Elvis Presley: the king is still the king (at least on sales)

Often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley is one of the most iconic and influential musicians in history. He achieved tremendous success during his career and is estimated to have sold between 700 million to 1 billion records worldwide.

Besides Elvis, the best-selling artist in terms of record sales was The Beatles. The British rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960 and consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr have sold over an estimated 600 million units worldwide.

Elvis Presley, often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll," was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA. He rose to prominence in the mid-1950s and became one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

Elvis's musical journey began when he recorded his first single, "That's All Right," at the Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1954. His fusion of various musical styles, including rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and gospel, created a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide.

In 1956, he signed with RCA Victor and released his self-titled debut album, which became a massive success. With his charismatic stage presence, good looks, and powerful voice, Elvis quickly became a sensation, causing a phenomenon known as "Elvismania." He was known for his provocative dance moves and controversial style, making him a symbol of rebellion for the youth of the time.

Throughout his career, Elvis delivered a string of hits, including "Hound Dog," "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and many others. He also starred in numerous films, such as "Love Me Tender," "Jailhouse Rock," and "Viva Las Vegas," further solidifying his status as a global superstar.

Despite achieving unprecedented success, Elvis faced personal struggles and health issues throughout his life. Tragically, on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, Elvis Presley passed away at his home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee, due to a cardiac arrhythmia, likely caused by years of prescription drug abuse.

Elvis's legacy remains enduring and influential to this day. His impact on popular music and culture is immeasurable, and his music continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations of fans worldwide. He is often remembered as one of the greatest and most influential artists in the history of modern music.

Here's a rough estimation of the number of records sold for each of the top ten best-selling ever artists:

1. Elvis Presley - Estimated 600 million to 1 billion records sold worldwide.
2. The Beatles - Estimated 600 million records sold worldwide.
3. Michael Jackson - Estimated 350 million to 400 million records sold worldwide.
4. Queen - Estimated 300 million to 350 million records sold worldwide.
5. Madonna - Estimated 300 million to 350 million records sold worldwide.
6. Elton John - Estimated 300 million records sold worldwide.
7. Led Zeppelin - Estimated 300 million records sold worldwide.
8. Rihanna - Estimated 250 million to 300 million records sold worldwide.
9. Pink Floyd - Estimated 250 million to 300 million records sold worldwide.
10. Eminem - Estimated 220 million to 250 million records sold worldwide.