Hollywood Dreams Beckon Elvis

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Elvis was always attracted to the movies. While the leading rock ‘n’ roll musician was the hero of the youth, he liked powerful silver screen actors like Marlon Brando, and too aspired to be a serious actor like him in melodramatic movies. As a matter of fact, Elvis was pretty eager to act, as he would say, "Singers come and go, but if you're a good actor, you can last a long time."

Veteran Hollywood movie producer Hal Wallis noticed Elvis Presley first on one of the ‘Stage Show’ TV episodes and his performance won him over. But what caught Wallis’s attention was Presley’s magical effect on the studio audience, as this attractive man captivated his female fans who over-reacted to his teasing charm. Wallis instantly figured that Elvis was star material, and immediately met Colonel Parker, who arranged Elvis Presley’s screen test on 1st April 1956, at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Elvis then signed a seven-year contract with Paramount Pictures, which gave him an opportunity to fulfil his acting ambitions that he had been seriously considering for some time.

Hal Wallis supported the young Elvis Presley, then a newcomer in the movie business, and placed tremendous confidence in him due to which Hollywood gained faith in Elvis. Wallis then loaned him to Twentieth Century Fox, as initially when Elvis signed the contract with Paramount Pictures, there was no appropriate role fitting Elvis. Though he was not top billed, certainly it was the beginning of a flourishing movie career for Elvis.

‘Elvis the Pelvis’

Since shooting for his first film ‘Love Me Tender’ originally named ‘The Reno Brothers’, would only begin after four months in August, the ‘Milton Berle Show’ for NBC, was the next in a series of television performance of Elvis, scheduled on 3rd April. It was broadcast from an unusual venue, the deck of the aircraft carrier, USS Hancock, San Deigo. Though this first show went on comfortably amongst the sailors with their dates, without much attention from the media, Elvis would soon create blaring controversies nationwide on his second appearance of Milton Berle Show, after two months.

In April, Elvis was also scheduled on a four-week Las Vegas trip and engaged at the New Frontier Hotel and Casino. Here the conservative adult audiences could not identify with 21-year old Elvis’ music. They were all the more shocked and displeased at the crude nature of his performance acts and gave him a poor response. His flop entertainment show cut short his live concerts to two-weeks. Elvis then used his Las Vegas time to hear the Bellboys and their lead singer Freddie Bell at a show, deliver their humorous version of ‘Hound Dog’ having a bluesy beat, after which Elvis adopted it to his closing performance. ‘Hound Dog’, originally sung by blues singer Big Mama Thornton, would later become one of Elvis Presley’s signature rock ‘n’ roll songs.

On 5th June 1956, Elvis Presley appeared for the second time on the Milton Berle Show at their studio, where he gave an energetic performance of the new song ‘Hound Dog’, first time on television with swivelling hips and legs, gyrating motions, pelvic thrusts and hand gestures. It was an act that generated a huge commotion, making the audience go wild. By then, the rock ‘n’ roll singer had become prominent for his uninhibited stage performances, and he even had loyal teenage fans.

Now, Elvis, along with his gaudy Beale Street outfits, distinctly Southern accent, attractive hairstyle and his explosive rock ‘n’ roll music were denounced as vulgar by several parents and religious groups, who linked it to reckless adolescent behaviour. Elvis objected saying, "It's only music. In a lot of papers, they say that rock ‘n' roll is a big influence on juvenile delinquency. I don't think that it is. I don't see how music has anything to do with it at all....I've been blamed for just about everything wrong in this country."

Arguably, this second Berle show was one of Elvis Presley’s most contentious performances that invited a lot of flak from the press and media, who equated it to a striptease! His hairstyle was also disapproved, while he was now being ridiculed and nicknamed as ‘Elvis the Pelvis’ by the press, media and adults viewers. Ben Gross from the New York Daily News was quoted saying that popular music "has reached its lowest depths in the 'grunt and groin' antics of one Elvis Presley. ... Elvis, who rotates his pelvis ... gave an exhibition that was suggestive and vulgar, tinged with the kind of animalism that should be confined to dives and bordellos". Moreover, disgusted by the Berle show despite its peak ratings that night, Ed Sullivan, a TV industry bigwig publicly announced that Elvis was ‘unfit for family viewing’, and even refused to book him on his own family show, ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ without the faintest idea that soon, he would have to change his mind.

Elvis Presley’s bizarre television performance

"The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I'm doin' now, man, for more years than I know.

They played it like that in the shanties and juke joints and nobody paid it no mind 'til I goose it up. I got it from them."

