Happy birthday, Elvis Presley! Here are 5 lesser-known facts about the king of Rock-and-Roll

American singer Elvis Presley/ Source: Express Archives

#1. Elvis Presley had a twin

Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 to parents with humble background in East Tupelo, Mississippi, nearly 35 minutes after his stillborn identical twin. His brother was buried the next day in an unmarked grave and later came to be known as Jesse Garon. Presley spoke of his brother throughout his life.

#2. Elvis Presley served in the Army after he was already famous

Elvis Presley launched his music career in 1954 and became a renowned figure soon after. However, in 1957, he was drafted into the US military and in mid-1958 he was asked to serve in Germany which is also the time he met his wife Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of a U.S. Air Force captain. He was discharged of active duty in 1960.

#3. Elvis Presley’s mysterious manager Tom Parker

Elvis Presley had a manager named Colonel Tom Parker who had started working with Presley in 1956 and it was during his tenure that Presley shot to great heights of fame. However, throughout Presley’s career, Parker made sure the spotlight never fell on his personal life. It later emerged in the 80s that he was an illegal immigrant.

#4. Elvis Presley never performed outside of North America

Reportedly, 40 per cent of Presley’s records were sold abroad but it’s amazing how he never performed outside North America except for a few shows in Canada. According to history.com, his manager Parker turned down offers for Presley’s concert on foreign land fearing getting caught.

#5. Elvis Presley’s style is inspired by Captain Marvel Jr

Elaine Dundy, in her book Elvis and Gladys, writes that young Elvis was a huge fan of Captain Marvel Jr and his signature look is heavily inspired by the DC Comics’ superhero. including his hair, his sideburns, and his late-era caped jumpsuits. Presley’s official logo, the lightning bolt, is also believed to be adopted by Captain Marvel Jr.