Elvis Presley, as the renowned composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein expressed to a TIME journalist in the late 1960s, wielded an unparalleled cultural impact in the 20th century. When questioned skeptically about the cultural influence of other legendary figures like Picasso, Bernstein firmly reiterated, “No, it’s Elvis.”
This sentiment, even 45 years after the legendary performer’s passing, remains indisputable, given his impressive record of 108 Billboard Hot 100 hits, 129 charted albums, and a cumulative 67 weeks atop the charts.
As we anticipate Baz Luhrmann’s soon-to-be-released biographical film, “Elvis,” starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks (scheduled for release on June 24), we find ourselves reflecting on the poignant ending of the rock legend’s life.
So, when did Elvis depart from this world? Elvis Aaron Presley, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935, would go on to achieve worldwide acclaim as one of history’s most celebrated musicians before his passing on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, in his iconic Memphis residence, Graceland.
On that fateful afternoon, Elvis’s girlfriend, Ginger Alden, discovered him unconscious on the master suite bathroom floor. Subsequently, he was swiftly transported by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital.
Despite efforts to revive him, Elvis was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. What caused his death? Elvis’ immediate cause of death appears to have been a heart attack, but this heart attack is now understood to be the result of the rock star’s long and severe drug abuse