-Elvis Presley

The controversy surrounding the Milton Berle show only amplified Elvis Presley’s image as a notorious rock ‘n’ roll star. In fact, its enhanced television ratings asserted his position as an entertainer to whom live audiences were drawn. It gave Elvis an invitation on NBC’s The Steve Allen Show, a rival of the popular Ed Sullivan Show. The anchor Steve Allen, however loathed rock ‘n’ roll music, expressing his opinion that unnecessary attention was being given to Elvis who lacked the talent and seemed an eccentric. Thinking Elvis would repent for his previous acts, Allen had set it up for him, and presented Elvis on his show dated 1st July ‘56, as ‘the new Elvis Presley’ wearing a top hat, white bow tie with black tails, and a tuxedo. Allen even made Elvis sing ‘Hound Dog’ to a basset hound dog on a stool. The good-natured Elvis didn’t protest, but performed with a gloomy look, as his movements too were restricted. Later, he said that this was his ‘most ridiculous performance’ in his lifetime. Elvis’ next appearance followed along with guests Imogene Coca and Andy Griffith. In this segment, Allen made them join in a comedy sketch lampooning country programs. Allen indirectly made a mockery of Southern culture, the culture of the blacks whose music Elvis was following. The next day, Elvis Presley’s followers protested against his singing act with placards to NBC studios that read, "We want the gyratin’ Elvis."

The Steve Allen Show was a hit that overtook the primetime Ed Sullivan Show in television ratings, proving that Elvis Presley was a sure shot entertainer. Ed Sullivan then slowly mellowed his position on Elvis, and gave him the opportunity to appear on Sullivan’s show after two months.

The Other Elvis

The press and the media were responsible for constructing a controversial view of the rock ‘n’ roll singer. To counter the negative, self-indulgent image of Elvis Presley that was instigated by them, Colonel Parker had to think of an assortment of publicity strategies that attempted to wipe out public memories of ‘Elvis the Pelvis’, and bring out a cleaner image simultaneously. So, on the same night of 1st July, Elvis also appeared on ‘Hy Gardner Calling’, a local talk show. On being questioned by columnist Gardner on the day’s early performance of ‘Hound Dog’ and his lessons from the condemnation, Elvis retorted, "No, I haven't, I don't feel like I'm doing anything wrong. ... I don't see how any type of music would have any bad influence on people when it's only music. ... I mean, how would rock ‘n' roll music make anyone rebel against their parents." This show also helped dispel the nasty myths and superficial airs about him. The general public now viewed him as a down-to-earth person with mixed feelings on his achievements. Elvis also reacted to being called ‘Elvis the Pelvis’ by saying, "I don't like being called ‘Elvis the Pelvis’ – I mean it’s one of the most childish expressions I ever heard, comin' from an adult." Clearly on this show, a very positive image of Elvis emerged in the media. This was the ‘good Elvis’ or the ‘other Elvis’. It was a gentler personality highlighted, differing from the controversial Elvis where he was rumoured to have attempted to shoot his mother, and even smoke marijuana before a performance.

In the press, the ‘other Elvis’ was now being written and talked about frequently as a responsible person. Stories also included his closeness to his parents, absence of bad habits like smoking and drinking, as well as his charming, well-mannered disposition where he treated elders with respect. This new rising singer always shared his accomplishments with his parents, even acknowledging them for his success. In one interview he said, "I never felt poor. There was always shoes to wear and food to eat – yet I knew there were things my parents did without just to make sure I was clothed and fed."

Colonel Parker also booked Elvis for many charitable organizations like the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes where he donated huge sums. This publicity helped build a more respectful image of Elvis. Through this, Elvis Presley’s generous and compassionate stance towards the underprivileged people now surfaced. The ‘other Elvis’ also showed up in collectibles and children’s merchandise like T-shirts, lunch boxes, and in teenage feminine products such as ‘Elvis Presley bracelets’ and lipsticks such as ‘Heartbreak Pink’, ‘Hound Dog Orange’ etc. To boost sales of Elvis Presley’s records, Colonel Parker always depicted Elvis as a teenage icon connected to youth sentiments. Industries made huge commercial success selling sweaters, jeans, belts, purses, cologne, hair pomade, bubblegum cards etc., associating them with Elvis. Even at live shows, Elvis was seen to uncomplainingly sign all his unending photographs, which the Colonel sold to his fans. Thus Colonel Parker and Elvis started new trends, thereby setting standards in the domain of celebrity merchandising.

Elvis records his signature songs

After the Steve Allen Show, Elvis Presley recorded his famous rock ‘n’ roll signature songs, ‘Hound Dog’ and ‘Don’t be Cruel,’ after almost 30 takes. He had ‘the Jordanaires’ to provide him back-up vocals who continued with him throughout the ‘60s, adding pop and gospel flavour to his music. Presley’s easygoing, energized rendition, with a fast-paced rhythm, gave these rock songs incredible recognition. ‘Don’t be Cruel’ which had remained unsung by any singer so far, was completely rendered in Elvis Presley’s new tune and style. While ‘Don’t be Cruel’ remained his most favourite song, both the singles became hugely popular in R&B and country-western charts registering as the biggest hits in history worldwide. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded these songs with a triple platinum status years later after three and half decades. Certainly, Elvis Presley, can be credited for popularizing rock ‘n’ roll music.

A second turning point in Elvis Presley’s life

In August ‘56 there were two live concerts of Elvis Presley in Florida. A juvenile court judge who attended the first show recommended Elvis to tone down his performance acts. In his following concert, Presley made a mockery of the order by suggestively wriggling his little finger, though he performed without body movements, by mostly remaining still! Elvis also formally made the career transformation from a musician to a movie star in August, when he began acting for his first role as Clint Reno in the movie ‘Love Me Tender’, originally named ‘The Reno Brothers’, by Twentieth Century Fox.

