Elvis Presley Quotes

Elvis Presley, known for his courteous demeanor, was never afraid to speak his mind to reporters. His genuine honesty and heartfelt gratitude for his success and supporters created a bond with anyone who encountered his words. Here are some iconic Elvis Presley quotes that reflect the charisma and wit of the music legend.

"Why buy a cow when you can get milk through the fence?"

when asked if he would marry, "Teeners' Hero," Time, May 14, 1956

Elvis Presley Image Gallery

"The African American community has been singing and playing this music, just like I do now, for longer than I can remember. They performed it in shanties and juke joints, and no one paid attention until I brought it to the spotlight. I learned it from them. Back in Tupelo, Mississippi, I used to listen to Arthur Crudup play his guitar the same way I do today, and I told myself that if I could ever capture the emotion he felt, I'd become a musician like no one had ever seen."

Charlotte Observer, June 26, 1956

"I immerse myself completely in my singing. Perhaps it stems from my early days singing gospel hymns. By the end of a performance, I'm completely drained, exhausted as if I've given everything."

Tacoma New Tribune, September 2, 1957

"My fans want my shirt. They can have it. After all, they're the ones who put it on my back."

"A Predicament Called Presley," Illustrated, September 7, 1957

Wally George: "When do you plan to write more songs?"

Elvis: "That's all a myth. I don't even know how to read music."

George: "What about your guitar skills?"

Elvis: "I can't play it -- I just use it for support."

George: "What's your opinion on rock 'n' roll?"

Elvis: "It's the best thing out there, mostly because it's the only thing I know how to do."

"Off the Record," Los Angeles Times, November 2, 1957

"She was the most amazing mother anyone could ever ask for. She was always so gentle and caring."

"Services To Be Held Today for Elvis Presley's Mother," Memphis Press-Scimitar, August 15, 1958

"Is this another one of those royal situations?"

upon preparing to meet a group of Scandinavian princesses, Life, May 1960

"I don't see wealth or status as significant. But I can never shake the desire to be somebody. I suppose if you grow up poor, you always dream bigger and crave more than those who are born with everything."

"Forever Elvis," Time, May 7, 1965

"... the problem is, when you're alone and start reflecting, the sad memories always seem to overpower the happy ones."

"Elvis," Tropic, April 28, 1968

"I grow weary of portraying a character who gets into a brawl and then suddenly starts singing to the person he just fought."

commenting on his movie career, "Return of the Pelvis," Newsweek, August 11, 1969

"From a young age, I realized that, 'without a song, the day feels endless; without a song, a man has no companions; without a song, the path ahead seems straight and unchanging -- without a song.' That's why I continue to sing...."

accepting the Jaycees' Outstanding Young Man of America Award, 1971

"My father knew plenty of guitarists, and most of them were unemployed, so he told me, 'You need to decide whether to become a guitarist or an electrician, but I've never met a guitarist who amounted to much.'"

from the documentary Elvis on Tour, 1972

Q: "Elvis, are you happy with how people see you?"

Elvis: "Well, sir, living up to an image is incredibly challenging."

press conference prior to Madison Square Garden concert, June 9, 1972

"From the age of two, gospel music was all I knew. It became such an integral part of my life, as natural as dancing. It was my escape from troubles and my way of finding peace."

reprinted in Elvis in His Own Words, 1977

"[Clothes] can express things about you that words sometimes can't."

reprinted in The World According to Elvis, 1992

"Don't judge what you don't comprehend, son. You've never lived that man's life."

reprinted in The World According to Elvis, 1992

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan Doll earned her Ph.D. in radio, television, and film studies from Northwestern University. She teaches film studies at Oakton Community College and writes extensively about film and popular culture. Recognized as a leading authority on Elvis Presley's life and work, Susan has been featured on The Joan Rivers Show and National Public Radio, discussing the King and other aspects of popular cinema. She has authored several books on popular culture, including Elvis: A Tribute to His Life, The Films of Elvis Presley, Marilyn: Her Life and Legend, Elvis: Rock 'n' Roll Legend, Best of Elvis, Understanding Elvis, Elvis: Forever in the Groove, Elvis: American Idol, and Florida on Film.

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