Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson became the Kings of their genres, but the fame and success they savored were cut short following their deaths.
Elton John shared his opinion about the two music greats, as Presley and Jackson famously became the King of Rock and Roll and King of Pop, respectively. Unfortunately, both of them died too early during their time as global sensations.
Why Michael Jackson's Downfall Was Similar to Elvis Presley's
Jackson and Presley had a direct connection to each other as the "Smooth Criminal" hitmaker married the King's only daughter with, Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley. Aside from that, they also shared similar life stories, which Elton John was very familiar with.
In the past decades, the "Rocket Man" singer released exposés about the singers, including Presley's substance abuse that derailed his career and Jackson's disturbing nature.
In his memoir, "Me," John reflected on Jackson's life and how it felt like to see him in his later years before his death. The singer recalled how saddening it was to see the "poor guy lost his marbles," although he knew no one could help Jackson since he had a world of his own.
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The 76-year-old "That's What Friends Are For" hitmaker also noted that he knew the "Billie Jean" singer since he was 13 or 14, and he clearly noticed how he began hiding like Presley did before his death.
"He was just the most adorable kid you could imagine," he wrote. "But at some point in the intervening years, he started sequestering himself away from the world, and away from reality the way Elvis Presley did."
While Jackson seemingly followed in Presley's footsteps, John made their stories an inspiration to start his sobriety. He once told Oprah Winfrey that seeing Presley taking his dark path scared him and led him to help himself get over his own problems.
How Did Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson Die?
The music industry suffered losses after both singers died.
Presley was initially found unresponsive in a bathroom of his Graceland mansion in August 1977 hours after entering the room due to intestinal issues. His cause of death was later determined as heart failure worsened by his unhealthy diet and substance use.
On the other hand, Jackson died before his "This Is It" tour in 2009. Initial reports said he died of cardiac arrest, but the investigators later concluded it to be a homicide and charged Dr. Conrad Murray with involuntary manslaughter.
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