You Won’t Believe The Reason Elvis Presley HATED These Seven Musicians The Most

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, is remembered for his electrifying stage presence, timeless voice, and a career that changed the course of modern music. But behind the charm and charisma, Elvis also had strong opinions about his peers. He admired many artists, but there were a few who—according to those close to him—he simply could not stand.

Some of these dislikes were rooted in competition, others in personal grudges, and a few simply because of musical taste. Here are the seven musicians Elvis reportedly “hated” the most—and the surprising reasons why.

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1. Robert Goulet

Elvis’s disdain for Robert Goulet is one of the most documented. According to Priscilla Presley, Elvis once shot a television set when Goulet appeared on screen. To him, Goulet embodied everything he disliked: a polished performer with flawless technique but little emotional depth. Elvis wanted music to move people, not just impress them.

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2. Mel Tormé

Known as “The Velvet Fog,” Mel Tormé was admired by many for his vocal skill, but Elvis wasn’t impressed. He often criticized singers who, in his words, were “all technique, no feeling.” Tormé’s smooth, controlled style simply didn’t resonate with Elvis’s raw, emotional approach to music.

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3. Frank Sinatra

Though they eventually shared mutual respect, Elvis was offended when Frank Sinatra dismissed rock ’n’ roll as “the most brutal, ugly, and degenerate form of expression.” Sinatra’s public comments felt like a personal attack, since Elvis was the face of rock music at the time. The bad blood may have softened over the years, but Elvis never forgot those words.

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4. John Lennon

While the Beatles admired Elvis as their biggest inspiration, Elvis’s feelings toward John Lennon were complicated. Reports suggest that Elvis felt Lennon was disrespectful during a meeting at his Los Angeles home. Additionally, Lennon’s outspoken political views clashed with Elvis’s more traditional stance, leading to friction that fueled the rumor of “dislike.”

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5. Jerry Lee Lewis

Both Southern rockers with wild reputations, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis were natural rivals. Lewis once declared himself “the true king of rock ’n’ roll,” which did not sit well with Elvis. Their competition for fame, recognition, and even the hearts of fans created a silent hostility between the two.

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6. Little Richard

Although Elvis covered and popularized songs by Black artists, including Little Richard, the relationship was strained. Little Richard often accused Elvis of receiving more credit than he deserved, especially for music rooted in Black culture. While Elvis admired Richard’s talent, he reportedly disliked the constant criticism and tension that came from him.

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7. Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, another pioneer of rock, was both a rival and a source of friction. Elvis respected Berry’s songwriting genius but was wary of his fame and the comparisons drawn between them. For someone as protective of his throne as Elvis, the idea of sharing the crown with Berry was something he struggled to accept.

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🎤 The Truth Behind the “Hate”

While the word “hate” may sound extreme, Elvis’s feelings toward these musicians often stemmed from rivalry, criticism, or conflicting styles rather than deep personal loathing. What’s clear is that Elvis was passionate about music and protective of his legacy. If he felt another artist disrespected the art form—or him personally—he did not hide his disapproval.

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Final Thoughts

Elvis Presley may be remembered as a legend loved by millions, but even legends have their grudges. These seven musicians remind us that behind the glitz of Hollywood and the glow of the spotlight, the King of Rock ’n’ Roll was still human—opinionated, competitive, and unafraid to show his dislike.

In the end, perhaps it was this fiery passion, both for music and against those he disapproved of, that made Elvis Presley not just a star, but an icon whose story still fascinates us today.