HISTORY This Week: "The President and the King"

Episode Overview

In the December 16, 2024 episode of HISTORY This Week titled "The President and the King," host Alana Casanova Burgess delves into the extraordinary and lesser-known meeting between two iconic American figures: President Richard Nixon and Elvis Presley. This episode explores the circumstances that led the legendary "King of Rock and Roll" to seek an audience with the President, the dynamics of their interaction, and the lasting impact of this historic encounter.

1. Elvis Presley's Turbulent Life in 1970

At the heart of the episode is a vivid portrayal of Elvis Presley during a tumultuous period in his life. By 1970, Elvis had already achieved monumental fame as a musician, actor, and global superstar. Despite his continued success, particularly with his sold-out residency at the International Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, Elvis was grappling with personal challenges.

Key Points:

• Superstardom and Residency: Elvis was performing nightly in Las Vegas, maintaining his status as a top entertainer. However, critic John Lowey notes, "He's more of a pop singer. I think he's still a phenomenal performer, but I don't think it was the creativity that you saw in the early years." (09:09)

• Health and Substance Abuse: Elvis was suffering from health issues, including an eye infection, and was dependent on prescribed medications—amphetamine-like stimulants and methaqualone (Quaaludes). This reliance led to visible side effects, such as a swollen face due to an allergic reaction from chocolate consumption interacting with his medication (09:33).

• Financial Extravagance: In December 1970, Elvis embarked on an impulsive spending spree, purchasing expensive items like guns, houses, luxury cars, and customized sunglasses. His excessive spending raised concerns among his close associates, including his wife Priscilla and manager Colonel Tom Parker, who confronted him about his financial recklessness (10:44).

2. The Decision to Contact President Nixon

Driven by declining creativity, personal struggles, and perhaps a desire for control, Elvis made the unconventional decision to reach out to President Nixon.

Key Points:

• The Letter: Elvis penned a handwritten letter to President Nixon, expressing admiration and a desire to aid the country. He wrote, "I would love to meet you just to say hello, if you're not too busy." (05:25)

• Motivations: While the exact reasons remain speculative, theories suggest Elvis sought official recognition or authority, possibly to legitimize his own status and navigate his personal challenges. John Lowey posits, "Maybe it was sort of the magic past where he could go anywhere he wanted with pockets filled with drugs." (15:57)

3. The Journey to Washington D.C.

Elvis's quest to meet Nixon was fraught with spontaneity and urgency, showcasing his erratic state.

Key Points:

• Solo Travel: For the first time, Elvis traveled alone without his entourage or bodyguards, illustrating his increasing paranoia and independence (12:37).

• Flight to Washington: After leaving Graceland abruptly, Elvis flew to Washington D.C., making stops along the way, including a notable interaction where he gave a $500 tip to a returning soldier from Vietnam (14:17).

• Preparation for the Meeting: On the flight, Elvis crafted a second letter, detailing his concerns about societal issues like drug abuse, communism, and the anti-war movement, and reiterated his offer to assist as a federal agent (14:36).

4. The Historic Meeting at the White House

Elvis's arrival at the White House marked a surreal encounter between entertainment royalty and political leadership.

Key Points:

• Initial Reception: Dressed in his flamboyant Las Vegas attire and accompanied by his signature items, Elvis presented an unusual sight to the White House guards, who were initially skeptical of his identity (17:44).

• Security Measures: The presence of a concealed Colt .45 revolver raised concerns, leading to its temporary confiscation. However, recognizing Elvis's fame, officials allowed the meeting to proceed (20:52).

• Interaction with Nixon: The meeting began with the two figures posing for photographs, after which Elvis displayed his extensive badge collection and discussed his Las Vegas performances. Despite the conversational awkwardness, both parties found common ground in their concerns about societal issues (22:04).

• Granting the Badge: In response to Elvis's request, President Nixon agreed to designate him as a "federal agent at large," a titular position that lacked formal authority. Elvis left the meeting visibly elated, likening his acquisition of the badge to receiving Christmas presents (22:49).

5. Aftermath and Legacy

The meeting between Elvis and Nixon remained a secret for over a year, gaining fame much later through the release of photographs and public interest.

Key Points:

• Public Revelation: In 1988, photos from the meeting were released by the National Archives, garnering immense public fascination. Images of Elvis and Nixon shook hands became iconic, surpassing even historically significant moments like the moon landing in demand (25:57).

• Continued Relationship: Despite the meeting, Elvis never officially served the White House. However, there were instances of mutual goodwill, such as Elvis reaching out during Nixon's hospitalization and vice versa (26:20).

• Symbolic Significance: John Lowey reflects on the enduring image of Elvis and Nixon, stating, "It's almost like an ancient myth or something, an image that you can just draw a lot of meaning to." The meeting symbolizes the intersection of American pop culture and political power, embodying various facets of American society (25:57).

Insights from Guest John Lowey

Throughout the episode, John Lowey, founder and president of Global Action on Gun Violence and author of "Elvis and Nixon," provides expert analysis and context.

Notable Quotes:

• On Elvis's changing persona: "He has more fame than virtually anyone's ever experienced. You know, he's viewed as sort of this God." (08:29)

• On the badge's significance: "I think he knows that the most authority it could possibly give him in his fantasies would be to let him get on airplanes with drugs and guns." (24:40)

• Reflecting on the mythos of the meeting: "They both came from nothing achieved tremendously amount became controversial. It's almost like an ancient myth or something." (25:57)

Conclusion

"The President and the King" offers a compelling narrative that intertwines the personal struggles of a cultural icon with the political landscape of America in 1970. Through meticulous storytelling and expert insights from John Lowey, the episode sheds light on a unique moment where fame, personal turmoil, and political aspirations collided, leaving an indelible mark on American history.

Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of Elvis Presley's complexities beyond his onstage persona and the surprising depths of his interaction with President Nixon. This meeting not only highlights the vulnerabilities of a superstar but also serves as a fascinating intersection of entertainment and governance in the tapestry of American culture.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "He's more of a pop singer. I think he's still a phenomenal performer, but I don't think it was the creativity that you saw in the early years." — John Lowey (09:09)

• "I would love to meet you just to say hello, if you're not too busy." — Elvis Presley (05:25)

• "He has more fame than virtually anyone's ever experienced. You know, he's viewed as sort of this God." — John Lowey (08:29)

• "Maybe it was sort of the magic past where he could go anywhere he wanted with pockets filled with drugs." — John Lowey (15:57)

• "It's almost like an ancient myth or something, an image that you can just draw a lot of meaning to." — John Lowey (25:57)

Credits

Special thanks to John Lowey, author of "Elvis and Nixon," for providing invaluable insights. Production and sound design by Ben Dixon, production by David Weisbord, and story editing by Alana Casanova Burgess for Back Pocket Studios. Executive producers Ben Dickstein, David Weisbord, Eli Lair, and Liv Fiddler contributed to bringing this episode to life.

Stay updated with all episodes of HISTORY This Week by visiting historythisweekpodcast.com and follow us on your preferred podcast platform. For inquiries or feedback, reach out via email at historythisweek@history.com.