Tom Petty on Elvis, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones

[@ethandrood]

Tom has really nailed the point here. Young lads back then didn't want to be like Elvis, they wanted to BE Elvis. There's no other way to do it.

[@OverandOutChief1]

"That didn't look like something you could be". Great line and homage to Elvis.

[@elvicare35]

Yeah, REALLY great stuff, SO well put!!!!!!!!

[@greer15]

Petty: Only one Elvis, the Beatles was hard to copy, the Stones -yeah I could do that!

[@danc3693]

Yep. That’s what he said..

[@stever1791]

Thanks Tom, Im glad your an admirer of Elvis. RIP - your were a wonderful Artist

[@mosescastelo7945]

"You'd have to look like that for one thing" haha great line from a great man about the King.

[@elvicare35]

Right on!!!!!

[@danc3693]

He told another story of when he was a kid, he was in a crowd in Florida on an Elvis movie set - it was busy, with movie people milling around etc. Then Elvis arrived with some guys and Petty said the crowd went dead silent and Elvis walked through the crowd, people stepping aside and he was stared at because he was so good looking.

[@Vatch1966]

Godspeed Tom..so hard to believe you're up in Heaven .. Hope you're reunited with George Harrison and Roy Orbison, R.I.P.

[@kmustacal]

They reached the end of the line. But it’s alright.

[@karlhelm875]

don't forget elvis.

[@balerjohnson3099]

I saw Tom for the first time on the midnight special in '78 doing American girl ...I was a kid then but I was hooked for life . I had vinyl , 8 tracks , cassettes , CD'S and now digital . Tom has been with me forever and always will be ..Im sure Ive posted this or something close to this a few times recently ..I probably will continue to do so for a while . Still trying to process it all .

[@HungryH1951]

I love the Beatles. I love the Stones. I love the Eagles. I love AC/DC. But to me Tom Petty (and the Heart Breakers) is it as far as I am concerned. Above and beyond every other band for me. I'm pretty sure Stevie Nicks would agree.

[@SilentDanDisney]

My biggest regret not seeing him live. I won’t miss U2. Tom and U2 are my top two out of Classic.

[@stevenyoung6095]

A true artist. My god what a loss we just had and if you don't realize it you are blind. You won't get this guy back.

[@175epi]

Steve Van Zandt says the same thing: the Beatles showed that there was a new world to explore, but the Stones were the point of entry.

[@susanandrew3695]

Tom Petty is so genuine the most wonderful fan of Rock and Roll. Tom petty is my favourite American Rock and Roll star 🌟 he is a light in a world so dark. 🙏

[@αλεξανδροςραπτης-λ5ζ]

R.I.P. Tom Petty,great artist and such a kind,nice person

[@stephenfiore9960]

…Love his XM radio show called “Buried Treasure”, he was a real comedian there

[@iancunningham5576]

This 2-part interview with Tom is my go-to favorite. I've watched it a half dozen times. Along with listening to his albums in steady and ongoing rotation.

[@coyuk]

totally again. Sadly there arent many interviews like this from Tom so you find yoyurself coming back to this one time and time again

[@marioulises5978]

In other words you can copy the Beatles but elvis cannot ever be copied. Well said Tom.

[@ms.sonshine8878]

John Lennon said without Elvis there would not have been the Beatles. They were big fans of his.

[@sacluvsBM]

Alicia Noda and John also lamented the fact how Col. Parker ruined the King for rock and roll.

[@sacluvsBM]

CooManTunes as we all do. During first concert tour Beatles stopped at Graceland to pay respects to their boyhood idol and inspiration. The other 3 left for the hotel but John stayed behind and I guess they played music into the wee hours. Later John was to remark he still had it. Rockabilly talent as they played together and it made John sad to see the King wasted in those light weight movies and singing crap songs. Didn't say John was 100% right. Peace

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

"John Lennon said without Elvis there would not have been the Beatles. They were big fans of his." Yep. And Keith Richards said without the Beatles there would be no Stones.

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

"Especially not by Parker." ! Don't know much about Parker, huh?

