10 Fascinating Insights About Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley, also known as the King of Rock & Roll, emerged from modest beginnings to become a trailblazer in the music industry, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends time. Although his career and life were tragically cut short by a heart attack at the age of 42, his impact on multiple genres, movies, and even his service in the military has solidified his status as an iconic figure. Let's delve into ten fascinating facts about this legendary musician. The Collector reported.

1. Elvis Presley: The Hair Illusion

Elvis' iconic jet-black pompadour is renowned worldwide. However, it might be surprising to learn that he was born a blond. While his hair gradually darkened with age, it never reached a shade darker than light brown. Aspired to resemble his idols, Tony Curtis and Marlon Brando, Elvis began dyeing his hair black and continued doing so throughout his career. In his teenage years, when funds were tight, he would even resort to using shoe polish. Eventually, he perfected his signature look using a unique blend of three different shades.

2. Elvis' Lost Twin

Elvis Aron, later known as Aaron, was raised as an only child by his parents. What many people might not realize is that Elvis had a twin brother named Jesse Garon Presley. Tragically, Jesse was stillborn, arriving 33 minutes before Elvis, on January 8th, 1935, in Mississippi. Although Elvis never met his brother, he felt a profound connection with him throughout his life. Visiting Jesse's grave frequently, Elvis often spoke to him. This deep bond with his lost twin may have contributed to Elvis' drive for success in the music industry and resonating with audiences worldwide.

3. A Chance Meeting in the Army

During his active duty in the Army from 1958 to 1960, Elvis crossed paths with his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu Wagner, while stationed in Wiesbaden, West Germany. Priscilla was in ninth grade when they first met, and Elvis was 24 years old. Although they briefly broke up when Elvis returned to the US, they rekindled their romance in 1963. Priscilla relocated to the United States and completed her studies there while living with Elvis at Graceland. Their wedding took place in Las Vegas in 1967.

4. Martial Arts Enthusiast

Elvis's time in Germany led him to develop an interest in karate. He trained with karate masters during his stay and continued honing his skills during his leave time in Paris. Upon his return to the US, Elvis tested for his black belt in 1960. This marked the beginning of his journey, eventually attaining the rank of a 7th-degree black belt in 1973. Engaging in karate not only provided him with physical discipline but also brought him inner peace and contentment.

5. A King among Halls of Fame

Elvis' profound influence on the evolution and development of rock n' roll earned him prestigious induction into five Halls of Fame: the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Gospel Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and R&B Hall of Fame. Affectionately referred to as "The King," he left an indelible mark on the music industry.

6. Graceland: The Young Purchase

At only 22 years old, in his second year of superstardom in 1957, Elvis acquired the iconic Graceland estate for just over $100,000. This magnificent property, spanning over 10,200 square feet and situated on nearly 14 acres of land, housed not only Elvis but also his parents and, later, his daughter. With subsequent expansions and renovations, Graceland grew to over 17,500 square feet. It opened its doors to the public in 1982, becoming a popular tourist attraction receiving over 600,000 visitors annually.

7. Elvis Faced Opposition

Despite Elvis' immense popularity among music enthusiasts, his genre and flamboyant style faced opposition from conservative groups who believed that rock n' roll was a corrupting influence on the nation's youth. Protesters burned effigies of Elvis in several cities, expressing their disapproval. In response, during his third appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, which occurred on October 28th, 1956, Elvis was restricted to waist-up shots to censor his provocative dance movements and appease critics.

8. The Dental Mishap

Early in his career while filming the movie "Jailhouse Rock," Elvis suffered an injury that almost derailed his blossoming success. During a scene where he slides down a pole, he accidentally strikes his face, causing a tooth cap to become dislodged. Playing it off initially as swallowing it, he later discovered that it had lodged in his lung instead. After a successful surgery to retrieve the cap, Elvis quickly recovered and resumed his work.

9. The Heavyweight Jumpsuits

Synonymous with Elvis' image in the '70s, his glitzy jumpsuits captivated audiences. These uniforms of extravagance weighed between 25 to 30 pounds during their inception, but their weight steadily increased over time. Some elaborate jumpsuits sported intricate embroidery and jewels, weighing as much as 75 pounds.

10. The Inability to Read or Write Music

Remarkably, despite an illustrious career, Elvis never acquired reading proficiency in music notation. Additionally, he didn't write any of the recorded songs – a testament to his remarkable talent for interpreting works authored by a plethora of composers. To comply with his label's requirement at times, Elvis claimed co-writing credits on certain songs, like "That's Someone You Never Forget."

Elvis Presley, forever etched in music history, captivated countless hearts and minds with his talent, charm, and charisma.

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