Elvis signing autographs on tour in Florida in 1956. Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as "the King of Rock and Roll", or simply, "the King". His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines, made him enormously popular and controversial. In 1956, he made his film debut in Love Me Tender. In 1958, he was drafted into military service. He resumed his recording career two years later, producing some of his most commercially successful work before devoting much of the 1960s to making movies and their accompanying soundtrack albums. In 1968, following a 7 year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed televised comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. Years of prescription drug abuse severely damaged his health, and he died in 1977 at the age of 42. Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. No photographer credited.