[@sacluvsBM]

Joseph Scott that would be the pre-Parker Elvis, the Sun records Elvis. And not the prepackaged pablum the Col. envisioned. When you voluntarily lose your ability to be controversial and shock your audience you simply no longer exert any influence in Rock.

[@germanfish1]

R.I.P Tom Petty I am so sad.

[@DolleHengst]

Petty is such a cool guy, even if he is stoned and looks like an undertaker.

[@sambarker6312]

What's not cool about that

[@dawnmarie2239]

The best looking Undertaker I have set my eyes on and he was the most humble!!!

[@sallybrown5089]

ELVIS-#1

[@ramonfragafarah6871]

Elvis phenomenal single masterful the greatest artist in the universe

[@pledgestone]

Without a doubt.

[@oceanview5545]

5th anniversary of Tom's passing today, so beloved and missed. You're rocking heaven now! 🎶 🎵 🎶 🎵

[@Bruce-1956]

Almost word for word the same answer that Stevie van Zandt gave.

[@pledgestone]

Yes, I saw that.

[@REOBZ]

What did that goofy Van Zant say? He wasn’t the smartest of all rock n’ rollers!

[@FLG232]

excellent assessment of the music scene

[@arthurcurry2003]

A legend talking about other legends. 🙌🏻

[@fastfoodreviewandelvistoo]

Petty is brilliant. In his way he created a standard of thinking about Elvis and the Beatles.

[@harrycallahan686]

Tom Petty enters the arena of everyone he's talking about in the video. Well done young man you've earned it.

[@truthhitman7473]

ELVIS PRESLEY

[@katherinefanning6505]

Tom, as usual, is so humble and underestimates his contribution. There will never be another Tom Petty, and his music will last as long as anything done by Elvis or the Beatles. Don't get me wrong, I admire and enjoy both Elvis and the Beatles, but I love Tom Petty.

[@ziggymanzoni1632]

A visionary down to earth man and a great musician 🙌❤️

[@hutchu1]

Mr. Petty, no one will ever replace you.🎸

[@johnnyrocker7495]

There's The King.... then there's everyone else.

[@elvicare35]

I experimented for a while, listening to ALL different styles of artists at one point (I was brought up on SO many GREAT artists/stars, and The Beatles were my first fave until I heard my parents, Elvis '68 Special!!!!!), as Elvis was THE ONLY one, but I loved all kinds (Elvis-I sing all kinds, and it's an FTD cd) and went on a kicker in 1984, giving EVERYONE A listen/shot, went to an Elton John concert w/my stepdad and mom, and he and I got up on the seats and sang along, and my mom sort of said, you guys, Lol...and I heard everybody, but, when all was said and done, the cream rose to the top, and even when I was making mixed tapes with the Stones, Elton, Van Halen, The Who, etc., I HAD TO include at least a small sample of Elvis on the tape if I COULD...There's the BEST, then, all the rest!, Elvis came back as my MAIN focal point, but I DO appreciate ALL great songs, ones that make me feel so many emotions, which Elvis was a MASTER (RCA) at!!!!!

[@Cupillac]

listen to Tom Pettys Buried Treasure on Deep Tracks XM ......awesome!

[@jabrother]

Cupillac agreed wholeheartedly!!

[@CooManTunes]

Tom said it. You can be the Beatles...but you can't be Elvis. ;)

[@robbieclark7828]

CooManTunes You can be the Beatles, but I don't think anyone ever will be

[@iceicekodi6402]

CooManTunes silly. they wrote their own songs and played their own songs. that's important to their legacy. great songs and growth on every album. There will never be another beatles. also they are still relevant to young bands.

[@aarinvidegain6941]

jjBdrumming You're ignorant. This man has more talent in his left thumb than any one of the Beatles. And he also has ten times more soul. He FEELS his music and puts his all into his writing. Why did you even freaking watch his interview if you just want to be a Beatles sponsor? This man deserves way more respect and acknowledgment.

