What bothered Elvis most in the later years?

[Unchained Melody]

I've often wondered this over the years, as Elvis got along in his life towards the middle to end of the 70's. Which do you think bothered him more, the failure of his marriage, or the path his career was taking, as he started to play more and more of the same towns and some times smaller venus. Some say he lost interest in the entertainment life, I agree to a point, but believe he would always be singing no matter what he chose to do.

[peter]

I think that this is closed circle:
He was sad from breakup of his marriage because I think that Cilla was woman of his life. He loved her to his end and he never get out of that situation. Partly probably because of Lisa Marie, because that´s about that difference of complete family and I think that it was his greatest wish of his live. It influenced his motivation and mood on his concerts, health from big part is depending on psychological state of person, so his health problems became worse. He recorded tracks which described his mood - it´s clear that he would record different songs as happy man and then his career would look different....

[Tigerman1975]

I think it was his career. Playing Vegas and touring the country playing the same set list over and over again had to get old. We all know the toll it took on his health. However, the strain from the divorce probably didnt help matters.

[lvelvis]

i believe it was both , you could see how he was deperatly trying to go back in time by dating GINGER ALDEN who looked a bit like a young PRISCILLA and by eating foods that he was eating back then [nancy rooks said he was ordering the maids to make more food than usual and they were his old favorites] even billy smith had said many a time he was trying to go back in time.I say if he truly wanted to tour abroad nothing would have stopped him even if he had to find a new manager.

[monk37]

I think Elvis was having an existential crisis - and no wonder - how do you go from growing up so poor but surrounded by family to rich and famous with every little family and no one you can really trust?

I just blogged on this topic today - I've got a new blog about Elvis, his aspirations and his career

http://ntrygg.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/elvis-too-cool-to-be-middle-class/

would love ya'll to read and comment on the blog page

[Lisarose]

I don't doubt that his feelings about Priscilla were sincere at the time, I believe it was mostly ego that caused his heartache as I really don't see Elvis as someone who belonged in a monogamous relationship - JMO!!! Afterall, he didn't "chase" after her & ask for a chance to make it work, he filed for divorce and then moved onto Linda, Joyce and ..the others..

I think the thing that truly motivated Elvis was his music, his fans, & performing. but even that was being manipulated by others. He was given second rate movies to "star" in, discouraged from learning more about that craft, Col P. changed his music arrangements - badly, that angered Elvis, the selection of music was poor, or outrageous demands were made as to publishing rights, he was not allowed to perform overseas - he was even discouraged to vacation overseas - he was hitting a brick wall everywhere he turned.

[KPM]

I think what bothered him most was-how will the fans react to EWHappened. I think he was seeing that his marriage had failed, his image was showing cracks, he could no longer binge diet and lose weight and his health was becoming more and more a problem, colon, BP, need for medications..in short he was no longer really in total control of his life-things were catching up to him. (as they do all people in one way or another)
The book was IMO a metaphor of sorts for how things suddenly were not in his control and like most everyone... when things are out of your hands you worry about what is in store next.

[rickb]

i think his genetic make-up was prone to depression, addictive behaviour, binge eating etc.
This is, sadly, often overlooked when elvis' decline is discussed.

[monk37]

it's also not like Elvis was raised with good eating habits or healthy behaviors

he got famous so young - I can't imagine what it would have been like - going from the hard scrabble existence to having a seemingly unlimited amount of money - and everyone acting like it was going to run out

Elvis probably was always scared of waking up and the whole thing was a dream or that he was just a passing fad

he joked in the 50's that he'd open up a used car lot - but I imagine that he worried that as quick as he made money, it could disappear

which made him susceptible to Parker's telling him to be mainstream and not rock the boat as a way to keep the money flowing

sadly, parker was also right

[Unchained Melody]

i believe it was both , you could see how he was deperatly trying to go back in time by dating GINGER ALDEN who looked a bit like a young PRISCILLA and by eating foods that he was eating back then [nancy rooks said he was ordering the maids to make more food than usual and they were his old favorites] even billy smith had said many a time he was trying to go back in time.I say if he truly wanted to tour abroad nothing would have stopped him even if he had to find a new manager.

I totally agree with this and have read the same thing about Elvis doing things that Billy Smith said, it was sad in a way, it was like he was trying to relive the past. It's wierd, in revelations Of Memphis Mafia it talks about how in the last year or two, the group of guys hardly were around Graceland when they weren't on tour, Diamond Joe was living in California, I believe Lamar was working in Nashville. They all were getting out of the world Elvis created and lived in but he didn't....and I can understand though as you get older how that would make you depressed or try to do things to reminence on the past.

[Teddy]

i think his genetic make-up was prone to depression, addictive behaviour, binge eating etc.
This is, sadly, often overlooked when elvis' decline is discussed.

Or, if we choose nurture over nature, we could argue that he learned how to worry and self-medicate from his mother's example?

[Diane]

Or, if we choose nurture over nature, we could argue that he learned how to worry and self-medicate from his mother's example?

I think you hit the nail on the head there Teddy.

[Teddy]

I think you hit the nail on the head there Teddy.

Thanks. Yes, it doesn't feel good to place blame at the feet of his beloved mother, but she was his biggest influence in life and the behavioral traits are unmistakable.

[Unchained Melody]

To me this quote says it all.


Elvis was so incredibly famous, from the age of 21 on, a normal life would never have been possible without someone strong-willed whom he could completely trust. He lost that person in 1958.

And I agree 100%

After his Last engagment in Las Vegas, and was reportedly as saying to a preacher (sorry, can't recall his name) as to saying "I don't even want to be here anymore.:( They supposedly talked about Elvis' lifestyle and held hands and prayed. It was a hard time for Elvis, he was getting older, the career was almost at a stand still, he had not much interest in recording new material, his group was out growing each other and for the most part off doing there own thing, surrounded now by young men who he couldnt relate to, and talk about the old times with.

[J.P]

Or, if we choose nurture over nature, we could argue that he learned how to worry and self-medicate from his mother's example?

would you pls define that Teddy?

[Unchained Melody]

would you pls define that Teddy?

When Elvis started getting well known, he was gone all the time, Glady's had a hard time dealing with the fans and her boy being away all the time.

She numbed that pain by drinking, which Elvis and some members of the family were well aware of.

In Elvis' life, I think he started uppers to keep him going where he was always on the road, traveling, touring, making movies etc. But when his depression took a turn for the worse, thats when he self medicated to numb is pain.

I see the comparison in that statement!

[KPM]

To me this quote says it all.



And I agree 100%

After his Last engagment in Las Vegas, and was reportedly as saying to a preacher (sorry, can't recall his name) as to saying "I don't even want to be here anymore.:( They supposedly talked about Elvis' lifestyle and held hands and prayed. It was a hard time for Elvis, he was getting older, the career was almost at a stand still, he had not much interest in recording new material, his group was out growing each other and for the most part off doing there own thing, surrounded now by young men who he couldnt relate to, and talk about the old times with.
That was TV Evangelist Rex Humbard and his wife Maude Aimee who visited Elvis in his dressing room.

[Unchained Melody]

That was TV Evangelist Rex Humbard and his wife Maude Aimee who visited Elvis in his dressing room.

Yes that is right, TY for posting this Ken!

[Diane]

Thanks. Yes, it doesn't feel good to place blame at the feet of his beloved mother, but she was his biggest influence in life and the behavioral traits are unmistakable.

Most behavioral traits ARE learned at home. Vernon also stepped out on Gladys too...another trait learned as in a child's mind, it can't be too bad if my mother or father does it. The only thing that contradicts the unfaithfulness is that Elvis must have seen how much that hurt his mother and you would think that would be something he would have stayed away from like the alcohol. One never knows why one trait is picked up and another isn't.

[J.P]

i don't see why his mom or dad should be blamed for his own mistakes that he did. he was an adult and aware of the things he was doing. Elvis had his own mind and didn't hesitate to use it when it came to his own needs and habits whether Gladys or Vernon had done the same or not. but that's just my opinion.........

[Unchained Melody]

i don't see why his mom or dad should be blamed for his own mistakes that he did. he was an adult and aware of the things he was doing. Elvis had his own mind and didn't hesitate to use it when it came to his own needs and habits whether Gladys or Vernon had done the same or not. but that's just my opinion.........

