Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were separated by a generation yet they led similar lives and had similar deaths.
The sudden death of Michael Jackson has spurred several comparisons between his death and those of Marilyn Monroe, Anna Nicole Smith, and Elvis Presley. Yet it is the comparisons between Elvis and Jackson that the media is most focused on.
Elvis burst onto the music scene later in life than Michael Jackson who began his career when he was a child, yet the two men had very similar lives and careers. Their worldwide fame precluded them from living normal lives. They were both recluses and when they went out they were surrounded by fans and photographers.
Similar Stage Presence
- Both singers made their marks with their voices and their footwork. While Elvis gyrated and bounced around, Jackson perfected his dancing style with new moves that were copied on the streets as well as by other artists.
- Both men have been and continue to be imitated by look-alikes and others. And both men have signature poses.
- Michael Jackson wore a special style of clothing and was known for his elaborate costumes. Elvis Presley was also known for his elaborate jumpsuits.
- Both Elvis and Jackson had recognizable hair styles.
Weight and Drugs Were Issues with Both Elvis and Michael Jackson
- Both Elvis and Michael Jackson experienced weight issues. Elvis became overweight and Jackson became anorexic. In both cases, these weight issues could have weakened their hearts.
- Their deaths occurred at relatively young ages.
- Elvis and Jackson were both addicted to drugs and they both died suddenly, having collapsed in their homes.
Two Music Kings
- Elvis was called “The King” (of Rock and Roll) and Michael Jackson was called the “King of Pop.”
- Elvis had a comeback concert and Jackson was preparing for his comeback concerts.
- Jackson was undeniably different, strange, and eccentric. He was also an entertainer who gave his time and money to various causes. Elvis was also magnanimous with his wealth and he too was considered a little eccentric with his interests and actions.
- Elvis was the recording artist of his generation and Michael Jackson was the recording artist of his generation.
- Both Elvis and Jackson aspired to a movie career. While Elvis made many films, they were not the type of roles he wanted. Though Jackson's scarecrow in The Wiz was highly acclaimed and he desired to make more films, he never did.
There are few entertainers who reach the status of superstar, and both Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson are in that category. Their music lives on and the sales of their songs will continue to bring in revenue to their estates, making them both just as popular in death as they were in life, and quite possibly even more so.
With these similarities, it is inevitable that these two men will be compared. While he was alive, Michael Jackson was compared to Elvis, but now that he is dead the comparisons are even more compelling. Just as the lives and deaths of President Kennedy and President Lincoln continue to be linked, the lives and deaths of Elvis and Michael Jackson will be compared through the years.