[@aarinvidegain6941]

jjBdrumming The Beatles came about in a time when the world was obviously deprived of boy bands and they leached onto them and made them into something mystical, and we just can't seem to let go of that. They were "the shit" of that time period, just like any other run of the mill boy band (*NSYNC, etc.), but they kind of got the boy band genre generated so we can't seem to loosen our grasp on them. They're not all they're cracked up to be. Tom, however, is the most original artist this God-forsaken world has left. It's a shame he doesn't get acknowledged. And not only is he a genius on his own; he's just a quality guy. He's maintained his humble roots and has never seemed "famous". He has never been so bold as to claim he's "more famous than God." Would you also think the Beatles are Elvis-wannabes that rode his dick into a stronger song writing course? Because they have stated they wouldn't even be a thing if they hadn't idolized Elvis. And just because I look up to Tom Petty doesn't make ME a good songwriter. I'll give it to you: the Beatles are good songwriters, but that's not a trait you can obtain through idolization. You either have it or you don't. So don't even try and say that Tom depended on anyone to get where he is. He took his dreams, ran with them, achieved VERY underrated fame (not that he even cares about labels), and STILL isn't a pompous ass. Also, you can't touch anyone's soul with record sales.

[@aarinvidegain6941]

jjBdrumming I repeat: you're ignorant.

[@TheManOnTheHill]

Still can't believe Tom Petty is gone.... RIP

[@ramonfragafarah6871]

Everyone without exception owes everything to Elvis. The greatest artist in the universe.

[@jesseanderson9728]

Tom Petty Miss You

[@jeffdekimpe1746]

This guy is a great interviewer. I’d like to see him interview Billy Bob Thornton.

[@elg4192]

oh hell yes

[@Excapartist]

I agree with you on that! Take care. Pam. Hopefully I won't have anymore crazy nightmares!

[@andzwe]

Practically the same as what Steve van Zandt said in interviews, for instance the one he did with Steve Jones for Jonesy's Jukebox.

[@jasonw8283]

Tom was always stoned. And he created the best music

[@aedrianum]

Un tipo admirable.

[@OzTwanger]

Interesting. Steve van Zandt makes almost exact same comments about The Beatles compared to The Stones

[@timarmstrong3251]

Vocally and visually Tom is doing his best George impersonation.

[@ethanyoung2551]

I like Tom Petty .

[@TheMjphoto45]

I have no talent so I became a DJ. 40 years and still doing it. Man do I have some stories.... rip Tom

[@phatato]

Does anyone remember the conditioner brand Elvis used?

[@l8on99]

I want the whole interview to see if he asks any of the same questions he asked Billy Bob. "Would you ask Tom Petty that?" , LOL

[@RodWilsonroddydog]

Exactly!

[@xtrnext]

I've got THAT worked out-HA!!

[@houdini1972]

Tom was the last of the best.

[@omegapointil5741]

Today you barely have to be a musician. One finger guitar players and their simple songs get on the late night shows, arenas even Jules Holland. Cause the little girls understand.

[@patbrennan6572]

sad but true..

[@leemendez7876]

Who's Helvis?

[@GoodMrDawes]

Awesome RIP

[@JDPri77]

About 3 minutes in to this clip, Tom talks about disco killing R&R. If a band is being replaced by a guy spinning records, where is the motivation to create. The 50 or so bands in the town are reduced to two or zero. The result is over-produced, corporate crap that originated from people that wrote music for the Archies. And, the real grass-roots talent were forced to work for Sears selling vacuum cleaners. The music industry has never recovered from the dark ages of disco and other music that is spun rather than created.

[@jerryrice2505]

Karaoke is worse. Anybody can be Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Or Elvis. Or the Beatles.

[@Gudebrothers]

Ah, but Tom says it was a wake up call, 'you had to get better and better'. Disco didn't kill rock and roll, obviously. It simply found a place in that time because bands were all sounding the same and were NOT all that good. People were CHOOSING to go listen to records over bands. The ones who quit and went to work at Sears probably should have. The ones who REALLY should have kept going pretty much did. Live music is always nice but not necessarily always 'good'. Good live music is GOOD live music. Timeless.

