This Day in History: 16 August 2020
16 August 1977
43 years ago, today, Elvis Presley died at his mansion in Memphis, most likely of a heart attack brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. He was found unconscious, and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Elvis has been in declining physical and mental health by the mid 1970s. In 1973, he divorced his wife and developed a dangerous dependence on prescription drugs. He also had another addiction, to junk food, leading him to gain considerable weight. In the last two years of his life, he made erratic stage appearances and lived isolated.
Throughout the 1950s, Elvis dominated the music charts and spearheaded the age of rock and roll. He opened doors for both white and black rock artists, and even starred in many successful films, which usually featured his soundtracks. His style underwent a blues-inspired change after he was discharged as a sergeant in 1960, but by the end of the decade, Elvis was no longer seen as relevant by the American youth. The place of his burial, on the grounds of his Graceland mansion, continues to attract fans and has been turned into a highly successful tourist attraction.
Want to find out more about the life and death of Elvis Presley? Click here for more information, or here for a video with a news report from the day after Elvis' death.
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