Known as the ‘King of Rock n Roll’, Elvis was every woman’s dream in the 1950s.
But despite his astronomical fame, the Jail House Rock singer had quite a turbulent life in the spotlight.
Ted Pryor, author and former bodyguard for Elvis, has now spoken out about his lifestyle during his final ever tour, noting that he hated to be ‘touched’.
Pryor was a a super middleweight kick boxing champion, and was hired to the Presley team due to Elvis’ fascination with martial arts.
(Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Talking to Fox News, the bodyguard said: “Elvis, when he was younger in the service, he learned a little bit of martial arts, and he was infatuated with it.
“Getting to bodyguard for ‘the King’ was pretty exciting for me.”
But on his final tour, Elvis’ weight gain was analysed critically by both the press and the public.
“He was really heavy,” Pryor added.
The bodyguard also noted that there was a very specific reason why Elvis didn’t like to be touched.
(Metro Goldwyn Mayer/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
He said: “Elvis was at a point where he was so heavy he didn’t like to be touched, because he was constantly perspiring and hot.”
Reasons for the final tour were also brought to light, as Pryor said: “Unfortunately, no one knew it then, but he was broke.
“He had to start touring, because his manager gambled his money away.”
Despite his struggles, he added that he has fond memories of his time with the sensation, noting that he treated the bodyguards ‘really well’.
However, after having a female dominated fan base for many years, in later life, Pryor noticed him turn ‘sour’ towards women.
He outlined the reasons for it, saying: “He lost his mom, he lost his wife, and he was sour toward women.”
When Elvis died on August 16 1977, the whole world was completely taken back – especially due to the nature.
He suffered a cardiac arrest, meaning the death wasn’t something his family, friends, or devoted fans, had prepared for or expected.
Pryor said: “I think the whole world was shocked when that happened.”
