Why did Elvis need people around him?

[MissyM]

Elvis always needed people around him. He didn't like to be alone. Even if he was alone upstairs, he knew there were people downstairs. And he did not like to sleep alone so it is said. But I've never really figured out why that was. Any ideas???

[Burning_Love]

Perhaps because he was an only child. It's hard, i hear people saying how they do wish how they had brotheres and sisters. I could be wrong. It's just my opinion :D

[MissyM]

Hmm, well that's a good point.

[Burning_Love]

Like, i have a brother, 25, and a sister, 22, and i am always alone, as they are much older. And i have to have people with me. I can't stand being alone. And plus, i have a lack of confidence. And don't forget, inside Elvis was a shy man. And i am only confident round those i know.

[ksimms2]

I agree Danielle, I think it was a confidence thing with Elvis - plus I think he was so used to sleeping with his mom, etc. that he missed that closeness.....even though Elvis was the most beloved person in the world and we all worship him - he himself was very unsure of himself and always needed reassuring.......like a little boy......doesn't that just make you want to hug him to pieces???? aawwwwww.......:)

[utmom2008]

I think at heart he was probably a very lonely man, loved by millions yes, but lonely just the same. I have read before that when one twin dies, the other twin often feels a void the rest of their life even though they didn't know their twin. Remember the Memphis paper headline?? "A Lonely Life Ends On Elvis Presley Blvd." I always thought that was the saddest of all the "sensational" headlines on the morning of the 17th:'(:'(

[Merry]

Actually, if you read Epicurus, in my opinion, one of the Great Philosophers, to have friends around you, especially living with you, if you have a lot of room, is one of the main keys, to happiness. There was an Epicurun Commune, which is still around. They had a block wall, (now fallen) with the "Keys to Happiness" engraved in red on it, for all to see.

Elvis is very intelligent, before his time, he also came from a family, who embraced everyone, who were kind to everyone, who helped people. There is a lot to learn about kindness, from Mrs Presley, and Elvis.

Not a big stretch, to me, for Elvis to think that way (or something he naturally knew). Remember the videos of the fun they had, the stories. (y):D. It pretty much worked (y)

Kim

[LovesElvis]

He also had problems with sleepwalking that started when he was young....maybe he also wanted someone to be around to keep him from harming himself??

[Diane]

I think it was probably loneliness and insecurity but I also think he was used to having a lot of people around especially relatives when growing up.


Diane

[cameron]

I've read several articles just lately about the "absent twin" thing.
That could be a part of it.
When I first started watching Elvis so closely a few years ago; I felt he was a very nervous insecure person. I don't know what caused him to be that way, I just feel that he was.

His dad was taken to jail when he was 3 years old.Appears they really had no stable home as they lived where ever they could while in Tupelo.
I'm aware he walked in his sleep; as did Vernon and Gladys. {so it's been written}
I also read that Gladys sent his cousin to watch him when he first went out on the road.
He was supposed to sleep with him so he could be sure Elvis didn't walk in his sleep and get hurt. Perhaps all of this in his early life just made him more insecure and he needed to feel someone close to him to be able to sleep.

[TLC67]

I think at heart he was probably a very lonely man, loved by millions yes, but lonely just the same. I have read before that when one twin dies, the other twin often feels a void the rest of their life even though they didn't know their twin. Remember the Memphis paper headline?? "A Lonely Life Ends On Elvis Presley Blvd." I always thought that was the saddest of all the "sensational" headlines on the morning of the 17th:'(:'(

The twin thing is true. I have a friend whose twin was stillborn and says she always feels like something is missing and nothing she tries has been able to fill the void. She is a very outgoing, pretty, and loveable person, but so sad inside.

[Suzan]

I think it was probably loneliness and insecurity but I also think he was used to having a lot of people around especially relatives when growing up.


Diane

I agree w/that.:D
I to don't like to be alone and if asked why I've no idea, I don't know where it stems from, but I don't like it, I need people around me...and if I don't have people around me I have the TV on 24/7.

I think to perhaps he needed the security of knowing should he need anything, someone was there.

Missy could you ask Billy and see what he says about this? I know he mentioned that he and Jo would sleep w/Elvis in his bed, even in the last years, maybe he's got some insight into this???? It would be fantastic to know his take on it...if he's willing to share that? Thankie (y):D

[riley]

It must have been odd to have Elvis in your bed as a couple....
a sign to me that Elvis really felt very very lonley and into a deep depression.

What a paradoxh...
Loved, worshipped by millions, but left alone and feeling awful lonley...

When you come to think of it, that's the way he died too. Completely alone...


Sad, because he sure was a guy who deserved so much better.

[Suzan]

It must have been odd to have Elvis in your bed as a couple....
a sign to me that Elvis really felt very very lonley and into a deep depression.

What a paradoxh...
Loved, worshipped by millions, but left alone and feeling awful lonley...

When you come to think of it, that's the way he died too. Completely alone...


Sad, because he sure was a guy who deserved so much better.

You stated that beautifully!(y)
Your right, it is sad...he had everything, yet really had nothing in the end.:( And yes for a man who was worshipped by millions, he was lonely, alone and died alone.:( Makes me sad just thinking about it.

Him sleeping in their bed also shows a lot of trust and a lot of love...you'd have to love someone an awful lot to allow that.

[riley]

true Suzana

[Suzan]

true Suzana

Thanks but you said it so much better. :)

I wonder if near the end, if he wanted all those people there? I've heard that he wasn't crazy about some of the new or younger one's around him, that he missed Joe and Jerry and some of the others, excluding Billy from this, to me Billy is in a whole different category.

[presley31]

The twin thing is true. I have a friend whose twin was stillborn and says she always feels like something is missing and nothing she tries has been able to fill the void. She is a very outgoing, pretty, and loveable person, but so sad inside.

yep l agree with you(y)

[MissyM]

I'll see if I can ask Billy. But I also want to go back a bit here. When they were all very young they lived in tiny houses. Families were often living togeather in those tiny houses. Kids stacked up in one room. We have a home video of Travis and Lorraines house, and it was so small and so many people living there. Travis was real sick at the time and everyone is visiting him in this tiny bedroom. It was the poverty that forced it. Also families moved togeather. When Gladys and Vernon moved to Memphis, the whole family did. My husbands family, Travis, Johnny, all of them. So families were very connected because of the need to support and survive. Since I posted this obviously I've given it more thought. So I'm thinking along the lines of familiarity. That familiarity seems to what comforted Elvis a lot. Another thing that gives me a clue to it is, when ever someone went somewhere they would all pack up in a car and go. I'm sure it started out because not everyone could afford a car. But look at how Elvis still acted that out. I think in many ways Elvis acted out many of the things that may have no longer been necessary, but on the other hand, a habit. (something he was used to an brought him comfort)
Oh and onother thing that is sort of off topic is this. They always had others living with them. They would take each other in if they were down on their luck or needed a place to stay. Southern to the bone so to speak. It was just their way. So again, I really think if people go back to Elvis's beginnings, there are tons of clues there.

[cameron]

It must have been odd to have Elvis in your bed as a couple....
a sign to me that Elvis really felt very very lonley and into a deep depression.

What a paradoxh...
Loved, worshipped by millions, but left alone and feeling awful lonley...

When you come to think of it, that's the way he died too. Completely alone...


Sad, because he sure was a guy who deserved so much better.

IMO, and my own experiences. There comes a time when the jealously and pettiness finally has to come to a halt !!
He was loved by millions ,but understood by few.
It was way past time to kick them all out ;which left him alone to us watching. I can only hope he discovered the love just for him as a human being, the man. I think he was beginning to understand that. It seemed to be what he was looking for. He needed the closeness and warmth of a love like that. He just picked the wrong people in his youthful inexperience
I'm not talking about his physical age either.

[MissyM]

I guess this is where we will not agree. There are reasons Elvis needed each person HE chose to have close to him. If it was his need, then I do not question it. Somewhere there was something in each person that Elvis found comfort in having around. It was his life, his choice. You know, the outside world could be one of the cruelest places for Elvis. There were bound to be problems when you put that many people in so close a situation. But it is not like Elvis wasn't used to that. We can all stay that Elvis was wrong for having whoever he did have near him, but to me it is like saying he was stupid. I think he did what he needed to do and I won't knock his right to do so.

[presley31]

IMO, and my own experiences. There comes a time when the jealously and pettiness finally has to come to a halt !!
He was loved by millions ,but understood by few.
It was way past time to kick them all out ;which left him alone to us watching. I can only hope he discovered the love just for him as a human being, the man. I think he was beginning to understand that. It seemed to be what he was looking for. He needed the closeness and warmth of a love like that. He just picked the wrong people in his youthful inexperience
I'm not talking about his physical age either.

l agree cameron(y)

[cameron]

I guess this is where we will not agree. There are reasons Elvis needed each person HE chose to have close to him. If it was his need, then I do not question it. Somewhere there was something in each person that Elvis found comfort in having around. It was his life, his choice. You know, the outside world could be one of the cruelest places for Elvis. There were bound to be problems when you put that many people in so close a situation. But it is not like Elvis wasn't used to that. We can all stay that Elvis was wrong for having whoever he did have near him, but to me it is like saying he was stupid. I think he did what he needed to do and I won't knock his right to do so.
Contrary to what you think I said .It wasn't meant that way in the least. He needed love and acceptance ,just as we all do. It's only my opinion that he picked the wrong people to give him that.
That doesn't make him stupid; only inexperienced in the friends he chose. Most of us change our opinions and friends from our twenties as we go into our fourties. Life changes us. He just found it hard to change friends as he was used to taking care of them .

[riley]

true Missy.

The people were there because he wanted them there at that moment.

I realise that Elvis had not really an outside world...

I mean he couldn't go out easily and meet lots of new people either.

It was a bit living in a bubble not by own choice but by fame.

[presley31]

[/B]
Contrary to what you think I said .It wasn't meant that way in the least. He needed love and acceptance ,just as we all do. It's only my opinion that he picked the wrong people to give him that.
That doesn't make him stupid; only inexperienced in the friends he chose. Most of us change our opinions and friends from our twenties as we go into our fourties. Life changes us. He just found it hard to change friends as he was used to taking care of them .

I agree
I changed my friends when l become 20, and moved on without them, Best move l ever did(y)(y)

[MissyM]

Elvis was used to them taking care of him too. I don't think that the "changing of the guards" so to speak, would have been easy on Elvis. I meant to generalize about the "stupid" comment, because sometimes I find there is a fine line between somethings people say, and coming outright and saying Elvis was foolish. Sorry if I offended Cameron.

[SleepyJack]

I guess that the decisions and choices that Elvis made were the the ones that he saw as the best he could make at the time, which is pretty much as good as any of us can do. Even reading about his loneliness and all the reasons for it makes my heart break for him....It is too late now to change any of it...but he deserved so much better. All I will say is that I hope that all of you out there have love and friends and companionship all around you....we have a lot to be thankful for.

[Diane]

Beautiful post Jack, very sensitive and caring. No doubt you're surrounded with loving people.(y)

Diane

[ms_epblvd]

Has nothing to do with the only child thing. I am an only child and dont feel alone for not having bros or siss. I still have friends and family. I think he needed people around him because he was a very insecure person. He always needed approval or praise that what he was doing was good. And of course he always got that praise from the people around him. It was just unfortunate that some of them around him were riding the band wagon of Elvis' success and not a true friend.

[riley]

quote Sleepyjak

I guess that the decisions and choices that Elvis made were the the ones that he saw as the best he could make at the time, which is pretty much as good as any of us can do. Even reading about his loneliness and all the reasons for it makes my heart break for him....It is too late now to change any of it...but he deserved so much better.



end quote


(y)(y):hug:

[JDD]

I think the twinless twin thing some of you mentioned had something to do with it. I also think that a lot of it was he was so convinced he couldn't be normal, and walk down the street that they became his link to the outside world. None of us know for sure, but I think it was more "Need" then "want" as to why he always had the entourage around . It would drive me crazy having them there all the time but then my brother is exactly the same, he Needs people with him all the time .

[jak]

His own insecurity is the best possible reason.Elvis got to create his own world to live in.He wrapped himself up in a cocoon almost.He had complete control over everything in it.Elvis didnt have much of chance to see what leading a normal life was like before he had the ability to basically create his own world to live in.He could play cops and robbers with real badges and guns or rent entire amusent parks or theatres.He never had to grow up and I dont think he ever really did.H ekept the real world at arm's length.
Jak

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Elvis' need for closeness probably stemmed from his mother, she obsessed over her son, this was probably due to the fact that Jessie Garon died at birth, this closeness would have transferred to her son. Then Elvis' fame created a unique bond that Gladys felt the need to protect and coddle her son.

