In March 1956, Elvis Presley began his career as the most influential rock 'n' roller ever when he released the moody, dramatic recording "Heartbreak Hotel", his first number-one pop hit.

By the end of the year, Elvis had three more chart-toppers under his belt, including "Blue Suede Shoes", and had become an overnight TV sensation and pop idol. When he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, a record audience of more than 50 million people tuned in to watch him (from the waist-up, only) -- about 82 percent of the total American television audience.

Teenagers (especially girls) on both sides of the Atlantic were enthralled with the 21 year-old former truck driver, the likes of whom had never been seen. Some -- especially the older generation -- were horrified by his indelible half-sneer, wildly swivelling hips and blatant sex appeal. Nonetheless, "Elvis the Pelvis" was destined to become an icon of rock 'n' roll.