Not long after his separation from Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley met Linda Thompson. Within moments of meeting her, Elvis made his interest clear, even calling her in the early hours of the morning following their first date. Thompson liked Elvis but was surprised when he sounded noticeably drunk on the phone with her. His speech would sound like this in future conversations.
Linda Thompson assumed Elvis had been drinking on the night they met
Thompson first met Elvis at the Memphian Theater in 1972. Bill Browder, a record promoter, believed the two would get along and invited Thompson to meet the singer. He was right. Elvis and Thompson spent hours talking and she didn’t leave the theater until four in the morning. When she got home, Elvis even called her.
“He said, ‘Can I speak to Linda?’ And [my aunt] said, ‘Certainly, just one moment, please,’ then screams, ‘Oh my God,’ and hands over the phone,...
Linda Thompson assumed Elvis had been drinking on the night they met
Thompson first met Elvis at the Memphian Theater in 1972. Bill Browder, a record promoter, believed the two would get along and invited Thompson to meet the singer. He was right. Elvis and Thompson spent hours talking and she didn’t leave the theater until four in the morning. When she got home, Elvis even called her.
“He said, ‘Can I speak to Linda?’ And [my aunt] said, ‘Certainly, just one moment, please,’ then screams, ‘Oh my God,’ and hands over the phone,...
- 5/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1964, Elvis Presley starred in a film that humiliated him so deeply that he didn’t want to shoot it. Elvis was, for the most part, a good sport about the film Kissin’ Cousins. Director Gene Nelson enjoyed working with him, even as the shooting schedule grew hectic. Still, his co-star recalled Elvis’ abject embarrassment on set.
Elvis felt humiliated on the set of one film
In 1964, Elvis played the role of cousins in the film Kissin’ Cousins. He had a major problem with the film, as it made him wear a blond wig he hated. He also felt the script and storyline were ridiculous and disliked the rapid filming schedule. Nelson said Elvis was an easygoing presence on set. His co-star, Yvonne Craig knew he didn’t want to be there, though.
Elvis Presley | Gab Archive/Redferns
According to the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick,...
Elvis felt humiliated on the set of one film
In 1964, Elvis played the role of cousins in the film Kissin’ Cousins. He had a major problem with the film, as it made him wear a blond wig he hated. He also felt the script and storyline were ridiculous and disliked the rapid filming schedule. Nelson said Elvis was an easygoing presence on set. His co-star, Yvonne Craig knew he didn’t want to be there, though.
Elvis Presley | Gab Archive/Redferns
According to the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley and his backing band played shows night after night to adoring audiences. Though Elvis’ feelings about his music career varied over the years, he went through periods of caring deeply about it. During these times, he wanted to make sure his band was as focused as him. To ensure this, Elvis employed a trick to keep them on their toes.
Elvis Presley kept his band focused during performances
When Elvis was in high school, he performed in a talent show. Here, he learned how much he loved to draw a reaction out of his audience. He wanted his band to help him achieve this, and it drove him to frustration when they didn’t seem to be taking this task seriously. Elvis recalled one concert during which he heard his band discussing home renovations.
“Those guys were reading Better Homes and Gardens and stuff like that — they play...
Elvis Presley kept his band focused during performances
When Elvis was in high school, he performed in a talent show. Here, he learned how much he loved to draw a reaction out of his audience. He wanted his band to help him achieve this, and it drove him to frustration when they didn’t seem to be taking this task seriously. Elvis recalled one concert during which he heard his band discussing home renovations.
“Those guys were reading Better Homes and Gardens and stuff like that — they play...
- 5/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley got onstage to perform his music, he was confident and collected. He cracked jokes to the crowd and enjoyed witnessing his ability to rile them up. Offstage, though, the people who knew him said he seemed less confident. Gene Nelson, who directed Elvis in two films, believed the singer’s self-confidence was surprisingly low off the stage.
Elvis didn’t seem to think highly of himself outside of music
Nelson directed Elvis in Kissin’ Cousins and Harum Scarum. While he found the singer to be hard-working and polite, he didn’t feel that he ever got to know him too well.
“He was just so enigmatic,” Nelson said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I mean, you felt compelled to try to figure out what really made him tick, because what he presented was not really Elvis, at least not all of it.
Elvis didn’t seem to think highly of himself outside of music
Nelson directed Elvis in Kissin’ Cousins and Harum Scarum. While he found the singer to be hard-working and polite, he didn’t feel that he ever got to know him too well.
“He was just so enigmatic,” Nelson said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I mean, you felt compelled to try to figure out what really made him tick, because what he presented was not really Elvis, at least not all of it.
- 5/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Though Elvis Presley did not want Priscilla Presley around him on tour, he welcomed Linda Thompson on the road with him. She traveled between cities with him and spent time with his band and entourage. All this time on tour gave her a chance to bond with these people, and soon, Thompson was in a secret relationship with Elvis’ piano player. She shared that she felt drawn to him because he was so different from Elvis.
Linda Thompson began a relationship with a member of Elvis’ band
Though Elvis wanted Thompson on tour with him, he spent many nights taking drugs or having in-depth talks about spirituality with his barber. Bored, Thompson began playing cards with members of Elvis’ band. Through these games, she grew close with piano player David Briggs. Before long, their friendship developed into an affair. Thompson liked that Briggs was markedly different from her superstar boyfriend.
Linda Thompson began a relationship with a member of Elvis’ band
Though Elvis wanted Thompson on tour with him, he spent many nights taking drugs or having in-depth talks about spirituality with his barber. Bored, Thompson began playing cards with members of Elvis’ band. Through these games, she grew close with piano player David Briggs. Before long, their friendship developed into an affair. Thompson liked that Briggs was markedly different from her superstar boyfriend.
- 5/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley acted in his first film in 1956 and continued to work consistently as an actor until 1969. Though Elvis saw himself as a singer first, he appreciated the work he did on film sets. Over time, though, his enjoyment of acting waned. Elvis’ stunt double believed one movie in particular marked a negative turning point in the singer’s film career.
