In the world of rock and roll, Elvis Presley’s time in the military stands out. His two years in the United States Army changed his life and the music scene. But what happened during those years and how did it affect his legacy? Did Elvis’s time in the Army truly change the face of popular music forever?
Key Takeaways
- Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 and served for two years, including a stint in West Germany.
- His military service had a significant impact on his personal life and the trajectory of his music career.
- Presley’s time in the Army coincided with the rise of new music genres, like rock and roll, that would forever change the landscape of popular music.
- The King’s military service also held broader Cold War-era significance, reflecting the cultural and political tensions of the era.
- Presley’s homecoming and subsequent return to music were met with a fervent fan base, solidifying his status as a true icon of American culture.
The Draft and King Creole
In 1958, Elvis Presley faced the possibility of being drafted into the. He was set to be inducted on January 20th. But, he asked for a deferment because of his movie commitments, including King Creole.
He told the Memphis Draft Board that the movie had already cost $350,000 to make. Many jobs depended on him finishing the film.
Thanks to his request, Presley got an extra few weeks to work on King Creole. This was crucial for him. He knew being away for two years would mean a lot of hard work when he got back.
Filming King Creole Before Induction
With more time, Presley could fully focus on King Creole. He aimed to make it his best role yet. He knew the film’s success would help him when he returned to music.
“I wanted to make King Creole the best thing I’d ever done. I knew that when I came back, it would be tough. I’d have to work hard to get my name back up there.”
His hard work paid off, and King Creole became a hit. It showcased his talent and helped him when he came back to music.
| Release Date | July 2, 1958 |
|---|---|
| Director | Michael Curtiz |
| Starring | Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau |
| Genre | Musical, Drama |
| Box Office | $2,200,000 |
Induction and Basic Training
On March 24, 1958, Elvis Presley reported for his military induction. He went through a physical exam and got the army serial number 53310761. Then, he was sworn in and sent to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, for four days.
After that, he moved to Fort Hood, Texas, for his basic training by June.
Presley’s Infamous Haircut
On March 26, 1958, Elvis Presley got a haircut that changed history. The Army’s short-back-and-sides style was a big change from his famous pompadour. This haircut showed his shift from a rock star to a soldier.
“It was the most terrible thing I ever went through. I would rather go through basic training again than have my hair cut like that.”
His hairstyle was a big part of who he was, and losing it was tough. But this marked a new chapter in his life. He was ready to serve his country as a soldier.
Fort Hood and Tank Training
Elvis Presley took a short break to record music for RCA Victor in June. Then, he went back to Fort Hood for tank training. Living off base with his family and a friend, he learned new skills. He became great at shooting a pistol and loved the tank course, even when he missed home.
At Fort Hood, Elvis had experiences that changed him and the music world. His hard work in training showed his strength and ability to adapt. These traits became key parts of his famous career.
| Skill | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Pistol Sharpshooter | Presley became proficient in this area during his tank training at Fort Hood. |
| Tank Obstacle Course | Presley expressed his enjoyment of the “rough and tumble” nature of the tank training, despite occasional homesickness and frustration. |
His time at Fort Hood deeply influenced Elvis’s life and career. As the King of Rock and Roll, he used the resilience and adaptability he learned in the army. This shaped his legendary image and impacted the music industry for years.
“I hated the training, but I guess you have to do what you have to do.”
– Elvis Presley
Tragedy Strikes: Gladys Presley’s Death
In early August, Gladys Presley, the Elvis Presley mother, fell ill while in Texas with her son Elvis Presley. She had turned to more alcohol and diet pills to deal with her son’s fame and his time in the army. Sadly, on August 14, Gladys died from cirrhosis, with a heart attack listed as the cause. This news hit Elvis Presley and his father Vernon Presley hard, causing Elvis to collapse several times before, during, and after the funeral.
The loss of Gladys had a huge effect on Elvis Presley. She was always there for him, offering support and comfort. Her sudden death left a huge gap in his life. Adding to this, his military duties made things even tougher for Elvis Presley during this time.
“She was the most wonderful mother that any boy ever had. She was my best friend.”
Elvis Presley spoke these heartfelt words about his mother, Gladys. Her death was a huge blow that deeply affected Elvis Presley‘s life and career for years to come.
| Event | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gladys Presley takes ill in Texas | Early August | Increased alcohol intake and use of diet pills to cope with Elvis Presley‘s fame and army commitments |
| Gladys Presley dies from cirrhosis | August 14 | Elvis Presley and his father Vernon Presley devastated; Elvis collapses several times |
elvis presley military
After basic and advanced training, Elvis Presley joined the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, 3rd Armored Division. He was stationed in West Germany at Ray Barracks, Friedberg. His elvis presley army duties included being a jeep driver for Captain Russell. Later, he drove for Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant Ira Jones in Company C.
This change was made to keep Presley away from German fans who were always looking for him.
Assigned to the 3rd Armored Division
Elvis Presley was unexpectedly moved to the presley 3rd armored division. This was a big change from his music career. He joined a unit known for its tank training and readiness for combat. Despite the change, Presley took his new role seriously.
