Hello, Let me explain how I ended up here. Last year I turned 60 (Aug. 8th) a milestone in any one's life. I wanted a CD of all the songs I liked my entire life. I've always liked music, so the list was pretty long. On this list was of course Elvis. I had always liked two of his songs: It's Now Or Never, and Can't Help Falling In Love. From the first time I heard these songs, I was spellbound by them. I break out in goose bumps to this day whenever I listen to Can't Help Falling In Love. Why? I have no idea.
I wanted to know when the songs were released, so I googled them. Instantly a photo of Elvis appeared on my IPhone. I was speechless.........I had no idea he EVER looked like that. I was staring at a picture taken in 1960. In that moment I realized two things. I really didn't know anything about Elvis, and I was overcome by a sudden desire to find out.
So my quest began. I know all about his drug use, weight gain, and his dying so young. But I wanted to know so much more than that. His career spanned over 40years. Who was he really? What did he do? Why is he so recognizable so many years after he first took to the stage?
I had no idea where or how to start. But every day I use the Internet to gain information. There certainly is plenty of websites to choose from. Everything I post here is information I have learned during my research. I have discovered that some sites relay different information. Who is telling the truth? Other sites give erroneous information. I read several and try to find collaborating facts.
The basics are: His full name is Elvis Aron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, at home in Tupelo Mississippi. His twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley was stillborn. His parents were Vernon Elvis Presley, and Gladys Love Presley. Elvis was named after his father, while Jesse was named after a family friend. Initially Vernon was dating Gladys' SISTER Clettes. At the same time Gladys was dating Vernon's older brother Vester. For some reason both brothers quit dating the Love sisters. When they began dating again, Vernon chose Gladys. They eventually eloped when Vernon was 17. And Vester married Clettes. Two brothers married two sisters. Vernon and Gladys almost didn't end up together.
Many times I have read how poor Elvis and his family were. Well the whole country was poor. It was 1935. The Great Depression was going on. Vernon borrowed money from his boss to build a house for his new family. The family was close knit and Elvis grew up in a loving home. It is emphasized again and again how close Elvis was to his mother. Too close. Well I can relate to that. You see, I was an orphan. I grew up without parents, or any relatives....none. So when I had my first child, we were close. Very close. So I understand where she was coming from. She lost one child, and only had one child. The bond between Elvis and his mother Gladys grew even stronger when his father was sent to prison for forging a check. He served eight months in prison. Elvis was about three. It was during this time that his boss demanded payment for the house loan, and Gladys and Elvis were forced to move in with Vester. His parents were religious. The family attended the Assembly of God church. Manners were also very important to his parents, and Elvis was a well mannered child. This characteristic didn't change after fame found him.
There aren't many pictures of Elvis when he was very young. Too expensive. Although the family relied on welfare to get by, Elvis recalls a happy childhood. He never went hungry, or without necessities. They moved several times while he was growing up. The most influential move of course is when the family moved from Tupelo to Memphis.
It is getting late.........so I'm going to close for now. Hope you enjoyed, and maybe learned something :)
Hope to be back tomorrow.
Goodnight
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