Elvis Aron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house built by his father, grandfather, and uncle. One of identical twin brothers, Elvis survived while his brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn. He spent his formative years in Tupelo amid financial hardship, moving many times after leaving his birthplace at age three. In Tupelo he first became enthralled with music at the Assembly of God church, especially gospel quartets, while also growing up in a household that valued country music and hearing Jimmie Rodgers, Bob Willis, rhythm and blues, and gospel in Tupelo's historically African-American communities of the Hill and the Shake Rag district. This blend of influences helped form the music that became rock and roll. On October 3, 1945, ten-year-old Elvis performed before his first crowd on these grounds and placed fifth in a talent show. In 1948, his family moved to Memphis in search of a better life. Eight years later, on September 26, 1956, Elvis returned to Tupelo in triumph for a sold-out Mississippi-Alabama Fair homecoming concert, welcomed by a parade, thousands of fans, and Governor J.P. Coleman, who praised Mississippi's native son. Elvis performed two shows and received the key to the city in the town where his life and musical journey began.
