The main question is whether Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock, was a fan of one of the staples of human life – coffee. Reports are inconclusive in this respect, as those close to Presley himself offer conflicting evidence.
On the one hand, it is alleged that while Presley was a fan of coffee, he was quite fussy and insisted on only drinking ‘Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee’, widely considered to be the finest of all coffees. By way of further evidence, Elvis is often purported to have commented “I wouldn’t want my coffee any other way”, a claim that has yet to be authenticated.
On the other hand, several of his former companions have refuted the notion that Elvis drank coffee at all, instead claiming that he had a taste for a range of soft drinks. This would fit in with the general perception of Presley’s diet, which centered around unhealthy processed foods.
Perhaps the most interesting story related to Elvis and coffee comes from former band member and friend D.J Fontana. According to Mr Fontana, he once drove Elvis to the studio for a recording session. During the time, Mr Fontana was keen to please the King but it proved rather difficult to settle on an appropriate beverage, leading to an argument between the two. Elvis insisted on having a cup of coffee while Mr Fontana fretted that it was too early in the morning and appeared to form the impression that Elvis had never fancied the hot drink.
In comparison to this anecdote, it appears that the truth of the matter is unclear and no defintive conclusion can be drawn as to whether Elvis Presley was a fan of coffee or not. However this does not stop us from exploring Elvis’ views on the other fuels of life.
Elvis’s Drinking Habits
Elvis’ views on both water and alcohol have been well documented by those closest to him. The King was known to swill several glasses of cold water before entering the stage, something which became a ritual before every performance. While some attribute this habit to a mix of superstition and hydration, others have suggested that it was actually a method of calming down his nerves before a show.
In terms of adult beverages, Elvis was most often depicted as enjoying beers with friends while in the studio. While Presley was not a heavy drinker in the strictest of terms, those around him noted that he would sometimes have up to four beers, though would rarely exceed this.
Elvis’s Comfort Eating
Elvis Presley was known to indulge himself in some rather unhealthy foods, which he referred to as “comfort eating”. This enabled him to relax not only his physical state, but to indulge in the tastes from his childhood. It is often speculated that Elvis selected the comfort eating options such as burgers, chips, or slabs of cake to give himself energy for his energetic performances.
Both during and after his career took off, Elvis was known to love eating peanut butter sandwiches made with plenty of sugar. He also had a rather large appetite and would often eat two full meals in one sitting. In both cases, it is likely that the sugar provided a perfect boost to enable him to perform.
Elvis’s Sweet Tooth
Presley’s sweet tooth was well documented by those in his circle. Elvis would often reach for sweet treats such as pies, cakes, and donuts, often eating these together with his fried dishes. Interestingly, it is believed that Elvis’s sweet tooth waned with age and that he was a lot less tempted by sugary treats during his later years.
In addition to sweets, Elvis was also a big fan of ice cream; his favorite flavour being banana. This was a favourite food of his during studio sessions and served as a great source of comfort in times of stress.
Elvis’s Mass Consumption Habits
One of Presley’s key distinguishing features was his mass consumption habits. Stories abound about him ordering a massive plate of about 30 eggs for breakfast, or bringing a giant cake to the recording studio which could feed an entire band. In addition, Elvis also had a special liking for deep fried foods, loving to eat particularly large doused with butter. Whether this behaviour was nourishing or merely a demonstration of wealth, it is clear that on a physiological level he had an intense desire to consume.
Elvis’s Late Night Feasts
Elvis was known to be quite the night owl and would often stay up late at night. During this time, he would satisfy his cravings with late night feasts. Elvis often chose to eat sandwiches which he would customise with a range of ingredients. He also especially enjoyed milkshakes which he would enjoy as late-night snacks.
In addition to these, Elvis also had a well-documented liking for Chinese food and it appears that the King was frequently found ‘treating’ himself to take out late at night. Interestingly, it is quite plausible that Elvis derived some solace from his late night eating; the notion of getting some pleasure from the time he had to himself and the moments of escapism that it afforded him.
Elvis’s Music and Art
Elvis was certainly a man of many interests, many of which he was passionate about. His love of music is apparent, with The King’s many iconic tracks being influenced by a range of styles and genres. He was also, quite surprisingly, a talented artist and loved to paint, often creating vibrant, abstract works which heenjoyed sharing with his friends and family.
Elvis also loved philosophy and found comfort in reading books related to this subject. Finally he was an ardent supporter of law enforcement, often having close relationships with many leading officers. This affinity may have been borne from his time in the Army and the officers he interacted with then.
Elvis’s Home
The King’s home was also something of a refuge for Presley. In particular, Elvis was particularly fond of the pool and whirlpool at his Graceland estate. His reason for this appears to have been that he found immersion in water to be therapeutic, as they would often provide him with a welcome escape away from the hustle and bustle of performing.
Other than this, Elvis also had a wide array of movie memorabilia – from posters to scripts – which he enjoyed showing off, even in the comfort of his own home. It was here, too, that the King was able to get some creative inspiration, often looking through his records to find material for his own music.
Elvis’s Travel Habits
As his career advanced, so too did Elvis’s traveling habits. No longer restricted to the States, The King was able to go further afield and enjoy the scenery of the world. He was especially fond of Hawaii and even had his own apartment there. Additionally, Elvis travelled to great cities such as Las Vegas, New York, and Paris.
Wherever he went, the King was often known to take part in the local festivities, such as special meals and ceremonies. This also extended to Elvis’s attendance at Elvis-themed festivals, where he was celebrated and revered as a living legend.
Elvis’s Perception of Success
Given his astronomical success, it is perhaps unsurprising that Elvis Presley had an evolved view of what it meant to be successful. His sense of achievement extended far beyond the sale of records and concert attendance in terms of money made and people in the audience. The King was known to focus more on his own satisfaction, often calculating his success by his ability to entertain, energise, and invigorate a crowd.
In turn, Elvis also often looked to his legacy and focused on creating art and music which would remain relevant for generations to come. This certainly adds another dimension to The King’s vision of success.
Elvis’s Sensitivity
Elvis Presley was widely considered to be a sensitive man. He was deeply moved by donations made to him by his fans and enjoyed becoming a patron to worthy causes. The King himself was also known to be quite charitable and often gave to those in need, particularly those he had connected with through his performances.
In addition, Elvis interacted with his fans on a deep and purposeful level. He took on their stories, their worries, and their pain, often helping them to overcome their struggles and difficulties. Elvis was, without a doubt, loved, but it is his generous nature that has been remembered by many even today.
