Presley
and Dean: Similarities
 One
of the early actors Elvis truly admired was James Dean. He liked towatch
Dean's films and studied the actor's style on screen, perhaps hoping
to style himself equally to Dean's dramatic flair. This at a time
when Elvis was starting out in pictures and was more interested in
becoming a dramatic actor. Two dramatic roles for Elvis were: "Love
Me Tender" and "King Creole." Elvis' own personal favorite
was "King Creole" as he felt this was his strongest dramatic
presence. What Elvis didn't know about James Dean was this: Both men
had a facination with death and both felt that death would come early
to them. Both had lost their mothers while young. Both were ruggedly
handsome with an innocent charm that drove women wild. Both men were
influenced by black music: soul and blues. Dean particularly liked
a song called "Hound Dog" by Mama Thornton. Jimmy owned
two versions of the song, but did not have Elvis' version because
Elvis hadn't recorded it until 1956, after his first televised appearance
four months after James Dean's death. There are those who insisted
that James Dean was impressed by Elvis Presley's music. One was Leonard
Rosenman, the pianist, the others were Marlon Brando and Montgomery
Clift.*When "Love Me Tender" was released in November of 1956, Dean was already dead for over a year. But Dean could have easily heard Elvis' sing during the radio show, "Louisiana Hayride" in the winter of 1955, or witnessed Elvis and the trio performing live along the circuit. Elvis' early recordings for Sun Records, began with "That's Allright, Mama," in 1954. Their paths never crossed physically, but spiritually, there was a bond. When Elvis found Dean a way of inspiration, he watched Dean's films over and over, but also felt the need to associate with those who knew Dean personally. He welcomed into his circle, two stars of "Rebel Without A Cause," Nick Adams and Natalie Wood, whom Elvis' dated for a time. Adams spent many hours with Elvis, telling him stories about James Dean and what he was like, as did Natalie. A close friendship developed between Nick and Elvis, wherein Elvis may have seen a shadow of his former self in Nick. Both boys were raised in poverty, and the fact must have been the inspiration for Elvis to have Nick invite his mother to Graceland® where Mrs. Adams and Gladys Presley met and shared stories of their sad and struggling past. Elvis felt a sense of closeness to Dean through his friends which is unlike Elvis' fans today feeling a closeness to him through his family and friends. James Dean would die before rock and roll . He was the first actor to inspire Elvis Presley's early film career. |
The
Kin of Rock and Roll © 2006. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Elvis®, Elvis Presley®, and Graceland® are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
However, Presley family members reserve the right to use the Presley name and family photos without permission required.
Elvis®, Elvis Presley®, and Graceland® are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
However, Presley family members reserve the right to use the Presley name and family photos without permission required.