Elvis Presley's Badass Moments: Defining Moments in His Life
Eminem once said of Elvis Presley, 'When he passed out and hit his head in a Vegas bathroom, fat, drunk, and high on amphetamines, he was bad as hell and dead.' This observation is impactful, indeed, and it carries a tinge of admiration despite the grim conclusion. However, this is not the only moment when Elvis showcased his incredible bad-assery. Let's explore some of his most notable moments:
His Comeback Tour After the Army
After his service in the Army, Elvis Presley's comeback tour in Las Vegas was nothing short of epic. Wearing all that black leather, he stood on stage and redefined the term 'bad-ass' for the world to see. This was a period of immense focus and determination, as he proved that he was still the king of rock and roll.
Performing in Houston Astrodome
Elvis's first performance at the Houston Astrodome was another memorable moment. The Houston Astrodome's owner remarked, 'you can just leave those black girls behind,' showcasing the era's cultural dynamics. Elvis, despite the social constraints, delivered an unforgettable performance, demonstrating his immense talent and charisma.
The Legendary “Jailhouse Rock” Performance
One of the most iconic moments from Elvis's career was his singing of "Jailhouse Rock" in the film of the same name. In a music video that predates MTV by almost thirty years, Elvis lit up the screen with his singing and dancing. This moment highlighted his natural talent and his ability to perform on screen without missing a beat.
The Sandwhiches Quest
Another quintessential moment that exemplifies Elvis's bad-assery is his journey to Tennessee for a peanut butter bacon and banana sandwich. To fly 1600 miles in a private jet for a sandwich is a testament to his dedication and personality. This journey showcases his unique blend of ostentatious luxury and simple, grounded desires.
Scotty Moore's Anecdote
The story about Scotty Moore, Elvis's guitarist, is a classic tale of the star's incredible memory and musical prowess. During an interview, Scotty Moore mentioned how amazed he was by Elvis's extensive knowledge of Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, and Country songs. By the time Elvis was in his late teens, he had memorized at least a thousand songs, each with perfect pitch and tempo. This demonstrates his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Elvis's Army Experience
One of the most badass moments in Elvis's life is his decision to join the Army. Despite being so famous and rich, he did not try to avoid the draft by enlisting in an entertainment unit. Elvis underwent basic training and served in a tank battalion in Germany. This shows his sense of duty and willingness to serve his country, even in the face of fame and fortune.
1968 NBC Television Special
Elvis's most badass moment of all was his 1968 NBC Television Special, better known as 'The Comeback Special.' This performance was a turning point in his career and is often considered his 'Roaring V Back' to the top. The guitar solo and the performance itself were powerful, re-establishing his relevance in the music industry. A quote from someone involved in the special, such as the part where he 'cut [his] teeth on the crowd,' adds a layer of authenticity and passion to his performance.