Life Story of Elvis Presley
In the summer of 1958, Elvis Presley, the legendary musician, was serving in the U.S. Army. Despite his commitment to duty, his personal life was far from ordinary.
Elvis dated a few girls during this period, maintaining regular phone contact with his long-term girlfriend, Anita Wood. Meanwhile, his bond with Elisabeth Stefaniak, a girl he had briefly dated, grew stronger as she moved into the Hotel Grunewald with him and his inner circle.
Elvis's mother, Gladys Presley, was a significant influence in his life. Tragically, she passed away on August 14, 1958, from a massive heart attack at the age of 46. This loss deeply affected Elvis, marking a significant emotional shift in his life. He never had the chance to properly grieve before he was sent away soon after her passing.
The emotional toll on Elvis was profound and enduring. It is often noted that after her death, "something in him shifted," indicating a lasting impact on his mental and emotional state. Gladys Presley's health had declined during Elvis's military service, primarily due to emotional stress and possibly other health issues.
Elvis was sent to Fort Hood on August 24, 1958, and shipped out to join the 1st Medium Tank Battalion in West Germany. During his leave in June 1958, he recorded several new tracks in Nashville. He spent part of Christmas Eve helping to decorate the company's Christmas tree.
Elvis lived with his parents, grandmother, and friend during his leave, but following the arrival of cousins, he rented a house for his family. He rose every morning at 5:30, ate breakfast prepared by Dodger, and left for base by 6:30 in a black Mercedes taxi.
Elvis bonded with fellow singer Charlie Hodge during the transatlantic trip aboard the U.S.S. General Randall. He went on maneuvers at Grafenwohr and was promoted to Private First Class.
The news of Gladys Presley's death reached Elvis while he was serving in the military. He broke down several times in the days leading up to her funeral. Elvis received an outpouring of sympathy, with more than 100,000 cards, around 500 telegrams, and over 200 floral arrangements.
Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis's manager, organized a press conference when Elvis's troop train arrived in Brooklyn, New York. Elvis's life in the U.S. Army was filled with duty, loss, and enduring love, shaping him into the icon we know today.
Elvis Presley's personal life, even during his military service, was often a topic of pop-culture, with his relationship dynamics with women like Anita Wood, Elisabeth Stefaniak, and his mother, Gladys, attracting attention. The news of Gladys's death, significantly impacting Elvis emotionally, was a major event in entertainment headlines.