My reply wasn't to blame his parents for his own problems whatsoever.

However, to show the smiliarties he and his mother shared when with dealing with there depression.

[J.P]

My reply wasn't to blame his parents for his own problems whatsoever.

However, to show the smiliarties he and his mother had with dealing with there depression.

yeah i got that alright. i was just saying my opinion as there were wondering if Gladys was affecting Elvis with her own little sins and my opinion is no. that's all.

[Unchained Melody]

yeah i got that alright. i was just saying my opinion as there were wondering if Gladys was affecting Elvis with her own little sins and my opinion is no. that's all.

Even if Elvis which he did know about his mothers problems, that in no way shape or form is a valid excuse for his behavior in his adult life after she passed on. Just my thoughts.

[J.P]

Even if Elvis which he did know about his mothers problems, that in no way shape or form is a valid excuse for his behavior in his adult life after she passed on. Just my thoughts.

you're right it isn't. it was Elvis' own choice and not the best one but his very own.

[kathy parkinson]

yeah i got that alright. i was just saying my opinion as there were wondering if Gladys was affecting Elvis with her own little sins and my opinion is no. that's all. Her own little sins?

[Unchained Melody]

I think he means her drinking habbits and diet pills, and how she dealt with her problems in general.

[kathy parkinson]

Ok, it just seemed strange to use those words, thank you.

[Donut]

He had it all and not many people dared to argue with him, that was his main problem IMO. When Priscilla left him he knew there were thousands of pretty girls wanting to be with him, if Linda wasn't at hand he just had to tell Joe and he would get him another. Same with Sheila, Ginger and all the rest. He could have f*rted on stange and fans would have gave him a round ovation. If he ran out of money he just had to tell Parker, he always could get him another tour. If one doctor didn't give him what he wanted another one would give it to him, and the list goes on and on...
By the time he realised what his life and career had become he was too hooked on medication, ill and weak to do something about it.

[J.P]

I think he means her drinking habbits and diet pills, and how she dealt with her problems in general.

yeah i did. sorry for using confusing words

[J.P]

Ok, it just seemed strange to use those words, thank you.

well i'm sorry Kathy...just slipped out...

[spanish eyes]

yeah i did. sorry for using confusing words

You didn't confuse me Jeremy, you just used one phrase to describe rather than listing things individually

Everyone has their own way of talking and describing things, IMO Jeremy you don't need to apologise for that :)

[J.P]

You didn't confuse me Jeremy, you just used one phrase to describe rather than listing things individually

ty Maria :flowers: maybe it wasn't about phrasing it weird but something else that went wrong :lol: ;)

[spanish eyes]

ty Maria :) maybe it wasn't about phrasing it weird but something else that went wrong :lol: ;)

yw Jeremy :hug: hmmmmm I didn't see the weird part at all, it looks all good to me :lol: ;)

[J.P]

yw Jeremy hmmmmm I didn't see the weird part at all, it looks all good to me :lol: ;)

you bad girl you! we better stick with the thread now or we'll get banned :lol:

[spanish eyes]

you bad girl you! we better stick with the thread now or we'll get banned :lol:

oops please forgive my own little sin Jeremy :lol: :D

[J.P]

oops please forgive my little sin Jeremy :lol: :D

:lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: :lmfao: good one! (y) :lol:

[spanish eyes]

I've glad you liked it Jeremy :D

ok back to the thread IMO everyone has their problems and deals with them in their own way and so Mrs Presley dealt with them in her own way and Elvis dealt with his in his own way. It was their right to do that cos it was their lives and their own individual problems and no-one knows how those problems made them feel except themselves and so the way they responded to those problems is nobody's business but theirs.

[Diane]

I think the point some of us were trying to make is that children do pick up some of their parents traits unconsciously. Sure Elvis was responsible for his own behavior but was not aware that he was mirroring some of his parents behaviors. We all do that to some extent.

How many times have we all said something then say, omg my mother/father used to say that or look in a mirror and see the same expression on your face that your parent had?

