Elvis In Coffin: The Shocking True Story Behind The Photo
What if the most iconic, and arguably most controversial, photograph of a musical legend wasn't the product of artistic expression, but a calculated act of tabloid journalism? The story behind the infamous image of Elvis Presley in his coffin, splashed across the front page of the National Enquirer, is a tale of ambition, exploitation, and the enduring power of celebrity, a story that continues to fascinate decades after the King's untimely death.
This isn't a narrative spun around whispers of wax dummies or fantastical replacements. This is the stark, unvarnished truth behind a photograph that became a cultural touchstone, a visual testament to the enduring fascination with Elvis Presley, even in death. The National Enquirer, a publication known for its sensationalism, set its sights on a singular, audacious goal: to capture the image of Elvis in his coffin. Their pursuit, the events leading up to the picture, and the fallout afterward, paint a vivid picture of the media landscape in 1977 and the lengths to which some would go to capture a headline.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elvis Aaron Presley |
| Born | January 8, 1935, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA |
| Died | August 16, 1977, Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac arrhythmia, exacerbated by prescription drug use |
| Occupation | Singer, Musician, Actor |
| Genres | Rock and Roll, Pop, Country, Gospel |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Years Active | 1953-1977 |
| Notable Achievements | Sold over 1 billion records worldwide, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, inducted into multiple Halls of Fame (Rock and Roll, Country, Gospel), "King of Rock and Roll" |
| Spouse | Priscilla Presley (m. 19671973) |
| Children | Lisa Marie Presley |
| Associated Acts | The Blue Moon Boys, The Jordanaires |
| Official Website | Elvis.com |
The world was still reeling when Elvis Presley died suddenly at the age of 42 on August 16, 1977. The news reverberated across the globe. The worlds press corps, sensing a story of immense proportions, descended on his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Amongst them, however, the National Enquirer had a singular, unwavering objective. They had a focused, mandated mission: to secure the photograph of Elvis in his coffin. This was not mere reporting; it was a calculated pursuit of the ultimate tabloid scoop.
The open casket viewing, a public display held for two days before the funeral, became a focal point for the press and the throngs of grieving fans who converged on Memphis. The opportunity to see the King one last time drew thousands, creating a maelstrom of emotion and media frenzy. In response to the overwhelming crowds, President Jimmy Carter even ordered 300 National Guard troops to the area, a stark indication of the magnitude of the event.
The Enquirer, however, wasn't interested in capturing the grief of the masses or the somber procession. Their aim was more direct, and, in the eyes of many, more exploitative. They were after the money shot, the visual that would guarantee record sales and notoriety. Reporters were dispatched, plans were formulated, and a major operation was set in motion to get the desired image.
Mourners and onlookers alike documented the somber event with personal cameras. Images of the hearse carrying the superstar's remains, and the funeral procession making its way to the mausoleum, remain poignant reminders of the day. But for the Enquirer, these were secondary. Their focus remained on the inside, the private moment of finality.
The day of the funeral, August 18, 1977, saw the culmination of these efforts. The funeral procession moved towards the mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery. However, before the final resting place, the Enquirer's efforts came to fruition. The photograph, taken by a distant cousin of Elvis, Billy Mann, was the result of the tabloid's persistence and willingness to cross ethical boundaries. The image, a close-up of Elvis's body in the seamless copper coffin, became an astonishing cover photo, forever known as Elvis in the Box.
The photograph's release on September 6, 1977, was met with a mixture of shock, fascination, and outrage. The image was a stark and uncompromising portrayal of mortality. It was a stark reminder that even the King, the embodiment of rock and roll, was not immune to the inevitable. For the Enquirer, the controversy was secondary to the sales. The photo became a sensation, catapulting the publication's circulation to new heights, but it also ignited a debate about journalistic ethics, the exploitation of grief, and the boundaries of privacy in the face of public interest.
June Walden, an eyewitness to the open casket viewing, became a part of history herself, forever linked to the narrative. Her presence highlighted the intimacy of the occasion, even as the media descended. The headstones of Elvis, his parents, and his grandmother, now adorned with flowers and gifts, serve as a lasting tribute to the Presley family. The events surrounding Elviss funeral underscore the enduring impact of the man, and the complexities of his legacy.
The funeral of Elvis Presley, held in Memphis, Tennessee on August 18, 1977, was an event of immense historical and cultural significance. Beyond the personal grief, it was a public performance of mourning. The open casket viewing served as a final opportunity for fans to pay their respects. This viewing was later immortalized by the Enquirers front page image, forever impacting the publics memory of Elvis and his funeral.
Elvis was laid to rest in an $8,000 casket, identical to the one his mother had been buried in. This detail, like many others, contributes to the lasting narrative. The image, the final photograph, became the most famous image of the King. The photo, captured from a private moment, became a public spectacle.
The photos origins remain a point of contention. Cousin Billy Mann, recruited by the Enquirer, captured the image. The photo, and the circumstances surrounding it, stand as a testament to the era. The image remains a vivid encapsulation of the media's power to shape public perception and the lengths some will go to secure the ultimate scoop. The photograph is a stark reminder of the human condition, reminding us of our own mortality.
The image, the lasting memory, serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of a story, the ethics of journalism, and the cultural impact of Elvis Presley. The image, taken with a 1977 high-tech, low-light mini camera, captures a moment in history. It has been called a dastardly act, forever changing the publics perception. The open casket viewing photo remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era.
