Elvis Presley Couldn’t Watch ‘Loving You’ After a Tragic Loss

Few people have left their mark in American music history like Elvis Presley. The legendary icon revolutionized rock ‘n’ roll music and proved he was also a talented actor. He starred in several films that became box office hits, and it seemed like everyone in America had Elvis fever. There was one film that meant more than the others to the musician. Unfortunately, Presley couldn’t even watch it again after one incredibly sad event.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll came from humble beginnings

Elvis Presley was an inspiration to many, coming from very humble roots and skyrocketing to fame. Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, reports Biography. But he moved around a lot while he was growing up. His twin brother was stillborn, and he had no other siblings. He gained three stepbrothers when his father remarried after his mother’s death, according to Live About.

Presley was much older than his stepbrothers, and he was more a father figure than a brother. When he became a star, his stepbrothers worked for him as bodyguards and assistants, giving him a hand whenever it was needed. 

Being raised in a deeply religious family had a significant influence on the young Presley. Gospel music was a big part of their lives, and his musical talents were evident at an early age. When Presley was 11 years old, he received a very special gift from his mother: his first guitar. A few years later, he won a talent show at his high school. That win was just the beginning for the talented musician. 

After graduating in 1953, he began to pursue a musical career. He worked a variety of odd jobs that paid the bills while he wrote songs and tried to break into the music industry. Later that year, his first demo was recorded at Sun Studio. The label owner, Sam Phillips, took a special interest in Presley. Before he knew it, he was touring and recording music. He released his first single in 1954. 

Elvis Presley quickly developed an adoring fan base

In 1955, Presley released his first No. 1 hit, “Heartbreak Hotel.” He signed with RCA Records, and his career took off with blinding speed. The handsome singer attracted an incredibly devoted fan base. His slick hair, irresistible charm, and mesmerizing dance moves had women everywhere swooning. 

By 1956, Presley had his first No. 1 album and a movie contract with Paramount. He became a coveted guest on variety shows; anyone who had Elvis as their guest was sure to have a huge television audience that night. People around the country were glued to their screens just to catch a glimpse of the young heartthrob. 

Before long, Elvis became a rock ‘n’ roll icon. His shows were filled to the brim with screaming fans, and no one could get enough of the young star. Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, as well as numerous platinum albums. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. In the late ’90s, he also became a part of the Country Music Hall of Fame as well as the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

Unfortunately, Presley developed a drug problem during the course of his career. This addiction ultimately led to his death at the young age of 42. Elvis was buried near his parents and his grandmother. 

Elvis Presley couldn’t bear to watch ‘Loving You’

The 1957 Elvis Presley film Loving You is a musical drama. Elvis stars as Deke Rivers, a delivery worker whose singing talent is discovered by a veteran of the industry. 

According to IMDb, Elvis’ parents, Vernon Presley and Gladys Presley, ended up with cameos in the film. However, Elvis’ mother died just a year after its release. And consequently, Elvis “never watched it again, saying it hurt too much to see his mother on screen.”

[Correction: An earlier version mistakenly said the movie was Love Me Tender, not Loving You.]