Photos of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley from Wikipedia
Comparing Elvis Presley & Michael Jackson
Part 3 in a series for Elvis Presley Week
Although the differences between the careers and lives of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are distinct and varied, since August marks the anniversary month of the death of Elvis Presley as well as the burial month of Michael Jackson, this article will examine ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson:
Top Ten Similarities Between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson
1. Poverty to Wealth
Both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson were born into relatively poor circumstances and not only reached musical super-stardom during their lifetimes, but achieved great financial wealth.
2. Families & Relationships with Parents
Both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson had some problems in their childhoods resulting from issues with their fathers which affected them in their adult years, and both Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley maintained strong relationships with their mothers. Both families were musical and attended church services regularly.
3. Gospel Music Ties
According to The Christian Century, "Elvis Presley wrote more than 50 gospel songs" and recorded many classic hymns in his career. Elvis Presley frequently used gospel groups as background singers including: the Imperials, The Jordanaires, and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. (see The Gospel according to Elvis Presley)
Michael Jackson wrote and recorded several songs that are listed as gospel including "Cry" and "Will You Be There." (see The gospel according to Michael Jackson) Michael Jackson frequently used gospel groups as background singers including the Andrae Crouch Choir. (see Michael Jackson's gospel music ties). Both men recorded Christmas albums.
4. Striking Costumes and Dance Movies
Both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson wore striking, flashy costumes which were often sparkly and frequently tight-fitting and usually memorable. Both artists incorporated controversial dance moves on stage.
5. Graceland/Neverland
In 1957, Elvis Presley purchased an estate with a mansion which became his home, and he personalized it with over-the-top special theme rooms. Graceland became synonymous with Elvis Presley.
In 1988, Michael Jackson purchased the property which became Neverland Ranch, and he personalized it with a theme park, zoo and other over-the-top extensions of his personality. Neverland Ranch became synonymous with Michael Jackson.
6. Lisa Marie Presley
Elvis Presley was the father of Lisa Marie Presley. Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley.
7. Became Reclusive and Distrustful
Towards the end of their lives, both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson became somewhat reclusive, depressed, distrustful and and overly-obsessed with germs.
8. Health Issues and Drug Abuse
Elvis Presley died of health issues combined with drug issues on August 16, 1977.
Michael Jackson died of health issues combined with drug issues on June 25, 2009.
Both men's deaths were attributed to heart attacks at some point.
9. Died Young and Unexpectedly
Both celebrities died young and unexpectedly, Elvis at 42 and Michael at 50.
10. Kings of Music & Pop Culture
Elvis Presley was called the "King of Rock 'n Roll."
Michael Jackson was crowned the "King of Pop."
Feel free to add your own comparisons between Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley in the comments below.
Part 1: Gospel Music 101: Who was Elvis Presley?
Part 2: The Gospel according to Elvis Presley (gospel videos included)
Part 4: Elvis Presley: the 'King of Rock 'n Roll' and a real doll (with slideshow of Elvis dolls)
Elvis Presley - 75th birthday memories of the King of Rock 'n Roll
The gospel according to Michael Jackson ('Will You Be There?' and 'Heal the World' videos included)
Michael Jackson King of Pop Dead at 50
Michael Jackson's gospel music ties
Did Michael Jackson become a Christian right before he died?
Forever Michael event honors King of Pop one year after Michael Jackson's death
Musical guests, participants announced for Michael Jackson memorial service
Jennifer Hudson performs Michael Jackson's 'Will You Be There' at memorial service (video included)
The Gospel according to Elvis Presley: Elvis' gospel recordings (gospel videos included)
Also see:
Gospel Music 101: Who was Elvis Presley? Gospel singer, music icon and more
Gospel Music 101: What is gospel music?
Gospel Music 101: Which gospel artists got their start in Nashville?
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Comments
There is certainly no similarity when it comes to looks. Elvis was beautiful. Further, Elvis could, and did, sing in virtually every musical genre available to him whereas Michael Jackson, with his limited vocal style could only sing in one or two. It must also be remembered that Elvis was a fine actor when given a decent script and he matured throughout his career whereas Jackson did not attempt acting and never matured, appealing mainly to teenagers.
