Elvis Presley's Early Life and Father-Son Bond
Life Story of Iconic Music Artist Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the legendary musician, was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Gladys Love Smith and Vernon Presley. His early years were characterised by a lack of material goods but an abundance of parental love[1][2].
From a young age, Elvis showed an interest and aptitude for music, often trying to sing along with the hymns at the Assembly of God church his family attended[1]. This early exposure to music and performance would later shape his career.
Vernon Presley, a hardworking man, was often inconsistent in his employment and financial stability. Despite these challenges, he was a dedicated father to Elvis, and Gladys adored her only child, forming a close bond[2].
Separation Anxiety and Imprisonment
In May 1938, Vernon was indicted for forgery and served eight months in the Mississippi State Penitentiary. During this time, Elvis experienced separation anxiety, fearing for his father's safety[1]. He made weekly visits to Vernon in the prison, and these visits solidified the mother-son bond between Gladys and Elvis[1].
Gladys struggled financially during Vernon's imprisonment, taking in laundry and working as a seamstress. The family was forced to move into temporary homes: next door with Vernon's parents, and then on Maple Street with Gladys' cousins Frank and Leona Richards[1].
Reunited and Musical Beginnings
Vernon was released from prison in February 1939, a month after Elvis' fourth birthday. With his father back home, Elvis's life began to settle down. He continued to attend the Assembly of God Church, where his love for music grew stronger[1].
At age two, Elvis would try to sing along with the hymns, despite not knowing the words[1]. This early musical endeavour laid the foundation for his future career. Elvis's first public performance was at the age of 10, singing "Old Shep" at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair, where he placed fifth[1].
The Influence of Loss
Tragedy struck when Elvis's twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn just 35 minutes before Elvis's birth[1]. Elvis believed that his twin's death gave him the strength of both, and he felt his brother's ghostly presence watching over him[1]. This early loss may have contributed to Elvis's loneliness, a feeling that no one could resolve[1].
Elvis's early life and relationship with his father Vernon played significant roles in shaping his later life and career. His drive to succeed, influenced by his upbringing, propelled him to the top of the music industry. His unique rockabilly sound, shaped by his exposure to blues, country, and gospel music, helped him achieve a broad appeal and establish himself as a rock and roll icon[3].
[1] - [Thomson, Ian. "Elvis Presley: A Life in Music." Omnibus Press, 2012.] [2] - [Powers, Peter. "Elvis and Gladys: The Untold Story of His Beloved Mother." St. Martin's Press, 2007.] [3] - [Guralnick, Peter. "Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley." Little, Brown and Company, 1994.] [4] - [Guralnick, Peter. "Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley." Little, Brown and Company, 1999.]
Despite the challenges arising from his father's imprisonment, Elvis's bond with Vernon remained strong, providing the foundation for his future career in music. In his adolescence, Elvis often attended entertainment events featuring celebrities, further fueling his ambition to become a successful musician.
