Elvis Presley Net Worth: Will & Death

“King of Rock and Roll” and arguably the most significant figure of the 20th century Elvis Presley’s net worth was $20 million at the time of his death.

Well, technically, his actual net worth was $5 million when he died in 1977, before the inflation adjustment.

The figure seems surprisingly low given his unparalleled success as a singer and actor, but one should note that it was back in the late 70s and his estate posthumously garnered hundreds of millions of dollars.

And if it were not for his drug addiction, hanger-on and divorce, he would be worth so much more.

The best-selling solo artist in the history of music Elvis, sold over a staggering 600 million records and singles worldwide.

The King basically transcended the boundaries of music and introduced a different kind, which was absolutely new and ahead of its time, that eventually made him the most influential figure in the history of rock and roll.

Elvis Presley | Quick Facts

Elvis Presley’s net worth at the time of his death was $20 million. Here are some quick facts about the “King of Rock and Roll.”

Elvis Presley | Net Worth, Income & Will

Net Worth

American singer, musician, and actor Elvis Presley’s net worth at the time of his death was $5 million which after adjustment for inflation is worth about $20 million.

Elvis basically earned money from music sales, live concert tours, acting roles, endorsements, and music royalties.

Although he did enjoy his best life during his peak, his estate drew significant money after his death.

Even today, more than 45 years after his death, Elvis’s estate generates tens of millions of dollars each year from royalties, merchandise sales, and other publishing rights.

In 2005, Forbes named Elvis the Top-Earning Deceased Celebrity for the fifth straight year, with a gross income of $45 million.

In 2020 alone, Elvis’s estate made over $23 million from royalties and other sources, making him the fifth highest-paid celebrity.

The singer sold over 600 million records worldwide, with 35 reaching #1.

Elvis was major money draw to RCA Records for more than two decades.

Despite making tens of millions of dollars, Elvis was reckless with his money and blew almost all of it on drugs and alcohol and divorce.

At the time of his death, he was nearly flat broke. As a matter of fact, some sources claim that he owed $30 million to Las Vegas Hilton Hotel.

Income

Elvis Presley signed a recording deal with RCA Records in 1955 for $40,000.

And, despite criticism, controversies, and attention, people from all around the world enjoyed his music and adored him.

American youths absolutely loved seeing him on stage and went crazy for his unique and sexual dance steps and soothing voice.

By the end of 1956, Presley’s merchandise sales alone had garnered over $22 million.

His popularity grew to the point where he was demanding $1 million for live performances.

In 1956, on popular demand, Presley appeared three times on Ed Sullivan’s show, for which he was paid $50,000.

Moreover, after returning from his military service, Presley began appearing in musical comedy films. He commanded at least $1 million per film.

His film performances sure did earn him millions, if not tens of millions of dollars, but the same appearances deteriorated his King persona among audiences.

Will

Since Elvis was not much concerned about his money, he spent recklessly throughout his lifetime, but this alone was not the cause of his messy finances.

His manager Colonel Tom Parker was robbing him blind, taking half of Elvis’s earnings.

Lisa, Elvis’s daughter, was just nine when he passed away.

Elvis’s ex-wife and Lisa’s mother, Priscilla, was the sole executor of his estate, which was to be left to his daughter.

After paying the fees and expenses, Elvis’s $5 million had reduced to $1 million.

However, Priscilla using her innovation turned Elvis’s mansion into a museum, and just under four days of its creation, all the debts were cleared.

When his daughter Lisa-Marie Presley inherited his estate at the age of 25, it was worth $100 million, equivalent to $295 million in today’s money.

Nonetheless, rather than inheriting the money directly, Lisa chose to establish trust and appointed Barry Seigel as her manager to oversee finances.

Barry sold 85% of Elvis Presley Enterprises in 2005, netting Lisa only $40 million after tax.

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Elvis Presley | Divorce

Elvis was married to Priscilla Presley from 1959 to 1960 and again from 1962 to 1973.

He and his wife filed for divorce on August 18, 1972.

Priscilla was initially not going to make any extra demand, but after her lawyers influenced her, she increased her request.

The settlement included 4% of Elvis’s publishing companies, $725,000 in cash, child support, spousal support, and 50% from the sales of their second Beverly Hills home.

At the time of his death, Elvis Presley’s net worth was $20 million.

