Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, and Jimmy Swaggart, the controversial televangelist, are two famous figures who have left their mark on American culture and history. But are they related by blood or marriage? This article will explore the truth behind the rumor that they are cousins.
Contents
The Family Ties of Jimmy Swaggart
Jimmy Swaggart was born on March 15, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, to Willie Leon Swaggart and Minnie Bell Herron. His parents were both Pentecostal preachers and musicians who played in local churches. Jimmy Swaggart inherited their musical talent and became a gospel singer, pianist, and evangelist.
Jimmy Swaggart has two famous cousins who are also musicians: Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. Jerry Lee Lewis is a rockabilly pioneer who is known for his hits like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”. Mickey Gilley is a country music star who owns the Gilley’s nightclub in Pasadena, Texas. They are all related through their grandparents, Elmo Lewis and Mamie Herron, who were siblings.
The Connection Between Elvis Presley and Jimmy Swaggart
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Vernon Presley and Gladys Love Smith. His parents were poor farmers who moved to Memphis, Tennessee, when Elvis was 13 years old. Elvis Presley became a cultural icon and a musical legend with his songs like “Heartbreak Hotel”, “Hound Dog”, and “Jailhouse Rock”.
Elvis Presley and Jimmy Swaggart have no direct family ties, but they do have some connections through their friends and acquaintances. One of them is Jerry Lee Lewis, who was a friend of Elvis Presley and a cousin of Jimmy Swaggart. Jerry Lee Lewis met Elvis Presley in 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, where they both recorded their songs. They became friends and often visited each other’s homes.
Another connection is Harold Loyd, who was a first cousin of Elvis Presley and a security guard at Graceland, his mansion in Memphis. Harold Loyd claimed that he met Jimmy Swaggart in 1976 when he came to Graceland to see Elvis Presley. According to Loyd, Swaggart introduced himself as a cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and asked for a tour of the house. Loyd said that he showed him around and that Swaggart seemed impressed by Elvis Presley’s wealth and fame.
The Verdict: Not Related
Based on the available information, it seems that Elvis Presley and Jimmy Swaggart are not related by blood or marriage. They may have some common ancestors if they trace their genealogy back to the colonial times, but that would make them very distant relatives at best. They may have crossed paths a few times through their mutual contacts, but they did not have a close or personal relationship.
Therefore, the rumor that they are cousins is most likely false. It may have originated from some confusion or speculation based on their similar backgrounds, appearances, or careers. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley and Jimmy Swaggart are two influential figures who have shaped American culture and history in different ways. They both came from humble origins in the South and rose to fame and fortune with their musical talents. They both faced scandals and controversies in their personal and professional lives. They both had connections to other famous musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley.
However, they are not related by blood or marriage. They may have met a few times through their mutual contacts, but they did not have a close or personal relationship. The rumor that they are cousins is most likely false.
