He was told by countless people that he would never make it as a star, yet by his mid-20s he was the most successful musician in the world.

In this episode, we'll learn about how Elvis Presley defied all his critics, became the biggest star of the 1960s, created the category of rock and roll but then lost the battle with his personal demons.

• The USA that Elvis Presley was born into
• Being given his third choice of birthday present: a guitar
• Coming fifth place in a singing competition
• Moving to Memphis and developing his own style
• Recording his first song at the studio of Sun Records
• Failing to achieve success and being told to continue driving a truck
• His first hit: "That's All Right"
• The musical style of Elvis Presley
• His first tour in 1954, aged only 19
• Thrusting his hips and causing controversy
• Letter to the FBI: "Presley is a definite danger to the security of the United States"
• Meeting Colonel Tom Parker, his exploitative manager
• Going on the Ed Sullivan show
• How much of his own music did Elvis actually write?
• Trying to make it as a Hollywood star
• Joining the army
• Meeting the 14-year old Priscilla Beaulieu
• Discovering prescription drugs
• Returning to music after a 7-year break
• The Elvis comeback
• The Las Vegas years & a changed image
• His marriage breaking up
• His two addictions: prescription drugs & fast food
• His love for "Fool's Gold"
• How he died, and how it was covered up by his family
• The rise of the Elvis impersonator
• The legacy of Elvis Presley

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/elvis-presley

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