Recently, we commemorated the 84th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Elvis Presley, often hailed as one of the greatest cultural icons of the 20th century. However, beneath the glittering facade of his fame lies a more complex and controversial narrative.
Elvis, born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, made an indelible mark on the cultural landscape with his music and films. Yet, not all that surrounded his persona was golden; the King harbored a darker side.
While the provocative hip movements that earned him the moniker "The Lascivious Devil" caused a stir in society, Elvis's betrayal, as depicted in the book "The Execrables Club" by Malcolm Otero and Santi Giménez, went beyond mere scandal. Described as an "unstable, megalomaniacal being" and a "traitor" to the rock and roll revolution, Elvis diluted the genre's rebellious values, transforming himself into the "perfect son-in-law" under the influence of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Elvis's career trajectory shifted when "The Colonel" entered his life. Under Parker's guidance, Elvis underwent a transformation from a rebellious figure to a conservative icon. The King's involvement in military service, appearances on conservative television programs, and Hollywood films portraying him as the "perfect son-in-law" proved immensely profitable. The book details Elvis's grueling work schedule during military leave, which led him to rely on amphetamines and cocaine to fulfill his commitments.
The book also highlights Elvis's double standards, criticizing him for his contradictory behavior despite recognizing his greatness. It delves into the famous 1970 photo with Richard Nixon, where Elvis offered to become a double agent in the fight against drugs, even gifting the President a Colt 45 with a dark historical connection to the Ku Klux Klan.
Beyond the eccentricities, darker aspects of Elvis's life are exposed. The King believed in his divine healing powers, and a disturbing episode recounts his romantic interest in Priscilla when she was just 14. The book narrates an unsettling event where Elvis proposed a horror movie marathon followed by a visit to a Memphis corpse warehouse.
The book also delves into more serious matters, such as Elvis allegedly hiring a hitman to harm Priscilla's karate teacher. Though the hitman took the money without fulfilling the contract, it triggered a sexual frenzy in Elvis, leading to extravagant orgies.
In a chilling revelation, Elvis's penchant for firearms is exposed, detailing instances where he shot at the television if displeased with the broadcast content. As we celebrate Elvis's legacy, it becomes evident that the King's life was not devoid of shadows, adding a layer of complexity to his enduring mystique.