[@HungryH1951]

Disco was an aberration from the norm. It lasted 3 years (78-80) and went into the dust bins of history. It was a dancing thing. It had a beat that was dance-able and that was pretty much it. Clubs could play disco and not have to pay a band. Fortunately the public eventually saw how inane it really was and got back to real live band music. At that time I avoided it like the plague. Instead I listened to the Eagles, Bob Segar, Fleetwood Mac, Joe Walsh, Queen or any other rock band. Anything but disco. Disco really did suck.

[@colinluckens9591]

Yeah but disco is also cool👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

Wow man.

[@mebeasensei]

What year is Tom referring to when he says DJs took away the bands business?

[@cindyk.6462]

think he means when disco arrived...late 70s I think

[@RavenMadd9]

RIP

[@DeathWish1974]

Elvis started it all but don't forget Chuck Berry

[@HungryH1951]

Elvis opened it up but everyone tried to copy Chuck Berry who was brilliant and a true innovator. Keith Richards, All of the Beatles, and many other bands really tried to sound like Chuck Berry and learned from him, but not necessarily Elvis. There were other influences like Carl Perkins whom Elvis imitated too. The Beatles loved and emulated Carl Perkins as well. And also don't forget Little Richard. McCartney was a huge fan of his and copied his scream.

[@CooManTunes]

Bill Haley was before Chuck Berry. However, NOBODY was before Elvis. He invented the mainstream.

[@xtrnext]

"I-I don't know what you're talking about". "Your producer was told not to mention that". "Would you ask Billy-Bob Thorton that?!". :-)

[@photographerjonathan]

Elvis was great in his time. he was one of a kind. but Elvis sang songs written by other people. like the Beatles and Stones did in the very beginning. but later on the Beatles and Stones went so far beond that. creating amazing songs written by themselves. so you heard there personalities come alive. in the music and words. but the Beatles will always be un matched. there writing from three song writers. and taistfull musicianship are and always will be the best of all time. but the Stones with there own style are a close second. i respect Tom Petty. and i understand what he meant when he said (when I listened to the Stones I felt like that was something I could do ). kindof like millions of kids who in the 90's heard Nirvana and thought they could do that. and we had one band after another that sounded like Nirvana. but inlike Nirvana. the Stones arent easy to emulate. and Tom Petty never came close. but i still like him. and any band that tried to sound like the Beatles never came close.

[@HungryH1951]

Tom Petty was not trying to be the Rolling Stones in any way. His songs were completely different than the Stones. He just thought that if they could do it so could he. They set the example of what could be done. I really like the early Stones stuff (65-69) but not so much later on. When Brian Jones left the music was never quite the same, for whatever reason. However I much prefer Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to the Stones. I think he far surpassed them with the amount and quality of material. Did Jagger and Richards equal what Tom turned out? If you asked them I don't think they'd say they did. Keith especially knows what kind of talent Tom Petty was.

[@teaganarmitage7765]

@Hungry Hubby I’m gonna have to disagree with you on that one. I love the stones and the heartbreakers but from 68-72 the stones put out a body of work that very few have surpassed. I mean let it bleed and sticky fingers are damn near perfect albums. Tom has had great albums (damn the torpedoes and full moon fever) but I don’t think he was as consistently brilliant as the stones. Also mick and Keith are very proud of the stones they would never say that petty is a better artist

[@del4502]

If you're so hot about writing, be a poet. But if you're a singer, you're required to SING. And Elvis was much better at it than they ever were

[@timothyprice3264]

Every Rock N Roll artist agrees Elvis is and was the greatest he was the blueprint for EVERYONE. The Beatles agree to this, Keith Richards, Alice Cooper, Tom Petty, Elton John, James Brown, Chuck freaking Berry even said Elvis is the King for good reason!

[@dimitreze]

haha steve van zandt said the same thing about beatles and stones

[@bareknuckles2u]

Petty makes a lot of interesting points. Google the bio on Jian Ghomeshi (the interviewer). Quite the character.

[@FullOfMalarky]

bareknuckles2u quite the court case LOL

[@bareknuckles2u]

Indeed!

[@alwaysamysteryyes2021]

Elvee-is!

