AP Psychology "Famous Person" Research Paper: Elvis Presley and Psychology Maxwell C. Thompson April 18, 2014 APA Format Elvis Presley and Psychology Elvis Presley rose to fame in the 1950s and quickly became one of the most recognizable of all time. In the 1960s and 1970s he achieved unprecedented fame through his music and acting in films. Yet the sexy symbol, the fashion-pushing Southern man, was not without his continuing flaws, mistakes, and drug abuse. Indeed, the debate still rages among some as to what brought down this international star. In this essay I will provide a biography of Elvis Presley's life and then use this information to conclude what psychological problems the great Elvis Presley may have faced. Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley on January 8, 1935 in the two-room house built by his father in Tupelo, Mississippi. Elvis was supposed to be a twin, but his brother Jessie was stillborn, leaving him as an only child. He grew up in Tupelo surrounded and supported by his extended family and loving parents. Although money was tight, Vernon and Gladys managed to support their beloved Elvis and attended church regularly. Elvis seemed to begin to take influence not only from the preaching and music of his church, but also from the "neighborhood black bluesmen and country music radio programs his family enjoyed." (S1) On October 3, 1945, Elvis' singing was first noticed when he won fifth prize in a talent contest at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show (S1). 1946 helps him on his path to pop success as his mother buys him a guitar, since she can't afford the bicycle Elvis wants. His family is still falling apart, so on November 6, 1948 El...... middle of paper ......riedberg, Germany, where he lives off base with his father, grandmother and friends. As Elvis turns 24, Colonel Parker keeps Elvis' career alive by releasing hit records. While in Germany, Elvis meets Priscilla Ann Wagner through a friend at his party. Oddly enough, in January 1960 Elvis went on another holiday to Paris with his karate instructor, Jürgen Seydel, to study with the Japanese karate teacher, Tetsuji Murakami. (1) On 11 February 1960 he became Sargent before being officially discharged on 5 March. After a train ride home to Memphis, fans and press welcome him home. Although he served his country proudly, Elvis worries that his time away may have hurt his career progress. (1) Indeed, this may have been the case. Regardless, Elvis returned by quickly recording the album "Elvis is Back!" and get paid $125,000 for an appearance on Frank Sinatra's ABC show.