Elvis In Coffin: The Shocking Photo & Untold Story - Read Now!
How far would a publication go for a scoop, especially when the subject is the King of Rock and Roll himself? The lengths to which the National Enquirer went to secure a photo of Elvis Presley in his coffin, a photograph that would become instantly iconic, reveal a fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, chapter in the history of tabloid journalism and the enduring power of celebrity.
The date was August 16, 1977. The location: Graceland, Elvis Presley's Memphis mansion. The world was in mourning. At the age of 42, Elvis had died suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of music and a fanbase that spanned the globe. His death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. As the news spread, the world's press, like a flock of vultures, descended upon Graceland, each outlet vying for the most compelling coverage. Among them was the National Enquirer, a tabloid publication with a reputation for sensationalism and a relentless pursuit of the most salacious stories.
The Enquirer, however, had a specific, unwavering goal: to obtain a photograph of Elvis Presley in his coffin. This wasn't merely a desire for comprehensive coverage; it was a strategic mission, a quest for the ultimate tabloid scoop. They knew the image would be a sensation, guaranteeing sales and cementing their place in the public's consciousness. This determination led them down a path of calculated exploitation, a path that would forever link their name to the final, and perhaps most intimate, image of the King.
To understand the audacity of this endeavor, it's crucial to understand the context. Elvis's body was placed on display in an open casket for two days prior to the funeral. Family, friends, and fans were allowed to pay their respects, creating a poignant scene of grief. The King was lying in state in a seamless copper coffin, positioned in the doorway of Graceland's music room, a final, tragic tableau. Knowing the open casket viewing and the funeral would provide a crucial opportunity, the Enquirers team strategized.
The Enquirer's approach was direct, bordering on the brazen. They didn't simply assign a photographer to try and capture the shot amidst the chaos. Instead, they hatched a plan that involved bribery and deception. They recruited a distant cousin of Elvis, Billy Mann, who was not particularly close to the singer, and offered him a substantial sum of money to sneak a camera into Graceland and take the picture.
Mann, motivated by the financial incentive, agreed to the deal. Armed with a small, high-tech Minox camera a device known for its discreetness and ability to function in low light he infiltrated the funeral proceedings. The resulting image, showing Elviss corpse in the casket, would become a defining image of that era, and is probably one of the most famous cover pictures ever.
The photograph was published on the cover of the National Enquirer, and its impact was immediate and profound. It was a shocking image, a violation of privacy that sparked outrage, yet it also fueled the public's fascination. The image of Elvis in his coffin was a morbid yet captivating spectacle, a raw glimpse into the finality of death for a man who had become a symbol of immortality. The Enquirer's gamble had paid off handsomely; they had their scoop, and it was a game changer.
The publication of the photograph generated an avalanche of controversy. Critics condemned the Enquirer's actions as a blatant invasion of privacy, a gross exploitation of a grieving family, and a degradation of journalistic ethics. The image became a symbol of the excesses of tabloid journalism, a reminder of the lengths to which publications would go to sell a story. Yet, in a strange twist, the photograph also cemented the Enquirer's position as a force in the media landscape.
While the photo undoubtedly became a huge success for the tabloid, there was also a measure of sadness that surrounded the image. It was, after all, a photo of a dead man, and the circumstances surrounding its creation were ethically questionable at best. The emotional impact of the image was undeniable, evoking a mix of sorrow, curiosity, and perhaps even a sense of unease.
The picture remains a powerful symbol of Elviss death, an image burned into the collective memory. The lasting effect of this photo is something that is still felt today, as well as the implications and ramifications of the lengths people will go to get a scoop, and to satiate public interest.
Beyond the ethical considerations, the incident raises questions about the nature of celebrity and the public's relationship with those who achieve fame. Elvis, like many celebrities, had become more than just a person; he was an icon, a cultural phenomenon. His death was a loss felt by millions, and the photograph of his body in the coffin, became a tangible reminder of the fragility of life and the transient nature of fame.
The story of the National Enquirer's photograph of Elvis in his coffin serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of sensationalism and the potential for the media to exploit tragedy for profit. It also reveals the enduring power of images, how a single photograph can become a defining moment in history and shape public perception for generations.
The publication of the picture, however, went ahead. The image, once published, was nothing short of sensational. The National Enquirer had succeeded, but at what cost? This is a question that continues to be debated even today.
The Enquirer paid Elvis's distant cousin, Billy Mann, to take the photo. Mann, who was not close to Elvis, used a low-light camera to get the shot. The photograph became one of the most famous cover pictures ever published.
The photo's immediate and lasting impact shows a complex story of ambition, tragedy, and the power of celebrity in the face of the press. Its a picture that continues to be spoken about, a stark reminder of the excesses of tabloid journalism and the vulnerability of public figures, even in death.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 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, Blues |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Piano |
| Spouse | Priscilla Presley (m. 19671973) |
| Children | Lisa Marie Presley |
| Known For |
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| Iconic Songs |
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For more information, visit: Official Elvis Presley Website
The story of the photograph of Elvis in his coffin, however, does not end there. The image itself became the subject of speculation and debate. Some questioned its authenticity, with rumors circulating that it was a hoax or that the body in the coffin was not, in fact, Elvis. Others questioned the ethics of publishing such a private, intimate image, the image, a final and very intimate view, of the King.
As the years passed, the image of Elvis in the coffin became a cultural touchstone, a symbol of both the enduring power of celebrity and the often-unscrupulous methods used to capture that power. The National Enquirer's scoop was successful, but the victory came at a cost, a cost measured not just in ethical breaches but in the lasting impact on Elviss legacy.
The photograph remains a source of controversy, a reminder of a time when tabloid journalism operated with few restraints. The actions of the National Enquirer, however, raise questions about the media's role in shaping public perceptions and its influence on the cultural landscape. This story continues to spark debate.
The picture, in the publics eyes, is an example of the excesses of tabloid journalism, the blurring of lines between fact and fiction, and the exploitation of tragedy. The Enquirers mission, despite the controversy, resulted in a commercially successful outcome. The image continues to haunt the publics imagination.
The picture of Elvis in the coffin, captured by a cousin motivated by money, published by a tabloid eager for a scoop, is a complex and controversial piece of history. It highlights the lengths to which the media will go to get a story, and the enduring power of fame, even in death. The story of that image, will continue to be told and retold, a reminder of a singular moment in history.
