Whitney Houston’s Rare Interview Reveals Her Personal Connection with Elvis Presley

In a rare and heartfelt interview, Whitney Houston shared her unforgettable experiences meeting and working with Elvis Presley during a pivotal moment in his career.

Introduced to Elvis through her mother when she was just six years old, Whitney’s story offers a unique glimpse into the life of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll beyond the public spotlight.

The setting was the summer of 1969, a defining period for Elvis Presley as he returned to the concert stage after years focused on movies.

His residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas marked a major comeback, featuring a large ensemble that included a rock band, a male gospel quartet, a 40-piece orchestra, and a female soul and gospel backup group known as The Sweet Inspirations.

Whitney Houston was the lead singer of this group at the time.

Whitney fondly recalled those weeks working alongside Elvis, describing him as a warm and genuine man.

“He was wonderful. I loved him. He was such a gentleman,” she said.

Unlike the larger-than-life image many had of Elvis, Whitney experienced him as someone deeply connected to gospel music and who enjoyed moments of joy and camaraderie with his musicians.

After rehearsals, they would often sing gospel songs together, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter and mutual respect.

One of the most striking memories Whitney shared was how it felt simply to be in Elvis’s presence.

“You don’t really meet Elvis. You actually just look at Elvis,” she explained.

She described a moment backstage when Elvis entered a room wearing his mink coat and sunglasses.

The atmosphere changed instantly; no one spoke, they just watched him in awe.

It was a moment that left a lasting impression on Whitney as a child.

Despite rumors circulating about Elvis’s attitudes, Whitney emphasized that she never sensed any prejudice from him.

“I said, ‘Well, I never felt his prejudice,’” she noted.

This insight challenges some common misconceptions and highlights Elvis’s genuine respect for the African-American artists who influenced him and worked with him.

Interestingly, The Sweet Inspirations were not Elvis’s first choice for his Las Vegas backup singers.

Before hiring them, Elvis had approached another prominent girl group called The Blossoms, who had previously performed with him during his 1968 Comeback Special and appeared in his film Change of Habit.

However, the Blossoms declined Elvis’s offer due to pay disputes, as they were already earning significantly more elsewhere.

This decision opened the door for The Sweet Inspirations to take on the role.

The interview also explored Whitney’s family ties to Elvis through her aunt, Dion Warwick, a successful solo artist in the 1960s.

Dion met Elvis during rehearsals for his Las Vegas shows and recalled his kindness and support.

Elvis even helped promote her albums by placing his photograph in record stores across Las Vegas and encouraging fans to buy her music.

Dion described Elvis as “one of the nicest men I ever met” and shared a charming anecdote where she called him “pretty,” prompting Elvis to reply with a laugh, “How about handsome?”

These personal stories reveal a side of Elvis Presley that is rarely seen in mainstream narratives: a man who cherished gospel music, nurtured friendships with African-American musicians, and showed warmth and humor behind the scenes.

Whitney Houston’s reflections offer a fresh perspective on the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, reminding us that beyond the fame and myth, he was a respectful and caring individual who left a meaningful impact on those who knew him personally.