Eventually Elvis transferred that devotion to his small knit community, unfortunately this environment stagnated and was unable to nourish Elvis' enquiring mind, but Elvis was an extremely loyal friend and this small microcosm of friends which lacked an influx of new blood lead to the isolation that eventually engulfed him

[Getlo]

unfortunately this environment stagnated and was unable to nourish Elvis' enquiring mind

Nor the minds of any of the others, I would imagine.


friends he chose .

This really is beyond the pale.

So, he chose the wrong friends, did he?

Men who stood by him for 20 years. Men who covered up his indiscretions. Men who neglected their own lives to look after him. Men who stayed with him night after night, enjoying the pleasures of life with him. Men who spent countless hours talking with him, building up is confidences when he was feeling down about himself. Men who were part of the Elvis Presley on Tour machine year after year.

Why ... why ... why on earth are people so blinkered as to condemn some members of the MM for one book ... one bad moment in 20 years of friendship? Two decades of love, kinship, mateship ... and family. Yes, it went wrong in the end, but so what?

THEY TOLD THE TRUTH, as distateful as that may be to some fans. There's not one thing that the MM have written that was an outright faleshood.

Yeah, Elvis chose bad friends, alright. We should all be as lucky to have people as devoted to us as the MM was to Elvis Presley.

And had he lived, Elvis would have forgiven them, and they'd have been taken back into the fold.

[cameron]

Elvis' need for closeness probably stemmed from his mother, she obsessed over her son, this was probably due to the fact that Jessie Garon died at birth, this closeness would have transferred to her son. Then Elvis' fame created a unique bond that Gladys felt the need to protect and coddle her son.

Eventually Elvis transferred that devotion to his small knit community, unfortunately this environment stagnated and was unable to nourish Elvis' enquiring mind, but Elvis was an extremely loyal friend and this small microcosm of friends which lacked an influx of new blood lead to the isolation that eventually engulfed him

I agree with much of what you say. Especially your second paragraph.
However ,after reading Elvis and Gladys , it appears Elvis wasn't as over-protected as we've been led to believe . I enjoyed that book more than any that's come before or after .

[Suzan]

I guess that the decisions and choices that Elvis made were the the ones that he saw as the best he could make at the time, which is pretty much as good as any of us can do. Even reading about his loneliness and all the reasons for it makes my heart break for him....It is too late now to change any of it...but he deserved so much better. All I will say is that I hope that all of you out there have love and friends and companionship all around you....we have a lot to be thankful for.

(y)(y) beautifully said.

[Suzan]

I'll see if I can ask Billy. But I also want to go back a bit here. When they were all very young they lived in tiny houses. Families were often living togeather in those tiny houses. Kids stacked up in one room. We have a home video of Travis and Lorraines house, and it was so small and so many people living there. Travis was real sick at the time and everyone is visiting him in this tiny bedroom. It was the poverty that forced it. Also families moved togeather. When Gladys and Vernon moved to Memphis, the whole family did. My husbands family, Travis, Johnny, all of them. So families were very connected because of the need to support and survive. Since I posted this obviously I've given it more thought. So I'm thinking along the lines of familiarity. That familiarity seems to what comforted Elvis a lot. Another thing that gives me a clue to it is, when ever someone went somewhere they would all pack up in a car and go. I'm sure it started out because not everyone could afford a car. But look at how Elvis still acted that out. I think in many ways Elvis acted out many of the things that may have no longer been necessary, but on the other hand, a habit. (something he was used to an brought him comfort)
Oh and onother thing that is sort of off topic is this. They always had others living with them. They would take each other in if they were down on their luck or needed a place to stay. Southern to the bone so to speak. It was just their way. So again, I really think if people go back to Elvis's beginnings, there are tons of clues there.