Elvis’ stunt double said one film changed the singer’s career for the worse
In 1964, Elvis starred in Kissin’ Cousins, a comedy musical. The film’s director, Gene Nelson, said Elvis was a hard worker and always brought a positive attitude to set. Still, Elvis was embarrassed about the quality of the story and his appearance. He also did not appreciate the rushed filming schedule.
“Up until that time certain standards had been maintained, but it seems to me from Kissin’ Cousins on, we were always on a short schedule,...
Elvis’ stunt double said one film changed the singer’s career for the worse
In 1964, Elvis starred in Kissin’ Cousins, a comedy musical. The film’s director, Gene Nelson, said Elvis was a hard worker and always brought a positive attitude to set. Still, Elvis was embarrassed about the quality of the story and his appearance. He also did not appreciate the rushed filming schedule.
“Up until that time certain standards had been maintained, but it seems to me from Kissin’ Cousins on, we were always on a short schedule,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1972, Bob Abel and Pierre Adige began following Elvis Presley on tour. The pair had recently released a film following Joe Cocker on tour, and Elvis was their next subject. Abel was a bit wary about filming Elvis after seeing him put on a lackluster performance in Las Vegas, but he quickly grew to like the singer. He said there was much to admire about Elvis, but he also noted a peculiar hollowness to him.
The director of ‘Elvis on Tour’ noticed a sadness to the singer
When Abel met the singer, he informed him that he wanted to do his best to portray the real Elvis. This required cooperation on Elvis’ part.
“I want to shoot the real you but the trade off is, you’ve got to be open with me,” Abel said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “If I...
The director of ‘Elvis on Tour’ noticed a sadness to the singer
When Abel met the singer, he informed him that he wanted to do his best to portray the real Elvis. This required cooperation on Elvis’ part.
“I want to shoot the real you but the trade off is, you’ve got to be open with me,” Abel said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “If I...
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After his divorce from Priscilla Presley and the breakdown of his relationship with Linda Thompson, Elvis Presley threw himself into a relationship with Ginger Alden. He was two decades older than her, and their romance became a point of concern for the members of Elvis’ entourage. His friend Larry Geller worried that trying to keep up with Alden would kill Elvis.
Elvis’ friend worried about his relationship with Ginger Alden
From the moment Elvis and Alden met, he threw himself into their relationship. He bought her expensive gifts, insisted she joined him on tour, and flew out her family members when she felt homesick. Elvis talked to Geller about the way Alden’s presence in his life invigorated him, leading to better performances. Geller didn’t think the emotional high would last, though.
“How long can the drugs and his feelings about Ginger keep him on this high?” Geller wrote in his diary,...
Elvis’ friend worried about his relationship with Ginger Alden
From the moment Elvis and Alden met, he threw himself into their relationship. He bought her expensive gifts, insisted she joined him on tour, and flew out her family members when she felt homesick. Elvis talked to Geller about the way Alden’s presence in his life invigorated him, leading to better performances. Geller didn’t think the emotional high would last, though.
“How long can the drugs and his feelings about Ginger keep him on this high?” Geller wrote in his diary,...
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s music carried him to unprecedented levels of fame and success. He had 18 songs go to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and his albums sold rapidly. Just a few short years before his ascension to stardom, though, few people knew he liked to sing. Elvis said he even failed his music class in school.
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
- 5/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley kicked off his acting career with a supporting role in 1956’s Love Me Tender. This would be the only film in which Elvis did not receive top billing. For the next 30 films, Elvis was the lead and main attraction, cementing his status as a movie star on top of his music career. Despite the success, Elvis was not happy. He said he realized he had to stop making movies because it was making him sick.
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
- 5/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley is best known for his music, but he had a substantial film career as well. He began acting in the 1950s and continued making movies all through the 1960s. Though not always critically successful, his films always drew audiences. This didn’t excite Elvis, though. He said that he never felt satisfied with his film career.
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
Elvis’ film career was a disappointment to him
Elvis said he initially viewed acting as just another job. Over time, though, he grew to care so much about it that it made him “physically ill” to not have any control over it.
“I didn’t have final approval on the script, which means that I couldn’t tell you, ‘This is not good for me,’” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I don’t think anyone was consciously trying to harm me. It...
- 5/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley leveraged his fame to score himself many dates. He was charming and generous with his girlfriends, and they were excited to be a part of his world of wealth and celebrity. Still, Elvis wasn’t always an easy partner. He had a number of expectations for his dates, and he grew frustrated if they didn’t adhere to them. Once, he gave his date the silent treatment because she dared to wear pants around him.
Elvis did not like it when his date wore pants
After returning to the United States from Germany, Elvis landed himself in hot water with his girlfriend, Anita Wood. She found letters from a young Priscilla Beaulieu, whom Elvis had met while in the army. Elvis denied he’d been unfaithful, which was not true. Not only had he pursued a relationship with Priscilla, but he was dating other people as well. One of them was Sandy Ferra,...
Elvis did not like it when his date wore pants
After returning to the United States from Germany, Elvis landed himself in hot water with his girlfriend, Anita Wood. She found letters from a young Priscilla Beaulieu, whom Elvis had met while in the army. Elvis denied he’d been unfaithful, which was not true. Not only had he pursued a relationship with Priscilla, but he was dating other people as well. One of them was Sandy Ferra,...
- 4/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the years of Priscilla Presley’s relationship with Elvis Presley, she dealt with constant, well-placed concerns about his infidelity. When they first started dating, Elvis’ girlfriend, Anita Wood, had the same concerns. She was aware that Elvis had met someone in Germany, and that this girl was sending letters to her boyfriend. Elvis told her that she had nothing to worry about, though.
