Every successful man has a support system and a never-giving attitude behind them. It was Elvis’ parents, especially his father, who influenced him. Vernon Presley, the King’s father, had a significant impact on the superstar. Elvis was exposed to music by him, and he helped him along the way as he rose to fame.
While Elvis was more often connected with his mother Gladys, his father stood by his side all the way up until The King’s tragic demise.
Here is all there is to know about Elvis Presley’s dad.
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Who was Vernon Presley?
On April 10, 1916, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Vernon Presley, Elvis’ father, was born. He was one of four children born to Jessie D. McClowell Presley.
Due to his poor academic performance, Vernon left school in the eighth grade. Also, he left his home when he was very young. He had to perform numerous odd jobs due to his lack of schooling. Before he signed the contract with Sun Records, his kid followed in his father’s footsteps and worked odd jobs as well.
When Did Vernon Get Married?
Vernon decided to get married to the love of his life when he was just 17 years old. He was four years younger than Gladys. Vernon had to make up his age to get married because he was underage at the time. In 1933, they got married.
On January 8th, 1935, she got pregnant and gave birth to twins. Jesse Garon Presley, their first son, was tragically stillborn during delivery. The second boy, Elvis Presley, lived and went on to become famous.
What was Vernon’s Occupation?
At a young age, Vernon was married. He had to work odd jobs to support his wife and eventually his child because he wasn’t qualified enough.
According to reports, he altered a cheque and was sentenced to eight months in jail as punishment. To make money, he took on part-time employment as a farmer, painter, and truck driver.
Vernon was there to support and mentor his son throughout the entire process of starting his path to success. Elvis received a contract offer from Sun Records when he was just 20 years old. He was too young to sign for it at that age. That’s why his father took care of it.
How Vernon Presley Helped Elvis Make It Big?
Singing was one activity the Presley family did as a group. They went to church, where Vernon served as a deacon for the Assemblies of God while his wife sang. The three of them would assemble around the piano and perform gospel tunes.
A young Elvis Presley’s love of church music and his warm family recollections undoubtedly contributed to his development as The King of Rock and Roll.
Shortly after graduating from high school, the elder Presley said his son desired to be an entertainer. Vernon stated that his son was interested in trying out gospel singing. Elvis Presley reveals what he said in interviews given in 1972 for the documentary, Elvis on Tour:
“He had a greater interest in gospel and quartet singing at the time. He, therefore, made an effort to blend himself into two or three separate youthful groups.
They were either occupied or dissatisfied with his singing abilities, or both. What happened is unknown to me. He was then sought after by a number of the quartet groups after making this record.”
Undoubtedly, Elvis’s success prompted numerous individuals to rethink their opinions of his skills, but it was too late. His father made sure that Elvis was a solo performer. He advised Elvis to remain true to himself, and the rest is history.
Did Vernon Have Another Wife?
Up until her passing at age 46 in 1958, Vernon and Gladys were a lovely couple. He became upset over the demise of his beloved partner. However, Vernon found love again in Dee two years after the passing of his first spouse. After the marriage, they settled into a house on the Graceland Estate.
The Father of The King Died of a Broken Heart
Vernon was not far behind the King in terms of fame. The Presley family has resided in Graceland since Elvis was 21 years old, where Vernon oversaw his son’s daily affairs. Vernon not only had a significant role in managing Elvis’s finances, but he also accompanied his son on tour.
Vernon also paid Elvis visits on the sets of his movies and appeared in the Live a Little, Love a Little extras scene. Throughout Elvis’s entire existence, the two men were shackled together, and it was obvious that they needed one another’s assistance.
Vernon took on the role of executor of the King’s estate after his death in 1977, earning $72,000 annually to see that the King’s final wishes were carried out. Two years later, in June 1979, the elder Presley passed away after a heart attack.
Wrapping Up
Some say Vernon Presley’s death was caused by a broken heart. Particularly when he had felt so close to his son his entire life, no father should ever have to experience a child’s death. Although Elvis Presley’s death was awful and horrible, at least the two Presley brothers weren’t split up for very long, and they are now both at peace.
Also read: Betty Sue Palmer: All About The Mother Of Johnny Depp