;)
DONT THINK SO SOMEBOW BRIAN...MJ HAS SOLD WAY MORE RECORDS IN LIFE THAN ELVIS DID AND SEEMS TO BE OUTSELLING HIM IN DEATH ALSO!
Brian, what the hell are you talking about? Limited vocal style? MJ sang pop, R%b, rock, soul, funk, gospel, etc. MJ may not have been a movie star but he is the undisputed king of music videos thanks to his ground breaking short films. MJ appealed to everyone reguardless of age, color, race, gender, etc. which is why 1 billion people worldwide watched his memorial on July 7th!
Hey kathryn, what do you mean by MJ being "overly-obsessed with germs"? do you mind some details, please? Thanks :)
And Brian, everyone was unique in his own way...this article is about similarities, not comparisons...
Angie, I saw it on a TV special, but I can't remember which one - probably "Living with Michael Jackson." However, if you Google "Michael Jackson germs" and "Michael Jackson hypochondriac" you will see a lot of web references including this article on a phobia website. www(dot)phobia-fear-release.com/michael-jackson-bacteria-fear.html
Also, I rarely read comments anymore. People are so rude to each other, and there is also a fellow Examiner entertainment writer who stalks other writers' posts he is jealous of using fake names and trying to be insulting and disruptive. I spend my time researching and writing articles and not reading the comments for the most part, so please don't feel hurt if you ever post a comment and I don't reply. The comments section should be a place to ask questions and discuss articles politely like you do, but it frequently becomes another thing entirely.
goodJobKatheryne!!
LOL! How lucky Elvis is to be compared to MJ! MJ straight out owns Elvis on all counts!
What is this guy talking about?
Michael sang Pop, Rock, Soul, R&B, New Jack Swing, Gospel,Disco, Doo Wop,Hip Hop, Urban, Rap, and certain other styles.
Also, Michael's a very good actor. He won an award for his film, Moonwalker, and was probably the only one praised for his acting in The Wiz. He just didn't have time for films.
You should really learn more about Jackson, Brian Quinn
What is this guy talking about?
Michael sang Pop, Rock, Soul, R&B, New Jack Swing, Gospel,Disco, Doo Wop,Hip Hop, Urban, Rap, and certain other styles.
Also, Michael's a very good actor. He won an award for his film, Moonwalker, and was probably the only one praised for his acting in The Wiz. He just didn't have time for films.
You should really learn more about Jackson, Brian Quinn
What is this guy talking about?
Michael sang Pop, Rock, Soul, R&B, New Jack Swing, Gospel,Disco, Doo Wop,Hip Hop, Urban, Rap, and certain other styles.
Also, Michael's a very good actor. He won an award for his film, Moonwalker, and was probably the only one praised for his acting in The Wiz. He just didn't have time for films.
You should really learn more about Jackson, Brian Quinn
I think it was pretty fair until germs came out, thats a ridiculous claim, MJ was not germphobic, you people made that up and despite having showed to be false many times, you still keep with the trash.
Please please please. I ask all of you to stop taking sides and bash each of them and their fans. This is not what Elvis or Michael stood for or want their fans to excersise. Both Elvis and Michael stood for love and loved God who is love. If there is anything they wanted they wanted the world to exercise love not hate. The best way to exercise love is to stop comparisons and to focus on similarity which the author did very well on. The author actually promoted positive relationships between Elvis fans and Michael jackson fans. Please enjoy the similarities Elvis and michael have and continue to be inspired by the positive things they did in their lives so we could continue positive deeds as well. They were both charitable. For example Elvis with his level of fame, he hang out with black gospel and mainstream singers and also worked with them. Michael worked with blacks and whites ;They did their best in their time. That is what we michael jackson and Elvis fans need to do
They both broke the color barrior
Elvis never wrote any gospel songs.
I wasn't aware he was overly obsessed with germs at the end.
and michael is way better
Used to read your column. Disappointed that you have chosen to steer away from writing about gospel music to covering celebrity gossip and trendy headlines. You'd rather write about hot celebrities you can squeeze a gospel angle on than the true gospel legends. Shame. Consider this my last click.