Elvis told Anita Wood that Priscilla Presley shouldn’t concern her
When Elvis left for Germany with the army, he was dating Wood. They continued their relationship when he returned to the United States, after he met and began pursuing Priscilla. Wood discovered this after finding a letter from Priscilla.
“In the letter there was something to the effect of — ‘You need to call my daddy and talk him into letting me come over. I want to come really bad,’” Wood recalled, per the book Careless...
Elvis told Anita Wood that Priscilla Presley shouldn’t concern her
When Elvis left for Germany with the army, he was dating Wood. They continued their relationship when he returned to the United States, after he met and began pursuing Priscilla. Wood discovered this after finding a letter from Priscilla.
“In the letter there was something to the effect of — ‘You need to call my daddy and talk him into letting me come over. I want to come really bad,’” Wood recalled, per the book Careless...
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s co-star in the film Wild in the Country, Millie Perkins, enjoyed her time working with the singer. She found him personable, kind, and humble. She also found certain elements of his life to be absurd. Perkins shared why she viewed Elvis as a victim of his own life.
Elvis’ co-star believed the singer was a victim of his life
In 1961, Elvis starred in the musical drama Wild in the Country. Perkins, who also starred in the film, believed she was one of the few people who didn’t look down on Elvis as they worked.
“I think that everybody making the movie thought, ‘We’re classier than all those other Elvis Presley movies. We’re so much better,’” she said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Everyone was going around patting themselves on the back for being artists; they were...
Elvis’ co-star believed the singer was a victim of his life
In 1961, Elvis starred in the musical drama Wild in the Country. Perkins, who also starred in the film, believed she was one of the few people who didn’t look down on Elvis as they worked.
“I think that everybody making the movie thought, ‘We’re classier than all those other Elvis Presley movies. We’re so much better,’” she said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Everyone was going around patting themselves on the back for being artists; they were...
- 4/27/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1966, Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided he needed to exercise stronger control over his celebrity client. Elvis’ drug use had ramped up, something everyone in his life was aware of, and he fell and hurt himself while under the influence. Parker warned Elvis that if he didn’t take his advice, he would lose everything.
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent much of his time with his bodyguards and entourage. They followed him on tours, vacations, and even between his houses. When one bodyguard, Sonny West, spent just a month away from Elvis, he was shocked upon his return. Elvis looked so unwell that West gathered other bodyguards to pray for him.
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced, he invited her to one of his shows. His girlfriend, Sheila Ryan, was also in attendance, and he had the women sit together. While this was likely a little uncomfortable, Elvis’ behavior during the show would have made them forget about any awkwardness between them. He monologued about both women, and his bodyguard said they each looked very embarrassed.
Elvis embarrassed Priscilla Presley and his new girlfriend with his monologuing
During a Las Vegas performance in the 1970s, Elvis got to perform in front of his ex-wife and new girlfriend.
“It was weird,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He had Priscilla and Sheila sitting in a booth next to one another.”
Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
In between songs, he spoke about the jewelry he’d gifted Ryan and...
Elvis embarrassed Priscilla Presley and his new girlfriend with his monologuing
During a Las Vegas performance in the 1970s, Elvis got to perform in front of his ex-wife and new girlfriend.
“It was weird,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He had Priscilla and Sheila sitting in a booth next to one another.”
Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
In between songs, he spoke about the jewelry he’d gifted Ryan and...
- 4/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley understood how to rile up his fans, something his bodyguards knew all too well. They watched people scream, cry, and gyrate through the singer’s shows for years. While they watched the audience with mild perturbation most of the time, they found some behavior downright frightening. One bodyguard recalled a frightening show during which audience members stormed toward the stage.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 4/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley grew famous for his music career, but he also had a successful run as an actor. He starred in a number of high-earning films and took top billing in all but one of his movies. Many people, Elvis himself included, believed he showed great potential as an actor. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to grow in the way he wanted. One of his greatest career regrets had to do with the stunted growth of his acting career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley began performing residencies in Las Vegas in 1969. These shows saved his sagging career and reignited his love of performing. Before long, though, they began to bore him to tears. This boredom transformed Elvis, twisting his initial excitement into something spiteful and defensive. His friend shared how unpleasant things became while Elvis and his entourage were in Las Vegas.
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
- 3/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1958, Elvis Presley left the Brooklyn Army Terminal for West Germany. He finished his army training and would reside in Germany for the next two years. Elvis wanted to be a normal soldier despite his celebrity status, though he did opt to live off base. The family members and friends who traveled with him found their initial lodgings a bit odd. It didn’t matter much, though; before long, their antics had gotten them evicted.
Elvis and his entourage had to leave their first living situation in Germany
When Elvis first arrived in Germany, he stayed with his father, grandmother, and two friends in quarters at a hotel.
“Well, Vernon [Presley] organized this place to stay in Bad Nauheim. It was a hotel. Now I have read stories saying that this hotel was a luxury hotel. Well, it wasn’t,” his friend Red West said, per the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis and his entourage had to leave their first living situation in Germany
When Elvis first arrived in Germany, he stayed with his father, grandmother, and two friends in quarters at a hotel.
“Well, Vernon [Presley] organized this place to stay in Bad Nauheim. It was a hotel. Now I have read stories saying that this hotel was a luxury hotel. Well, it wasn’t,” his friend Red West said, per the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 3/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s entourage was intimately familiar with the singer’s interest in spirituality. He led Bible readings for them and spoke often about his belief in his own mystical abilities. Elvis attempted to heal members of his entourage with a touch and tried to control the weather in front of them. Once, he had them sit in a hot car while he tried to move a cloud with his mind.
Elvis tried to prove to his entourage that he could control clouds
Elvis and several members of his entourage were driving through Palm Springs on a day that was “hotter than hell,” said bodyguard Dave Hebler in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. As Elvis talked about the power of metaphysics, he instructed the driver to stop the car. Elvis pointed out the only cloud in the sky.
“Suddenly Elvis yells out, ‘Stop the car. I want...
