Elvis’ Mom Had A Wild Side Most Fans Aren’t Even Aware Of

Any fan of Elvis knows he was incredibly close to his mom, Gladys. Over the years, though, a narrative has formed about her being too overprotective of her son. But while there is evidence to suggest that this may have been at least partially true, she also had a different side to her personality. And this wild, free-spirited Gladys is a far cry from the image that many people have of The King’s mother.

Elvis’ best girl

Elvis and Gladys were so close that the iconic star often referred to her as his “best girl.” In fact, the first piece of music Elvis ever recorded at just 18 years old was a song called “My Happiness,” and it was reportedly a gift for his beloved mom. Gladys had always believed that her son was special, and she fiercely supported his musical efforts. So it's maybe no surprise that Elvis may have dedicated his first recorded track to her. 

The young Elvis apparently paid just $4 to take home a copy of his first record, which he was planning to give to his mom. However, as the story goes, Gladys never received it because Elvis accidentally left it at a friend's house.

Mama’s boy

Nevertheless, Gladys and Elvis’ bond was intense for mother and son — so intense, in fact, that Elvis gained a reputation as a “mama’s boy” at school. Gladys apparently walked her son to school every day until he was well into his teens. And when Elvis was a baby, to keep him close, Gladys would reportedly pull him along in a bag next to her while she worked in the cotton fields.

Elvis reportedly even once said in an interview, "My mama never let me out of her sight. I couldn't go down to the creek with the other kids."