In the poignant pages of a January 1978 Good Housekeeping interview, Vernon Presley, father of the legendary Elvis Presley, opens his heart to share an intimate, deeply personal account of his son’s life, from their humble beginnings to the overwhelming global phenomenon he became. This interview offers a unique perspective, not from the stage or the headlines, but from the quietude of a father’s enduring love and profound grief following Elvis’s untimely passing. Vernon’s words paint a vivid picture of a family’s journey, their unwavering faith, and the extraordinary bond that defined their lives.
The Genesis of a Legend: Early Life and Divine Plans
Vernon recounts the difficult birth of his twin sons, Jesse Garon and Elvis Aron Presley, on January 8, 1935, a time of extreme poverty for his family. The loss of their firstborn, Jesse, was a devastating blow, yet their sorrow was soon tempered by the surprise arrival of Elvis. Vernon’s narrative is imbued with a strong sense of divine providence, believing that Elvis was a “very special child” chosen by God for a unique purpose. This conviction grew as Gladys and Vernon struggled to have more children, ultimately understanding that Elvis was the only child they would ever have, a sentiment that brought a sense of completeness to their small family unit. He emphasizes the close-knit world shared by him, Gladys, and Elvis, a sanctuary of love and support.
Vernon’s recollections extend to Elvis’s childhood, highlighting his gentle nature and early spiritual upbringing. As a deacon in the Assembly of God Church, Vernon instilled in Elvis a foundation of faith, although he acknowledges that Elvis’s spirit could never be fully contained by any single denomination. He describes Elvis’s deep affection for his mother, whom he affectionately called “Baby,” and their equally strong bond. Vernon’s parenting style is characterized by support and encouragement, never forcing Elvis in a specific direction but rather fostering his happiness. An anecdote about Elvis’s refusal to hunt birds illustrates his compassionate spirit, a trait Vernon respected and never tried to change. The interview also touches upon a near-fatal childhood illness, an instance where Vernon and Gladys turned to prayer, believing in God’s miraculous intervention to save their son’s life. This event further solidified Vernon’s belief in Elvis’s special destiny.
Navigating Fame and Fortune: From Tupelo to Hollywood
As Elvis entered his teenage years, the Presley family relocated to Memphis, a significant transition that Vernon recounts with a father’s quiet observation. He details the trust he and Gladys placed in their son, allowing him freedom while they were out, with only minor youthful indiscretions like occasional beer drinking. Vernon clarifies that Elvis was never a heavy drinker, even recounting an incident where Elvis “about killed himself drinking peach brandy” but noting it was an isolated event. The profound closeness of the family is evident as Vernon shares that Elvis didn’t spend a night away from home until he was 17, a testament to their deep familial ties.
The narrative then pivots to Elvis’s burgeoning musical aspirations. Vernon describes his son’s uncertainty about his future after high school graduation, a period of introspection that led Elvis to declare his desire to be an entertainer, specifically to sing with a gospel quartet. Vernon’s supportive response, “You do whatever you want to do… and we’ll help you all we can,” underscores his paternal dedication. The pivotal moment of Elvis recording his first songs at Sun Records in 1954 is recounted, along with his initial rejection by the “Song Fellows” quartet. Vernon’s pragmatic advice to Elvis, when the same group later wanted him to join, was a testament to his belief in Elvis’s self-made success: “To hell with the Song Fellows! You’re doing okay with what you’ve got going.”
The interview details the crucial transition in Elvis’s career, from regional hits managed by Bob Neal to the overwhelming influence of Colonel Tom Parker. Vernon expresses a father’s cautious apprehension regarding the Colonel, especially given Elvis’s existing agreement with Neal. However, Elvis’s determination to work with Parker led Vernon and Gladys to co-sign contracts, a decision made with careful consideration and the assurance of Hank Snow’s endorsement of the Colonel. The rapid ascent of Elvis’s career is described, from his RCA contract and appearances with renowned artists to his breakthrough performance on The Ed Sullivan Show, which propelled him towards Hollywood. Despite the “wild stories” about the film industry, Vernon’s primary emotion was pride, as Elvis was pursuing his passion.
A Father’s Concerns: Hollywood, Relationships, and Public Scrutiny
Vernon addresses Elvis’s Hollywood career, noting that while Elvis was well-compensated, he had little creative control over his films and often disliked the final products. He mentions Elvis’s passing on an opportunity to star with Barbra Streisand in A Star Is Born, expressing a father’s curiosity about his son’s decisions. The interview delves into the relentless public scrutiny Elvis faced, from the “ugly, untruthful book” to the accusations of drug use. Vernon firmly refutes these claims, stating that Elvis’s medication was prescribed and that he actively managed his weight through diet. He strongly asserts that Elvis would never have taken illegal drugs, especially for the sake of his daughter, Lisa.
The conversation touches upon Elvis’s personal life, including his relationships. Vernon speaks of Elvis’s dating experiences with girls like Dixie Locke and Anita Wood, and his affection for Barbara Hearn. He emphasizes that he and Gladys never sought to influence Elvis’s choice of a wife, prioritizing his happiness above all else. The marriage to Priscilla Beaulieu is discussed with a sense of paternal understanding, suggesting that Elvis’s realization that he wasn’t ready for marriage, coupled with the strains of his career and separations, contributed to its dissolution. Vernon highlights Elvis’s deep love for his daughter, Lisa Marie, and their close bond. He also reflects on the women who shared the final years of Elvis’s life, speaking particularly fondly of Linda Thompson and Sheila Ryan, and expressing surprise at Ginger Alden’s eventual marriage after her engagement to Elvis. Vernon reveals Elvis’s desire for more children with Ginger, a plan that was never realized.
Vernon addresses the speculation surrounding Elvis’s will, clarifying that Priscilla and Ginger had received substantial gifts and that Elvis had settled matters with Priscilla upon their divorce. He attributes the misrepresentation of Elvis’s private life to sensationalism, contrasting it with Elvis’s inherent generosity towards his employees and friends, often seeing beyond their wants to their needs. Vernon also speaks about Elvis’s desire for privacy, a need often unmet due to his overwhelming fame.
The Unanswered Questions and a Father’s Enduring Faith
The interview concludes with Vernon grappling with the profound questions surrounding Elvis’s death. He expresses deep sorrow and confusion about the circumstances, particularly questioning the delay in discovering Elvis’s body and the lack of immediate concern from those at Graceland. The events immediately following Elvis’s death are recounted with a sense of disbelief and grief, including the unauthorized sale of a photograph of Elvis in his casket and the presence of Caroline Kennedy at the funeral.
Vernon’s unwavering faith is a recurring theme, providing solace amidst his grief. He reiterates his belief that Elvis was a gift from God and that his life, including his untimely death, was part of a divine plan. He expresses gratitude for having been blessed with such a son and shares his intention to continue managing Elvis’s affairs and potentially fulfill Elvis’s wish to have his twin brother, Jesse, buried alongside him at Graceland. The interview closes with Vernon’s heartfelt lament, “I am more heartbroken than I can express over Elvis’ death, yet I’m comforted by the sure knowledge that my son was a gift from God and his life was always in God’s hands.”
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