Elvis tried to prove to his entourage that he could control clouds
Elvis and several members of his entourage were driving through Palm Springs on a day that was “hotter than hell,” said bodyguard Dave Hebler in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. As Elvis talked about the power of metaphysics, he instructed the driver to stop the car. Elvis pointed out the only cloud in the sky.
“Suddenly Elvis yells out, ‘Stop the car. I want...
- 3/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys, had a strikingly close relationship. Even Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ only wife, believed Gladys was the true love of his life. Gladys was extremely protective of Elvis and bristled against the criticisms he faced early in his career. Here’s what she said to people who suggested Elvis’ act was vulgar.
Elvis’ mother bristled against criticism of her son
Elvis was his parents’ sole child, and his mother was quite protective of him. He never spent a night away from home until he was an adult, and both mother and son believed they shared a psychic connection.
According to Priscilla Presley, Gladys protected Elvis against all forms of criticism.
“But from the beginning Elvis had insisted: ‘I just want to read positive reviews. I don’t want to hear any negativity.’ As a teenager he’d been shielded by Gladys from criticism,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me.
Elvis’ mother bristled against criticism of her son
Elvis was his parents’ sole child, and his mother was quite protective of him. He never spent a night away from home until he was an adult, and both mother and son believed they shared a psychic connection.
According to Priscilla Presley, Gladys protected Elvis against all forms of criticism.
“But from the beginning Elvis had insisted: ‘I just want to read positive reviews. I don’t want to hear any negativity.’ As a teenager he’d been shielded by Gladys from criticism,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me.
- 3/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was many people’s celebrity crush. He commanded audiences of screaming fans and had affairs with a number of his co-stars in movies. According to those who knew him, he was the most charismatic person they’d ever met. Still, he didn’t win everyone over right away. One of Elvis’ biggest crushes didn’t think much of him at all before they met.
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley rarely talked to reporters once he established himself as a megastar, but it was difficult to avoid them in the early days of his career. Reporters constantly visited him on the set of his movies to get a quote from the rising star. Elvis was typically polite and earnest. When he talked to women reporters, though, he got flirtatious.
Elvis Presley flirted with some reporters
When Elvis rose to fame, he was an incredibly controversial figure. Some believed his dance moves were vulgar and capable of corrupting America’s youth. When people talked to him, though, they discovered he was polite, hardworking, and humble.
In conversations with some reporters, he readily admitted to being nervous about the interview and shared his hopes for the future. He also discussed how much it hurt him that people believed he was a bad influence.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“I...
Elvis Presley flirted with some reporters
When Elvis rose to fame, he was an incredibly controversial figure. Some believed his dance moves were vulgar and capable of corrupting America’s youth. When people talked to him, though, they discovered he was polite, hardworking, and humble.
In conversations with some reporters, he readily admitted to being nervous about the interview and shared his hopes for the future. He also discussed how much it hurt him that people believed he was a bad influence.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“I...
- 2/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley and The Beatles both made massive, widely-viewed appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in the early days of their careers. The choice to have both acts on the show was a good one for Ed Sullivan; both Elvis and The Beatles drew millions of viewers. Which act brought in a larger audience, though?
Elvis and The Beatles both made massive debuts on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
In 1956, Elvis made his debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Sullivan initially said he would not have Elvis on the show because he didn’t think he was appropriate for family viewing. After his competitor, The Steve Allen Show, trounced Sullivan in ratings when he had Elvis on, Sullivan reversed his stance.
This decision was a good one. Elvis agreed to make three appearances on the show. On his debut performance, 60 million viewers tuned in (via The Ed Sullivan Show).
In 1964, The Beatles appeared on the show.
Elvis and The Beatles both made massive debuts on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’
In 1956, Elvis made his debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. Sullivan initially said he would not have Elvis on the show because he didn’t think he was appropriate for family viewing. After his competitor, The Steve Allen Show, trounced Sullivan in ratings when he had Elvis on, Sullivan reversed his stance.
This decision was a good one. Elvis agreed to make three appearances on the show. On his debut performance, 60 million viewers tuned in (via The Ed Sullivan Show).
In 1964, The Beatles appeared on the show.
- 2/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1956, Elvis Presley appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. Millions of people tuned in to watch his performance, and Elvis would go on to appear on the show several more times. Despite the success of his appearance, Sullivan initially did not want Elvis on his show. When asked if he would allow the young musician on, Sullivan responded with a resounding no.
Ed Sullivan did not initially want Elvis on his show
In 1956, Elvis was on an atmospheric rise to success. He had begun recording with RCA Victor, a deal that brought him new wealth and opportunities. Songs like “Heartbreak Hotel” were massive hits and he began making television appearances. Still, his career was not without controversy.
Many felt that his hip-shaking dance moves were lewd and should be censored. After his dancing on The Milton Berle Show shocked audiences, critics rushed to condemn him. Sullivan was among them,...
Ed Sullivan did not initially want Elvis on his show
In 1956, Elvis was on an atmospheric rise to success. He had begun recording with RCA Victor, a deal that brought him new wealth and opportunities. Songs like “Heartbreak Hotel” were massive hits and he began making television appearances. Still, his career was not without controversy.
Many felt that his hip-shaking dance moves were lewd and should be censored. After his dancing on The Milton Berle Show shocked audiences, critics rushed to condemn him. Sullivan was among them,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1955, Elvis Presley’s career was heating up, and his new record label gave him a bonus that proved his promise as an artist. RCA Victor bought Elvis’ contract for an unprecedented sum, considerably padding the singer’s pockets. He used his bonus on his mother, Gladys Presley.
Elvis purchased a gift for his mother with his record label bonus
Elvis had an incredibly close relationship with his mother. He spent most of his time with her while growing up and dreamed of a day when he could provide for her and his father.
“Elvis would hear us worrying about our debts, being out of work and sickness,” Gladys said in the book Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, “and he’d say, ‘Don’t you worry none, Baby. When I grow up, I’m going to buy you a fine house and pay...
