Presley and Dean: Similarities 
James DeanOne 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.

FASCINATING FACT: Had he not died in that
fateful car crash, James Dean was to have played the lead
role of Danny in "King Creole." Elvis masterful role as
Danny was one of his best dramatic performances on screen.

  
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