Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were separated by a generation yet they led similar lives and had similar deaths.
The sudden death of Michael Jackson has spurred several comparisons between his death and those of Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, and Elvis Presley. Yet it is the comparisons between Elvis and Jackson that the media is most focused on.
Elvis burst onto the music scene later in life than Michael Jackson who began his career when he was a child, yet the two men had very similar lives and careers. Their worldwide fame precluded them from living normal lives. They were both recluses and when they went out they were surrounded by fans and photographers.
Similar Stage Presence
Both singers made their marks with their voices and their footwork. While Elvis gyrated and bounced around, Jackson perfected his dancing style with new moves that were copied on the streets as well as by other artists.
Both men have been and continue to be imitated by look-alikes and others. And both men have signature poses.
Michael Jackson wore a special style of clothing and was known for his elaborate costumes. Elvis Presley was also known for his elaborate jumpsuits.
Both Elvis and Jackson had recognizable hair styles.
Weight and Drugs Were Issues with Both Elvis and Michael Jackson
Both Elvis and Michael Jackson experienced weight issues. Elvis became overweight and Jackson became anorexic. In both cases, these weight issues could have weakened their hearts.
Their deaths occurred at relatively young ages.
Elvis and Jackson were both addicted to drugs and they both died suddenly, having collapsed in their homes.
Two Music Kings
Elvis was called “The King” (of Rock and Roll) and Michael Jackson was called the “King of Pop.”
Elvis had a comeback concert and Jackson was preparing for his comeback concerts.
Jackson was undeniably different, strange, and eccentric. He was also an entertainer who gave his time and money to various causes. Elvis was also magnanimous with his wealth and he too was considered a little eccentric with his interests and actions.
Elvis was the recording artist of his generation and Michael Jackson was the recording artist of his generation.
Both Elvis and Jackson aspired to a movie career. While Elvis made many films, they were not the type of roles he wanted. Though Jackson's scarecrow in The Wiz was highly acclaimed and he desired to make more films, he never did.
There are few entertainers who reach the status of superstar, and both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are in that category. Their music lives on and the sales of their songs will continue to bring in revenue to their estates, making them both just as popular in death as they were in life, and quite possibly even more so.
With these similarities, it is inevitable that these two men will be compared. While he was alive, Michael Jackson was compared to Elvis, but now that he is dead the comparisons are even more compelling. Just as the lives and deaths of President Kennedy and President Lincoln continue to be linked, the lives and deaths of Elvis and Michael Jackson will be compared through the years.
The copyright of the article Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley in Celebrities/Pop Culture is owned by Francine Brokaw. Permission to republish Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
i my mind i think Elvis was better he did as much a MJ and more but in a
harder time with no music videos or internet, the only one way to listen to
his music was either through the radio, album or a live concert. Elvis was
also a actor he made of 20 movies.
there is no dout that
michael was a wonderful talent but he was in a differnt era then elvis so
you can realy say who was the best performer of all time, its like saying
who was the best hockey player bobby orr or wayne gretzky, you cant cause
they were in a differnt era and both played differnt positions.
When Elvis was alive he was called the KING not the king of rock n roll,
there can only be one king in music. and when MJ was alive he used
alot of Elvis's traits
and if MJ was the best preformer how come
he was'nt bureid with elvis.
but they were both great performers
but in differnt eras
RIP MJ
Jul 15, 2009 8:42 PM
Guest :
Gloved One, Loved One (For Michael Joseph Jackson) My eyes are
heavy, as I watch news footage of you gliding across the stage and
gyrating your pelvis, At this moment in time this is bigger than the
Duke, man, this is bigger than Elvis! Though you made your living
with words, today there are no words to express the way the world
feels, Right now there is no need to go into your discography because
it encompasses valleys and hills. But where do I begin, should I start
with your amazing solo career or should I start with the Jackson
5, When you were just a cute little boy, On stage you were
talented and outgoing, Yet off stage you were introspective and
coy, In the 70's, you put the world into a trance with your Œfro and
bell bottomed jeans as you did the robot, Michael, you had everyone at
your feet because when you danced and sang you gave all that you got! Nat King Cole was a merry ole soul as he sat perched up against mama's
old wooden phonograph next to Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and the
Jackson's Destiny album, Lord have mercy, you were all mature, sexy
and handsome! Ooh, wee, or should I say 'hee hee hee' about that
pulsating falsetto, That reached every country, mansion, island,
barrio, hut and every ghetto. I am old school and I remember coming
home from school putting on your albums, These were the days before
CD¹s, MP3 players, and IPODS, Goodness graccious, listening to your
music was heaven sent directly from God. You were a great admirer of
the legendary James Brown, It warmed my heart to see you at an award
show holding his crown. You ruled the 80's with a glittering iron
glove, Moon walking into the hearts of millions Moving as
gracefully and as freely as a dove. Newborns coming into the world
already know your name, Ailing grandparents in their last days know
the same. You are Gary¹s finest but the world dubbed you the ŒGloved
One¹ > Michael your legacy is HIStory, DESTINY, OFF THE WALL,
INVINCIBLE, BAD and most definitely a THRILLER. You are the King
of Pop the ŒMan In The Mirror!¹ You Œrocked our world¹ for over 40
years. You gave us such memorable songs as Who¹s Lovin You, Gotta Be
There, Heart Break Hotel, Butterflies, PYT, Billie Jean, Earth Song,
Can You Feel It, Working Day And Night, The Girl Is Mine, Say, Say,
Say, and We 'Remember The Time¹ you told us that ŒWe Are The World¹ And to ŒEase on Down The Road. You sold out football field stadiums
and integrated MTV music videos. Back in t
Jul 15, 2009 8:46 PM
Guest :
Elvis can't compare to Michael. There is simply no comparison. I never get
into the mood to hear an Elvis song. Michael had a voice like none other,
it doesn't matter about the internet and videos, etc. Mike could sing
Elvis under the table. Mike had color and character in his voice. He did
not steal songs from Big Mama Thornton and growl while he was singing them.
I bet if Elvis was alive he'd tell you that he couldn't compare to Mike.
Jul 26, 2009 10:34 AM
Guest :
Michael Jackson was better than Elvis Presley, Elvis was great but Michael
is just the greatest entertainer of all time.Michael Jackson's songs touch
the soul, much more than Elvis.
Aug 11, 2009 7:25 AM
Guest :
there's still one common factor that's not there and that is THERE LOVE FOR
THE SAME WOMAN --LiSA MARiE PRESLEY-- :) jackson really loved lmp as well
as elvis. LMP is the only daughter of elvis. :) REST iN PEACE THE KiNGS=]
Sep 6, 2009 6:12 AM
Guest :
Miachel jackson is the greatest philantrophist,best father as well as
greatest entertainer this world will ever have.He can't be compared on any
level with elvis persely. He was on the eve of potentially redeeming his
career a little bit with his album "This is It" then people might
have started to think of him again in a different light and he would hav
reached the edge that no one could defeat??If his physical health would
have not been a problem then he would have alive today pushing the best of
him........ god bless his childrens.. Be in peace miachel this
world will nvr forget you for ur efforts!!
Jun 28, 2009
