Elvis Presley, born in 1935, grew up an only child in Tupelo, Mississippi. However, according to History, Elvis was actually a twin when he was born on January 8. His mother, Gladys Love Presley, gave birth to her first child, Jesse Garon, about 35 minutes before Elvis, but he was born a stillborn. Jesse was buried in an unmarked grave in Priceville cemetery, Mississippi, the following day.
Many psychologists and biographers agree that Elvis was deeply affected by the death of his brother. Psychologist Peter Whitmer wrote in his 1996 book, “Inner Elvis,” that for the singer, Jesse’s death was “a tragedy that triggered a process that made his dead sibling the bedrock,” per Rock and Roll Garage. Jesse was “the singular driving force in his life,” Whitmer added, and a “restless spirit who eventually haunted all of Presley’s relationships.”
Naturally, Presley becoming an only child at birth made for a close relationship with his parents. According to The Wrap, Gladys believed her only surviving child had inherited Jesse’s soul, and was naturally very special; the fact that she tried for more children in subsequent years, only to suffer a miscarriage, increased the bond she had with her only child. According to Elvis.com, his father Vernon’s feelings on the matter were similar. “l can only say that God spoke to my heart and told me that Elvis was the only child we’d ever have and the only child we’d ever need,” he said.
Nicki
