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Welcome to Shelbi Hamer's Elvis Presley Death Conspiracy! This website is dedicated to exploring and discussing the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Elvis Presley.
Let's unravel the conspiracy theories together!

“King of Elvis Presley, or the "King of Rock and Roll," remains one of the best singers in music history. Beyond his legendary status, there have been conspiracy theories surrounding his death. There are two conspiracies. He passed away due to natural causes related to his age and health on August 16, 1977, or he faked his death to escape fame. While escaping fame and living a drama-free life for his last few years sounds like the more enjoyable experience, it would be difficult to pull the wool over everyone's eyes while ensuring that those who knew never told a soul. It is more believable that he indeed passed away on that August day in 1977, taking with him the crown as the "King of Rock and Roll."

Elvis Presley is most widely known as the King of Rock and Roll, but he had many admirable qualities that enabled him to achieve that title. Between his smooth-moving hips, memorable voice, determination through military assignment, and ability to push racial boundaries, Elvis made an impact on the music world that can still be seen in the industry today. Rising from rural Mississippi to immense stardom, Elvis Presley is one of the most memorable artists in history. Two notable characteristics of Elvis that helped support his journey to fame were his incredible personality and his ability to inspire the masses while pushing racial boundaries. Elvis truly worked to achieve greatness, which has left everyone calling him the King of Rock and Roll all these years later. Elvis’s striking personality played a significant role in his journey to stardom. His long black hair, colorful and elaborate outfits, and the confidence he radiated all contributed to his status as an idol of his time. He was known for being “charismatic and cocky yet humble and polite” in the face of mass stardom and fan frenzy (Schinder & Schwartz 2). Going from a small rural town in Mississippi to such a level of stardom that forced him into isolation, it is truly remarkable to consider that he was able to maintain such confidence and profoundly impact the music industry. Thera are many disagreements in the media and research regarding his personality after many years of fame and isolation (Research Gate). Still, one consensus remains that he was a positive light in dark times for many of those around him.

These personality traits influenced his ability to handle the fame and served as a source of inspiration for artists for years to come. Elvis’s influence extended beyond his race, inspiring thousands of musicians, from Jerry Lee Lewis to John Lennon and even Prince. The impact of his unique vocal tone on mainstream music was palpable, dripping with confidence and a sense of excitement that left audiences starstruck. His fresh take on the old rock music was a breath of fresh air, sparking the dreams of thousands of fans and musicians alike. Many credit the beginning of this impact to being part because Elvis “symbolized the twentieth-century version of the heroic pioneer blazing trails into an unknown frontier, an unlikely rebel who set the stage for a countercultural insurgency that later would shake the sixties” (Bertrand 63). Elvis pushed racial boundaries through his rhythm and blues style of rock and roll during an era in which the races did not mix and mingle well. His presence was not always welcomed with open arms (Research Gate), but his impact was recognized from early on. His long-lasting impact on the racial divide left his name tattered and bruised during the early days but inspired future artists and society for years to come.

Elvis's many memorable and admirable qualities continue to define him in our collective memory. While many remember Elvis for his swirling hips, jet-black hair, and elaborate outfits, his exciting personality and innovative musical perspective inspired his generation. They set a standard for many to come. His charismatic personality and ability to push racial boundaries led him to stardom to such a degree that fans still obsess over him in a way that is almost considered religious. These qualities and many more ensure that he will forever be remembered as the King of Rock and Roll, a testament to his enduring legacy in music.

The first theory is that Presley passed away from natural causes. The medical examiner, Jerry Francisco, performed the autopsy the same day that Presley passed (New York Times). According to the article on The New York Times, Presley passed away from a heart attack. Although Presley had a history of drug usage according to the autopsy performed the day of his death, his death was from a heart attack not drugs. An autopsy performed the same day of death should have been the most accurate for the cause of death. There was a second autopsy performed by Jordan Davis whose autopsy showed the same cause of death, cardiac arrest (The Economic Times). Therefore, that should be the most logical explanation for the “King of Rock and Roll’s” death.

The second theory is that Presley faked his death. There are multiple reasonings for this theory. The main reason being that there have been several alleged sightings of Presley after his death (The Week). Presley could have been tired of constantly being in the public eye especially with his history of drug usage (Parade). The first alleged sighting of Presley was the day after his death at the Memphis International Airport. There was a man there who looked like Presley and used the name “Job Burrows” which was the name that Presley used when booking into hotels (The Week). Back then, an ID was not required to board a plane only the plane ticket. At this time, people started pretending to be Presley. Elvis Presley impersonators could be found everywhere so it made sense for there to be alleged sightings of Presley (E! Online).

