Elvis Presley, the iconic “King of Rock,” continues to fascinate generations with his immortal influence and legacy. Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley transformed the music scene with his innovative blend of rock and roll, country, and blues. His meteoric career not only redefined popular music but also shaped pop culture.
Known for his electrifying stage presence and distinctive style, Elvis won the hearts of millions around the world. Beyond his legendary performances and successful records, Elvis’s life is filled with fascinating curiosities, from his humble beginnings to his enduring impact on the entertainment industry.
In this text, we will explore some of these intriguing curiosities that reveal the lesser-known side of the star, offering a new perspective on the man who became a legend.
1 – ELVIS HAD A TWIN BROTHER
Elvis Aaron Presley came into the world in East Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn. Elvis spent his first 13 years in Tupelo before moving with his family to Memphis, Tennessee.
In 1953, at just 18 years old, Elvis decided to record two songs as a gift for his mother. He paid to record the tracks “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” in a studio.
2 – THE PELVIS
Elvis’s famous dance moves, which shocked more conservative families and institutions, earned him a curious nickname: “Elvis, the Pelvis”.
During his television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show”, it was decided not to film Elvis from the waist down due to the “immoral” nature of his dance.
3 – SOME FAILURES AND ADDICTIONS
The King of Rock faced both success and difficulties throughout his career. In 1956, his series of performances in Las Vegas was a failure.
Years later, during another stint in the city, Elvis began experiencing insomnia and became dependent on amphetamines, sedatives, and antidepressants.
4 – ELVIS LOVED HIGH-CALORIE FOOD
Elvis had a passion for a peculiar snack called Fools Gold, which was his favorite. The ideal dish for the King of Rock was a true caloric bomb, consisting of two loaves of bread filled with a generous amount of bacon instead of a hamburger, plenty of peanut butter, and baked banana. Sometimes the banana was replaced with fruit jelly, which pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
5 – OUTFITS DESIGNED BY ELVIS HIMSELF
The King of Rock had a peculiar taste for his outfits, especially in his later years when he became known for his white jumpsuits. These costumes were designed by Elvis, inspired by karate kimonos. The singer was a black belt in the martial art.
6 – ELVIS IN THE ARMY
At the height of his career, Elvis Presley was drafted to serve in the United States Army, where he spent two years in military service. During this period, he spent most of his time in Germany, where he met Priscilla, who would later become his wife.
7 – ELVIS AND PRISCILLA PRESLEY
Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu met in 1959 while Elvis was stationed at a military base in Friedberg, West Germany, during his military service. Priscilla, who was only 14 at the time, was an American student living in Germany with her parents. They met at a party, and Elvis was captivated by Priscilla, who was a charismatic young woman mature for her age.
After their meeting, Elvis began corresponding with Priscilla and visiting her home whenever he could. Despite the age difference and Elvis’s busy life, they developed a deep relationship.
In 1962, Priscilla moved to the United States to live with Elvis at Graceland, his residence in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1967, Elvis and Priscilla married in an intimate ceremony in Las Vegas.
The wedding was a significant event in their lives, and they had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, born in 1968. However, their marriage faced difficulties and, eventually, they separated in 1972 but continued to maintain a respectful relationship for the sake of their daughter.
8 – A MEMORABLE SHOW
Interestingly, Las Vegas was the stage for one of Elvis Presley’s most memorable shows. In 1969, the singer delivered a landmark performance at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, in front of an audience full of celebrities. After a 9-year hiatus from the stage, this show marked his triumphant return.
9 – BILLIONS OF COPIES SOLD
Elvis Presley recorded over 700 songs. For a long time, he topped the sales charts, with estimates indicating that his sales reached at least 1.5 billion copies. Even decades later, Elvis continues to draw large crowds: annually, thousands of fans gather on the anniversary of his death to participate in a vigil in his honor.
10 – ELVIS IN CINEMA
Elvis Presley also had a notable career in film. He began his acting journey in the late 1950s, after gaining fame as a singer. His first film was “Love Me Tender” (1956), solidifying his presence in Hollywood.
During the 1960s, Elvis starred in a series of musical and romantic comedy films, many of which were produced to capitalize on his popularity and youthful appeal. Films such as “Jailhouse Rock” (1957), “G.I. Blues” (1960), “Blue Hawaii” (1961) and “Only a Girl in Town” (1964) were well-received by audiences and often included several songs that became major hits.
Although many of Elvis’s films were criticized for their lack of depth and screenplay, his charismatic presence and musical performances helped ensure their success at the box office.
By the mid-1960s, the quality of his films began to decline, and he became more associated with lower-budget and less elaborate productions. In the 1970s, Elvis began to withdraw from cinema and focus more on his music career and live performances.
11 – THE DEATH OF THE ICON
Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, at his home in Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee. His death was attributed to a heart attack, with contributing factors being prescription drug use and related health issues. Presley was found in his bathroom by his fiancée, Ginger Alden.
The news of his death shocked the world, and mourning for the loss of one of the greatest music icons of the 20th century was immense. His funeral, held at the Graceland chapel, was marked by a crowd of fans and celebrities who came to pay their last respects.
12 – DID ELVIS NOT DIE?
There is a worldwide theory that says “Elvis did not die”! It is one of the most enduring and fascinating celebrity conspiracy theories. The idea gained traction over the years, fueled by various claims and clues that some believe suggest Elvis is still alive. Following Elvis’s death, numerous reports of sightings of him in different parts of the United States and even in other countries emerged. Some people claim to have seen the artist in public, often in places where he could be disguised.
Some evidence supporting this theory:
- With excess weight (rumors suggest that Elvis consumed approximately 5,000 calories a day in the last years of his life) and with his voice no longer matching that which elevated him to the status of King of Rock, Elvis might have opted for a radical transformation. In a truly Hollywood-style move, he would have planned his own death to have the opportunity to start anew in a new location.
- Elvis’s grave serves as proof (ironically) that the real King of Rock is not buried there. The so-called “irrefutable” evidence is that Elvis’s birth name is Elvis Aron—with only one “A”—and not with two “A’s” as it is inscribed on his gravestone, which reads “Aaron.” The theory argues that Elvis began using the double “A” only in adulthood, while his real name always had a single “A.” Thus, the person buried there would be an imposter.
- The body displayed at Graceland was nothing but a wax dummy with peculiar characteristics. According to conspiracy theorists, even the coffin was designed to support this idea: it allegedly had a special cooling system to keep the dummy in perfect condition.
Although the theory has captivated many fans and is widely discussed, there is no concrete evidence to support the idea that Elvis Presley is alive. Most experts and investigators consider the theory a form of modern mythology, fueled by wishes that the rock star was still among us. Elvis’s legacy, however, continues to live on through his music and cultural impact.
Elvis Presley continues to fascinate generations with his enduring musical legacy and cultural impact. From his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to becoming a global legend, Elvis’s life and career are a testament to the power of music to transcend barriers and unite people.
His innovative albums and charismatic performances not only defined an era but also set standards that continue to influence artists worldwide.
In summary, Elvis Presley was not just a music icon but a cultural figure whose legacy resonates strongly to this day.