On this date back in 1954, a young singer debuted his high energy rockabilly approach to performing at the Grand Ole Opry before a much conservative crowd. Elvis Presley performed “Blue Moon of Kentucky” but the show’s management wasn’t impressed with his hip-gyrating stage antics. So much so that someone told Presley not to give up his day job. (So that’s where that phrase comes from!!!)
Two weeks later, Presley performed on the “Louisiana Hayride” a live radio show, which resulted in a contract of 52 Saturday night appearances, eventually jump starting his music career.
RCA has estimated that Presley sold more than one billion records worldwide. The RIAA has certified sales of more than 134 million in the U.S. alone. A total of 149 Presley tunes landed in the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with 18 going all the way to No. 1.