Elvis purchased a gift for his mother with his record label bonus
Elvis had an incredibly close relationship with his mother. He spent most of his time with her while growing up and dreamed of a day when he could provide for her and his father.
“Elvis would hear us worrying about our debts, being out of work and sickness,” Gladys said in the book Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, “and he’d say, ‘Don’t you worry none, Baby. When I grow up, I’m going to buy you a fine house and pay...
- 2/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley took the stage, he frequently did it with a guitar in hand. He played the instrument for years and, today, visitors to Graceland can see his guitars on display in the home. According to Elvis’ longtime friend and bodyguard, Red West, though, he was no master guitarist. West shared why he saw Elvis as a natural musician even though he wasn’t an expert at any particular instrument.
Elvis Presley was not an expert guitar player
Elvis began playing guitar as a child. He brought the instrument onstage with him in countless concerts and was often photographed with it in hand. Despite this, West said he couldn’t play it all that well.
“Elvis doesn’t play the guitar, apart from the rhythm chords,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Most people think he is an expert guitarist, which he is not.
Elvis Presley was not an expert guitar player
Elvis began playing guitar as a child. He brought the instrument onstage with him in countless concerts and was often photographed with it in hand. Despite this, West said he couldn’t play it all that well.
“Elvis doesn’t play the guitar, apart from the rhythm chords,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Most people think he is an expert guitarist, which he is not.
- 2/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, there was no person Elvis Presley hated more than Mike Stone. Priscilla Presley began dating him after she left Elvis, and he did not handle the rejection well. He ranted endlessly about Stone and spent days telling his bodyguards that he wanted someone to kill him. His bodyguard, Dave Hebler, shared why he was glad Stone never found out about the way Elvis spoke about him.
Elvis’ bodyguard said Mike Stone would have retaliated if he knew how Elvis spoke about him
After several men got onstage during a 1973 concert, Elvis became convinced that Stone had hired them to hurt him. He decided that the best course of action would be to kill Stone before he could hurt him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it. There is too much pain in me,...
Elvis’ bodyguard said Mike Stone would have retaliated if he knew how Elvis spoke about him
After several men got onstage during a 1973 concert, Elvis became convinced that Stone had hired them to hurt him. He decided that the best course of action would be to kill Stone before he could hurt him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it. There is too much pain in me,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was famous for much of his life. He was one of the biggest celebrities in the world and grew accustomed to having fans throw themselves at him. Over the course of his life, he had multiple flings with multiple women. According to his friend and bodyguard, though, his fame did not spark the affairs. He was so charming that he would have had a busy love life even if nobody recognized his name.
Elvis Presley would have been a successful flirt even if he wasn’t famous
When people first met Elvis, they took note of the way he could make anyone feel special.
“This guy didn’t have to give me the time of day. But somehow he had that charm, or maybe it was a knack, of making me feel important at a time when it was important for me personally to be made to feel important,...
Elvis Presley would have been a successful flirt even if he wasn’t famous
When people first met Elvis, they took note of the way he could make anyone feel special.
“This guy didn’t have to give me the time of day. But somehow he had that charm, or maybe it was a knack, of making me feel important at a time when it was important for me personally to be made to feel important,...
- 2/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent the last day of his life bouncing between various activities. He planned his tour, discussed his upcoming marriage, saw friends, and played a game of racquetball in the middle of the night. He also appeared to use some sort of divine power to change the weather. After Elvis’ cousin complained about the rain, Elvis told him he would stop it.
Elvis appeared to control the weather on his last day alive
Elvis typically woke in the late afternoon and stayed awake all through the night. As a result, his cousin, Billy Smith, was not surprised to get a call from Elvis in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, 1977. Elvis had already been awake for hours at this point, and invited Smith and his wife, Jo, to play racquetball with him. Though they had been sleeping, they agreed.
As the group walked to Graceland’s racquetball building, Smith complained about the rainy weather.
Elvis appeared to control the weather on his last day alive
Elvis typically woke in the late afternoon and stayed awake all through the night. As a result, his cousin, Billy Smith, was not surprised to get a call from Elvis in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, 1977. Elvis had already been awake for hours at this point, and invited Smith and his wife, Jo, to play racquetball with him. Though they had been sleeping, they agreed.
As the group walked to Graceland’s racquetball building, Smith complained about the rainy weather.
- 2/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1973, Elvis Presley was in the middle of a performance when a group of four men stormed the stage. His bodyguards had long prepared for a moment like this and immediately jumped into action. Elvis also readied himself for a fight. He used his years of karate training to kick one potential attacker off the stage before collapsing.
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
- 2/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley began to receive death threats as his fame increased. He received a particularly frightening threat before one show; it scared him and his entourage badly enough that he said goodbye to his family before taking the stage. Afterward, though, he teased his bodyguards about taking it seriously. In private, he seemed much more shaken by it.
Elvis claimed he was afraid to sleep alone after a death threat
Ahead of a show in Las Vegas, several members of Elvis’ entourage received phone calls from a person who claimed to have information about a plot to kill Elvis. They informed the FBI, and Elvis called members of his entourage who were not in Vegas to have them closer to him.
“He just stumbled into my arms and hugged me,” his friend Jerry Schilling said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick.
Elvis Presley...
Elvis claimed he was afraid to sleep alone after a death threat
Ahead of a show in Las Vegas, several members of Elvis’ entourage received phone calls from a person who claimed to have information about a plot to kill Elvis. They informed the FBI, and Elvis called members of his entourage who were not in Vegas to have them closer to him.
“He just stumbled into my arms and hugged me,” his friend Jerry Schilling said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick.
Elvis Presley...
- 2/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent his 41st birthday upset with his entourage. He took his group of friends and employees to Colorado for a ski trip and spent much of their time together in a miserable mood. After a disappointing birthday celebration, he scolded his friends. One bodyguard said he behaved like a spoiled child.
