Common Myths about Elvis - Debunked
Elvis Presley is certainly not shy of a few controversies, over his lengthy career and after people have had numerous debates over certain aspects of his life. However, many of the main controversies around Elvis are myths or the truth purposely misunderstood. This Article explores 5 myths, debunking them and showing the less sensationalised truths.
Myth number One - Elvis and Priscilla
This is typically the main response Anti-Elvis defenders use when the topic comes up. Some will claim he married a 14 year old Priscilla, or groomed her into marriage due to their 10 year age gap. They met at 14 and 24, whilst Elvis was in the army. The stories of how and what happened when they met are inconsistent between sources. Some claim he was immediately in love with Priscilla, whilst others say he barely noticed her and instead was focused on Anita Wood waiting for him at home. Regardless, once the media had picked up the story Elvis made sure to clarify there was “ NO big romance “.
They did not begin dating until she was an appropriate age, marrying her at 21. A ten year age gap was not uncommon in 1959, many girls by the age of 16 had a husband and children - societal expectations around the coming of age for girls were not the same as modern times.
Myth number Two - “ Fat Elvis “
When it comes to portrayals of Elvis for Halloween, the most popular costumes depict a “ fat Elvis “ in a classic 1970s style jumpsuit. An exaggerated pompadour and a belly is typical of these outfits, mimicking Elvis's weight during the final years of his life. Many rumours have also been created about his diet during this time, describing his famous sandwich with excesses of peanut butter, bacon, banana etc.
However, this weight gain may have a more covert reason than just overeating. During this time, most likely triggered by the overeating and frequent drug use, a genetic colon disorder became apparent, causing difficulties with fluid retention and gastrointestinal issues. This caused severe uncomfortable bloating and intense problems with his bowels. Showing that his bloated appearance was not a result of gluttony, but rather a complicated health issue being mocked.
Myth number Three - Racism
For many years, critics have accused Elvis of being racist - due to his strong inspiration from black artists. Some suggest he is stealing black culture, profiting from this and therefore culturally appropriating black music of the 1950’s. This said, it is important to consider his upbringing, being surrounded by black people in the poor neighbourhood he grew up in definitely grew an appreciation for the music made by the people around him.
Elvis also gave an opportunity to black musicians by covering their songs, due to the discriminatory attitudes of the deep south in the 1950’s, many of these artists would not have had their song performed if they insisted on performing it themselves. He also openly defied segregation laws by attending many “ coloured only “ music events, showing his deep appreciation for black artists. Significant black artists of the time have also defended him, BB King called him an integrator who opened the door for black music.
Myth number Four - Still Alive??
One of the most significant forms of conspiracy theories is questioning celebrity deaths. Elvis Presley is no exception to this rule, with thousands of people believing his death was a cover up, and he still remains alive. Two of the most popular variations of this theory are that a Pastor called Bob Joyce is Elvis or that a gardener spotted at Graceland is him - due to both having a significant likeness of Elvis.
Not only has Pastor Bob Joyce clearly stated he is not Elvis Presley, the ages do not line up. Elvis would have been 17 when Bob Joyce was born in June 1959. The Gardener photo, despite having a clear look of the late Elvis, was clarified to just be a groundsman working, he even participated in a short video to clarify his identity. Despite both of these claims gaining traction, Elvis Presley’s passing in 1977 is an established fact, verified by toxicology reports, medical records and his family.
Myth number Five - Scatter
A heartbreaking Myth suggests that Elvis’s pet monkey Scatter tragically died of Alcohol poisoning. One common theory suggested he died from liver poisoning, possibly fatal cirrhosis, from drinking unsafe amounts of alcohol.
This story also developed into suggestions that Graceland staff poisoned the monkey out of spite, growing tired of its lavish lifestyle. However, unlike these salacious rumours, insiders offered the story that the monkey was sent to a sanctuary and died of natural causes. This would be abnormal considering the typical life-span of a Chimp is 50-60 whereas Scatter died at 7. Many reports also suggest he is buried in the grounds of Graceland, upon Elvis Presley’s request.