[@PaulFormentos]

Turns out ole tom shared the King's love of scripts

[@jamesbusch282]

Elvis was a once in a lifetime singer. The beatles werent even close.

[@Perutti1]

THE BEATLES

[@elvisfanforever1517]

Willians W Beatles are gay sound like Chipmunks at Christmas time

[@aprilgarcia2161]

WTF have you been listening to? You're describing nothing about The Beatles.

[@Octavio12341000]

Elvis fan forever Lol and Elvis didn't wrote a single song. That's much worse

[@ABC-by9ru]

El - ve - us......

[@kent2360]

Why is this interviewer not interrupting him...not used to that..

[@TheVagolfer]

Jesus ! How many times does Tom say " you know ?"

[@eppiechurcher5424]

Probably fewer than Paul McCartney......

[@jfziemba]

Hey, isn't that Lucky from King of the Hill?

[@sunshadows1328]

WELLNEITHER ELVIS NOR TOM NOR ANYONE ELSE COULD OBVIOUSLY NOT BE THE BEATLES!.... WELL THEY WERE GENIOUSES SO INNOVATIVE - AND THEY WERE WAY AHEAD EVERYONE ELSE. AND NOT TO FORGET - THEY WROTE THEIR OWN MATERAL....

[@thinkforyourself828]

I'm wondering if he saw trails if his own hand movements.

[@shucksful]

Okay... so THURSDAY? The WHOLE interview? Nice... Tom Petty is almost as good of an interview as JONI MITCHELL was.... lol.

[@martinezroger9862]

So he's saying Elvis was a GOD !

[@judeforrester6641]

Martinez Roger he was

[@elvicare35]

A one-off!!!!!!!!

[@willritter4076]

I'd be honored if some Petty fans would check out my acoustic cover (keyboard & vocal) of INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN on my channel in tribute to one of the most legendary artists that the USA has ever produced. Thanks and keep on rocking.

[@hatim4790]

Talking to the king's haters if you don't like elvis it's ok it's your right but you can't change the history facts ELVIS influenced everybody in the show buisness

[@HungryH1951]

Very true. Elvis got it all started, more-so than Bill Haley and the Comets. Elvis was the man. But his style went out the door shortly after he got out of the Army. Along came Buddy Holly, the Beach Boys and the Beatles and Elvis became behind the times. Lots of the older girls and some of the guys still clung to Elvis but the new generation moved on. Suddenly the Beatles were all the rage and Elvis was passe. Even Elvis realized this. He took his show to Las Vegas and made millions on the older crowd that came to see him. He also made a lot of cheesy movies that made a fortune for him. But once the Beatles came along it was never the same again for Elvis.

[@gutenbird]

Not a hater. Elvis is wonderful to listen to and he influenced much of the dancing. Also his voice is pretty much unbeatable. No doubt but don’t get confused. Elvis was a great entertainer. He wasn’t a musical artist. He was just one of the best performers ever. He took songs other people wrote and did wonders with them. The Beatles created their own songs.

[@lorrainekaiyas1800]

🎩✌

[@TheSuperMotoHooligan]

This interview is free falling. I think Tom wishes he was somewhere else running down a dream.

[@mrgreensound]

a groaner

[@TheSuperMotoHooligan]

***** I know you have A Mind with a Heart of Its Own. But You're just A Face in the Crowd. You're just Makin' Some Noise. Like Two Gunslingers. We will meet on the Kings Highway. Out in the Cold. It will be All or Nothin. I Won't Back Down. You'll be Free Falling. It will be Too Good to Be True. Well Alright for Now. Depending on You. I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better. For All the Wrong Reasons. It will be like a Zombie Zoo. In the The Dark of the Sun. I am Built to Last. I'm Learing to Fly. I Won't Back Down.

[@mollkatless]

hey, didn't that interview beat up his girlfriend?

[@AbrahamLechLacha]

Seems that Tom Petty named his band after a Stones song. Or a Led Zeppelin Song for that matter...

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

"Big Ears Teddy shouldn't see this"

[@MAAivoges]

I wonder how stoned he is. He seems really out of it.

[@Weshopwizard]

The world is a lesser place now that he, Prince and Bowie are gone.

[@brittanygarrison8030]

Keef.

[@ANDROLOMA]

I'm rooting for Sir Paul to outlive Sir Mick.

[@scvbtr2]

Tom seems high on something.

[@btpuppy2]

and the Rascals in 1965 too - much better and more complex music than the Beatles

[@eargasm1072]

I love both the Beatles and Stones...but there was so much more, such an array of brilliant bands and artists who sprang and bloomed in the 60s. There never was or ever will be a more groundbreaking and musical era than that, and you can make your case "oh the 70s, the 80s" I was born in the 70s and no....there is no comparison

[@jjrob7220]

I hear you. For Elvis & the Beatles (and others) - they were developing a new era. It was a movement. They are what the next generations of music evolved from. You’re right, there will never again be a groundbreaking music era like the 60’s.

[@dean2663]

Is Chuck Norris was a hippie...

[@prachtical]

Of couse, trying to imitate God has to be hard, but Satan is reachable.

[@arthurverlaine6434]

Jeez I thought video was slowed down Before shooting, next time, you could try with a coffee Tom

[@missunique65]

inter viewer - SPEAK UP!!!!!!

[@flash8854]

Elvis’ manager, Col. Tom Parker, said in a press conference shortly after his death: “Elvis didn’t die. The body did. We’re keeping up the good spirits. We’re keeping Elvis alive. I talked to him this morning and he told me to 'carry on.’” (Elvis did not die and he wanted out. - Col. Tom Parker. 1977) After hearing so many stories about the death of Elvis Presley, I have decided to tell the world the real story on the facts concerning that day in August, 1977. Yes, that day, the 16th of August. Is it a coincidence that a person born on that January 8, first month, eighth day, would perish on the 8th month and the 16th day? Probably if two (2) people were born on that day it makes more sense. You see, numerology always played an important part of my life and still does today. So many people have written or spoke about my death as a hoax. It was not a hoax! I decided to reinvent myself in the form of my brother (Jesse Garon) and yes, Elvis Presley did die that day. But after much searching for the right people, I found several people from different states who I consider my most loyal and trustworthy friends. To some people this book will be just another scandalous piece of fiction, but when you are done I think you will think otherwise. I always felt my brother deserved to live and what better way to let him live his life than to end mine. I was lonely, depressed, in bad health and my numerology chart said that this was the time for it to come to end. Anyone who studies numerology will understand, those who don't may want to look into it. All of the facts (and there are many) even the experts will say they are more than coincidences. I no longer give away Cadillacs or expensive pieces of jewelry because I am nothing more than a man who had a very famous brother. I am not a great literate (I never wrote my own songs), but I am not illiterate either. The perfect day August 16, 1977, 1 + 9 + 7 + 7 = 24, my age backwards (42), the facts go on and on. But my true reasons for the book are for my fans. My death was not a hoax! To my fans, please forgive me, my brother deserved to live, he was with me constantly (spiritually). My life would not be the same had he lived at birth. This was my way of giving him life, and corny as it sounds. The Colonel took this secret to his grave. He was a loyal friend. But I will no longer stand by and have people like Gail Brewer tell you stories that are pure fiction. This book written by a true friend will help you realize why I did what I did. - The Truth About Elvis Aron Presley In His Own Words. (2001). My fascination with the idea of a hoax about death was when Jim Morrison died July 3rd, 1971. Although I saw no correlation (he died at age 27) I was astounded that as famous as he was the body was just closed up and shipped out. Now I don't know all the facts concerning his death. I thought it awfully strange that no autopsy was performed (or so I thought) and just forgotten about. There were a lot of rumors about his death. I noticed he was born on the 8th day. Born in 1944 = 1-8 and died in 1971 = 1-8. Remember my comeback in 1968? 