Elvis Presley 'would have loved' new biopic film says Tom Jones
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Elvis Presley was a passionate American. Not only did he love the staples of the country’s culture – football, hamburgers, guns, etc – but he also defended it. He described himself as a patriot for the USA and was keen to uphold its values to the end. His stepbrother, Billy Stanley, recently spoke out about the King’s political opinions. And, mostly, how he didn’t think other singers in the music industry were being respectful enough of the country he loved so dearly.
Stanley mused: “A lot of people, when they talk about being a true patriot, they talk about being a hawk. Well, Elvis was an eagle. He went and served his country… He was drafted, but he proudly served.”
Elvis was drafted on March 24, 1958. The singer completed basic training and was then moved to Friedberg, Germany, for two years. He left the army on March 5, 1960.
For Elvis, living and serving his country in Germany was a transformative experience. During his time there he met Priscilla Beaulieu, the woman who would become Priscilla Presley after they fell in love, got married, and had Lisa Marie Presley together.
Stanley noted that this was a proud moment in Elvis’ life. He continued: “[Elvis] loved America. He used to say it was the greatest country in the whole world.”
Stanley also revealed that Elvis was diligent and passionate in his support for the country. Elvis would say: “We could never fail because in the Pledge of Allegiance it says ‘One nation under God.’ And as long as we stay that way, we will remain strong.”
However, during the war between the USA and Vietnam – particularly in the 1960s and 1970s – Elvis witnessed some members of the entertainment industry lashing out against the President of the United States.
John Lennon was vehemently against any kind of war between the two countries and regularly campaigned against the war alongside his wife, Yoko Ono.
This was exactly the kind of response Elvis hated. Stanley revealed the King of Rock and Roll offered to send them back to where they came from.
Elvis Presley performs ‘Hound Dog’ in 1956
Stanley said: “During the Vietnam War, he couldn’t understand how some people wanted to leave America. Our leaders are what got us there. And even if they were wrong, he would still follow our leaders. There were a lot of entertainers who were saying: ‘I want to leave America.'”
When Elvis saw this on the news, he would angrily respond: “Well, I’ll pay for your plane ticket to go if you want to leave.”
“That bothered Elvis,” Stanley went on. “He didn’t think it was right for an entertainer to speak against the country because the only reason they’re able to do what they do is that they’re in this country… In this country, you have the freedom to pursue your dreams. He was a true patriot. He loved God and his fellow man.”
Stanley mused that fans of Elvis never truly saw all of the potential that the King had to offer.
He said: “What we saw on his entertainment level was maybe 20-30 percent of what he really was. He was far greater than that… he was a God-fearing patriot and a great big brother. The things he taught me about life, I’ve never forgotten.”
However, Stanley also remembered some sombre moments between himself and Elvis just two days before the King’s death. He remembered that the Blue Suede Shoes singer turned to him on August 14, 1977, and asked: “Do you believe God forgives us for all our sins?”
Elvis’ stepbrother recalled feeling “stunned” by the question, and the realisation that Elvis had obviously been thinking about his mortality.
Stanley consoled Elvis: “Well, yeah, I mean, we’ve talked about this for almost 17 years, Elvis.”
The King replied: “I just wanted to hear you say that, Billy.”
Stanley noted that Elvis “always turned to God whenever he needed help”.
Two days later, on August 16, 1977, the King died at his home, Graceland.
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