Introduction:
In March 1960, the world witnessed the long-awaited return of Elvis Presley from his two years of military service. The King of Rock and Roll, who had been drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, came back to a music industry and fanbase eagerly anticipating his next steps. In a candid interview shortly after his return, Elvis opened up about his experiences in the service, his feelings about coming home, and his plans for the future.
When asked about his immediate commitments, Elvis revealed a busy schedule ahead. His first priority was to head back into the recording studio, followed by a highly anticipated television special with Frank Sinatra. Soon after, he had a film project with producer Hal Wallis lined up, and additional commitments with 20th Century Fox. “Heaven knows,” Elvis said with a modest smile, “I suppose it’ll keep me busy the rest of this year.” Clearly, his return was not to a life of rest, but to the stage, the screen, and the music that had made him a global icon.
Reflecting on his two years in the Army, Elvis described the experience as challenging but ultimately rewarding. He emphasized that the most important takeaway was that he “made it just like everybody else,” by playing it straight, following the rules, and building friendships with people he might never have met otherwise. Life in Germany had its difficulties—the cold winters, long field duties, and being far from home—but he considered it a valuable chapter of personal growth. His advice to young men entering the service was simple yet wise: “Play it straight, do your best, and you’ll get through.”
Of course, no interview with Elvis would be complete without questions about music and romance. Regarding the state of the music industry, he admitted he had not been home long enough to gauge major changes but noted that he would be “foolish not to try to change with it” if needed. On acting, Elvis expressed a sincere interest in becoming a more serious actor, acknowledging that while formal training might help, he learned best through experience.
When asked about matters of the heart, Elvis addressed rumors with characteristic humility. He downplayed speculation about Nancy Sinatra and clarified that while he had met a young woman in Germany, it was not the dramatic romance that newspapers suggested. “It wasn’t like that,” he explained, showing his carefulness in balancing honesty with discretion.
Perhaps the most touching part of the conversation came when he spoke about his hometown. Elvis expressed deep affection for Memphis, assuring fans that he had no plans to leave Graceland. “Someone asked me what I missed about Memphis, and I said everything.” His words reflected not just loyalty to his roots, but also a heartfelt appreciation for the city that had shaped his career.
As Elvis Presley settled back into civilian life, the anticipation surrounding his next chapter was immense. With recording sessions, television appearances, and films on the horizon, one thing was clear: the King was ready to reclaim his throne, and his fans around the world were ready to welcome him back.