Elvis Presley Shocker: King of Rock and Roll Only Accepted 1 Award in Person

Elvis Presley received different accolades throughout his active career years, but he only accepted one award in person.

In 1954, Presley's music career started after his family relocated to Memphis, Tenn., through Sun Records. He remained active as an actor and musician until his death in August 1977 at the age of 42.

Elvis Presley Only Received One Award in Person

Among the accolades he received, Presley only accepted Ten Outstanding Young Men by the United States Junior Chamber (or the Jaycees) in person.

Graceland's official Instagram page commemorated the special day that happened 53 years ago alongside a snap from the event.

"This was the only award he ever accepted in person and he carried it with him everywhere he went for the rest of his life," the caption read.

Meanwhile, fans honored Presley and left heartfelt messages for the "You're the Devil in Disguise" singer.

One shared, "He is the number one outstanding man (just behind Jesus) in my book!"

"What a huge Honor! How proud are we of him!!!" another wrote.

"Great suit! Love the ruffles and he looks so handsome. So proud....." a third commented on his getup.

During the ceremony, Presley quoted Roy Hamilton's song lyrics as part of his acceptance speech.

"When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie," Presley said. "So every dream that I ever dreamed, has come true a hundred times..."

He continued, "I learned very early in life that, 'Without a song, the day would never end. Without a song, a man ain't got a friend. Without a song, the road would never bend.' So I keep singing a song."

As for why the "Hound Dog" hitmaker did not accept any award, a news outlet noted that it might be due to his patriotism after receiving recognition from the U.S. Junior Chamber.

Presley's most recent award was in 2018, when then-President Donald Trump gave him the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.

As of 2023, the RIAA estimated that he had 146.5 million certified album sales in the U.S., becoming the third highest after The Beatles and Garth Brooks.

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