Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was a famous American singer. Considered by many musicians and musical historians as the most important and influential solo artist of the 20th century. Nicknamed "the King of Rock 'n Roll". Until 2008, he held the record for most number one songs by a solo artist with seventeen, which includes the hits "Jailhouse Rock", "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel".