GLADYS LOVE PRESLEY

Gladys Love {Smith} Presley, the main influence in Elvis' younger life ex girlfriends' have often commented on the special relationship Elvis had with his mother.

Elvis With His Mom

She grew up in Pontotoc County Mississippi and known to everyone as a fun loving girl. Gladys came from a family of heavy drinkers and many of those closest to Elvis recall Gladys' drinking habits. She died in 1958 of a heart attack (some say heart attack, some say hepatitis) and practically broke Elvis' heart.

Presley Family At Audubon Drive House

In an interview for a video, Charlie Hodge recalled Elvis on a ship while he was in the army being unable to sleep because he was grieving for his mother. Only Charlie's jokes and talking for hours would eventually soothe Elvis off to sleep.

Presley Family Portrait

Many people believe that Elvis' own take on life came from his mother. Some say she "lived for the day," drunk and ate and was merry. However, she didn't take care of herself and ended up over-weight with a liver condition.

But the women of Elvis' heart will always be beautiful in our eyes, and of course without the Presley's, Elvis would never have had such a wonderful insight to music, such as gospel and rhythm and blues, which his parents introduced him to.

Well, my mother...especially my mother...she always worried about a wreck, or somethin'...me gettin' sick...so I have to let her know, 'cause she's not in real good health anyway. And if she worries too much it might not be good for her. So I make it a habit of callin' every day or so.

All my life, I've always had a pretty nice time. We didn't have any money or nothing, but I always managed. We never had any luxuries but we never went hungry.~Elvis, March 24, 1956~

Soldier Elvis With Mom And Dad

Mike, I've got to say Thank You (Again) for all your help, patience, support and input on these. I feel like you've worked just as hard as I have on these pages :-) Thanx!!

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