It was late on August 16, 1977 when the star Elvis Presley was found unconscious in the bathroom of his "Graceland" mansion in Memphis, United States. 40 years ago, the music world was not only losing one of the icons of rock and roll, but "The King".
Elvis' body was found by his fiancée Ginger Alden. At the time, several theories and rumors were spread. Some mentioned that Elvis had died a victim of an ordeal, others said that the king was alive and had assumed a false identity and, for unknown reasons, settled in another country.
Countless conspiracy theories tried to forge explanations for the death of the singer, even with the idea that he would have been poisoned. At the age of 42, Elvis had just over 20 career years, 61 albums and more than one billion albums sold worldwide when he was struck down by a heart attack.
At the funeral, Elvis Presley's body traveled down the avenue that takes his name to the Foret Hills Cemetery. The coffin was buried in the family mausoleum, in a reserved ceremony.
A day later, on August 17, thousands of people gathered around their mansion to pay homage and bid farewell to the legendary singer.
Elvis was practically retired since 1972. Obese and addicted to drugs, he lived totally inmate. The last show of his career happened on June 25, 1977 in Indianapolis.
Its success was so much that it continues until today in the musical scene. Elvis is considered the best selling artist of all time. According to Forbes magazine, the "king" is the fourth deceased celebrity with highest revenue, about $ 27 million.
With unique voice and style, the rock star challenged the social and racial barriers of his era by playing blues, country, gospel and black music. Son of a trucker and a textile worker, Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 and raised in a two bedroom house in Tupelo, Mississippi.
In 1948, he moved to Memphis with his parents and graduated from high school. He recorded his first record at age 19 and almost instantly became a star. The star was married to Priscilla for six years until the couple divorced amicably in 1973. The two had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, who became the wife of Michael Jackson.
His songs have been reissued and reissued countless times since his death. Successes such as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Hound Dog", "Jailhouse Rock", "Love me Tender" and "Are You Lonesome Tonight" are recognized worldwide.
In the 40 years of his death, it is estimated that more than 50,000 people will attend Graceland to pay homage to the singer.
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