History hasn't always been kind to Elvis Presley, reducing him to a caricature in the eyes of many. For those under 50, he's often seen as a cheesy impersonator in a jumpsuit, a symbol of Vegas weddings and kitschy memorabilia. But let me tell you, there's so much more to the King of Rock and Roll than what meets the eye. Jerry Schilling, a close friend and member of Elvis' inner circle, known as the "Memphis Mafia," and executive producer of the new HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher, shared some insights with Closer Weekly. "Elvis was much deeper and smarter than his image," Jerry said. "He wasn't just a joke. Sure, he had a great sense of humor, but we wanted people to see him as a real person." That's why Jerry teamed up with Elvis' ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, to bring this three-and-a-half-hour documentary to life. Featuring perspectives from legends like Bruce Springsteen and the late Tom Petty, the film dives deep into the many layers of Elvis' personality. "Elvis was a light for all of us," Tom Petty said in the film. "We shouldn't dismiss an artist for all the noise that came later." Scroll down to uncover the incredible story of Elvis' life.
The Devoted Son
Elvis' first record, "That's All Right, Mama," was no accident. It reflects the deep bond he had with his mother, Gladys Presley. The film sheds light on how Elvis was profoundly affected by her death at the age of 46 in 1958. This connection stemmed from the loss of his twin brother, Jesse Garon Presley, at birth in 1935, and his father, Vernon Presley, serving time in prison in 1938 for forging a check to support his struggling family. "Elvis had to become the man of the house at a very young age," explained the film's director, Thom Zimny. Priscilla Presley recalls her first visit to Graceland, the mansion Elvis built for his parents, just a few years after Gladys' passing. "I opened a closet, and it was filled with his mother's clothes," she said. "It was a powerful reminder of the love he had for her." This connection to his mother shaped Elvis into the man he became, and her influence is evident throughout his life and career.
The Loyal Partner
Elvis' relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, has often been criticized for mismanaging his later career. The Colonel tied Elvis to contracts for subpar movies and refused to let him tour internationally, possibly due to his own illegal immigration status from the Netherlands. However, Jerry Schilling insists that the Colonel wasn't a bad guy. "He treated Elvis with total respect, and Elvis felt the same way," Jerry said. Unfortunately, Elvis' inability to break away from the Colonel contributed to his emotional turmoil, which eventually led to his fatal drug use. Despite this, Elvis felt a deep loyalty to the Colonel for the early successes he helped achieve. "In doing research, I found a letter Elvis wrote to the Colonel in 1956," Jerry shared. "At the end, he says, 'I love you like a father.'" This familial bond highlights the complex relationship between these two men.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The Passionate Spouse
Even after their divorce in 1973, Elvis and Priscilla Presley's love remained strong. Despite allegations of infidelity, their bond endured. "When we got divorced, we held hands in court," Priscilla remembered. "There was still so much love between us." Jerry Schilling described Elvis as a family man at heart, though his rock 'n' roll lifestyle complicated things. During the '60s, when Elvis stayed close to home making movies, family life was manageable. However, once he began touring in the '70s, sustaining the marriage became impossible. "We were living two different lives," Priscilla said. "He was performing, and he was home very little. It was hard to communicate." Yet, their love never faded. "They talked a lot on the phone late at night until the day he died," Jerry said. "Elvis always loved Priscilla, and she knows it." Their connection was genuine and enduring.
The Devoted Parent
Home movies from after the 1968 birth of their daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, reveal how much Elvis adored her. Jerry Schilling believes Lisa might not have even realized her parents were divorced. "Her daddy would go out on the road, and then she would spend time with him at Graceland when he got back," he said. Unlike his own father, who was absent early in his life, Elvis tried to be present for his daughter. Alan Light, the film's co-writer, explained, "Elvis didn't have a great example of what a paternal relationship should look like. That made it difficult for him, but he wanted and aspired to have that kind of connection." Despite the challenges, Elvis did his best to be a caring and involved father.