Thank you Missy, I would love to hear, if he chooses to say, what Billy has to say on this, as he was the closest to Elvis and Elvis loved him very much. I wish that Billy had not had to go thru what he did after Elvis passing, I often wonder what in the world Vernon was thinking??????
Yeah that is very true in all you said, I remember, when I was way younger, hearing on a documentary how when the Presley's moved from Tupelo to Memphis, Billy, Gene and their parents also moved and how close Vernon & Billy's dad were (which again makes me wonder what in the world possessed Vernon to treat Billy in such a horrid fashion after Elvis passing?), but anyway, I often thought since then that maybe it was that sense of family, and having grown up w/always having someone around that made him continue that, like you said, a sense of comfort, something from his pre-fame days that gave him a sense of security and normalcy that he'd know prior to the adulation? And perhaps him crawling into bed w/Billy and Jo was his way of reliving those pre fame days as well, w/Billy as kids?
I hope that Billy and Jo, on a sidenote, are doing well, I've always held Billy in a different category then the other's around Elvis, plus he comes across in interviews so dang sweet and you can FEEL the love he's still got for Elvis, IMO.
I wish that Elvis had not felt so alone...it makes me sad to think that a man who gave so much, who was so beautiful thru and thru had to endure that.

[Suzan]

I guess this is where we will not agree. There are reasons Elvis needed each person HE chose to have close to him. If it was his need, then I do not question it. Somewhere there was something in each person that Elvis found comfort in having around. It was his life, his choice. You know, the outside world could be one of the cruelest places for Elvis. There were bound to be problems when you put that many people in so close a situation. But it is not like Elvis wasn't used to that. We can all stay that Elvis was wrong for having whoever he did have near him, but to me it is like saying he was stupid. I think he did what he needed to do and I won't knock his right to do so.

I agree...wholeheartedly...Elvis was far from stupid, I get so miffed when someone in the media alludes to that...and it was his life.
Shoot on my forum, and here as well, look at all the personalities, and conflicts time to time...anytime, anyplace, you have a large number of people, differences arises....it's normal, human nature. I think so anyway. LOL :D

[Suzan]

So, he chose the wrong friends, did he?

Men who stood by him for 20 years. Men who covered up his indiscretions. Men who neglected their own lives to look after him. Men who stayed with him night after night, enjoying the pleasures of life with him. Men who spent countless hours talking with him, building up is confidences when he was feeling down about himself. Men who were part of the Elvis Presley on Tour machine year after year.

Why ... why ... why on earth are people so blinkered as to condemn some members of the MM for one book ... one bad moment in 20 years of friendship? Two decades of love, kinship, mateship ... and family. Yes, it went wrong in the end, but so what?

THEY TOLD THE TRUTH, as distateful as that may be to some fans. There's not one thing that the MM have written that was an outright faleshood.

Yeah, Elvis chose bad friends, alright. We should all be as lucky to have people as devoted to us as the MM was to Elvis Presley.

And had he lived, Elvis would have forgiven them, and they'd have been taken back into the fold.

I dont think that way about the MM w/an exception of one, but that's neither here nor there, I took it that she was saying that Elvis had the right to chose his friends and that maybe in the end he realised it wasn't the right choice, but by the end they were gone, Joe was in CA, as was Jerry, Lamar was in Nashville, Sonny & Red & Hebler had been let go, only the Stanley boys and some new guys remained, and very very few of the "old timers" and I posted ? that said that Elvis missed the original core group....I thought she was replying to that????

[cameron]

I think the twinless twin thing some of you mentioned had something to do with it. I also think that a lot of it was he was so convinced he couldn't be normal, and walk down the street that they became his link to the outside world. None of us know for sure, but I think it was more "Need" then "want" as to why he always had the entourage around . It would drive me crazy having them there all the time but then my brother is exactly the same, he Needs people with him all the time .

I don't believe any of us can know anyone completely. Even a husband and wife.
It would drive me crazy as well to have someone around all the time.
I have one daughter like that. The rest of us seem to enjoy our "alone time."
IMO, one has to be comfortable with oneself to enjoy ones own company .;)

[MissyM]

Elvis did enjoy his alone time but he always had people there "in case". I always hesitate to speak up about the fans, but they had a huge impact on Elvis's life. He was reclusive in many ways because he had no choice.

[cameron]

Elvis did enjoy his alone time but he always had people there "in case". I always hesitate to speak up about the fans, but they had a huge impact on Elvis's life. He was reclusive in many ways because he had no choice.
I agree, Missy. It must have been hard to get any "alone time:" without going to his room and locking himself in. Especially when he enjoyed reading so much.