Elvis Presley comfortably fitted into his secondary character role as Clint Reno, which was not actually created for him in this Civil War drama, ‘The Reno Brothers’. But his first on-screen death scene in this first movie, upset his real mother Gladys. The producers too re-thought their decision on this final act of Elvis, as they were apprehensive that it may not appeal to his fans, driving them away. So keeping the storyline intact, they reshot this concluding emotional, gloomy scene after the shooting ended, keeping a more positive image of Elvis’ character, singing the track ‘Love Me Tender’ in the last scene.

This movie had only four music tracks sung by Elvis with the Ken Darby group providing the back-up vocals. They were released as an EP album by RCA. The main musical track ‘Love Me Tender’ was first released by Elvis as a single record, but after it got revealed to audiences on the first episode of Ed Sullivan Show. Undoubtedly, his song performance on the show brought it more popularity, and the single got a path-breaking two million advance orders. This promptly led the movie producers to rename the movie from ‘The Reno Brothers’ to ‘Love Me Tender’ before its release. This was Elvis Presley’s earliest beginning as a successful movie star. This was the second most important turning point in his life where he became a movie-star, which would later be his steady alternate career for a few years.

Elvis and the controversial Ed Sullivan Show

September ‘56 began with Elvis Presley’s recordings for RCA’s second album ‘Elvis’ at Hollywood. Then, Elvis appeared as a guest on the Ed Sullivan Show, where Ed Sullivan’s acknowledged Elvis’ television persona and fame. Just few weeks back, Colonel Parker was refused his repeated requests to bring Elvis on this show for his quote of $5000 per appearance. Now, Elvis was finally offered an unmatched remuneration of $50,000 to appear as a guest for three episodes beginning 9th September.

21-year old Elvis Presley gained more prominence from his very first episode of the Ed Sullivan Show, a well-known family show. Here, for the first time he sang his newest, yet to be released musical track ‘Love Me Tender’ from his first movie still under production. In the first two episodes, a restrained and carefully guarded camera movement captured his studio performance. But his final appearance early next year, on 6th January 1957 created one of the most memorable minutes in the archives of initial television era. Elvis who was wearing loud and unusual clothes was shown only above his waist in all the three segments!!!

The censors prevented showing his entire body movements during the final television show, which is well known in rock history. Yet the three shows were interesting, which received the customary overexcited screams and applause from the studio audience, as Elvis sang songs from his collection like ‘Hound Dog’, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, and ‘Peace in the Valley’, dedicating it to European earthquake victims. The highly energetic response from the audience in all the three episodes revealed the intimate connection Elvis had with them. But Ed Sullivan’s compliment on the final show that Elvis was ‘a real decent, fine boy’, ironically appeared deceitful when Elvis was actually censored, generating quite a lot of controversy. Nevertheless, Elvis received status as a contemporary national celebrity, receiving sensational fame with his performance on this hit show that hooked 80% of the American audience to their television sets.

An action-packed year sees Presley’s silver screen debut

The year 1956 continued to be eventful for Elvis Presley. 26th September 1956 was declared as ‘Elvis Presley Day’, in the town where Elvis was born, Tupelo, Mississippi. On this day, Elvis visited Tupelo with his parents. By now he was a famous man and was welcomed to his hometown with a parade in his honour. He performed twice at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, where he had first performed as a 10-year old kid. This time, the only difference being the numerous National Guardsmen present to control the excited crowds, who thronged the venue to see the supremely confident Elvis. His relation with his birthplace would continue till his end, as he would contribute regularly to future projects, one such being ‘Elvis Presley Youth Recreation Centre’ which also included his birth home.

The release of his second album for RCA, titled ‘Elvis’ followed next in October, which unfailing rose to No.1. Elvis also gave his second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on 28th October. Soon after his second performance, the public in St. Louis and Nashville set his effigy on fire. Yet despite these perplexing reactions from the masses, an unmoved Elvis carried on with his work, and was now waiting with baited breadth for the release of his first movie on the silver screen.

A considerable crowd showed up to see the gigantic promotional cut-out of Clint Reno, Elvis’s character in his Hollywood debut ‘Love Me Tender’, atop a New York theatre. Elvis Presley’s first movie premiered that day of 15th November 1956 in New York, and released days later. He received mixed reviews from critics. While some mocked his acting, the press and magazine reviews were horrible. ‘Variety’ published the review "Appraising Presley as an actor, he ain't. Not that it makes any difference." But people loved Elvis Presley’s film star charisma and his role of a superstar. The general public declared it a runaway hit that smashed the box office record, making his ardent fans go crazily after him. ‘Love Me Tender’ established Elvis Presley as an actor, giving him a second career to rely on. It was the beginning of his box office hits, where Elvis would be top billed henceforth in all his remaining movies. Producers would thereafter design musical ‘movie vehicles’ for Elvis that would bring him tremendous success.

