# In fourth grade, Billy Joel wanted to be Elvis Presley. In 1982, he took a swipe at what Elvis became

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-fourth-grade-billy-joel-wanted-to-be-elvis-presley-in-1982-he-took-a-swipe-at-what-elvis-became/
- Published: 2026-10-31T16:31:37+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-31T17:21:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/song-billy-joel-wrote-as-a-tribute-to-elvis-presley/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Joel admired Elvis from childhood.
- His 1982 song mourned Presley’s later image.
- It criticised Graceland’s commercialisation.

## Summary

Billy Joel’s 1982 song ‘Elvis Presley Boulevard’ paid tribute to the singer who first inspired him, while criticising how Presley’s later career and image were handled. Joel admired Elvis as a child, but felt that Hollywood films and the commercialisation of Graceland turned a once extraordinary performer into a diminished public figure.

Joel recalled performing ‘Hound Dog’ as an Elvis impression in fourth grade, jiggling his hips until a teacher pulled him off stage. He later said Presley’s time in the army marked a turning point, followed by films that made him a joke. Recorded in 1981, ‘Elvis Presley Boulevard’ first appeared as the B-side to ‘Allentown’ in 1982 and was included on the 2005 compilation *My Lives*; its lyrics describe Graceland as a lifeless mansion selling souvenirs.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.