DEJA VU: Last Acts of the King of Pop and the King of Rock 'n' Roll
As more details emerge of the death of Michael Jackson yesterday, it's becoming clear that the final act of the King of Pop resembles that of one of Jackson's icons, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley -- in many ways beyond the crowds of tearful fans leaving flowers and greetings at sites associated with the entertainers.
DEATH
ELVIS PRESLEY: Died young of heart attack, though questions about drug involvement persisted. A 1994 re-opening of the case led the coroner to declare that all signs pointed to a sudden violent heart attack, but that there was little doubt that his "polypharmacy/ Combined Drug Intoxication Pill dependence" was a factor in his declining health.
MICHAEL JACKSON: Died young of coronary failure. Questions swirling about possible drug involvement as police impound car of doctor.
LAST PERFORMANCES
ELVIS PRESLEY: Barely made it through his final concerts as his health issues escalated.
MICHAEL JACKSON: Health problems and "a onetime prescription pill addiction" had doubters saying he wouldn't make London concerts as scheduled (L.A. Times May 12).
RIDICULED
ELVIS PRESLEY: In the years before his death, was called a gross caricature of his former self, a washed up has-been.
MICHAEL JACKSON: In the years before his death, was called a gross caricature of his former self, a washed up has-been.
TABLOID FODDER
ELVIS PRESLEY: As paparazzi captured pictures of his grossly bloated body and cheesy, jumpsuit-clad performances -- and tales abounded of his eccentric behavior, such as gunning down a TV set.
MICHAEL JACKSON: As paparazzi snapped photos of his grossly distorted face and his eerie disguises and militaristic costumes -- and stories abounded of his eccentric behavior, such as dangling his baby from a hotel balcony.
MARRIED w/CHILDREN
ELVIS PRESLEY: To Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley's mother, later divorced.
MICHAEL JACKSON: To Lisa Marie Presley, later divorced. Also married to Debbie Rowe. Children: Michael Jr., Paris, Prince
TELLING NUMBERS
ELVIS PRESLEY: Estimated to have sold a billion records and counting. 1,500,000,000 viewers watched his "Aloha From Hawaii" global satellite special.
MICHAEL JACKSON: More than 750 million records sold, and counting. 60,000,000 viewers tuned in to Diane Sawyer interview with Jackson and Lisa Marie. $500 million in debt.
RACIAL CONTROVERSY
ELVIS PRESLEY: For sounding black
MICHAEL JACKSON: For looking white
FAMOUS HOME
ELVIS PRESLEY: Graceland
MICHAEL JACKSON: Neverland
GRAND GESTURES
ELVIS PRESLEY: Loved to give away cars.
MICHAEL JACKSON: Loved to treat disadvantaged children and sick children to days of fun at his Neverland fairground and zoo.
INFAMY
ELVIS PRESLEY: Overeating and pill dependence; one doctor was found to have prescribed more than 10,000 doses of sedatives, amphetamines and narcotics in Elvis' name in the first eight months of 1977 alone.
MICHAEL JACKSON: 1990s Child molestation case.
RESURGENCE
ELVIS PRESLEY: All but deified as soon as he died.
MICHAEL JACKSON: All but deified as soon as he died.