1+9+6+8 = 24. Obviously, I was no longer 24, so I reversed the age to 42. The next time that number had any relevance was 1977 (1+9+7+7 = 24 when I would be 42. Numerology can and does play an important part of my life and we knew that would have to be the date. Most people if they know what to look for will find significance in the forms of numbers in all of my movies! Example: gravestone in " Loving You" (year) 1878 = ? (1+8+7+8 = 24). You have to look at the movies. My hero James Dean died at the age of 24, but I was on top of the world then and wanted to live. - The Truth About Elvis Aron Presley In His Own Words. (2001). I will start about 1974 when the thought first came to me about faking my death. I have always been fascinated with the occult and other spiritual things. When I first saw a wax dummy of myself made by a Mr. Cooper I was fascinated with it. For some time I had thought if it was possible? Could I pull this thing off? I had asked Mr Cooper if he could make another wax dummy for me. He said he could. I in turn said I wanted him to do it and keep it strictly confidential. When I had mentioned it to a very few close friends (Joe Esposito, Larry Geller) they did not think I was serious. I was tired of being Elvis Presley, my health was deteriorating. I just couldn't keep up. My finances were floundering because of my daddy's poor business ventures. I was at my wit's end. As the years progressed I had my ups and downs which are pretty well documented in other books. I also had two detectives from Colorado who I trusted immensely. Originally the date was 1976 according to my numerology charts but I chickened out. A pact was made on the grounds of Graceland one night, hands placed over hands that this secret would never be spoken of outside this room. I picked four (4) of us initially and to this day all have kept the secret. I also know when this book reaches the bookstores people (my loyal friends) will be heartbroken. They took care of me and convinced others that I was no longer alive. In reality Elvis Presley died that day and my twin brother "Jesse" came to life, living in hiding but as a normal human being. I skip around because I am writing stream of consciousness. My own Daddy bless his soul never knew the truth. Little Lisa was told months later and explained to her she would not see me much. The Colonel took this secret to his grave. Many people believe me to still be alive but I was told in the beginning there would be no contact in order for this to work. I go thru a lot of ups and downs since 1977 and have lived in many states but I insisted I needed to be in a warm climate. My personal thoughts are that my fans will understand. That is very important to me. I just could not face myself any more after seeing myself in the mirror and that is where Larry Geller came in. He asked if he could write a book, and I gave him my blessing. "If I Can Dream" is the title and I like his book. He had filled my head with spiritual thoughts and made me believe we could pull this off. If I had stayed longer I think I would have been booed off the stage. That is why I chose the date 8-16-77. Do you know how many famous people passed away on that date? The great Robert Johnson died on 8-16 and he was born in 1935! Babe Ruth, and Bela Lugosi and many others. I must say I was very nervous that day 8-16. But it had to be done before I went on the road where I would not have been able to pull it off. Did you know there are secret compartments in Graceland that very few people know about! A few like Vester would joke about my being alive but no one took him serious. Many of my friends would ask if I were still alive and they have their doubts but as it was I might have died broke and just a shell of myself. I was given an injection that looked like I was dead but the people closest to me knew better. Believe me I had my doubts that this could be pulled off. But it did and I became Jesse, just a poor white southern boy who didn't sing a lick of anything. I feel bad my Daddy wasn't allowed to know but it just couldn't be done. I better go now and collect my thoughts to tell you the rest next time. - The Truth About Elvis Aron Presley In His Own Words. (2001). You Found Me By Pastor Bob Joyce kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYasaJKoj9WfbsU

[@cindyk.6462]

bullshit

[@jimstevens281]

He's off his face lol

[@jamesfitzgerald6636]

Don’t do drugs! Sad!

[@skullduggery3377]

the heartbreaker's are nowhere NEAR the league of the stones.

[@thegoverningbodybag9668]

His opinion is petty. Some smelling salts could help.

[@DS-yg4qs]

He said nothing.

[@thevillainable]

Tom is on the H here maybe?

[@thebrazilianatlantis165]

I hope that's not what the last dance with maryjane led to. At his age could be on a prescription painkiller for authentic pain for all we know.

[@Backburnerison]

I think he means that The Beatles were real and genius and wrote their own music while Elvis didn't and was more unrealistic. in my opinion Elvis is overrated.. always has been. He didn't have a great voice and didn't write any of his songs. I've noticed that alot of American singers praise Elvis but when British singers or musicians are interviewed they always praise The Beatles as the best and most influential!