Net Worth of Elvis Presley in Different Currencies

Let’s look into Elvis Presley’s net worth of $20 million in different currencies, including the cryptocurrency Bitcoin.

Elvis Presley | Houses & Cars

Houses

Elvis Presley lived in nine different homes throughout his lifetime, ultimately breathing his last breath in the Graceland mansion, which is a tourist attraction today.

He purchased Graceland mansion for $102,000, putting down a $1,000 cash deposit in 1957.

Similarly, in 1967, Elvis and his wife chose to lease “House of Tomorrow” in Las Vegas.

Elvis spent his downtime in this home during the 60s.

Cars

Man of style and class, Elvis had some of the classiest cars of the time.

He had a thing for Cadillac and had collected dozens of them but mostly gave them away as gifts.

Some of the most expensive cars in his collection were 1963 Rolls Royce Phantom V, 1960 Continental Mark V, De Tomaso Pantera, Cadillac Deville, 1956 Continental Mark II, and Ferrari Dino 308 GT4.

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Elvis Presley | Lifestyle & Death

Lifestyle

As we all know, Elvis was a chick magnet, and girls went crazy for the man.

His physical and sexual appeal were widely acknowledged. Fans, girls, in particular, were enthralled with his on-stage movements and voice.

They would scream when Elvis started to shake his legs.

Elvis’s name, voice, and image are recognized worldwide. In surveys and polls, he is recognized as one of the most important music figures and influential Americans.

Elvis Presley truly epitomized the ‘American Dream, ‘ rising from poverty to riches and massive fame. However, this would not last long.

He was a true rock star and pioneer of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. He had developed a habit of taking prescription drugs which ultimately took its toll.

Elvis Presley’s net worth at the time of his death was $20 million.

Death

In 1977, Elvis was found unresponsive on a bathroom floor of his Graceland mansion.

He was soon taken to hospital, and after several failed attempts to bring him back, he was pronounced dead at Baptist Memorial Hospital at 3:30 in the afternoon.

His memorial was held at Graceland on August 18. More than 80,000 people had lined the commemorative route to Forest Hill Cemetery, where Elvis was entombed next to his mother.

Nevertheless, after an attempt to steal Elvis’s body on October 2, it was exhumed and reinterred in Graceland’s Meditation Garden.

People began dispersing Elvis’s money on his behalf as he became more and more ill and became unable to take care of himself.

Elvis spent his final years with Ginger Alden.

After he died, Ginger contacted the National Enquirer to share the story in return for $100,000.

Similarly, his cousin Billy Mann secretly photographed Elvis’s body in the casket at his funeral, for which he was paid $18,000.

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Elvis Presley | Career

Rockstar Elvis Presley was born in Mississippi n 1935.

He was close to both of his parents, who tried to give their best to their son regardless of the circumstances.

He first came in contact with music at a Church and on streets where jazz music was played.

Presley moved to Tennessee at the age of 13 and continued his musical education.

Elvis visited Sun Records and recorded two singles after graduating high school.

He worked briefly as a truck driver and was later called back by Sun Records.

After a long recording, secession “That’s All Right” was taped, which became a massive hit and also paved Elvis’s path to success.

Fast forward a few years, he had become a cultural icon with unparalleled records.

After that, he joined the military, came back, and starred in several hit Hollywood films.

Hollywood had almost deteriorated his level of stardom, but somehow, he managed to pull back up with a series of successful tours. During this time, the media began calling him “The King.”

Elvis Presley’s net worth at the time of his death was $20 million.

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Unknown Facts About Elvis Presley

• Elvis had a twin brother who was stillborn.
• An authentic Elvis memorabilia The King’s own guitar was sold for $1.32 million in 2020.
• Elvis used shoe polish to make his hair black.

FAQs

How much is Elvis’s daughter Lisa-Marie Presley worth?

Because of her financial blunders, Lisa is currently $16 million in debt. Her net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is negative $16 million.

Who played Elvis in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis?

Actor Austin Butler played Elvis in the new Elvis film, which, as of this writing, has grossed over $210 million at the global box office.

Which is Elvis’s most famous song?

Some of Elvis’s most famous songs include Suspicious Mind, Jailhouse Rock, Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, Hound Dog, Heartbreak Hotel, and Love Me Tender.

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