# Presley, Elvis (1935-1977) the king of American rock-and-roll from achieving stardom in 1956 through to the early 60s. Presley was a singer and guitarist known for his distinctive throaty tone and his aggressive, sexual delivery. When he first appeared on television in the 50s, the gyrations he performed while singing were considered too suggestive for broadcast and the cameras recorded him only from the waist up. one of his many famous songs was titled "All Shook Up."