Elvis Presley spent 1 birthday terrorizing his entourage
After a draining run of performances, Elvis brought his entourage to Colorado for what everyone hoped would be a relaxing vacation. Instead, the trip was incredibly stressful.
“He took us to Vail, Colorado, for what he said was going to be a dream vacation,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Well, it was a nightmare. He was heavy into pills.”
(L-r, standing) Billy Smith, former sheriff Bill Morris, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Sheriff Roy Nixon, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein,...
Elvis Presley spent 1 birthday terrorizing his entourage
After a draining run of performances, Elvis brought his entourage to Colorado for what everyone hoped would be a relaxing vacation. Instead, the trip was incredibly stressful.
“He took us to Vail, Colorado, for what he said was going to be a dream vacation,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Well, it was a nightmare. He was heavy into pills.”
(L-r, standing) Billy Smith, former sheriff Bill Morris, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Sheriff Roy Nixon, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Elvis Presley was one of the most famous people of the 20th century, he didn’t often give interviews to reporters. He wanted whatever privacy he could get, which was very little given that fans often gathered outside his home. When Elvis did grant reporters interviews, they had to be careful about the types of questions they asked. When one reporter asked a seemingly straightforward question, Elvis immediately grew uncomfortable.
Elvis did not want to give a reporter much information
In 1969, reporter William Otterburn-Hall met Elvis on the set of Change of Habit. He was hoping to meet Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, as well, but nobody seemed to know where he was. Before Otterburn-Hall spoke to Elvis, a publicist warned him not to ask any prying questions.
“You won’t probe too deep, will you?” the publicist asked, as Otterburn-Hall recalled in a piece for Rolling Stone. “This is just an informal chat,...
Elvis did not want to give a reporter much information
In 1969, reporter William Otterburn-Hall met Elvis on the set of Change of Habit. He was hoping to meet Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, as well, but nobody seemed to know where he was. Before Otterburn-Hall spoke to Elvis, a publicist warned him not to ask any prying questions.
“You won’t probe too deep, will you?” the publicist asked, as Otterburn-Hall recalled in a piece for Rolling Stone. “This is just an informal chat,...
- 1/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s dance moves were incredibly controversial in the 1950s. Critics slammed his hip-shaking as vulgar and cautioned people against watching him. According to Elvis’ friend, though, the dance moves were just Elvis’ way of hiding his stage fright. If he wasn’t dancing, the audience would be able to see the musician trembling with fear.
Elvis Presley’s dance moves were a way to hide his fear from the audience
Some of Elvis’ earliest musical influences were connected to the church. He said that he shaped his performing style after the pastors he watched as a child.
“I remember sometimes in church, you would listen to the choir and all of them would have great voices,” Elvis said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But it was often the preacher, who might not have had as good a voice, who was jumping around and getting them all worked up,...
Elvis Presley’s dance moves were a way to hide his fear from the audience
Some of Elvis’ earliest musical influences were connected to the church. He said that he shaped his performing style after the pastors he watched as a child.
“I remember sometimes in church, you would listen to the choir and all of them would have great voices,” Elvis said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But it was often the preacher, who might not have had as good a voice, who was jumping around and getting them all worked up,...
- 1/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley liked to talk conversationally with his audience during shows. He did this more frequently as the 1970s wore on. While many of his fans were dedicated enough to laugh along with Elvis’ monologues, others couldn’t take it. Elvis’ bodyguards recalled one show so dull that the audience fled in droves.
Elvis spent so much time talking to his audience that they walked out of a show
By the 1970s, everyone in Elvis’ entourage was worried about him. He consumed so many pills that he often forgot his performances. When he was onstage, everyone in his circle watched with horror.
“There have been actual shows that he has done that he can’t remember,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “The audience must know something is going on. Sometimes, he gets up there and talks and talks to the audience instead of singing.
Elvis spent so much time talking to his audience that they walked out of a show
By the 1970s, everyone in Elvis’ entourage was worried about him. He consumed so many pills that he often forgot his performances. When he was onstage, everyone in his circle watched with horror.
“There have been actual shows that he has done that he can’t remember,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “The audience must know something is going on. Sometimes, he gets up there and talks and talks to the audience instead of singing.
- 1/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley considered his bodyguards friends, but he was quick to lash out at them when they didn’t behave the way he wanted them to. Elvis’ bodyguards worked long, exhausting hours and often had to field calls from him when they were trying to sleep. Once, the singer threatened to kill bodyguard Red West for not acting on his demand quickly enough.
Elvis threatened his bodyguard when he wasn’t immediately able to help him
In 1973, Elvis’ voice gave out during a performance, and he needed his doctor to clear his throat of congestion. After this, he began seeing Dr. Boyer daily to clear out his throat. He even requested to do this at odd, unscheduled times.
“One night, after he had kept us up all day, we finally hit the sack,” Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “I took a sleeping pill and was just dozing off.
Elvis threatened his bodyguard when he wasn’t immediately able to help him
In 1973, Elvis’ voice gave out during a performance, and he needed his doctor to clear his throat of congestion. After this, he began seeing Dr. Boyer daily to clear out his throat. He even requested to do this at odd, unscheduled times.
“One night, after he had kept us up all day, we finally hit the sack,” Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “I took a sleeping pill and was just dozing off.
- 1/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was not happy when Priscilla Presley began dating after their divorce. His jealousy twisted into something more frightening after one concert, though. Several audience members stormed the stage, and Elvis became convinced that Priscilla’s boyfriend was behind it. Because of this, he couldn’t stop focusing on the other man.
Elvis Presley became fixated on Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend
Elvis had long worried about a potential assassination attempt during a concert, and it seemed that his fears were going to come true during a 1973 show. While he performed, four men stormed the stage. Elvis’ entourage jumped into action and pulled the men from the stage. Elvis himself even pushed one potential assailant back into the crowd.
