ELVIS PRESLEY: THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL
PROGRAM TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
An American Hero
This toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces to support music diplomacy through the intersection of music, culture, and American history.
Elvis Presley Love Me Tender Publicity Photo, 1956 Photo credit: Unknown Author
Elvis Presley at Olympia Theater, Aug 3, 1956
Photo Credit: Don Wright for the Miami Herald, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
RESOURCES
Videos and Digital Media
Elvis (159 minutes)* — this epic biopic film chronicles the life of American rock and roll singer and actor Elvis Presley under the management of Colonel Tom Parker.
Priscilla (113 minutes)* — this biographical drama is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley and Sandra Harmon. It follows the life of Priscilla and her complicated romantic relationship with Elvis Presley.
This is Elvis (110 minutes)* — this documentary chronicles the life and career of Elvis Presley in home movies, concert footage, and dramatizations.
Online Exhibit
One Life: Echoes of Elvis | Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery
This online exhibition explores Elvis Presley and why people around the world are still interested in his music and image. It shows how artists, writers, and filmmakers have used both the real Elvis and the idea of Elvis in art, music, and popular culture.
INTRODUCTION
Elvis Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. He was known as the “King of Rock and Roll” due to his revolutionary performance style, massive cultural impact, record sales, and charismatic appeal. He brought rock and roll to mainstream audiences by blending R&B (Rhythm and Blues) with country, gospel, and pop, making him the first true rock superstar and an icon who opened doors for future artists. His energetic, provocative stage presence and crossover appeal made him a global phenomenon, cementing his legendary status. Elvis died in 1977, but his music and influence are still remembered around the world.
LESSON PLANS
Elvis Presley: The Early Years Lesson Plan | Mississippi History Now
This lesson explores the early life of Elvis Presley. Through a reading and activities, participants learn how his Mississippi roots shaped his music and helped him become an icon in American culture.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Elvis became famous around the world. Why do you think American music is popular in many countries?
- The U.S. music industry helped create new music styles like rock and roll. Why do you think the United States is a place where new music ideas often start?
- American musicians often mix different cultures and sounds. Why is mixing ideas important for innovation?
- Elvis is still remembered today. What does this tell us about American influence on global music and culture?
KEY DEFINITIONS
charismatic
Having a special quality that makes people like you and pay attention to you.
crossover appeal
When different kinds of people like the same music or artist.
global phenomenon
Something that is very popular all over the world.
icon
A very famous person who represents an idea, style, or time.
mainstream audiences
Most people, not only a small or special group.
provocative
Causing strong feelings or reactions in people.
R&B (Rhythm and Blues)
A style of popular music that originated in African-American communities in the 1940s.
revolutionary
Very new and different. It changes how people think or do something.
rock and roll
A popular music style that started in the 1950s, with strong beats and guitars.
superstar
A person who is extremely famous.
Overdrive Resources
Consider organizing discussions, English conversation clubs, scavenger hunts, and displays about the following books and magazines. These programs and displays can also be an opportunity to promote individual eLibraryUSA accounts. Regularly highlighting one book or magazine on your social media platforms can generate online discussion and spark interest in eLibraryUSA.
To compliment music diplomacy programs, consider highlighting ArtistWorks, also available through OverDrive. It provides musicians with world-class instruction from Grammy Award-winning music professionals, featuring:
- Blues, bluegrass, jazz, rock, classical and more
- Hundreds of hours of high-quality video instruction
- Studio quality play-along tracks
Downloadable written materials, tablature and sheet music.
Life: Remembering Elvis | OverDrive
This biography is illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of LIFE magazine. It traces Elvis’s life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting, and dancing for shrieking fans, to his great ’68 comeback, and his untimely death in 1977.
Elvis & The Colonel | OverDrive
Besides his father and a few close friends, only one other person was by Elvis’ side for almost his entire career—his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. If Elvis stood at the front of the stage, “The Colonel” was a mysterious figure somewhere in the shadows.
The Elvis Trivia Book | OverDrive
From the moment he burst into the national spotlight in 1956, everyone has been curious about the man behind those dark, mysterious eyes. And his fans – millions of people of all ages from all around the world – believe they know what Elvis is all about. But how much do we really know about the man who became America’s king? From his childhood to his breakthrough to the songs and appearances that made him an icon, it’s time to test your Elvis IQ.
Elvis: His Changing Style | OverDrive
From oversized blazers and simple white shirts to all-leather outfits and rhinestone-studded jumpsuits, Elvis Presley’s fashion defined a rock god. This special issue traces the origins of Elvis’ sartorial tastes and the evolution of his style through decades of concerts, movies, and appearances.
Elvis: The King’s Tragic Legacy | OverDrive
The unexpected death of Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, shook the nation. This special tribute issue looks at the parallels between Elvis and Lisa Marie, from their shared love of rock ‘n’ roll to their personal demons.
Elvis: The Story of Viva Las Vegas | OverDrive[HL1]
Elvis Presley made 31 films during his career. Most of them were wildly profitable. Creatively they were very simple: simple romantic plots, campy humor, lots of music. Released in 1964, Viva Las Vegas was built to follow the same formula for success. Yet the results were different: It not only became the highest grossing film to feature Elvis, it propelled the career of costar Ann-Margret and widened the appeal of Las Vegas itself.
Elvis ’68 Comeback Special | OverDrive
The TV special “68 Comeback Special” was originally supposed to be an hour-long ode to Christmas. Instead it showcased the power of Elvis and launched him back into popularity. This is the story of that showcase – a mid-career milestone that mirrored Elvis’ miraculous rise to the top by breaking rules and rattling expectations.
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
* Post may need to procure these films. Not all films are appropriate for all audiences. Coordinators should preview films before showing them. American Spaces have the right to screen Kanopy films (available through eLibraryUSA) at their American Space if the film has public performance rights. Other films must be covered by the MPLC license.
Here is more information on showing films at American Spaces.
Updated February 2026
