Who's the more iconic male artist?
Click an image or button below to vote!
Elvis Presley and Billy Joel are two legendary artists whose music has entertained generations of fans. From Elvis becoming the King of Rock and Roll to Billy Joel filling arenas with decades of unforgettable hits, both have left a lasting mark on music history. Which music icon deserves your vote?
ElvisElvis Presley was an American musician and actor. Presley was born January 8th, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. As a child, Presley attended church frequently with his parents, making Gospel music have a large influence on him and his interest in music. When Presley turned 11, he received his first guitar, which he used to win his highschool's talent show. When Presley graduated highschool in 1953, he cut his very first demo with Sam Phillip's and Sun Studio. Presley's first single was "That's All Right" in 1954. In 1955, Presley signed with RCA Records.
In 1956, he had a number 1 single, "Heartbreak Hotel" (his first gold record), a number 1 album, Elvis Presely (his first gold album), and signed a movie contract with Paramount Pictures. His first movie, Love Me Tender, in 1956, became a box office hit. Presley became widely popular among fans for his racy dances and hip movements he did while performing. In 1957, Presley was drafted by the United States Military, where he served in Germany for a year and a half. When he served in Germany, Presley met Priscilla Beaulieu, who he married in 1967 in Las Vegas. Priscilla and Elvis had a daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968. Elvis and Priscilla divorced in 1973.
After his time in the Army, Elvis Presley returned to his career in music, making soundtracks for and acting in films such as Viva Las Vegas, GI Blues, and Girls! Girls! Girls!. In 1968, Presley regained his title of "King of Rock 'n' Roll" through his TV special debut on December 3rd, Elvis, which many refer to as the "'68 Comeback". Presley performed regularly in Las Vegas, drawing enormous crowds for every show he performed at. Presley dealt with drug addiction and weight problems, causing him to struggle in his personal life. In 1977, Presley held his last concert in Indianapolis. After his retirement, Presley returned to his Mansion, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. On August 16th, 1977, Presley died due to prescription drug related heart failure, at the young age of 42. Throughout his lifetime, Presley won 3 Grammys, had 18 number one songs, and was the first member inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Later, Presley was also inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
In 1956, he had a number 1 single, "Heartbreak Hotel" (his first gold record), a number 1 album, Elvis Presely (his first gold album), and signed a movie contract with Paramount Pictures. His first movie, Love Me Tender, in 1956, became a box office hit. Presley became widely popular among fans for his racy dances and hip movements he did while performing. In 1957, Presley was drafted by the United States Military, where he served in Germany for a year and a half. When he served in Germany, Presley met Priscilla Beaulieu, who he married in 1967 in Las Vegas. Priscilla and Elvis had a daughter, Lisa Marie, in 1968. Elvis and Priscilla divorced in 1973.
After his time in the Army, Elvis Presley returned to his career in music, making soundtracks for and acting in films such as Viva Las Vegas, GI Blues, and Girls! Girls! Girls!. In 1968, Presley regained his title of "King of Rock 'n' Roll" through his TV special debut on December 3rd, Elvis, which many refer to as the "'68 Comeback". Presley performed regularly in Las Vegas, drawing enormous crowds for every show he performed at. Presley dealt with drug addiction and weight problems, causing him to struggle in his personal life. In 1977, Presley held his last concert in Indianapolis. After his retirement, Presley returned to his Mansion, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee. On August 16th, 1977, Presley died due to prescription drug related heart failure, at the young age of 42. Throughout his lifetime, Presley won 3 Grammys, had 18 number one songs, and was the first member inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Later, Presley was also inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Billy JoelBilly Joel, or William Martin "Billy" Joel, is an American singer and songwriter. Billy Joel was born on May 9th, 1949 in The Bronx, New York. Joel's father was a pianist, and his mother pushed him to study piano. Joel began playing the piano at 4 years old, and at 16, he was already considered a pro. It is reported that Joel had been in his 3rd band before he was even able to drive. Joel dropped out of highschool to pursue a career in music, where he released his first solo album, Cold Spring Harbor in 1971. He later moved to Los Angeles, and began working gigs in 1972 as a lounge pianist, using the fake name "Bill Martin". While playing at The Executive Room, Joel was inspired to write his famous song, "Piano Man". Late in 1972, a recording of Joel's song "Captain Jack" was released and gained popularity. From this, Columbia Records offered him a deal.
In 1974, Joel released Streetlife Serenade. His 1977 album, The Stranger, had four songs that landed on the US Top 25 Billboard Charts. In 1979, Billy won Grammys for "52nd Street '', winning "Album Of The Year", and "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance''. In 1978, he won Grammys for "Just The Way You Are", winning "Record Of The Year", and "Song Of The Year". By 1981, Joel had already been awarded a Grammy for "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance'' as well as a People's Choice Award. In the 1980's Joel saw a huge amount of success. He has hit songs including, "The Longest Time", "Uptown Girl", and "Innocent Man". He became the first American musician to release a "full scale rock production" during the Soviet Union, and he released two volumes of, Greatest Hits. In 1989, Joel was awarded the Grammy Legend Award, following the success of his number one song, "We Didn't Start the Fire". In 1994, Joel released River of Dreams, slowed his recording, and toured solo. In 1999, he passed the million mark in song sales. In 1999, Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the early 2000's Joel suffered with addiction and entered rehab.
In 2004, Billy Joel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2013, Joel received the 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors award. Joel was with his first wife, Elizabeth Weber Small, from 1973 to 1982. Joel met and married supermodel Christie Brinkley in 1984, and they had their daughter in 1985. They divorced in 1993. In 2004, Joel married Katie Lee, but they divorced in 2009. In 2015, Joel had a daughter (his second child) with girlfriend Alexis Roderick. Joel and Roderick married in the summer of 2015 as well. In 2013, Madison Square Garden announced Billy Joel would be the first music franchise of “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”, or MSG. In 2014, Billy Joel received The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Billy Joel has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations.
In 1974, Joel released Streetlife Serenade. His 1977 album, The Stranger, had four songs that landed on the US Top 25 Billboard Charts. In 1979, Billy won Grammys for "52nd Street '', winning "Album Of The Year", and "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance''. In 1978, he won Grammys for "Just The Way You Are", winning "Record Of The Year", and "Song Of The Year". By 1981, Joel had already been awarded a Grammy for "Best Male Rock Vocal Performance'' as well as a People's Choice Award. In the 1980's Joel saw a huge amount of success. He has hit songs including, "The Longest Time", "Uptown Girl", and "Innocent Man". He became the first American musician to release a "full scale rock production" during the Soviet Union, and he released two volumes of, Greatest Hits. In 1989, Joel was awarded the Grammy Legend Award, following the success of his number one song, "We Didn't Start the Fire". In 1994, Joel released River of Dreams, slowed his recording, and toured solo. In 1999, he passed the million mark in song sales. In 1999, Joel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the early 2000's Joel suffered with addiction and entered rehab.
In 2004, Billy Joel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2013, Joel received the 36th annual Kennedy Center Honors award. Joel was with his first wife, Elizabeth Weber Small, from 1973 to 1982. Joel met and married supermodel Christie Brinkley in 1984, and they had their daughter in 1985. They divorced in 1993. In 2004, Joel married Katie Lee, but they divorced in 2009. In 2015, Joel had a daughter (his second child) with girlfriend Alexis Roderick. Joel and Roderick married in the summer of 2015 as well. In 2013, Madison Square Garden announced Billy Joel would be the first music franchise of “The World’s Most Famous Arena.”, or MSG. In 2014, Billy Joel received The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Billy Joel has had 33 Top 40 hits and 23 Grammy nominations.
