Life Story of Elvis Presley
Struggle and Resilience: The Early Life of Elvis Presley in Tupelo
Elvis Presley, the iconic figure of rock 'n' roll, was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His birthplace, a humble two-room shotgun shack, was nestled among a group of small, rough-hewn homes along Old Saltillo Road.
Born to Gladys Love Smith and Vernon Presley, Elvis was a twin, with his brother Jesse Garon Presley born 35 minutes before him, but unfortunately, Jesse was stillborn. The birth certificate issued by the state of Mississippi shows the spelling as "Aron," a commonality in rural communities during the Depression era. It is likely that "Aaron" was the intended spelling for Elvis' middle name.
The Presleys lived in a poverty-stricken area, with assorted bootleggers and prostitutes also residing there. Despite the challenging living conditions, the community and church played significant roles in the family's life, providing emotional support and musical inspiration for Elvis. The Assembly of God church and local music influences shaped Elvis' early musical interests, laying the groundwork for his career.
The Presleys' financial struggles were evident, with Vernon moving from one odd job to another and the family receiving government food assistance. In 1938, they lost their home after Vernon was jailed for altering a check, which further exacerbated their financial difficulties.
Despite these hardships, the Presleys managed to pay for Elvis' delivery with the help of welfare. The house where Elvis was born is now a tourist attraction, with a small museum, memorial chapel, gift shop, and wooded park. The house's exterior is painted, it has a swing on the front porch, and the interior has been embellished with period furniture, wallpaper, curtains, and electrical appliances.
The Presley home was built by Elvis' father, Vernon, with help from his brother Vester and father, Jessie. Vernon borrowed $180 from Orville S. Bean to construct a family home, which they moved into in December of 1934. The house was located above a highway that transported locals between Tupelo and Birmingham, Alabama.
Neighbors and friends provided Elvis' parents with diapers due to their meager resources. The house's original ceiling and roof have been replaced, but the basic structure still stands. Elvis' gravestone in the Meditation Gardens at Graceland is engraved with the spelling "Aaron."
East Tupelo, where Elvis was born, was a haven for poor sharecroppers and factory workers during the mid-1930s. The Presleys' resilience and determination in the face of economic hardship, coupled with a strong connection to their community and musical roots, set the stage for Elvis' meteoric rise to fame.
Elvis Presley's birthplace, now a tourist attraction, showcases his early life, including the community and church influences that sparked his interest in entertainment, such as the Assembly of God church and local music.
In the face of financial struggles, the Presleys, particularly Elvis, found inspiration that would later propel him into the world of celebrities and become an iconic figure of rock 'n' roll.
