The Evils Surrounding Elvis

The life of Elvis Presley is one of unparalleled fame and fortune, as well as unrelenting scrutiny and pressure that ultimately led to his downfall. Elvis's rise to stardom began in the early 1950s when he recorded his first single, "That's All Right," which was released in 1954. However, despite his humble beginnings, Elvis quickly rose to fame and became known as the King of Rock 'n' Roll. As his career took off, Elvis found himself surrounded by yes-men and sycophants who often manipulated him for their own gain. Elvis's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played a significant role in shaping Elvis's career, often dictating what Elvis could and couldn't do, who he could and couldn't see, and what he could and couldn't say. This intense scrutiny and micromanagement, coupled with the constant presence of the press and fans, led to a sense of isolation and loneliness that Elvis began to feel. Despite this, Elvis was a kind and caring person who was deeply loved by those around him. His friends, such as Priscilla Presley and Lamar Fike, were fiercely loyal and protective of him, and Elvis reciprocated their devotion with generosity and kindness. However, some of those closest to him, such as his friend and fellow musician Scotty Moore, began to feel taken advantage of by Elvis's entourage and felt that Elvis was not taking care of himself as he should be. As the years went by, Elvis's behavior became increasingly erratic. He began to withdraw from public view, citing fatigue and depression, but many suspected that the real reason was the pressure and stress of his fame. Elvis's relationships with women, particularly his marriage to Priscilla, became strained, and his behavior became more erratic and unpredictable. However, it was the influence of those around him that really started to shape his life. Colonel Parker played heavily upon Elvis's desire for fame and riches, using these desires to motivate and encourage him to make decisions that ultimately led to his downfall. Parker, an immigrant himself, had a complex relationship with Elvis and exploited his star client's insecurities and vulnerabilities, often taking advantage of him financially. This led to a deep-seated resentment within Elvis towards Parker, feeling that he had been used for the Colonel's gain. However, Elvis's problems weren't limited to those around him. His own sense of purpose and identity became increasingly muddled, as he struggled to reconcile his desire for fame and fortune with his own values and sense of self. His relationship with his family, particularly his parents and stepbrother, was also complicated, and Elvis often felt pressure to conform to societal expectations and norms. One of the most significant relationships in Elvis's life was with Ann-Margret, who met Elvis in 1964 after she had been cast in the film Viva Las Vegas. The two quickly became close, with Elvis opening up to Ann-Margret in ways that he never had with anyone else. Ann-Margret was fascinated by Elvis's complexity and depth, and recognized the vulnerability and insecurity that lay beneath his confident exterior. However, this relationship was also complicated by the presence of his wife, Priscilla, and the societal expectations that came with being married to the King of Rock 'n' Roll. As the 1960s drew to a close, Elvis's life was marked by increasing decline and chaos. His health was poor, and he was plagued by a multitude of physical and mental health problems. His relationships with those around him were strained and toxic, and he felt increasingly trapped by his fame and fortune. Ultimately, Elvis's life ended in tragic circumstances. He was a complex and multifaceted character, driven by both a desire for fame and fortune, and a deep-seated need for connection and love. Though his legacy is complex and multifaceted, it is clear that the pressures and pressures of fame ultimately took their toll on this brilliant and talented musician, leaving behind a legacy of both brilliance and sorrow.