The king of rock ‘n’ roll didn’t run out of ideas, especially when it came to expressing his gratitude to his fans. He acknowledged their importance to his career and how different his situation would be without them.
He liked to dress up as a cop and pretend to halt cars down the highway. He’d pretend to check for possible violations, grab a pen to write them an official ticket that turned out to be him just giving out a free autograph. The fans loved Presley. He was affable and funny, sometimes like a big kid. Believe it or not, he got a real badge later in life.
An Illegal Immigrant Worked for Elvis for Years
Contrary to popular belief, Col. Tom Parker wasn’t an American-born citizen, nor was he naturalized after he moved to the United States. His real name was Andreas van Kuijk, and he made it big in the entertainment industry after he left the Netherlands. In fact, it can be argued that he was the most successful talent manager in history.
Elvis Presley had a particular liking for Parker. So much so that he even paid him more than his fair share. He got the job done, and that’s all that mattered to Elvis. That he was an illegal immigrant? Presley couldn’t have cared less.
The King Was Kind and Generous
Elvis Presley was overly giving to his friends and the people he cared about. To his manager, toward the end of his life, he had been far too generous, perhaps, agreeing to share 50% of his earnings. He essentially made him an equal partner — a move unheard of in the industry.
Presley had some wacky ways of expressing gratitude, and they usually involved some lavish spending. His gifts to his family were so expensive they would make the recipients feel guilty. Elvis was lovely that way. He was one of a kind, and rather than corrupting him, his fame only made him more generous and thoughtful.
Presley Met President Nixon
Elvis Presley certainly had his moments of spontaneity. He was like a firework, except you really couldn’t guess for sure which direction or in which colors he would explode. One day, out of nowhere, Elvis suddenly had the urge to meet a very important man, no less than the president of the United States, Richard Nixon.
Nixon granted the king’s request, and oddly enough, during this meet-and-greet, Presley requested a federal narcotics badge for no apparent reason. Stranger still, then President Nixon granted this outlandish wish as if he needed no valid reason to have one issued. It was a bizarre event on more than one level.
The King's Favorite Sandwich
As we improve our position in life, our tastes for certain things change as well. We develop an eye for classier treats, appreciate subtlety, and find the sublime in things we once couldn’t grasp. Imagine how the king of rock ‘n’ roll evolved over his rapid ascent from small-town country boy to the biggest star in the world.
In terms of sandwiches, though, he simply would not settle for the common favorites like peanut butter and jelly or tuna. No, no, and no. The sandwich fit for a king is much more complex than your usual homemade ones. He would settle for nothing less than the eclectic mix of peanut butter, bacon, banana, and honey, sandwiched in lush, soft white bread.