He resumed the show once the men were gone. Afterward, though, Elvis could not move past the potential attack. After speculating about the men’s intentions, Elvis began to think that Priscilla’s new boyfriend,...
Elvis Presley became fixated on Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend
Elvis had long worried about a potential assassination attempt during a concert, and it seemed that his fears were going to come true during a 1973 show. While he performed, four men stormed the stage. Elvis’ entourage jumped into action and pulled the men from the stage. Elvis himself even pushed one potential assailant back into the crowd.
He resumed the show once the men were gone. Afterward, though, Elvis could not move past the potential attack. After speculating about the men’s intentions, Elvis began to think that Priscilla’s new boyfriend,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After his divorce from Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley had a number of girlfriends, including actor Sheila Ryan. Elvis pursued Ryan, but she never felt fully dedicated to the relationship. She was significantly younger than Elvis and felt uncomfortable with the way he romanced her. She admitted that when Elvis began pursuing other women, she felt relieved.
Elvis’ girlfriend wasn’t hurt when he started pursuing other women
Elvis and Ryan began a relationship in 1973 and were still seeing each other by 1975. Ryan always felt like she had one foot out the door in their relationship.
“We would go out on the balcony, and he would sing songs to me, but it was never really romantic for me,” she said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I had no concept of what love was. I was embarrassed by the gifts and wasn’t able...
Elvis’ girlfriend wasn’t hurt when he started pursuing other women
Elvis and Ryan began a relationship in 1973 and were still seeing each other by 1975. Ryan always felt like she had one foot out the door in their relationship.
“We would go out on the balcony, and he would sing songs to me, but it was never really romantic for me,” she said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I had no concept of what love was. I was embarrassed by the gifts and wasn’t able...
- 1/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was so famous that nearly every stranger he saw knew who he was. While this level of celebrity could be suffocating, Elvis also used it to his advantage. Once, while in the hospital, Elvis decided to slip into a stranger’s room while she was giving birth. The experience was incredibly confusing for the woman.
Elvis Presley visited a stranger in the hospital
In 1974, Elvis reunited with ex-girlfriend Linda Thompson. He accompanied her to the hospital to visit her brother and sister-in-law, who had just had a baby. Elvis quickly grew bored with the visit and decided he wanted to go to the labor room. He slipped on a surgical mask to hide his identity, but, given his level of fame, it didn’t work.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“There was a lady there in labor, and Elvis came up to her and put his...
Elvis Presley visited a stranger in the hospital
In 1974, Elvis reunited with ex-girlfriend Linda Thompson. He accompanied her to the hospital to visit her brother and sister-in-law, who had just had a baby. Elvis quickly grew bored with the visit and decided he wanted to go to the labor room. He slipped on a surgical mask to hide his identity, but, given his level of fame, it didn’t work.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“There was a lady there in labor, and Elvis came up to her and put his...
- 1/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Priscilla Presley was with Elvis Presley for years before they married. She was thrilled to marry him but found their wedding day stressful and disorienting. According to the judge at their ceremony, she didn’t hide her distress well. He said Priscilla was visibly terrified on her wedding day.
Priscilla Presley looked incredibly nervous on the day she married Elvis
To avoid media attention, Elvis and Priscilla had a small, rushed wedding in Las Vegas. Both members of the couple were incredibly nervous ahead of their ceremony.
“My pre-ceremony meeting with Elvis was probably the most impressive part of the whole experience,” Judge David Zenoff said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was simply amazed by the boy’s modesty. He was low-key, handsome as a picture, very respectful and very intense … and so nervous he was almost bawling.”
Zenoff said Priscilla seemed even more apprehensive.
Priscilla Presley looked incredibly nervous on the day she married Elvis
To avoid media attention, Elvis and Priscilla had a small, rushed wedding in Las Vegas. Both members of the couple were incredibly nervous ahead of their ceremony.
“My pre-ceremony meeting with Elvis was probably the most impressive part of the whole experience,” Judge David Zenoff said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was simply amazed by the boy’s modesty. He was low-key, handsome as a picture, very respectful and very intense … and so nervous he was almost bawling.”
Zenoff said Priscilla seemed even more apprehensive.
- 1/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
As the 1970s wore on, Elvis Presley’s concerts grew increasingly confusing for audiences. While attendees were typically dedicated fans of the musician, his behavior — and the lengthy tangents he went on — were difficult to understand. During one show, Elvis paused the music to go on an extended rant about the venue’s decor.
Elvis Presley took time out of his concert to talk about decor
During a show in Las Vegas in 1974, Elvis looked around the room before commenting that he had “never liked the way this showroom looked.” He then launched into a discussion of the stage layout, the way the walls were painted, and the statues that lined the sides of the room.
“Put a spotlight on the statues on that wall,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Okay. That’s nice. I don’t know what it is,...
Elvis Presley took time out of his concert to talk about decor
During a show in Las Vegas in 1974, Elvis looked around the room before commenting that he had “never liked the way this showroom looked.” He then launched into a discussion of the stage layout, the way the walls were painted, and the statues that lined the sides of the room.
“Put a spotlight on the statues on that wall,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Okay. That’s nice. I don’t know what it is,...
- 1/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1976, Elton John had the opportunity to meet one of his childhood idols, Elvis Presley. John was a longtime fan of Elvis and had long looked forward to meeting him. Unfortunately, the meeting was not what he expected. John found Elvis to be a tragic figure. He walked away from the meeting knowing he did not want to end up like Elvis.
Elton John said Elvis looked terrible when they met
In 1976, John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin attended an Elvis concert. Though initially thrilled to be there, they found the show disheartening.
“We went to see him do a show but it was absolutely pitiful,” Taupin said in the book Sir Elton by Philip Norman. “He was so drugged, he could hardly sing — he just stood there, handing out scarves.”
After the show, Taupin and John went backstage to meet Elvis. This was even more upsetting than the performance.
