Introduction
​ Elvis Presley’s death took the world by storm on August 16, 1977 (Piccotti). The sudden and unexplained death of the King of Rock n’ Roll sparked questions if he really did die, Or if he faked his death to escape fame. Numerous conspiracy theories have arisen since Elvis’ death: Is he now living a christian life as a pastor in a church? Is he living among society with a fake identity? Or, should society accept the fact that Elvis is no longer with us? Let's examine these interesting conspiracies and the probability that Elvis could possibly still be alive.
Elvis's Character: Faith and Charisma
When Elvis Presley rose to the music scene in the late 1950s, women made up the largest sector of his audience. “Elvis’s live appearance has a special appeal for teenagers, especially the females. His original and unusual style, sexy moves, and good looks start to cause more and more excitement wherever he plays”. (Graceland) His new style of rock n’ roll had a special appeal to the up and coming generation. Many women found themselves irresistibly drawn to his good looks and sexy dance moves causing them to go into a frenzy for the King.
Elvis Presley’s sensitivity to others allowed him to feel compassion. He felt extreme grief for those struggling and extreme excitement with those succeeding in life. “there are indications that Elvis may have been a highly sensitive man. This adds a unique dimension to understanding his personality and behavior, shedding light on the internal experiences that influenced his actions and choices.” (Allen). Elvis’s emotions affected him very deeply. Although most people sought out Elvis to be this star-studded celebrity living the life most people only dream of, he was actually more of an emotional wreck behind the scenes. Trying to get away from the fame while being humble enough to accept all the awards and wealth he has gained.
Due to his upbringing, Elvis was a deeply religious man.. As his step-brother says in his book about Elvis's faith: “When seven-year-old Billy Stanley and his two younger brothers moved to Graceland in 1960, Elvis eagerly welcomed them, embracing his new roles as big brother, spiritual mentor, protector, and playmate. On their first night together, Elvis introduced his brothers to bedtime prayers as he thanked God for his new siblings. Soon after, he began to read the Bible with them, and he continued both practices for the next seventeen years.” (Stanley). Elvis Presley was a deeply religious man, as it started with his southern church upbringing, which is where he first learned his musical talents. His mix of pop and country also has a gospel twang to it all rooting back to every aspect of music he learned in church.
Elvis had a very charismatic stage presence that he didn't just use as a show for the fans, but also incorporated the charisma into the person he was in everyday life. "Throw in a charismatic stage presence with the scandalous hip-swings and body contortions, and it's easy to see why Presley set the charts (and hearts) ablaze." (Hill). Mixing faithfulness and charisma eventually develops into most women's dreams of a man. With this humble, charismatic presence, he also had a music rebel appearance about him. He changed the music industry mainly for the good, but not everyone thought so. "If you're looking for trouble," Elvis warned the audience at the opening of his December 3rd, 1968, television special, "you've come to the right place. What viewers heard that night was unadulterated Elvis, the archetypal rock and roll singer, not the Hollywood movie star. The leather-clad Presley, working up a sweat, returned to his roots before the first live audience he had faced since 1961. He induced pandemonium to establish himself as a music rebel" (Hill). When the faithful southern charm, Elvis, takes the stage, the audience erupts into an uproar for his new rock and roll style, proposing a problem in most people's eyes but creating a new era in the music industry, creating a legend in the flesh.
Conspiracy or Coincidence?
In the case of the devastating fatality of Elvis Presley, many conspiracists have established their own opinions. Two conspiracies have become very popular amongst the public. It has been proposed that Elvis is living a religious life as a pastor in Arkansas. However, a cross-up with the mob could have also led to Elvis faking his death.
The first conspiracy, arguably the most popular amongst the public, brings up how Elvis is now living a very religious life and preaching the word in a church in Arkansas. Even Elvis's closest people say that he became a very spiritual being towards the end of his life. “His friends have claimed that he knew the Bible better than most ministers do, and in his periods of self-loathing he was said to rely for comfort and grace on the Scriptures” (Hughes). Elvis became so deeply engulfed in his religion that he read multiple books to learn more about his almighty God. "Now, faced with ever-deepening despair, he began looking to other philosophical books for answers and guidance. He read the works of Kahlil Gibran. One book, particularly The Prophet, inspired him." (Crumlish). After Elvis died, a preacher at a church in Arkansas started catching fame for his striking similarities to Elvis himself. One of Elvis's biggest fans even noticed the similarities. "This theory gained traction when Joyce's preaching and music videos garnered attention online. Supporters, such as long-time Elvis fan Tom Mennel, have noted striking similarities between Joyce's voice, mannerisms, and body features and those of Elvis." (Nganga). Many conspiracists will argue this with their lives, but could it even be possible for someone as famous as Elvis to fake his death? Many say it is impossible, yet conspiracists still keep the hope alive. Bob Joyce has come out denying the conspiracy, yet still, conspiracists won't give it up. "Bob has addressed the widespread misconception, clarifying that it is just an uncanny resemblance. He remarked that while many fans are aware of this fact, it doesn't seem to matter to them." (Nganga). Despite Bob denying all allegations, many conspiracists will never give up the baffling theory of Elvis being a pastor. Bob's similarities and resemblances to Elvis keep fans reviving the lost idea that Elvis is still alive.
The second theory suggests that the King of Rock n' Roll got into a dirty situation with the mob, so he faked his death to escape being killed. Elvis has a backstory in fighting for what he believes in. At one point in his career, he, like many others, was drafted into the biggest fight anyone could get into at the time. "But Elvis's induction into the Army also marked a key moment in the Cold War, a contest of culture as much as arms. That the most famous man in the world had been forced to trade his gold lamé for olive drab was a startling signal of the American commitment to containing Communism." (DePastino). Elvis's history of fighting for his country and such is not so different from the situation he found himself in. Being as famous as Elvis is, he could've done some stuff behind closed doors with the mob. Signing deals that could turn very quickly could be the reason he had to fake his death to escape murder. Some say Elvis entered witness protection to keep himself guarded against the Mafia after he faked his death. "One of the most popular theories is that Elvis may have faked his death to escape from the Mafia. Gail Brewer-Giorgio's 1988 book Is Elvis Alive? examines FBI documents suggesting the singer may have gone into witness protection" (Power). It can be deceiving to many as to how a good-looking rockstar can be in a twisted situation with the Mafia. One thing can go wrong, and everything can go south for anyone involved, which is very much what could've happened to Elvis.
As of right now, no one truly knows exactly what happened to Elvis Presley, but many conspiracies have popped up through the years, from being a pastor to being involved in a cross-up with the Mafia. The only one who truly knows is Elvis himself, if he is truly out there alive.
In Conclusion
Elvis Presley lived a fantastic life until the end, yet questions still arise. Did he fake his death? Is he a pastor in Arkansas? Was Elvis secretly with the mob? Many have their own opinions, but the answers are as follows. The pastor has openly declined any rumors of him being the faithful Elvis. Sources say he didn't fake his death either. “To have him faked his death would have required the silence and the services of literally hundreds if not thousands of people over the years.” (Chan). Elvis Presley was an inspiration to many and changed the music industry forever. Elvis Aaron Presley died on August 16, 1977 (Graceland). May he forever rest in peace.
