Elvis Presley Birth Date and Context
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. This verified birth date is widely documented in biographies, official records, and historical accounts. Understanding the exact date and circumstances helps clarify common questions about his age, era, and enduring cultural influence. The following sections break down the date, location, family context, and why this information remains relevant to his legacy.
Why Birth Date Accuracy Matters for Public Figures
Public figures’ birth dates anchor timelines for careers, legal records, and historical context. For icons like Elvis Presley, precise birth information supports biographies, copyright terms, estate planning, and research. Misinformation can propagate through unofficial sources, so consulting verified records such as birth certificates, census data, and reputable biographies is essential. Consistent dating also enables reliable comparisons with contemporaries and accurate reporting of anniversaries and honors.
Verified Elvis Presley Profile Details
Below are key, source-backed details about Elvis Presley’s identity and timeline. These points are drawn from authoritative biographies, official documents, and reputable historical references.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Elvis Aaron Presley | Official records, biographies |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1935 | Birth certificate, census data |
| Place of Birth | Tupelo, Mississippi, United States | Local records, biographies |
| Parents | Vernon Presley and Gladys Love Presley | Family records, biographies |
| Notable Career Start | 1954 recordings; first commercial release 1954 | Music history sources |
| Date of Death | August 16, 1977 | Death certificate, news archives |
| Age at Death | 42 | Calculated from birth and death dates |
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Misstatements about Elvis Presley’s birth year or month can stem from typographical errors, confusion with relatives, or informal retellings. Some might recall a different month due to calendar shifts or conflate him with other artists of the era. Official documents—such as the birth certificate filed in 1935 and the 1940 U.S. Census listing him as age 5—confirm January 1935 as correct. When dates appear inconsistent across sources, prioritizing primary records and established biographies reduces ambiguity.
Impact on Career Timeline and Legacy
Elvis’s birth date anchors major career milestones: his discovery in 1953, first recordings in 1954, national breakthrough in 1956, and military service from 1958 to 1960. Knowing he was born in 19 teenage years of the 20th century helps contextualize his rapid rise, the cultural tension he generated, and the legal and social debates around his career. It also informs anniversaries, estate matters, and ongoing scholarly research.
Comparison With Contemporaries
Placing Elvis’s birth date alongside key figures of mid-20th century music clarifies his generational context. Below is a concise, high-information comparison with two contemporaries for reference.
- Elvis Presley: born January 8, 1935 — American singer and cultural icon who rose to fame in the mid-1950s.
- John Lennon: born October 24, 1940 — British musician and songwriter who emerged in the 1960s.
- Bob Dylan: born May 24, 1941 — American singer-songwriter influential from the early 1960s.
This comparison highlights that Elvis was older than Lennon and Dylan, which helps explain his distinct role as a pioneer who preceded the British Invasion and singer-songwriter movements.
Reliable Sources and Further Verification
For readers who want to verify or explore further, reputable sources include the Elvis Presley Estate official materials, documented birth registry entries from Tupelo, and major biographies published by recognized houses. Academic articles on popular music history and primary documents such as census records and military enlistment forms also corroborate the January 8, 1935 date. Cross-checking multiple authoritative sources ensures continued accuracy over time.
Evergreen Takeaways
- Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi.
- His birth date is confirmed by official records and foundational biographies.
- Understanding his birth date clarifies career milestones and cultural impact.
- Comparing his timeline with contemporaries contextualizes his influence.
- Consult primary and reputable secondary sources for reliable verification.