Why Elvis Presley Rarely Called People by Their First Names

There are varied reports that Elvis Presley, in essence, was a simple guy. Humble origins in Tupelo, modest city in the American state of Mississippi, shaped his personality even after his consecration in music.

Priscilla Presley, Married to the singer until 1973, she realized this right away. According to her, Elvis He was very respectful when dealing with people. When he was talking to someone older, he never called them by their first name: it was always “Mr.” or “Ms.ª” and the surname, the most formal way of addressing each other.

A situation involving the family of Priscilla was reported by herself in the book Elvis and I (via CheatSheet). The artist managed to convince the teenager’s stepfather to approve the relationship with such a famous guy — and a decade older, since Priscilla I was 14 years old — on the basis of politeness.

“Elvis he was the perfect gentleman. My father was visibly impressed with him. From that moment, Elvis always addressed him as Captain Beaulieu or Sir.”

The mention as “Captain” was given because Paul Beaulieu, stepfather of Priscilla, He was an officer in the United States Air Force. But according to his ex-wife Elvis, all those not in the singer’s immediate inner circle received polite and formal treatment.

“This was characteristic of Elvis. Whatever a person’s station in life—whether he was a doctor or a lawyer, a teacher or a film director—unless he was in his immediate inner circle, Elvis he rarely used first names. Even when dealing with people he had known for years.”

In fact, the singer had an explanation on the tip of his tongue when asked why he was so formal:

“He once explained to me: ‘It’s simple. They worked hard to get where they are. Someone needs to respect them.’”

BB King and the “very polite” Elvis Presley

A report of BB King, legendary blues guitarist, about Elvis Presley just corroborates what was said by Priscilla Presley. The musician who died in 2015 stated that the “king of rock”, who died in 1977, was much more educated than most celebrities of the time. In the book King of the Blues, he is quoted saying:

“Elvis it was different. He was friendly. I clearly remember Elvis because he was a handsome, quiet and extremely polite guy. He spoke with that thick southern drawl and always called me ‘sir’. At first, I understood him strictly as a country singer.”