As fans marked the 33rd anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death yesterday, Pieces of History delved into the Archives to uncover some of the King of Rock and Roll’s lesser-known eccentricities. Our research led us to fascinating, if somewhat bizarre, revelations that extend beyond Presley’s iconic music career.
Key Points
While the Archives are rich with historical treasures like the famous 1970 meeting between Elvis and President Nixon and documents from his Army service, it’s the more obscure materials that truly capture the imagination. Among these, we discovered intriguing videos linked to Elvis’s intriguing personal beliefs, including his fascination with UFOs and unusual encounters.
Elvis Presley and UFOs: A Peculiar Belief
Elvis Presley, renowned for his musical genius and larger-than-life persona, reportedly had a lifelong interest in extraterrestrial beings. According to various accounts, Elvis’s fascination with UFOs began early in his life, influenced by a peculiar experience involving his father, Vernon Presley.
On January 8, 1935, the day Elvis was born, Vernon Presley stepped outside their modest home for a cigarette in the early hours. It was then that he purportedly observed a mysterious blue light in the sky. This odd occurrence left Vernon with the impression that something extraordinary was unfolding. Larry Geller, a close friend and hairstylist to Elvis, recounted this anecdote, reflecting on its potential impact on the young Elvis.
Telepathic Encounters and Alien Visitors
In his book, Alien Rock: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Extraterrestrial Connection, author Michael C. Luckman explores the idea that Elvis Presley may have had direct contact with extraterrestrial beings. Luckman claims that as a child, Presley was contacted telepathically by two alien entities. These beings allegedly provided him with a glimpse into his future stardom, although Presley, at the time, could not fully comprehend the significance of this encounter.
Geller, who became Elvis’s spiritual mentor later in life, corroborated some of these experiences. He described an instance when he and Elvis were driving through the desert and observed unusual lights in the sky. The lights moved in ways that defied conventional explanations, prompting them to consider the possibility of UFOs. “They were moving far too quickly to be airplanes, so we just chalked it up to UFOs,” Geller noted.
The Archive’s Peculiar Findings
In our exploration of the National Archives, we encountered two intriguing videos that are tangentially related to Elvis Presley but offer a glimpse into the randomness that archives often reveal. These clips—one featuring robot-loving seals and another involving UFO sightings—serve as a testament to the eclectic nature of archival research.
While these videos may not directly relate to Elvis, they embody the kind of serendipitous discoveries that make archival exploration so compelling. The juxtaposition of Elvis’s UFO interests with these quirky videos highlights the unexpected paths that historical research can take.
A Legacy of Mystery and Fascination
Elvis Presley’s legacy is marked by more than just his groundbreaking music and film career. His reported encounters with the supernatural and his belief in extraterrestrial life add a layer of intrigue to his persona. Whether these accounts reflect genuine experiences or are the result of imaginative storytelling, they contribute to the rich tapestry of myths and legends surrounding the King.
As we remember Elvis Presley on this anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on the myriad ways his life and beliefs continue to captivate us. From his revolutionary impact on music to his curious encounters with the unknown, Elvis remains a figure of fascination, blending cultural significance with the allure of the mysterious.