With as many as five of his hit singles on top of the pop charts, the fabulous year would now end on a high beat. On the night of 4th December, Sam Phillips who had no legal rights to Elvis’ material anymore, nevertheless captured on tape an impromptu jam session of Elvis with Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash at Sun Records. The entertaining recordings were later renowned as the ‘Million Dollar Quartet’. While Elvis’ Louisiana Hayride appearances were in their final leg with his last one on December 15th, it was also a marvellous year for the huge sale of Elvis Presley merchandise, almost to the tune of $22 million, as the Wall Street Journal reported on its front page, on the last day of the action-packed year 1956. But the icing on the cake was the fame and glory Elvis received on his career makeover, as a widely acclaimed entertainer, and a superstar in the movies. Thus the year 1956, ended on a pompous note for Elvis, where his Hollywood debut ‘Love Me Tender’ would soon take him further to dizzy heights of stardom.

1957-Elvis Presley’s movie career gains momentum

Early in January 1957, soon after his final appearance in the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’ on 6th January, 22-year old Elvis began filming for his second Hollywood movie ‘Loving You’. It was the first movie for veteran producer Hal Wallis starring Elvis Presley. This movie proved to be Elvis Presley’s first musical ‘movie vehicle’ where writer and director Hal Kanter designed the storyline to highlight Presley’s singing talents and also depict his life story. This movie connected Elvis to his roots, as his character Deke Rivers is shown as a talented, but unknown singer from the South, from where he rises. In this movie, Elvis also received his first on-screen kiss from the actress Jana Lund.

The director Kanter, manages to portrays the darker side of being Elvis Presley, the singing sensation, who is constantly surrounded by his hysterically screaming and attention seeking fans. In fact the director attended one of the last Louisiana Hayride concert performances of Elvis Presley, to understand the phenomena called Elvis and his real experiences. In the midst of this turbulent public frenzy, Elvis’ held the position of ‘the eye of the hurricane’ as described by Kanter in the ‘Variety’ magazine, an everlasting status that actually identified Elvis till his end.

For the filming, Elvis dyed his dark blond hair black, which continued till his final years. As he missed his parents company in Hollywood, they joined him during the filming of ‘Loving You’ and even made a brief cameo appearance, along with his assisting musicians Scotty Moore, Bill Black, D.J. Fontana and the Jordanaires quartet. When this movie’s songs were released as the third LP album by RCA, it became a hit reaching No.1 on few pop charts. With this album, RCA began the formula of combining songs from Elvis Presley’s recordings with releasing films and publishing them as albums, since as per Colonel Parker’s publicity designs, Elvis Presley’s onscreen movies acted as advertisers of his records, albums and vice-versa, thus he derived maximum mileage from both mediums.

A celebrity life begins at Graceland Mansion

Colonel Parker’s control and direction of Elvis Presley’s demanding career brought them plenty of wealth. So Elvis was now living a better lifestyle with his parents at Audubon Drive in Memphis, at a residential neighbourhood. But here, he never had any privacy as his fans were constantly hovering around his house. It even became difficult for Elvis to move alone, so he had security guards constantly sheltering him from public eyes. Often, he would rent an entire theatre just to watch a movie as his stardom status attracted mobs. By now, Elvis was also surrounded by a rowdy group of friends who were there to protect him at any time from crowds. They were named, ‘the Memphis Mafia’, due to their frequent awful conduct. Steadily, Elvis was being dragged away from a normal life. Moreover, Gladys did not like the change in their lives, where they were not only sacrificing their privacy, but her son’s lifestyle was becoming uncommon and abnormally fast-paced.

Around that time, Elvis also attended a pre-induction physical test at a Memphis hospital, which he passed successfully, and received classification as 1A. It is a notice that Elvis must serve his country and undergo an army training. It prepared Elvis to look forward to the draft notice announcing his induction into U.S. military service. Certainly, Elvis was expecting his draft notice anytime in the coming six months.

Then in March ‘57, Elvis bought Graceland Mansion at Memphis for $102,500. This mansion stood on around 14 acres, just perfect for Elvis who was now a big celebrity. It excited his parents and his paternal grandmother Minnie Mae, as this beautiful house granted them a lot of privacy, though later, Gladys also felt extremely lonely and isolated. Elvis was hardly around, and furthermore, Gladys was far away from her relatives and friends. Elvis spend his first night here three month later, since he was frequently into film shootings, recording sittings, album releases, as well as tours around the country. This was also the year when Elvis took three tours, giving five performances in three shows, in a different country, Canada. His first performance was held in Toronto on 2nd April and the second in Ottawa on 3rd April. The audience response was extremely crazy. But his final performance in Vancouver after few months would create a storm.

Soon, Elvis embarked on another filming journey for his next film ‘Jailhouse Rock’ that was equally successful just like his previous two films. By now he had a habitual crush on all his female co-stars, though he had amiable relationships with his male co-stars. He also began seeing Anita Wood, who would continue steadily as his girlfriend for the next five years.

