Presley passes 50 million single sales in time for birthday celebrations

11/01/2005 - 2:36:29 PM

Presley passes 50 million single sales in time for birthday celebrations

Elvis Presley had a 70th birthday celebration to remember from beyond the grave after passing the 50 million singles mark in America.

The dead rocker's 1954 single Good Rockin' Tonight was certified gold to push his total US single sales past 50 million - in time for the celebrations to coincide with the 70th anniversary of Presley's birth.

Elvis Presley Enterprises bosses were presented with a special sales award during a ceremony on Saturday at the singer's Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee.

The latest certification, representing 500,000 in domestic sales, solidifies Presley's status as the artist possessing more certified singles than anyone in music history.

In second place is Elton John, who has sold more than 21 million singles.

Meanwhile, Presley fans further celebrated his birthday in style after learning their idol had crashed into the top of the British charts with a reworked version of Jailhouse Rock, which became the 999th number one in British singles history.