[Dorothy]

I agree Missy.....the fans that loved him and that he loved were responsible for his having to stay in his homes. There must have been times when he wanted to scream at all us fans.....Leave me alone!!! But he wouldn't have done that.

We all loved him so much , we forced him into being reclusive. Weird....

He couldn't leave his house.....cause we wanted him!! We were waiting....everywhere!!

[Unchained Melody]

Elvis imo just wanted to keep his friends that were around him before the fame hit there with him after..so he knew who was really there for him and not there just to see what they can get from him so to speak.

I do belive Elvis cared for them deeply, and felt the need to take them in and make sure they were taken care of despite the fact they were grown men who should've done this themselves. But to me Elvis and most of the guys had a strong bond.

[LovesElvis]

I think that to boil it down to one reason is too simplistic for anyone. It's my opinion that all of us human beings are so complex that it's really hard for any of us to explain why we are who we are or why we do what we do in one sentence.

Probably everybody on here is right in some way or another.

Back to the twin issue, though, I am a nursery nurse and I see over and over that twins do not like to be separated. Put them in two separate cribs and they will cry and scream and nothing consoles them; put them in the same crib and they sleep like little angels. Almost seems like they comfort one another just being together. I can't imagine that losing a twin, even in infancy, would have absolutely no effect on a person.

[presley31]

I think that to boil it down to one reason is too simplistic for anyone. It's my opinion that all of us human beings are so complex that it's really hard for any of us to explain why we are who we are or why we do what we do in one sentence.

Probably everybody on here is right in some way or another.

Back to the twin issue, though, I am a nursery nurse and I see over and over that twins do not like to be separated. Put them in two separate cribs and they will cry and scream and nothing consoles them; put them in the same crib and they sleep like little angels. Almost seems like they comfort one another just being together. I can't imagine that losing a twin, even in infancy, would have absolutely no effect on a person.

I agree
I have heard that twins did that stuff but never really seen it myself.

[Getlo]

I think the twin thing about Elvis has been exaggerated, and has been made an excuse by many fans for some of his behaviour.

I'm sure he would have liked to have had his twin brother with him to share in his success or whatever, but I honestly believe Elvis devoted very little of his time thinking about Jessie Garon, even slightly.

I just don't believe it was ever an issue with him.

Elvis never lost his twin because he never had him in the first place.

[cameron]

I think that to boil it down to one reason is too simplistic for anyone. It's my opinion that all of us human beings are so complex that it's really hard for any of us to explain why we are who we are or why we do what we do in one sentence.

Probably everybody on here is right in some way or another.

Back to the twin issue, though, I am a nursery nurse and I see over and over that twins do not like to be separated. Put them in two separate cribs and they will cry and scream and nothing consoles them; put them in the same crib and they sleep like little angels. Almost seems like they comfort one another just being together. I can't imagine that losing a twin, even in infancy, would have absolutely no effect on a person.
I agree with you. (y)

[Diane]

I'd like to test that twins in the nursery theory by putting another strange child with a twin to see if they derived the same comfort...just for having another warm little body next to them.

I have known several sets of twins though and all but one set seemed to have a very special bond. I've also heard first hand from one who lost a twin at birth and one who's twin was naturally aborted during the pregnancy that they feel a sense of not being whole.

That could have been the case with Elvis but I don't believe it was that big of an issue for him as has been made out and I don't feel it had any bearing on why his life turned out the way it did.

Diane

[presley31]

I'd like to test that twins in the nursery theory by putting another strange child with a twin to see if they derived the same comfort...just for having another warm little body next to them.

I have known several sets of twins though and all but one set seemed to have a very special bond. I've also heard first hand from one who lost a twin at birth and one who's twin was naturally aborted during the pregnancy that they feel a sense of not being whole.

That could have been the case with Elvis but I don't believe it was that big of an issue for him as has been made out and I don't feel it had any bearing on why his life turned out the way it did.

Diane

l agree diane(y)

[KPM]

I think the twin thing about Elvis has been exaggerated, and has been made an excuse by many fans for some of his behaviour.

I'm sure he would have liked to have had his twin brother with him to share in his success or whatever, but I honestly believe Elvis devoted very little of his time thinking about Jessie Garon, even slightly.

I just don't believe it was ever an issue with him.