‘Jailhouse Rock’ portrays Elvis - the symbol of youth culture

"I don't think I'm bad for people. If I did think I was bad for people, I would go back to driving a truck, and I really mean this."

– Elvis Presley

‘Jailhouse Rock’ for MGM Studios was Elvis Presley’s third movie that began filming on May 1957. With most songs written by Otis Blackwell, this memorable extended play (EP) album, held the No.1 position for 28 weeks during the winter of ‘57-‘58. This low budget movie was considered Elvis Presley’s best movie, where he delivered an excellent acting performance. It is also best remembered for his electrifying dancing feat, to the tune of the title track ‘Jailhouse Rock’ written by the renowned rock songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who soon became good friends with Elvis. Elvis developed his dancing style with the help of coach Russ Tamblyn. But Elvis also choreographed this song with choreographer Alex Romero, in his usual vibrant style. This hard-rocking song gives the perfect example of Elvis Presley’s image as the ‘King of Rock ‘n' Roll’; while the movie portrays the untamed nature, spirit and sexuality of his rock ‘n’ roll music, that seemed to influence the American youth.

All such musical movies of the ‘50s belonged to the category commonly known as ‘teenpics’ that depicted generation conflicts with youth culture. In the process, they loosened a generation of youth, from the chains of their earlier generation and their fetters like tastes, principles, values and behavioural patterns ... naturally shaping their mores.

Elvis Presley, the talented and successful singer and actor was now the symbol of American youth culture. With his rebellious rock ‘n’ roll music and controversial image throughout the ‘50s, Elvis brought about a revolution in American ways of life. He redefined coolness, reinforced a confidence in the youth who adopted his music with Southern origins. As a matter of fact, Elvis had started off a cultural movement making rock ‘n’ roll music a part of popular cultures, of which he was the leading icon. He even had few artists following his style. As historian Marty Jezer had said of Elvis, "As Presley set the artistic pace, other artists followed. ... Presley, more than anyone else, gave the young a belief in themselves as a distinct and somehow unified generation—the first in America ever to feel the power of an integrated youth culture".

Amidst his acting and singing career, publicities and controversies continued to follow Elvis Presley. Its effects were felt even outside his own country. On 31st August 1957, Elvis appeared for his final live concert outside America, in Vancouver. In this show, Elvis gave a dramatic performance, leading to a riot where the swarming crowd destroyed the stage in the end. There was widespread condemnation again, especially by Frank Sinatra in a magazine, where he maligned the rock ‘n’ roll experience as, "brutal, ugly, degenerate, vicious. ... It fosters almost totally negative and destructive reactions in young people. It smells phoney and false. It is sung, played and written, for the most part, by cretinous goons. ... This rancid-smelling aphrodisiac I deplore". Elvis Presley’s reply to this was, "I admire the man. He has a right to say what he wants to say. He is a great success and a fine actor, but I think he shouldn't have said it. ... This is a trend, just the same as he faced when he started years ago." Obviously, critics felt that Elvis Presley’s extreme media hype and often bad coverage had a damaging influence on the youth and their conventional attitudes, which threatened American civilization and weakened its societal fabric.

Before Christmas, Elvis Presley recorded his best selling Christmas album titled ‘Elvis' Christmas Album’. His ‘good luck charms’, as he considered Leiber and Stoller, wrote a blues song "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" that became widely popular. After the recording, his companions, Scotty Moore and Bill Black soon resigned, unhappy with their simple wages and position, though later they would come back briefly for some recordings after a settlement. Around this time, Elvis soon received his draft notice from the Memphis draft board. It informed that Elvis would soon be drafted into the U.S. Army next year. Elvis deferred his induction by over two months, and prevented irreversible losses to Paramount Pictures and Hal Wallis, who had invested almost $350000 in ‘King Creole’, that Elvis would now be engaged with.

Elvis Presley’s deepest desire

Beginning 1958 till early March, Elvis Presley was busy recording soundtracks and acting in his fourth movie ‘King Creole’. This musical is based on the novel, A Stone for Danny Fisher by Harold Robbins. Production values for this movie were extremely high. The movie had a first rated star cast amongst whom Elvis, with his polished acting talents, managed to stand on his own in the role of the singer Danny Fisher. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller continued their friendly relations with Elvis and also contributed to writing the music tracks. However, the ever controlling Colonel Parker envisioned their closeness to Elvis as a menace to the enormous business Elvis was generating, and managed to put an end to their association soon after.

The film’s shooting took place in New Orleans where Elvis found himself always guarded like a V.I.P., with armed guards, since he was often mobbed by his fans. Heavy-duty security guards would also patrol the hallways, fire escapes, and other places in and around the Roosevelt Hotel, where he was put up. This deprived Elvis of the famous nightclubs and cuisine that New Orleans was famous for. Elvis was now in a new phase of his career where his celebrity status disconnected him further from a normal life. But his social isolation would grow severe during his later years when he eventually became a recluse.

