In late June, Amazon released a documentary series titled “Elvis’s Women,” focusing on the legendary rock and roll icon Elvis Presley. The series consists of three parts and explores the relationships Elvis had with various women throughout his life.
The series makes a compelling case that the iconic singer was a predatory figure, highlighting a pattern of inappropriate relationships with underage girls. It also touches on the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely death at the age of 42. According to Daily Mail, “Elvis’s Women” may serve as a #MeToo moment, unraveling the musical legacy of Elvis.
A Pattern of Inappropriate Relationships
A notorious phrase often quoted by Elvis is, “A 14-year-old will help you get 20,” implying that if he were to engage in a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, he would face 20 years in prison.
This statement underscores a troubling reality; despite legal implications, Elvis was reportedly involved in sexual relationships with underage girls throughout his career, from the moment he rose to fame in the 1950s until his death in 1977.
The producers of Elvis’s Women conducted interviews with women who had relationships with the singer. For many, Elvis was their first love. Some women shared their experiences during interviews, often reminiscing about their initial encounters with the star. They all expressed that Elvis had a unique charm that set him apart from any other man they had known. Some of the stories continue to evoke reflection even today.
Letitia Kirk, a nurse who cared for Elvis in the 1970s, noted that many teenage girls were brought to Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, often unable to keep their excitement in check. According to Kirk, Elvis’s close associate, DJ George Klein, was responsible for bringing these girls to see Elvis.
Typically, the Memphis Mafia—often portrayed as a group of Elvis’s devoted friends—would surround him, creating an environment where young women flocked to him. At times, a girl would enter his house just to meet him.
Kathy Tatum was one such girl. When the Memphis Mafia was in operation in 1969, she was only 16 years old, while Elvis was 34.
Kathy recalls that Elvis would often shower her with compliments, singing and flirting with her. But soon, he would invite her to his bedroom, where he would keep her company for extended periods.
Kathy began to spend time with Elvis almost daily. He did not want a fully committed relationship but maintained a continuous flirtation while talking to her in his room.
Elvis remained involved with Kathy for a few years until he divorced. However, Kathy noticed that he was increasingly distant from her as she grew older.
Other young women also found themselves enamored by the allure of the musical icon. Kay Wheeler was just 16 when she first saw Elvis on television in 1956. Captivated by his charisma and voice, she formed a fan club in her hometown in Texas.
“We were ready for him. We were the girls waiting for him,” she said.
As the fan club grew into a national organization, Kay finally met Elvis at a press conference in San Antonio. In the dressing room, Elvis, then 22, immediately embraced her.
“He began to act affectionate, warm, and friendly. You wanted to run away because you knew you were meeting a dangerous man,” she recalled.
In photographs from the press conference, Elvis is seen wrapping his arms around the girl from behind. When a reporter asked him if he was planning to marry someone, Elvis replied: “Why buy a cow when you can milk it for free?”
Later, Kay was taken to the guest room where she was overwhelmed, and heard the legendary star calling out, “Where are you going?” He would often flirt, touching her legs and back, performing the same antics he displayed on stage.
“He was like a monster Godzilla. Elvis Presley was the biggest threat to any girl he met,” Kay described.
Jackie Rowland also had her memorable experience with the iconic singer. She first saw him on TV at the age of 13 and quickly found herself infatuated.
During their time together, Jackie felt the pressure of fame. She received letters from girls commenting on her relationship with the superstar.
In a year, Jackie managed to lose 36 pounds to get his attention. Her mother wrote to Elvis to discuss the impact of his fame on her daughter. After that, their families met up, and Jackie was thrilled to hear Elvis’s mother, Gladys, and father, Vernon Presley, expressed interest in the girls he was dating.
When the two families met, Elvis immediately pulled Jackie close, hugging her and kissing her ear. When Jackie asked him if he would ever marry her, he responded, “Oh, Mrs. Rowland, why is your daughter so special? She’s not ordinary.”
Meanwhile, Gladys was curious about Jackie since every girl seemed to shine when she met Elvis. However, the idea of marrying was quickly overshadowed by a looming concern over Elvis’s rapidly changing lifestyle.
Jackie also revealed that Elvis was using amphetamines to cope with the pressures of his career, contributing to his erratic behavior.
The Tragic Reality of Dying at 42
David Stanley, Elvis’s former bodyguard, shared his insights in the documentary: “His attraction to girls aged 15 or 16 left me astonished. I told him that it was truly a crime if he was caught. He seemed to dismiss it.”
Stanley was present at Graceland when Elvis died at the age of 42 from a heart attack related to drug use in August 1977.
Stanley believes that the singer had been aware of the potential dangers of his lifestyle and the impact it would have on his relationships with young girls.
“I believe he couldn’t continue. He had already calculated the risks of using drugs that could lead to his demise. Love, fame, pain, and addiction made it impossible for him to have a normal life,” said the now 85-year-old Stanley.