Elvis never lost his twin because he never had him in the first place.
I wonder how much Gladys talked about the loss of the twin to Elvis? If she spoke of it often, it might have had an influence on how Elvis perceived it.

[LovesElvis]

I'd like to test that twins in the nursery theory by putting another strange child with a twin to see if they derived the same comfort...just for having another warm little body next to them.

That could have been the case with Elvis but I don't believe it was that big of an issue for him as has been made out and I don't feel it had any bearing on why his life turned out the way it did.

Oh, I didn't mean to suggest that the loss of his twin was the whole reason for Elvis' being who and how he was. I just meant that it's worth thinking about that it could have played a part, however big or small.

That would be an interesting theory to test with the twins, but too much possibility for mixing up babies, even with all the safeguards we have!! I would be willing to bet, however, that they'd do better with brother or sister than some random baby. Newborns know much more than we sometimes give them credit for....they can identify and prefer their mom just by smelling 'her' smell. I'd imagine the same would be true for a twin. Just a theory.

Sorry that last paragraph was OT.

[KPM]

I'd like to test that twins in the nursery theory by putting another strange child with a twin to see if they derived the same comfort...just for having another warm little body next to them.

I have known several sets of twins though and all but one set seemed to have a very special bond. I've also heard first hand from one who lost a twin at birth and one who's twin was naturally aborted during the pregnancy that they feel a sense of not being whole.

That could have been the case with Elvis but I don't believe it was that big of an issue for him as has been made out and I don't feel it had any bearing on why his life turned out the way it did.

Diane
I saw a report on Discovery channel on twins and they reported on a set of twins who were separated at birth and adopted by different familys. The parallels in their lives were amazing, how they wore their hair, their fashion style the guys they married, the names for their kids-it was uncanny. So there is some evidence to point out the bond of twins-even when raised separate.

[Diane]

I saw that same report KPM and I do believe it's true and that there is definitely a special link between twins...I've seen it for myself with twin friends I grew up with.

I do also believe you may be right LovesElvis that the baby might be more comforted by having it's twin in the crib but would still possibly also be comforted by having another baby as well...not as much maybe...but just to have that warmth next to it.

I know that you didn't mean that the loss of Elvis' twin was the cause of all his problems...sorry, I must have worded something wrong.

I think KPM is probably the closest to what happened there with Gladys influencing Elvis with her going a bit overboard about the loss of his brother. Still think she suffered from post-partum depression that never completely disappeared.

Diane

[LovesElvis]

I know that you didn't mean that the loss of Elvis' twin was the cause of all his problems...sorry, I must have worded something wrong.

I think KPM is probably the closest to what happened there with Gladys influencing Elvis with her going a bit overboard about the loss of his brother. Still think she suffered from post-partum depression that never completely disappeared.


Oh, you didn't word anything wrong, Diane! I was just clarifying what I had said...:)

And, I think you are onto something about Gladys' having postpartum depression. Who wouldn't, after that? Edited to add: I work in the field, and it's been well-documented that infants/children of mothers who have untreated postpartum depression often (not always) go on to have issues well past infancy. Who knows??

[Unchained Melody]

I wonder how much Gladys talked about the loss of the twin to Elvis? If she spoke of it often, it might have had an influence on how Elvis perceived it.

I wonder the same thing KPM:hmm:

I know that in "Elvis" starring Kurt Russell they plaed out it out like Jesse Garon had alot to do with Elvis like how Elvis would talk to his brother when he was a kid.

I also recall hearing a story can't really point out where, but Elvis had a dream that he was onstage and all of a sudden he saw Jesse and Elvis felt guilty because the spotlight was all on him. Some deep, interesting stuff imo.

[rhythmknights]

I saw that same report KPM and I do believe it's true and that there is definitely a special link between twins...I've seen it for myself with twin friends I grew up with.

Diane

I've heard this about twins and i don't doubt it. nana says my twin uncles were always very close, they didn't like being separated ever. it wasn't a matter of wanting any old warm body, they wanted a familiar warm body. she said it was rough when they started school, because they were put in separate rooms but they kept trying to find each other all day.
back to Elvis, he didn't ever spend much time alone. as stated, his family was always together & in cramped quarters, it was probably just a matter of familiar comforts.
i can understand it, i hate being alone, too. if i find myself alone i have to call someone or go to a friends. Mom on the other hand doesn't mind it at all, she will go to dinner and a movie by herself if dad doesn't want to see the same movie she does. I could NEVER do that!