Elton John said Elvis looked terrible when they met
In 1976, John and his writing partner Bernie Taupin attended an Elvis concert. Though initially thrilled to be there, they found the show disheartening.
“We went to see him do a show but it was absolutely pitiful,” Taupin said in the book Sir Elton by Philip Norman. “He was so drugged, he could hardly sing — he just stood there, handing out scarves.”
After the show, Taupin and John went backstage to meet Elvis. This was even more upsetting than the performance.
- 1/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After her divorce, Priscilla Presley attended one of Elvis Presley’s shows. She brought their daughter, Lisa Marie, and watched her ex-husband perform. Immediately, she could tell something wasn’t right. He went on rambling tangents throughout the show, including one about her new boyfriend, Mike Stone.
Elvis Presley insulted Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend, Mike Stone
At the end of Priscilla and Elvis’ marriage, she began an affair with Stone. They officially started dating after she and Elvis separated. At the concert Priscilla attended, her ex-husband began discussing their divorce.
“Our divorce came about not because of another man or another woman but because of the circumstances involving my career,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was traveling too much. I was gone too much. And it was — it was just an agreement that I didn’t think was fair to her,...
Elvis Presley insulted Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend, Mike Stone
At the end of Priscilla and Elvis’ marriage, she began an affair with Stone. They officially started dating after she and Elvis separated. At the concert Priscilla attended, her ex-husband began discussing their divorce.
“Our divorce came about not because of another man or another woman but because of the circumstances involving my career,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “I was traveling too much. I was gone too much. And it was — it was just an agreement that I didn’t think was fair to her,...
- 1/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Toward the end of her marriage to Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley began an affair with Mike Stone. When Elvis and Priscilla ended their marriage, she went public with her new relationship. Elvis, who had been jealous and possessive all through their marriage, did not handle this well. After convincing himself that Stone had attempted to kill him, Elvis spent an entire night ranting about how he wanted Stone dead.
Elvis went on an hours-long rant about killing Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend
During a performance in 1973, four men got onstage with Elvis. His security quickly apprehended the men — Elvis even shoved one off the stage — but Elvis struggled to let the incident go. Before long, he convinced himself that Stone had hired them to kill him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it.
Elvis went on an hours-long rant about killing Priscilla Presley’s new boyfriend
During a performance in 1973, four men got onstage with Elvis. His security quickly apprehended the men — Elvis even shoved one off the stage — but Elvis struggled to let the incident go. Before long, he convinced himself that Stone had hired them to kill him.
“You know it, Sonny,” he yelled at his bodyguard, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “You know it.
- 1/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many people who got to know Elvis Presley found the constant presence of his entourage off-putting. Other celebrities found it odd that he was never alone, and members of his own band found the group intimidating. While Priscilla Presley liked the entourage, she didn’t appreciate the fact that their constant presence left her practically no alone time with her husband. The entourage sensed her frustration and believed she had it out for them.
Elvis’ entourage saw Priscilla Presley as a threat to them
After their wedding, Elvis and Priscilla left for their honeymoon at their Mississippi ranch home. They were not alone; several other members of the entourage were on the property with them. Priscilla, understandably, found it frustrating to share her honeymoon with her new husband’s friends. In turn, they blamed her for changing the dynamic of their group.
“[She was] conspiring with Vernon [Presley] to find a way to...
Elvis’ entourage saw Priscilla Presley as a threat to them
After their wedding, Elvis and Priscilla left for their honeymoon at their Mississippi ranch home. They were not alone; several other members of the entourage were on the property with them. Priscilla, understandably, found it frustrating to share her honeymoon with her new husband’s friends. In turn, they blamed her for changing the dynamic of their group.
“[She was] conspiring with Vernon [Presley] to find a way to...
- 1/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Elvis Presley wore elaborate onstage outfits that were just as eye-catching as they were heavy. Priscilla Presley believed her former husband relied too much on the later years of his career. While Elvis made them a staple of his onstage wardrobe, even he grew sick of them. During a rambling speech at one show, Elvis paused to ask a member of his entourage to help him out of his constricting outfit.
Elvis Presley asked his friend to help him out of his outfit in the middle of a show
During a performance in the early 1970s, Elvis began to chat with the audience. He tackled a wide range of topics, from his divorce settlement with Priscilla Presley, who was in the audience, to rumors about his drug use.
As he tried to introduce his next song, “Softly As I Leave You,” he requested help from his friend,...
Elvis Presley asked his friend to help him out of his outfit in the middle of a show
During a performance in the early 1970s, Elvis began to chat with the audience. He tackled a wide range of topics, from his divorce settlement with Priscilla Presley, who was in the audience, to rumors about his drug use.
As he tried to introduce his next song, “Softly As I Leave You,” he requested help from his friend,...
- 1/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley divorced, they maintained a friendly relationship. The former couple continued to see each other, and Priscilla even attended one of his performances. She found his behavior during this show to be shocking. Elvis went on a number of ranting tangents, but she took note of one that was particularly concerning.
Elvis’ behavior shocked Priscilla Presley during a concert
Not long after Elvis and Priscilla’s divorce, she brought their daughter, Lisa Marie, to one of his shows in Las Vegas. In between songs, he went on a number of tangents about a wide variety of topics. At one point, he addressed his rumored drug use. He claimed he had been sick, and tabloids spun this into a story about drugs.
“I was getting — I had the doctor and had the flu and get over it in one day, but all across this town — Strung Out!
Elvis’ behavior shocked Priscilla Presley during a concert
Not long after Elvis and Priscilla’s divorce, she brought their daughter, Lisa Marie, to one of his shows in Las Vegas. In between songs, he went on a number of tangents about a wide variety of topics. At one point, he addressed his rumored drug use. He claimed he had been sick, and tabloids spun this into a story about drugs.
“I was getting — I had the doctor and had the flu and get over it in one day, but all across this town — Strung Out!
- 1/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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