Another plot twist to the theory of Presley faking his death is the fact the name on his gravestone in Memphis is spelled wrong. An article on Sky News says his family did this purposely to help him cover his death up and that they did not want his name on his grave to “jinx” him (sky news). Also, the toxicology report did not match the autopsy report given after his death (parade.com). That report was a cover up that Presley’s family wanted so they could hide his drug use. They did not want his reputation ruined. Why cover something up that would eventually be leaked to the public unless there was an underlying reason? Could that reason be so Presley could escape the public eye without anybody noticing?

There is also rumor that Presley was involved in the government as an undercover agent. Supposedly, Presley was involved in the trafficking of drugs and was helping the DEA by going undercover. Which is also how some say Presley got involved in drugs himself. Another theory on why Presley faked his death was that he was dodging the mob. There is a 1988 book called Is Elvis Alive?. This book has documents in it suggesting the “King of Rock and Roll” went into witness protection and there is a statement that Presley did not die on August 16, 1977 (The Week).

Presley was a man that many idolized. As Adéla mentions in their thesis, even Jimmy Carter made a statement about the “King of Rock and Roll’s” death. Carter went on to talk about how Presley had influenced the culture of the United States for the last twenty years. Presley leaves behind a legacy. Every August, people swarm to Graceland that Mrs. Presley has opened to the public to honor him.

Whether or not, Presley faked his death or not is something that the public will probably never truly know. There is a lot of speculation of what had truly happened at Presley’s mansion the day of August 16th. There is reasoning for all the speculation. There is evidence along with holes in every story regarding Presley’s death. Maybe one day the “King of Rock and Roll” will come out of hiding if he still is alive or maybe he won’t.

“Almost immediately upon hearing of his death, mourners from around the world gathered at Graceland to say farewell…” (Britannica). On August 16, 1977, the King of Rock and Roll passed away from the result of cardiac arrest. Elvis Presley was an American icon who influenced the culture of America with his music. Since Presley’s death, there have been many conspiracy theories. The main ones being:

Was Presley’s death from natural causes?
Did Presley fake his death?

After completing research from different sources, the evidence points to Presley’s death being from natural causes. There was evidence of cover ups or misleading information in autopsy and toxicology report (Parade). However, there is reasoning behind misleading information such as Presley’s reputation wanted to be upheld and not degraded (The Economic Times). Presley will forever be known as the Rock and Roll”.

Works Cited

“Elvis Presley: Autopsy Report Reveals Disturbing Details. Everything We Know about Death of Rock Singer.” The Economic Times, economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/elvis-presley-autopsy-report-reveals-disturbing-details-everything-we-know-about-death-of-rock-singer/articleshow/104700419.cms?from=mdr. Accessed 25 June 2024.

“Elvis Presley: The King Who Never Really Died.” Sky News, news.sky.com/story/elvis-presley-the-king-who-never-really-died-10990985. Accessed 24 June 2024.

“Elvis.” Warner Home Video, 2022.

How Did Elvis Die? Cause of Death and Conspiracy Theories - Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays, parade.com/1397829/michelle-scheraga/how-did-elvis-die/. Accessed 24 June 2024.

Ivins, Molly. “Elvis Presley Dies; Rock Singer Was 42; Heart Failure Is Cited by Coroner-Acclaim Followed Early Scorn’.” The New York Times, 17 Aug. 1977, www.nytimes.com/1977/08/17/archives/elvis-presley-dies-rock-singer-was-42-heart-failure-is-cited-by.html. Accessed 25 June 2024.

Power, Gabriel. “Elvis Presley Death Conspiracies: Long Live the King.” Theweek, The Week, 16 Aug. 2017, theweek.com/87812/elvis-presley-death-conspiracies-long-live-the-king. Accessed 23 June 2024.

Vymazalová, Adéla. “Elvis Presley and His Significant Impact on American Culture.” Palacký University Olomouc, 2018.

“Why Elvis Presley’s Death Continues to Stir Conspiracy Theories.” E! Online, 24 June 2022, www.eonline.com/news/1335419/why-elvis-presleys-death-continues-to-stir-conspiracy-theories. Accessed 23 June 2024.