[J.P]

I've glad you liked it Jeremy :D

ok back to the thread IMO everyone has their problems and deals with them in their own way and so Mrs Presley dealt with them in her own way and Elvis dealt with his in his own way. It was their right to do that cos it was their lives and their own individual problems and no-one knows how those problems made them feel except themselves and so the way they responded to those problems is nobody's business but theirs.

very well said Maria (y) i'm sure evryone have them :)

[spanish eyes]

very well said Maria (y) i'm sure evryone have them :)

Yeah that's right Jeremy cos we're all human beings with feelings :)

[kathy parkinson]

yeah i did. sorry for using confusing words Thank you J.P

[debtdbruno]

He had it all and not many people dared to argue with him, that was his main problem IMO. When Priscilla left him he knew there were thousands of pretty girls wanting to be with him, if Linda wasn't at hand he just had to tell Joe and he would get him another. Same with Sheila, Ginger and all the rest. He could have f*rted on stange and fans would have gave him a round ovation. If he ran out of money he just had to tell Parker, he always could get him another tour. If one doctor didn't give him what he wanted another one would give it to him, and the list goes on and on...
By the time he realised what his life and career had become he was too hooked on medication, ill and weak to do something about it.


absolutely spot on Donut(y)(y)(y)(y)..........we all love the guy, but he did like his own way

[J.P]

I think the point some of us were trying to make is that children do pick up some of their parents traits unconsciously. Sure Elvis was responsible for his own behavior but was not aware that he was mirroring some of his parents behaviors. We all do that to some extent.

How many times have we all said something then say, omg my mother/father used to say that or look in a mirror and see the same expression on your face that your parent had?

you'r right Diane but we are all individuals and i think Elvis was to. IMO it had nothing to with his parents. i guess some opinions are more liked than others i see that and it's totally fine with me. we can't all agree with evrything esp. when we don't know anything about the whole matter :D

[J.P]

Thank you J.P

you're welcome Kathy

[Donut]

..we all love the guy, but he did like his own way

Sure, I love him too.
See? he could have given us a spanking and we would love him the same!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_REzKtLjYBzo/TIBtp--_SoI/AAAAAAAAAB4/cKxnjQqMMgY/s1600/elvis-spanking.jpg

[kathy parkinson]

Yes please Deb,lol...Some good comments on this thread guys.

[kathy parkinson]

Hey J.P You started here the same month,and year as me, how cool is that?

[Cliff]

I think the point some of us were trying to make is that children do pick up some of their parents traits unconsciously. Sure Elvis was responsible for his own behavior but was not aware that he was mirroring some of his parents behaviors. We all do that to some extent.

How many times have we all said something then say, omg my mother/father used to say that or look in a mirror and see the same expression on your face that your parent had?

I feel myself, that over the years everything has been focused on Elvis and his problems and traits. We really do not know much about his Mom or Dad's. I haven't seen an in depth study of it anyway. It has been proven that all our little ways and thing that we think are picked up from our parents are actually written in our DNA passed down through generations.
From what little I know,Elvis' Mom had an addictive nature and as we all know so did Elvis.
Like you Diane I often find myself saying things that my Dad used to say, but this is only because I heard them so much when growing up,not because it is in my genetic make up.
They do say that we are a relection of our parents.

[Diane]

you'r right Diane but we are all individuals and i think Elvis was to. IMO it had nothing to with his parents. i guess some opinions are more liked than others i see that and it's totally fine with me. we can't all agree with evrything esp. when we don't know anything about the whole matter :D

No it would be a dull world if we all agreed to everything and also right that we don't actually know exactly what went on with his life.

[J.P]

Hey J.P You started here the same month,and year as me, how cool is that?

i think it's awesome Kathy (y)

[debtdbruno]

Sure, I love him too.
See? he could have given us a spanking and we would love him the same!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_REzKtLjYBzo/TIBtp--_SoI/AAAAAAAAAB4/cKxnjQqMMgY/s1600/elvis-spanking.jpg


hahahaha............I'd have liked to paddle her a*se too...............:lol::lol::lol:

[Unchained Melody]

When it comes to Elvis its different than other entertainers, he was the first to get that high above everyone when it came to fame, the most sought after photographed man. I imagine thats a very lonely place especially after his family fell apart.