With excellent reviews and acclaim from critics for his performance when ‘King Creole’ released after few months, this film is enough proof of Elvis Presley’s hidden acting potential and talents, as he had always deeply desired to gain admiration as an excellent actor in well carved character roles, a desire he was yet to feel fully gratified with. But after filming this movie, at the pinnacle of his flattering career, Elvis Presley was forced to take a two-year break, and serve his country.

In the service of the country

Soon after 23-year old Elvis finished his duties for the film ‘King Creole’, he was inducted into the U.S. armed service on 24th March 1958. Last year Elvis had cleared his physical induction test and was classified as 1A. Now, as Private Elvis Presley, he was assigned no. 53310761 by the Memphis Draft Board and headed towards Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. His tearful parents along with girlfriend Anita Wood and others saw him off. He was followed by plenty of fans and newsmen to his base, who were capturing his photographs and taking down his bytes. He said to reporters, "The Army can do anything it wants with me." This also put a temporary halt on his rising career that was at its glorious peak, stunning critics too. Though he seemed positive about it as he wanted to prove his loyalty to his countrymen, yet, at the same time Elvis was also concerned about ruining his career and the chances of being able to come back. Thoughts of having to leave behind his nice lifestyle and beloved family for two years, also somewhat disappointed him.

The news that Elvis would cut his famous ducktail hair and sideburns had already troubled his fans and made headlines. The next day on 25th March, the news became a reality as Elvis received his famous G.I. haircut. He had just received army part-payment of $7 sometime back, yet had to be reminded by the barber to pay 65 cents, that he had carelessly forgotten in the excitement.

Elvis Presley chose to serve as a regular soldier and not a celebrity with special privileges under ‘Special Services’, who usually entertained the army, and was also within the public reach. Colonel Parker had convinced Elvis to take this position. Since a lot of negative publicity about him was floating in the air, Elvis wanted to be seen in a new light by everyone after his military stint, even accepting a drastically low salary than what his star status could offer. With this act he began ruling hearts, gaining tremendous admiration in return. But certainly, this decision did not make life in the army any easier for him.

Elvis then underwent basic training and advanced tank instruction for six months at 2nd Armoured Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Here his superiors barred the media and fans from following him. A businessman, Eddie Fadal who had visited him during those days, later reported that Elvis was almost certainly convinced that his career had ended. By now, Elvis had also settled down with his fellow recruits. He was treated just like everyone else, just as he had wished, except occasionally being reminded of his star status. Often he longed to be at home with his family, and would call up Gladys everyday. Almost with tears in his eyes, he would reassure his equally anxious mother that all was well with him. But Gladys found it extremely difficult to bear his long absence.

By May-end, he finished his basic training and was classified as a sharpshooter. In fact, as he was fond of guns, he did extremely well with pistols. Then, he was granted leave for two weeks in June to visit his family, during which Colonel Parker kept him busy recording songs for RCA at Nashville.

Elvis bereaved

After his return to Fort Hood, he received permission and moved to a temporary trailer home close to his base, to live with his family and friend, Lamar Fike, a member of the Memphis Mafia. But even with three bed-rooms, there wasn’t enough space for the extended family and friends, who occasionally united with him. So Elvis moved to another rented house for the weekends where his mother good-naturedly cooked for everyone who came over. Meanwhile his film ‘King Creole’ released on 2nd July 1958. Elvis earned excellent reviews for his superior performance, with critics even commenting that his acting had improved.

Elvis, the homely boy was now pretty peacefully settled within the comforts of his normal family life, till his mother’s health showed worrisome signs of deterioration. Gladys was unwell, and soon returned to Memphis with Vernon Presley in the summer of early August. Often hysterical about her only child Elvis’ wellbeing, she would skip meals and resort to drinking in secret. It worsened her health and she was soon diagnosed with severe hepatitis. Elvis was then granted emergency leave to meet his mother on 12th August, who was by then admitted in the Methodist Hospital. It would be his last meeting with his mother on her deathbed. Gladys soon died in the morning of 14th August 1958 after a heart attack at the age of 46. In grief, he now cried inconsolably at her Forest Hill Cemetery site saying, "Oh God, everything I have is gone." Elvis Presley’s mother was his closest companion whom he deeply revered. Elvis enjoyed baby talking with her. With her, he would also share his experiences, worries, fears, happiness and sad moments. Gladys’s death left Elvis deeply distressed. He now received around 100,000 sympathy letters and cards from his fans, as well as hundreds of telegrams and floral bouquets. After his personal loss, Elvis now declined to watch ‘Loving You’, as it reminded him of his mother.

While in mourning, Elvis soon arrived in his troop train and attended a press conference in Brooklyn, New York. Elvis described his feelings as "Everyone loses their mother, but I was an only child, and mother was always right with me all my life. And it wasn't only like losing a mother, it was like losing a friend, a companion, someone to talk to. I could wake her up any hour of the night if I was worried or troubled about something...she'd get up and try to help me." Indeed, without his mother, his life had a deep void that no one could fill up, engulfing him in a distant loneliness.