Life in West Germany
In elvis in west germany, Presley’s life was very different from his days as a famous singer. He trained hard with his fellow soldiers and got used to life in a new country. Even though his life was very different, Presley stayed focused and showed he was more than just a singer.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Assigned Unit | 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor, 3rd Armored Division |
| Duty Stations | Ray Barracks, Friedberg, West Germany |
| Roles | Jeep driver for company commander, Reconnaissance Platoon driver |
“The Army soon transferred him to Company C, where he drove for Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant Ira Jones, as the Army needed to shield Presley from the constant attention of German fans.”
The King’s Homecoming
After 18 months away, Elvis Presley came back to the United States. He landed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey on March 3, 1960. At his elvis presley homecoming, he talked about his Army time and what he planned to do next.
Presley discharged from the military with the rank of sergeant. He served his country well. While in the Army, he met his future wife, Priscilla Beaulieu, in West Germany. This meeting was a big part of his time in the military.
Elvis Final Press Conference
At his elvis final press conference, Presley talked to the media and his fans. He shared his thoughts on his military service and what he planned to do next. He talked openly about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to work and doing what I love most – making music and entertaining my fans,” Presley said during the press conference.
The elvis presley homecoming was a big deal. Presley’s final press conference gave fans a peek into his life during his military time. Fans were excited to hear about his experiences and welcome the King of Rock and Roll back.
Impact on Rock and Roll
Elvis Presley’s time in the military changed the music world and American culture. While he was away, new music styles and artists came to the forefront. This changed the sound of popular music.
The Rise of New Genres
When Elvis Presley was in the military, new music genres started to take over. The Motown sound became popular, thanks to artists like The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Stevie Wonder. They brought soul and rhythm to the music scene.
The Beach Boys also made their mark, creating surf rock that spoke to the young people of the era. This music was all about fun and the beach lifestyle.
The British Invasion was another big change. The Beatles led this movement with their catchy songs and new songwriting styles. Their music influenced rock and roll and helped start the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
Elvis Presley’s time in the military opened the door for these new sounds. It helped shape the future of rock and roll.
“Elvis Presley’s absence paved the way for the rise of new music genres that would forever change the face of popular culture.”
Cold War Significance
Elvis Presley’s time in the military during the Cold War was very important. He was the most famous person in the world then. His joining the U.S. Army showed America’s strong stance against Communism. Unlike other famous people, Elvis was not in Special Services. He was with the 3rd Armored Division in the Fulda Gap, ready for a possible Soviet invasion.
This made the King of Rock and Roll a key figure in the Cold War. Soviet officials saw him as a way to draw defectors. Elvis’s service showed the deep cultural and political fight between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during this time.
| Significance of Elvis Presley’s Military Service | Impact on Cold War Dynamics |
|---|---|
| Symbolic representation of American commitment to containing Communism | Caught the attention of Soviet officials, who viewed Presley as a potential “means of seduction” for defectors |
| Presley’s assignment to the 3rd Armored Division, stationed in the Fulda Gap, underscored the seriousness of the Cold War tensions | Presley’s military service became a testament to the broader cultural and ideological battle between the United States and the Soviet Union |
Elvis Presley’s army service during the Cold War era was a big deal. It showed America’s strong stance and added to the cultural and political fight with the Soviet Union.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley’s time in the military from 1958 to 1960 deeply influenced his life and legacy. He faced fears of losing his fame but embraced his duty as a regular soldier. He went through basic and advanced training before joining the 3rd Armored Division in West Germany.
Even though his time in the Army was marked by the sad loss of his mother, it still had a big impact on music and the Cold War era. His elvis presley military service changed the music industry and cultural scene.
While he was away, Elvis’s fame and style kept shaping popular culture. The presley army career proved his patriotism and his ability to face challenges. His comeback in music was met with great excitement, making him a cultural icon.
The elvis legacy goes far beyond his music. His military service shows his true spirit and personal sacrifices. Today, his military story inspires and fascinates people all over the world.
FAQ
When did Elvis Presley enter the United States Army?
Elvis Aron Presley joined the United States Army in Memphis, Tennessee, on March 24, 1958.
How long did Presley serve in the Army?
He left active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 5, 1960. Then, he got his discharge from the Army Reserve on March 23, 1964.
What units did Presley serve in during his military career?
He was part of two armor battalions. These were the 2nd Medium Tank Battalion, 37th Armor, and the 1st Medium Tank Battalion, 32nd Armor. They were both in the 3rd Armored Division in West Germany.
Why was Presley’s induction initially deferred?
He asked for a deferment because of his film commitments. He told the Memphis Draft Board that Paramount had spent a lot on his latest film, King Creole. Many jobs depended on him finishing the film.
What significant event occurred during Presley’s induction?
On March 26, 1958, he had the “Haircut Heard ‘Round the World.” The Army cut off his famous hairstyle.
What personal tragedy did Presley experience during his military service?
His mother, Gladys Presley, died from cirrhosis on August 14, 1958. Elvis and his father, Vernon, were deeply saddened by her passing.
How did Presley’s military service impact the music industry and popular culture?
While he was away, new music styles and artists like Motown, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles became popular. This gave room for music to evolve. Presley’s unique style also helped start new dance trends, like the Lipsi in East Germany.
What was the significance of Presley’s military service during the Cold War era?
His joining the U.S. Army showed America’s strong stance against Communism. Being in the 3rd Armored Division in the Fulda Gap made Soviet officials see him as a way to attract defectors.