[@stevenaustin8274]

absolutely agree with u no contest

[@judeforrester6641]

Elvis had an amazing voice, and even though he didn’t write his own songs, it was the way he sang it and his attitude that made him stand out, he wasn’t the best of the 50’s that could go to more black people than white but Elvis influenced people like the Beatles and The Rolling Stones He did it

[@donnievick3076]

Which British singers are you referring to? You must not have heard Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, and the Beatles themselves take on the subject. All list Elvis as a major influence.

[@pjhans4516]

Elvis had a great voice! It's just your taste...

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

The Beatles, and Lennon's in particular, real heroes were Jerry Lee lewis and Chuck Berry followed by Little Richard. The less manicured, stage-managed side of rock 'n' roll. When Lennon met Jerry Lee he fell to his knees - The Killer!

[@bobgreenlee7852]

Only Michael Jackson could equal or surpass Elvis as a solo performer. Nobody beats the Beatles

[@ANDROLOMA]

Record sales tend to confirm your estimation.

[@dennispoling6822]

What is the obsession with the Beatles? Don't take this wrong, I like the Beatles but the FACTS are, Starting with Revolver their 7th album released in Aug 1966 and their next 6 albums NONE of those songs were EVER played live, EVER. Never in a concert by the Beatles. The White album alone had 8 GUEST musicians and 18 SESSION musicians. Best band ever? sorry I don't agree with that same as I don't agree Elvis is the king of Rock (The real King Chuck Berry just died) > Elvis SANG Berry Songs Berry never sang songs Elvis wrote. I like Elvis also, but all this best ever king of this or queen of that is Ridiculous. They were all great If you insist on titles Chuck Berry King of Rock>The Rolling Stones Best band ever > They are still going and the Beatles stopped touring Aug 29, 1966 Ask yourself this> How many people had the chance to see the Stones in Concert (I never did) and hear them PLAY songs on the albums they released compared to the Beatles? Since Aug 29 of 1966>> NO ONE saw the Beatles live except one roof top concert in London 1969 Where you there?

[@QwithTomPower]

That's a very interesting take on the Beatles place in history, and an interesting takeaway from Tom Petty's thoughts. Thanks for sharing.

[@dennispoling6822]

Based on facts and not my personal taste. I don't know how the Beatles continue to get ranked best band when half the albums that they put out, the songs on them were never played live. The "best band ever" should have at least played the songs from all their albums live at least once wouldn't you think? After all Berry, Presley, AC/DC, The Stones, Petty do and did as do many others great bands and singers. I think sometimes credit is not given where it is due based on the facts and not my opinion. As for staying true to their roots that definitely goes to AC/DC.

[@anneap4457]

Dennis Poling The Beatles didn't play their later songs live because they didn't have the technology for this smartass, so advanced they were. Greatest band ever!

[@eddiemac911]

The Beatles didn't play those songs live because they'd stopped touring. IDIOT!

[@lyallg8112]

I don’t understand The Beatles obsession either. I have tried, but I just don’t get it. I’m just not ‘that’ into them or their music. I love Elvis, just as I love Darin, Cooke and many more. I actually think Elvis’s best genre was gospel. I love him singing R & B too. Have you heard his Blue Moon?

[@nadeembitar5292]

Military service during the Korean War is what eventually killed Elvis. But he became a karate expert. Ministry of Love in George Orwell's "1984" book. Get religious with states' rights and the Biblical nonviolence of Jesus The Christ of The Holy Bible. Only the amazing grace of Jesus The Christ of The Holy Bible has been saving a miserable wretch like me. Lest I vaunt myself before GOD saying mine own hand hath saved me - Judges chapter 7 Gideons' Bible.

[@ANDROLOMA]

Elvis enlisted in the military five years after the Korean War ended. You got everything else wrong too. Excellent work.

[@nadeembitar5292]

@@ANDROLOMA The Korean war is still not over. Elvis was drafted for the Korean war after an "armistice" was signed and the fighting stopped, even though bipartisan incumbent, DemocratRepublican Leadership kept drafting people. But I can see your point. Devil is in the details.