Elvis Presley’s Army Stint in Germany

Elvis finally returned to base Fort Hood on 24th August ‘58, and soon began picking up the threads of his life all over again. However, within a month, he was bound for Europe, to a country formerly called West Germany, aboard the U.S.S. General Randall, where he entertained fellow recruits with singer Charlie Hodge (who later became a member of his ‘Memphis Mafia’). Elvis joined the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armour, 3rd Armed Division in Friedberg on 1st October and took up residence in Bad Nauheim. Soon, his father Vernon and his grandmother Minnie Mae joined him and his friends from ‘Memphis Mafia’, Red West and Lamar Fike. Together they stayed in hotels at Bad Nauheim giving Elvis much welcomed company. Elvis would leave for base at 6:30 a.m. in a black Mercedes driven by Lamar Fike after eating the breakfast his grandmother Minnie Mae, whom he fondly called ‘Dodger’, prepared. He would usually return before lunch, except on Fridays when Elvis along with the other recruits cleaned their barracks and toilets before a weekly inspection. So Elvis continued his days as an ordinary civilian in the army, while occasionally, he would slip into Bill Haley concerts and even the movie theatre. Elvis even went off to Paris and Munich with his companions, to party at nightclubs like the Moulin Rouge, the Lido, the Folies Bergère etc.

Through the last two months of 1958, Elvis performed extensive field manoeuvres to avoid being recognized by the common public. He was soon promoted to Private First Class for excelling and would be heard saying, "The army teaches boys to think like men." He also diligently began learning karate, an interest that he retained beyond his army years, where he would incorporate karate moves into his stage performances of the ‘70s. Around this time in Grafenwohr, a sergeant led him to begin the use of amphetamines, drugs needed to stay awake for longer periods of training. Elvis began using it and before long, it had formed a habit. Elvis believed that amphetamines also helped him in gaining strength and weight loss, something he was conscious about since he would indulge in junk food sometimes, gaining weight. Prescription drugs would pose a tremendous health problem in his final years.

Elvis spent his Christmas holidays with his folks and soon invited Elisabeth Stefaniak, whom he was dating, to join him as his official secretary at Hotel Grunewald, where he was staying with his family. With her knowledge of German as well as English, she easily answered Elvis’ fan mails. Then in early February 1959, Elvis moved with his family to a rented house at Goethestrasse 14. Here, Elvis was more relaxed and comfortable within his homely atmosphere that offered him more privacy than the hotel. So he now spent time with his hobbies after work, like playing the piano, listening to songs, singing and entertaining his friends, and even playing football on Sundays. Some evenings Elvis was also seen pleasing his fans by signing autographs.

During his army stint, Elvis never appeared in a live performance as was instructed to him, but would stick to frequently entertaining his fellow recruits. He was also known for his kind-heartedness, where he would donate his salary to charity, buy television sets and other essentials for the army base. Meanwhile, his two-year break was cautiously planned by RCA producer Steve Sholes and Colonel Parker, who continued to keep Elvis’ career thriving. In preparation, before his army service, they saw to it that Elvis recorded plenty of unreleased songs for RCA. While most songs released during his break were successful, ten songs from among his record releases were among his top 40 hits. Taking cognizance of the fact that Elvis Presley’s first four movies were hugely successful at the box office, Colonel Parker the clever and sharp businessman, was busy engrossed in negotiating for Elvis at Hollywood studios, preparing for his homecoming.

Elvis meets his future wife

Elvis Presley managed to spend his most normal life years during his army days, away from the busy life of a celebrity amidst show-business cacophony. It was in these normal army days, that Elvis would meet his future wife. 14-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu was the step daughter of Air force Captain Joseph Paul Beaulieu, who had joined the Wiesbaden Air Force Base near Friedberg in Germany. He was transferred from Texas and arrived sometime mid-August ‘59 with his wife Ann Beaulieu and children. Priscilla’s biological father James Wagner was a Navy Pilot, who met his ill fate in a plane crash, when she was an infant little baby.

Elvis, now a handsome 24-year old soldier in the army, was introduced to Priscilla by a common colleague, Currie Grant from the U.S. Air force on the evening of Sunday, 13th September 1959 at Presley’s home. Elvis was instantly charmed by this beautiful young teenager and spent his evening singing and talking to her amidst his family and friends. This extremely well-mannered boy had to initially win over her parents to assure them of his well respected intentions, and before long they began dating. So the final army months of Elvis were spent quietly with Priscilla in his own house amongst his family folks, away from prying media eyes.

When he departed from Germany on 2nd March 1960, the press captured Priscilla’s photographs at the air base, waving. Some of them appeared in ‘Life magazine’, tagged "the girl he left behind". Elvis would continue courting Priscilla for seven-and-half-years, after which, he would marry her. But for the moment, he would concentrate on reviving his career after his return home.

On his 25th birthday on 8th January 1960, Elvis received a trophy in recognition for his popularity in the game of football. It was inscribed with "Elvis Presley. Most Valuable Player. Bad Nauheim Sunday Afternoon Football Association, 1959". Elvis was aware that his army days were now drawing to an end. Then Elvis was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and was officially discharged from duties on 5th March 1960. After two days, Elvis arrived at his home in Graceland. The headlines were screaming loud "The Army's Made a New Man out of Elvis" Indeed, Elvis was now a changed man who displayed more maturity after his Army stint. The media too had made sure that Elvis was not forgotten in his absence, as he was still a famous personality. Later, at a press conference that afternoon, Elvis underplayed the news of his relationship with Priscilla and talked that he was elated to be home, in need of a break. But Colonel Parker, never the one to sit back, went right ahead arranging his next schedule.

