Barry White spent 4 months in jail for stealing $30,000 worth of Cadillac tires when he was 16. While behind bars, he heard Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” which he stated inspired him to become a singer.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was drafted into…
Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army. At the peak of his career, he received his draft notice for a two-year stint in the army. Fans sent tens of thousands of letters to the army asking for him to be spared, but Elvis refused to decline. He was sworn as an army private on March 24, 1958.
During Elvis Presley’s childhood…
During Elvis Presley‘s childhood, the family often relied on help from neighbors and government food assistance.
After being drafted to the Army…
After being drafted to the Army, Elvis Presley was offered to enlist in Special Services to entertain the troops and live in priority housing. He decided to serve as a regular soldier, instead, earning the respect of fellow soldiers and people back home who previously viewed him negatively.
The Elvis Presley’s manager, “Colonel”…
The Elvis Presley’s manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker prevented Elvis from touring outside of the US (except for 3 shows in Canada in 1957) because Parker was, among other things, an illegal alien from the Netherlands that was suspected of murder.
Here are a few other things that Parker did. Some were poor judgement and many were highly unethical. He definitely took advantage of Elvis’s trust and naivete.
Elvis Presley was an official…
Elvis Presley was an official captain of the Memphis Police Department and even had dashboard police lights for his cars. He was known for pulling people over and lecturing them on safety before giving them an autograph and letting them go.
Elvis once handed Alice Cooper one of his guns…
Elvis once handed Alice Cooper one of his guns and asked him to point it at him to show off his karate skills. Cooper later said that he genuinely wanted to pull the trigger to do something legendary with his life, but Elvis knocked the gun out of his hand and pinned him before he could fire.
Elvis Presley was known for being so generous…
Elvis Presley was known for being so generous that he had problems not buying strangers and friends expensive gifts. Elvis’s maid and cook Mary Jenkins was gifted six cars including three Cadillacs from him before his death. Elvis also gave his dentist and jeweler cars. Elvis used to say “What good is money if you aren’t using it to make someone happy”.
Elvis wore a cross, a star of David and…
Elvis wore a cross, a star of David and the Hebrew letter chai. He said: “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality”.
Elvis’ manager sold “I Hate Elvis” badges to make money from…
Elvis’ manager sold “I Hate Elvis” badges to make money from those who otherwise wouldn’t have parted with their cash for Elvis merchandise.