Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. He was hailed the "King of Rock and Roll" or, more simply, "The King." On August 16, 1977, 42-year-old Presley was found unresponsive by his girlfriend. His consistent abuse of prescription drugs had caused him to go into cardiac arrest while on the toilet.
After news of his death reached the public, President Jimmy Carter noted that Presley "permanently changed the face of American popular culture."
Advertisement