Elvis Presley — Quotes

“I'm just trying to do what I do best, which is entertain people.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis frequently expressed this sentiment throughout his career when discussing his fundamental purpose as a performer.

“The Colonel told me, 'You can make a lot of money in the movies,' so I went.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis explained his motivation for entering film in the 1950s, referring to his manager Colonel Tom Parker's business direction.

“I'm not trying to be sexy. It's just my way of expressing what I hear in the music.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis responded to critics of his suggestive dancing style during his early television appearances in the mid-1950s.

“Music is life. It's a way of expressing yourself.”

— Elvis Presley · This reflects Elvis's philosophy about music's importance, a theme he returned to repeatedly in interviews throughout his life.

“I've never made a picture I was really proud of.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis expressed frustration with the quality of his Hollywood films during the 1960s in conversations with friends and interviewers.

“When I was a boy, I was the only kid in town with a guitar. I also went a year with no shoes.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis reflected on his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, during autobiographical discussions later in his career.

“The army taught me discipline. It was good for me.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis reflected positively on his military service from 1958-1960, which he viewed as character-building.

“I just follow my instincts. That's what keeps me going.”

— Elvis Presley · Elvis described his artistic approach and decision-making process in various interviews from the 1960s onward.