#228 | The Crazy Life of Elvis Presley

01/13/22 • 33 min

1 Listener

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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Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

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.

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

---

You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter
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Previous Episode

#226 | The Amazing Life Of Ray Charles

His early life was full of tragedy and misfortune, but Ray Charles never let this get in his way.

In this episode, we'll learn about how Ray Charles overcame adversity to become one of the most loved musicians in American history.

The early life of Ray Charles: born to a teenage mother in an institutionally racist country
Ray Charles: "Even compared to other blacks we were on the bottom of the ladder looking up at everyone else. Nothing below us except the ground"
The death of Ray Chales' younger brother
Going blind and being sent to a school for the blind
Learning to play the piano (while blind)
The death of his mother and moving to Jacksonville
Trying to make ends meet playing music
Copying the style of Nat King Cole
Deciding to move to Seattle
Making a name for himself in Seattle and meeting Quincy Jones
Getting his first record deal & "I Got A Woman"
Ray Charles' style: a combination of blues, jazz & gospel
Why Ray Charles was unpopular with many pastors
Ray Charles as an excellent businessman
Where his confidence comes from - “you’re blind, you ain’t stupid”
Battling his heroin addiction
Ray Charles and women
Later life and legacy

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

---

You might like:

🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists

✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]

📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership

📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter
---

Next Episode

#230 | The Opioid Crisis

Over the past twenty years, over half a million Americans have died of opioid overdoses.

In this episode, we'll explore how this happened, who is responsible, and ask ourselves whether the USA will ever be able to kick its addiction to prescription opioids.