Hey Kathryn, you are doing a great job!...it takes a lot of effort to research so many articles and place info in one pack together like that...you are making an effort and it shows...excellent job, really!!...keep the juicy stuff coming ;)
and Dawit, I couldn't agree more...I deeply believe that sticking to God when you are a hot shot in this world like MJ and EP is a true sign of the depth of character...and that's what matters in general, whether u are an artist or a businessman or anybody for that matter...they were TRULY great PEOPLE not just artists...they had a tough life and did their best...
Why should we compare them?
Both of them were great.
Though I trully believe, that Jackson was more talented as a songwriter and DANCER, of course. Plus, don't forget that Jackson was a child-prodigy and became a music legend at 25.
One more thing, I think that, despite 2005 trial, Jackson's final years were the happiest for him, as he could spend all his time with his children and enjoyed the role of a father greatly. Plus, unlike Elvis, Jackson retained his perfect physical shape.
What Elvis and Michael certainly had in common is that they were both left by the women they loved, when they needed their support. And this is worth an article about what runs in Priscilla and Lisa-Marie's blood.
Hey, Johnny Observer,
I doubt the Gospel Music and Entertainment writer is worried about your 1 click or your opinion! LOL Her fans enjoy reading her stuff and even the ones who disagree well that's just more clicks. I doubt she will miss yours. Keep writing about MJ and EP. Both great gospel performers. We like your column Kathreyn and I like both singers. People shouldn't come on here just to say mean things to each other even if they disagree.
This reviewer needs to do more research prior to writing because there are several key errors in details outlined in the article, Elvis did not write songs and Elvis had a great relationship with his dad, unlike poor Michael. I will give Michael his props for developing more wealth than Elvis (smart move with the Beatles catalog) but I dont' believe his music will last that long because it's more tied to his decade, Elvis' has been listened to for more than 50 years now and still sounds good, I'm tired of Off The Wall now since they play it all the time. He made great videos but only recorded about 10 albums from the time of Off The Wall to Invincibile and you can only re-issue that soo many times!
Rejane michael will be more famous his music is better so shut up. and Elvis music is terrible he only has to good song and now i hate them and i love michael music which has been playing for 45 years
The similarity is that they were both great entertainers in their own right. Thats it. You don't know who they really were or what they were thinking or doing. Its not up to us to judge. I think that we were all just blessed to have Elvis and Michael Jackson in our lifetime.
can some of you guys stop saying whos better then who coz it really makes me angry to see that elvis is better then mj.im not really a fan of elvis presley but am a HUGE fan of michael jackson.no disrespect to both kings plz!and michael didnt sexually abuse young boys.dont say that plz. thank you!
rest in peace to both legends.
Sorry but I'm more of a fan of MJ's although I love EP's music as well and to those who say EP was a better entertainer look at the facts.
MJ was the first artist ever to have number one hits on the black charts and billboard charts.
MJ had the biggest selling album of all time and it still is over twenty five years after its release.
MJ has broken the record many times for have the most people at his concerts.
He was named the most sucessful entertainer of all time.
Plus many other facts just look them up.
Please respect him (Michael Jackson),he has gone and he didnt do anything, ur court also accepted it so please clean ur mind and heart. He was the legend and we "The Whole World" extreemly love and respect him. only within US some people have problem with him. please open ur eyes and heart and think again.
Dont hide his achievements. Please i request you clean your heart and call him his complerte name. thanks.
Please respect him (Michael Jackson),he has gone and he didnt do anything, ur court also accepted it so please clean ur mind and heart. He was the legend and we "The Whole World" extreemly love and respect him. only within US some people have problem with him. please open ur eyes and heart and think again.
Dont hide his achievements. Please i request you clean your heart and call him his complerte name. thanks.
I am certainly glad I didn't become a writer. It's bad enough being a waiter and having customers complain about every little thing, but these writers have guts putting their research and thoughts out there where morons can come and try to dissect it and then attack the writer and each other. Try a little courtesy, people.
