Beloved as the “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley was a pivotal figure in the music industry and, to this day, is still recognized as one of the greatest performers of all time.
Elvis was born on Jan. 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His identical twin brother was delivered 35 minutes before him but did not survive. Elvis had a close relationship with his mother, Gladys Love, and remained close to her until her death in 1958.
Known for hits such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis’s music career took off with his first No. 1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel,” in 1956. He was also an actor, starring in a total of 33 films, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Hawaii,” “King Creole,” “Viva Las Vegas” and “Flaming Star.”
Elvis was drafted into the army in March 1958. After basic training, he was deployed to Germany on Oct. 1, 1958.
Cupid’s arrow struck a year later during a party Elvis hosted in Bad Nauheim, Germany. Priscilla Beaulieu – as she was known then – was a doll-faced 14-year-old angel who caught his eye.
On Mar. 2, 1960, Elvis returned to the United States. While he could leave the army behind, he couldn’t forget Priscilla. Their love affair led Priscilla to join Elvis in Graceland. After many visits, Priscilla’s parents let her move with Elvis to Tennessee in 1963, and the two tied the knot in 1967.
While Elvis tragically passed at the age of 42 on Aug. 16, 1977, his legacy lives on. Fans still can’t get enough of the performer and are quick to lap up anything new or interesting released about him, including a series of home videos of him in his younger days enjoying newlywed life with his beautiful, young bride.
Be sure to reach the end of this article to see the full video
“After we got married in May 1967, when I was 21, I got pregnant straight away. Initially, I was devastated. I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, here I am married and now I’m pregnant and I’m not going to look attractive anymore.’ It was certainly a rocky time.”
Elvis recreated her in his own image as time went on and wanted her to “match” his looks. At one point, Priscilla even called herself Elvis’ “living doll.”
Although the pair divorced in 1973, they remained friendly, raising their daughter, Lisa Marie, together. Elvis died on Aug. 16, 1977, at the age of 42, at his Memphis home of Graceland, and his funeral was held two days later.
Now, over 45 years later, Priscilla opened up to Today about their life and her thoughts on the Baz Luhrmann biopic “Elvis,” released on June 24, 2022.
“I mean what a great movie,” she said, “Baz Luhrmann I have to say is a genius, I don’t know anyone else who could’ve done this movie like he did.”
She said one of the hardest things about watching the movie was reliving Elvis’s most painful and challenging moments.
“He wanted to do movies, serious movies, and (his manager) Colonel Parker probably should have stayed a publicist. He didn’t take Elvis where he wanted to be, and that was hard because I lived it,” she added.
Despite the challenges Elvis faced as a young man, he also enjoyed life with his wife and loved ones, as some home videos have shown.
As a performer, most of what his fans get to see is usually spruced up for the camera. What is truly treasured are moments when one can see Elvis as he is without the bright lights of the stage and a microphone in hand. One example of this is a series of home movies released to the public showing Elvis happily whiling away the time with his friends, family and loved ones, including Priscilla.
In the clips, Elvis could be seen roughhousing with his friends. Later clips showed him and Priscilla basking by the beach, a lake and a pool, having a tremendous time. In one adorable shot, Priscilla was seen running up to Elvis before throwing her arms around him before they each planted a kiss on each other’s cheek. The pair looked relaxed and happy, picnicking by the water and enjoying each other’s company. They were even seen in the ocean on surfboards riding their way onto the beach.
More videos showed footage of the happy couple at what appeared to be a soiree, with Priscilla showing off a massive ring on her finger, presumably gifted from her loving husband, to friends. There were also behind-the-scenes clips of the couple at their wedding, showing the massive train of Priscilla’s wedding dress being carried by some bridesmaids while Elvis and his wedding party made their way to the venue. Clips also showed Elvis putting the ring on his betrothed at the ceremony before they kissed to seal the deal.
Lastly, a clip showed the pair introducing their young daughter being held in Priscilla’s arms as Elvis strokes her head gently.
While it’s been a long time since the King of Rock and Roll has been with us, his memories will live on forever in these beautiful images.
Wasn’t it wonderful to see Elvis enjoying life with friends and family away from the stage? Are you a fan of the legendary performer, too? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to friends and family who love Elvis as well.