[utmom2008]

I'd like to test that twins in the nursery theory by putting another strange child with a twin to see if they derived the same comfort...just for having another warm little body next to them.

I have known several sets of twins though and all but one set seemed to have a very special bond. I've also heard first hand from one who lost a twin at birth and one who's twin was naturally aborted during the pregnancy that they feel a sense of not being whole.

That could have been the case with Elvis but I don't believe it was that big of an issue for him as has been made out and I don't feel it had any bearing on why his life turned out the way it did.

Diane
I have twin nephews that had a unique bond from the start. There is a sonogram picture of them holding hands in utero. Unless some of us have lost a twin at birth we have no idea if Elvis gave Jesse alot of thought or none at all. We can all read every book and such, but NONE of us can say what Elvis's mind was thinking about........

[Suzan]

I have twin nephews that had a unique bond from the start. There is a sonogram picture of them holding hands in utero. Unless some of us have lost a twin at birth we have no idea if Elvis gave Jesse alot of thought or none at all. We can all read every book and such, but NONE of us can say what Elvis's mind was thinking about........

(y)
Once again so well worded!
I also agree w/Getlo that too much was given to the twin thing, in that I don't think Elvis dwelt on it as often as has been said. Not to say he didn't think about it, etc...but not like some have claimed.
I remember watching (I think Quantum Leap?) and they portrayed a character that was supposed to be Elvis and if I remember correctly, his twin it was interesting the twist they put on it.
I think to if you grow up w/your twin it's quite different then never having known them. IMO

[utmom2008]

(y)
Once again so well worded!
I also agree w/Getlo that too much was given to the twin thing, in that I don't think Elvis dwelt on it as often as has been said. Not to say he didn't think about it, etc...but not like some have claimed.
I remember watching (I think Quantum Leap?) and they portrayed a character that was supposed to be Elvis and if I remember correctly, his twin it was interesting the twist they put on it.
I think to if you grow up w/your twin it's quite different then never having known them. IMO
:D I know this may be off-topic, but, my Mom had a friend that would always say that she thought the reason that little Jesse did not survive was because "the world wasn't ready for 2 men that looked like Elvis". :D:D

[Suzan]

:D I know this may be off-topic, but, my Mom had a friend that would always say that she thought the reason that little Jesse did not survive was because "the world wasn't ready for 2 men that looked like Elvis". :D:D

You know what? Your mom was right! :D:D:D:D:D(y)

I know why Elvis needed people around him, it's because I wasn't there to keep him company! :lmfao::lmfao::doh: Just joking thought we could use some levity....:lmfao:

[KPM]

Elvis had sleep problems all the way back to Tupelo-sleep walking and nightmares One of his two cooks either, Nancy Rooks or Pauline Jenkins, had this to say about his sleep problems
Elvis gave this reason for the move from Tupelo to Memphis: he saw the body of a murdered woman which triggered nightmares
I had never heard this before and its in one of their 2 books reviewed by EIN.
http://www.elvisinfonet.com/bookreview_susan_twocooks.html
Something kept him from sleeping easily all the way back to Tupelo and it never got any better. He must have felt more secure with someone in the room as he tried to get to sleep.

[cameron]

Elvis had sleep problems all the way back to Tupelo-sleep walking and nightmares One of his two cooks either, Nancy Rooks or Pauline Jenkins, had this to say about his sleep problems
Elvis gave this reason for the move from Tupelo to Memphis: he saw the body of a murdered woman which triggered nightmares
I had never heard this before and its in one of their 2 books reviewed by EIN.
http://www.elvisinfonet.com/bookreview_susan_twocooks.html
Something kept him from sleeping easily all the way back to Tupelo and it never got any better. He must have felt more secure with someone in the room as he tried to get to sleep.

I heard that story "someplace" a long time ago about a dead body. Never did find out from where it all got started .

In Elvis and Gladys, it says after Vernon returned from prison; that they had to stay at a relatives or friends house . {can't remember which}
The person told Dundy that all three would sleep walk . She told a funny, but strange story. Dundy also talks about Elvis sleep walking.