Rejene, the writer gave a source for the gospel songs quote, and Vernon Presley deserted his family for a while when Elvis was young and he sure didn't support his family financially. I'm sure you can find it on Google if you don't believe me. It's probably one reason Elvis kept Col. Parker on as some kind of father figure.
But go ahead and keep attacking each other, Michael Jackson, Elvis and the writer. Whatever brings you guys joy!
We still love you, Elvis, and your beautiful gospel songs!!!!!
Hi, Guy! I didn't realize you were writing here. Have a lot of reading to catch up on now. LOL And, despite some of the comments left here, I find the comparisons really interesting. Hadn't really thought about them. You've done an excellent job. But, then, you always do!
Hmm...similarities? You can't compare Elvis to MJ. Elvis is nothing. Michael could actually dance. And he cared about the world and it's people. And he was soooo good looking back in the 80's. LOL.
Hmm...similarities? You can't compare Elvis to MJ. Elvis is nothing. Michael could actually dance. And he cared about the world and it's people. And he was soooo good looking back in the 80's. LOL.
um.. you forgot they were both uncircumsized.
ELVIS, PAST, PRESENT, AND SO FAR, THE FUTURE, IS THE MUSICAL MESSIAH OF AMERICAN MUSIC.HE SANG IN MANY MUSIC FORMATS,I SEE NOBODY TO DO THIS AT ALL,HE WAS NOT AFRAID TO SING HIS FAITH.
i think we have a lot to learn here.. first off elvis was the ultimate entertainer of all times and michael was great too but not as hot as elvis.. has anyone ever compaired there voices? i have! its totally diffrent not to disrespect michael but what did he really do diffrently the only thing was that he danced and did video.. video were not hot back when elvis was alive but if you watch aloha from hawaii he did do 3 videos at the end of the show and you can see it on dvd and the concert was brodcast workwide and over 1 billion people watched.. and he was gorgous.. dont anyone remember the 68 comback special the was the first acustic session ever.. elvis was the first to have the ontrage and bling and private jets and just everything.. sorry people but michael come in at 2nd in my book.. and elvis sang everything from gospel to rock and country and blues.. i think people need to start listening to some other kind of elvis and they would be suprrised i say long live the king elvis.....
Who is Elvis?
I know that Michael Jackson is the King of Pop of the Universe!!! But I swear i don'y know any Elvis Presly song. I heard about Elvis when MJ married Lisa Marie!!!
Michael is way more famous, and absolutely more talented than Elvis!!!
God bless the real king, Michael Jackson
indeed they do have similarities....but i don't think that you can ever compare them as to who was better, because they were and are still the best artists that ever lived. michael had his own talents as well as elvis...both kings and both legends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Dan
How can you say Michael was more talented when you haven´t heard any of Elvis´ songs? -.- Kinda makes no sence.
But anyway, I love them both and yes, there are lots of similarities. It´s almost creepy O.o
Michael is a Good person and he is cute as well. he loves children because he never gotten a chance to play outside or walk in a store or leave his house without paparazzies in his way. im 14 and i dont misunderstand mike. i understand him very well,i knew him since 2008. long enough to get to know him,R.I.P sweetie,have fun moonwalking through the stars and celebrating your 50 years on earth,you deserved better.
They both went from looking great to looking terrible, and they were both hooked on Demerol.
MICHAEL JACKSON ALLLLL DAY EVERYDAYYYYY
KIND OF POP..... KING OF THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for posting this. It made me get over the harsh comments about the two. But Michael has acted in The Wiz and has acted in mini films like 2 bad, thriller, bad etc... He was an actor too. But they have worked their lives out and have earned the two top spots in the Hall Of Fame. It is official that Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley are the Kings of Inspiration, Funk, Love, and MUSIC. I love the way both like sequins... Too cute. Yes, Michael had childhood issues that caused him to want to change his face. He was almost killed by his father... While beating him... His mother would yell "Your Gonna Kill Him Joe." I'm am a huge fan of BOTH THE TWO and think they were the true kings of love... They were infected by germs before their lives ended and are in heaven now. GOD BLESS THE TWO!
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