Unveiling the Complex Bond: Elvis and Vernon Presley's Turbulent Relationship

Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock 'n' Roll, is one of the most iconic figures in music history. However, behind the glamour and fame, Elvis's personal life was marked by turmoil and tension. At the heart of this turmoil was his complex relationship with his father, Vernon Elvis Presley. While Vernon played a pivotal role in Elvis's early life and career, their bond was also marred by conflicts, manipulations, and ultimately, a deep-seated resentment.

Vernon Elvis Presley, born on April 10, 1916, was a poor farming family's only son. He grew up in a small town in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he faced numerous challenges, including poverty and limited access to education. Despite these hardships, Vernon worked hard to provide for his family, eventually joining the US Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to Tupelo and married Gladys Love Smith, Elvis's mother, in 1933.

The Early Years: Vernon's Influence on Elvis

Elvis was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. His early years were marked by a close relationship with his father, Vernon. Vernon's love for music, particularly country and blues, was a significant influence on Elvis. He encouraged Elvis to play the guitar and sing, and even began taking him to church services, where he would perform gospel songs.

Vernon's influence on Elvis extended beyond music. He was a firm disciplinarian, who instilled in Elvis the importance of hard work and self-discipline. However, this discipline was often taken to extremes, with Vernon frequently criticizing Elvis for his dress sense, hairstyle, and behavior. These criticisms often left Elvis feeling hurt and unappreciated.

A Father's Manipulation

As Elvis's career began to take off, Vernon's behavior became increasingly manipulative. He would often take credit for Elvis's achievements, claiming to have discovered the young musician's talent. This manipulation was not limited to Vernon's public statements, as he also began to exert control over Elvis's personal life, dictating what he wore, who he dated, and what kind of music he performed.

Elvis's resentment towards Vernon grew as he began to realize the extent of his father's manipulation. He felt trapped and suffocated by Vernon's constant criticism and control. Despite his success, Elvis struggled to break free from Vernon's grasp, often feeling like he was living in his father's shadow.

Vernon's Role in Elvis's Marriage

Elvis's marriage to Priscilla Ann Beaulieu in 1967 was a significant milestone in his life. However, Vernon's influence on the relationship was significant. He was critical of Priscilla, calling her "dumb" and "weak-willed." He also began to question Elvis's decision to marry a non-Jewish woman, citing concerns about her suitability as a mother.

The tension between Vernon and Priscilla was palpable, with Vernon frequently making snide comments about his future daughter-in-law. Elvis was caught in the middle, trying to balance his love for Priscilla with his obligation to his father. The strain on their relationship was evident, with Priscilla eventually leaving Elvis in 1973.

The Later Years: Vernon's Decline and Elvis's Independence

As Elvis's career continued to soar, Vernon's influence began to wane. Elvis's increasing success and independence allowed him to distance himself from his father's grasp. However, this newfound freedom was short-lived, as Vernon's health began to decline in the late 1960s.

Vernon's health problems, including a heart condition and obesity, made it difficult for him to keep up with Elvis's busy schedule. Despite this, he continued to exert control over Elvis's life, often making demands and criticism. Elvis, now more aware of his father's manipulations, began to push back against Vernon's influence.

Vernon's Legacy: A Complex Relationship

Vernon Presley's legacy is complex and multifaceted. While he played a significant role in shaping Elvis's early life and career, his manipulative behavior and control eventually led to a deep-seated resentment. Elvis's success was, in part, a response to Vernon's influence, as he sought to break free from his father's grasp and forge his own path.

Despite the tumultuous relationship, Vernon remained a significant figure in Elvis's life until his death in 1979. Elvis was deeply affected by his father's passing, with many of his friends and family members noting a sense of loss and sadness.

Vernon's Final Years

Vernon's final years were marked by increasing frailty and dependence on his family. Elvis, now a married man with two children, was often at odds with his father, who continued to make demands and criticism. The tension between them was palpable, with Vernon eventually being forced to live in a nursing home.

Elvis's relationship with his father had become a delicate balancing act, with both parties pushing and pulling. Despite the complexity of their relationship, Vernon remained a significant figure in Elvis's life, a reminder of the early struggles and challenges that had shaped the King's early years.

Conclusion

The relationship between Elvis Presley and Vernon Presley was a complex and tumultuous one. While Vernon played a significant role in shaping Elvis's early life and career, his manipulative behavior and control eventually led to a deep-seated resentment. As Elvis's career continued to soar, Vernon's influence began to wane, but his legacy remained a significant part of the King's life until his death in 1979.

By examining the intricate dynamics of this relationship, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities that Elvis faced as he navigated his rise to fame