Elvis abandons rock ‘n’ roll after Army stint

On his return to America, Elvis noticed that the music scenario had changed, where pop and ballad singers were now being chosen over controversial rock performers. Many scandals were floating about rock ‘n’ roll musicians, and their popularity was at an all time low. So Colonel Parker decided to suspend Elvis Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll career, rather than dent their reputation singing it. He now planned to promote a responsible and family-friendly Elvis Presley, by taking full advantage of the favourable media publicity.

Taking into consideration the present music trends in the early ‘60s, Elvis and Colonel designed a fresh new image and sound, which would be far away from his past controversial one. Elvis Presley’s past image as the ‘King of rock ‘n’ roll’ had now given way to his new, matured reflection as a ‘pop’ singer, and his long ducktail hair too was done with. Thoughtfully and methodically, they designed their campaign around Presley’s new changed persona utilising diverse media channels. Then, Colonel Parker also targeted the Elvis Presley collectibles and merchandise towards a wider audience than just teenagers. This image makeover was a right career decision at this point, which promoted a positive and responsible image of Elvis that also attracted a wider audience appeal. Besides, it also seemed beneficial from the financial point of view, given that this non-controversial representation would extensively endorse his pop songs as well as his forthcoming movies. Thus the intended change was a calculated and conscious attempt to avoid any kind of uproar.

‘Elvis Is Back’ signals Elvis’ comeback

Two weeks after his return from Germany, Elvis Presley’s first RCA recording session was held in Nashville studios with renowned pianist Floyd Cramer, Scotty Moore the guitarist, D.J. Fontana the drummer, and the Jordanaires who provided back-up vocals. After almost two years, Elvis cut many songs for his latest unusual album ‘Elvis Is Back’, which released in April end. He was in full form in ‘Elvis Is Back’ and reaped attention even at an international level. Moreover, his music united diverse genres effortlessly, that mirrored the confidence and ripeness in his strong, refreshing voice. He now regained acceptance from a wide and diverse adult community as a conventional pop singer, re-establishing his persona. Speaking of this album which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Pop chart, John Robertson, the music historian said that it "conjured up the vision of a performer who could be all things, a flirtatious teenage idol with a heart of gold; a tempestuous, dangerous lover; a gutbucket blues singer; a sophisticated nightclub entertainer; [a] raucous rocker."

The solo track ‘Stuck on You’ that was recorded with the album, was rushed for its release and packaged without any prior orders, and it became a number one hit within three weeks. But the two songs released later are his most admired ballads recognised as his classic hits. One being ‘It's Now or Never’ and the other, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ which was certainly different from the kind of songs Elvis sang before his hiatus. Colonel Parker felt that the later song suited his image and had recommended recording it. But the surprise song that became the biggest-selling single of Elvis internationally was ‘It’s Now or Never’, which got airtime on radio stations that had never played his songs before. The Guinness Book of Recorded Sound, records that the sale of this song ‘It’s Now or Never’ are over 20 million copies. Now, the press and media too were showering praises on the mellowed down Elvis. Many fans lamented the downfall of pure rock ‘n’ roll, though most acknowledged it as his mature and stable progression.

‘The Voice’ surrenders to the new ‘King’ of pop

Frank Sinatra’s variety show on ABC-TV, Frank Sinatra Timex Special marked the re-entry of Elvis on television. This Elvis special titled "Welcome Home Elvis" aired on 12th May 1960, was recorded earlier about a month and half back, for which Colonel Parker negotiated an astonishing figure of $125,000 fee for Elvis, even before he was discharged from the army. Colonel Parker had also arranged the studio audience from Elvis Presley’s fan clubs, and hoped to introduce Elvis this time as a pop singer to a wider audience via the television medium. This show where Elvis appeared with four other guests, received an outstanding response, given that Frank Sinatra had previously rebuked Presley’s rock ‘n’ roll music.

Dressed in a conventional tuxedo with a short hairstyle, Elvis was showcasing his new changed image as a pop singer, as he appeared for six minutes singing his two latest hits, and a duet where he hums Sinatra’s ‘Witchcraft’, whilst Sinatra sings Elvis’ ‘Love Me Tender’. The past rebellious representation of Elvis was now restrained. This signified a new role in Elvis Presley’s life, where ‘the Voice of the ‘40s’ that Frank Sinatra identified with, was surrendering his position to the new ‘King’ of pop, who became ‘the Voice of the ‘60s’. Predictably, the show received mammoth viewership. But this change was not limited to singles and albums, as it would be markedly visible in his now revived Hollywood career. His new innings as an actor had already begun, where Elvis still looked forward for destiny to fulfil his dream of engaging in some worthwhile dramatic role.