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August 15, 2009

Top ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson

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 presumed secret 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

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.

Read the rest of this series:

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)

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?

Top ten similarities between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson
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