMES REYNE

167 JOAN ARMATRADING

168 SADE

169 A-HA

170 GLEN CAMPBELL

171 DIRE STRAITS

172 COLD CHISEL

173 LINDA RONSTADT

174 ANTHONY CALLEA

175 LISA STANSFIELD

176 EN VOGUE

177 MICHAEL BUBLE`

178 TRACY CHAPMAN

179 DRAGON

180 OLETA ADAMS

181 LITTLE RIVER BAND

182 SOPHIE ELLIS – BEXTOR

183 THE RONETTES

184 CERRONE

185 MODELS

186 SCISSOR SISTERS

187 DARREN HAYES

188 PETULA CLARK

189 MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS

190 LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY

191 ART GARFUNKEL

192 THE REELS

193 JANIS IAN

194 JOHN PAUL YOUNG

195 S CLUB 7

196 CHARLIE PUTH

197 THE MARVELETTES

198 ICEHOUSE

199 LEO SAYER

200 LIZA MINNELLI