Elvis's Coffin Photo Mystery: What Fans Think!
Was the King truly gone, or was the final photograph a carefully constructed illusion? The infamous image of Elvis Presley in his coffin, taken on August 18, 1977, continues to spark debate and fuel conspiracy theories, even decades after his untimely death.
The photograph, a stark visual testament to the passing of a music icon, was snapped during the open casket viewing held at Graceland. However, the image, published in the National Enquirer, quickly became a subject of intense scrutiny. Skeptics, including those who claim to have seen the photograph first-hand, point to discrepancies in the appearance of the deceased, suggesting that the body in the casket bore a stronger resemblance to the Elvis of the 1960s, not the 42-year-old, and sometimes overweight, man who died on August 16, 1977. Scooby, an online commentator, articulated a common sentiment, writing, "I have always thought the body or mannequin in the coffin photo... looked more like Elvis in his 20s and not 42 year old overweight Elvis." Even Stevie Wonder, the legendary musician, could "see the difference," the comment suggests. The photograph, therefore, is often considered as doctored by some.
| Full Name: | Elvis Aaron Presley |
| Born: | January 8, 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA |
| Died: | August 16, 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Occupation: | Singer, Musician, Actor |
| Genres: | Rock and Roll, Pop, Country, Gospel |
| Years Active: | 19541977 |
| Spouse: | Priscilla Presley (m. 19671973) |
| Children: | Lisa Marie Presley |
| Notable Albums: | Elvis Presley (1956), Elvis' Christmas Album (1957), G.I. Blues (1960), Blue Hawaii (1961), How Great Thou Art (1967), From Elvis in Memphis (1969), Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite (1973) |
| Awards and Honors: | 3 Grammy Awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| Reference: | Elvis.com (Official Website) |
The open casket viewing, a public display of mourning, allowed thousands of fans to pay their final respects. Reports suggest that over 30,000 people attended the viewing at Graceland. The funeral itself, held two days later, on August 18th, drew even more spectators, with an estimated 80,000 lining the processional route to Forest Hill Cemetery, where Elvis was initially laid to rest. The scale of the outpouring of grief was a testament to the profound impact Elvis had on popular culture.
The photographs from this period, particularly the one taken of the body in the coffin, have become deeply ingrained in the Elvis narrative. Numerous websites and publications still offer images and stories related to the death of the King. Searches such as "Elvis casket photos" and "Elvis death photos" continue to yield a vast array of results, a stark reminder of the enduring fascination with the singers final moments. The proliferation of these images, however, has also fueled debate over the ethics of such photography.
The circumstances surrounding the "last picture" of Elvis have become a crucial part of the story. It is mentioned in the article that a photo was taken of Elvis returning to Graceland from a dentist appointment, just hours before his death. Reports state that the photo was taken by Robert Call, from Indiana. The photograph, taken at approximately midnight on August 16, captured Elvis in his Stutz Blackhawk, waving to fans as he entered Graceland. It is a poignant image, a snapshot of a man unaware that his life was rapidly drawing to a close. This was the last picture of Elvis alive, further accentuating the finality of the official photographs of him taken later.
The National Enquirer's role in acquiring and publishing the coffin photograph is a source of considerable controversy. As one former reporter, who played a key role in the paper's acquisition, described his experiences, highlighting the journalistic ethics at play. The Enquirer paid an alleged distant cousin of Elvis to take the now-famous shot using a high-tech, low-light mini camera. The papers actions have been repeatedly criticized, labeled by many as exploitative, and some have considered the decision a "dastardly thing" to do.
The security around Elvis in his final days, and particularly after his death, was extremely tight. This explains why the last picture was taken from a distance. This level of security added to the difficulty of obtaining clear images and fueled the speculation that followed. The public's intense interest, and the media's drive to satisfy it, created a perfect storm for controversy. The combination of these factors contributed to the sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the "last picture."
Adding to the narrative is the detailed timeline of Elvis's final day. He awoke late, at approximately 4:00 p.m. on August 16th, watching television until 10:30 p.m. Then, he left for a dentist appointment, returning to Graceland in the early hours of August 16th. The final hours of his life, filled with routine activities like a dentist's visit and a late-night return home, make the stark contrast with the news of his death even more profound. It was a day like any other, yet it would soon become a day of international mourning.
The front page of the Commercial Appeal newspaper, which came out the day after Elviss death, displayed the stark reality of the tragedy in the public eye. The image, depicting a nation in shock, became another iconic image in the Elvis story. It served as a visual reminder of the profound impact Elvis had on the world and of the collective grief that followed his death. It was also a stark reminder of the commercial value of Elvis's death, with the National Enquirers scoop selling a staggering 6.7 million copies.
The constant availability of these images, now easily accessible online and in various forms, keeps the memory of Elvis alive. However, it also raises questions about privacy, exploitation, and the role of the media in dealing with death and grief. While the fans were weeping, The National Enquirer used the opportunity to capitalize on the tragedy. With the advent of social media, this type of event would undoubtedly generate an even greater surge of images and commentary. "Now, open casket photos would have been splashed all over Twitter," the article states, further indicating how much the handling of such events has evolved.
In the end, the debate over the authenticity of the coffin photograph of Elvis Presley underscores the enduring power of a cultural icon and the public's fascination with his life and death. Whether the image is a genuine depiction of Elvis in his final moments or a carefully crafted fabrication, it remains a powerful symbol of a man who captivated the world. The ongoing discussions, fueled by the constant availability of images and information, suggest that the mystery surrounding Elvis Presley, and his final picture, is far from over.
