Louisville Unearthed: Long live The King, Elvis Presley (and his wild grandfather)

The grave of Jesse D. Presley. (Photo courtesy of Bob Cole.)

Everyone knows about Elvis Presley, revered worldwide as the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll,” and many Louisvillians still remember when Elvis played at the Armory in Louisville in 1956.

But did you know that The King’s grandfather lived here in Louisville? In fact, Elvis’ grandpa was quite the character. And many don’t know that after his death in 1973, he was interred in Louisville Memorial Garden, where he is still buried. (His wife, Vera, was buried next to him following her death in 1981.)

Born in Memphis in 1896, Jesse Dunning McDowel (“J.D.”) Presley apparently was regarded as the “bad apple” of the family, and had a reputation for being “mean as hell.” It has also been said that ol’ Jesse liked to “drink, dress sharp and womanize.”

Some reports state that Elvis had very little contact with his paternal grandfather (which makes sense if those rumors are true), while other legends tell that the performer would, at least early in his career, visit his grandfather here in secret. It wouldn’t be surprising to learn he checked in on his grandpa the day he performed here in ‘56, although it’s doubtful we’ll ever know for sure.

What we do know is that Jesse Presley also was a performer of sorts, appearing on the TV show "I've Got A Secret" in the late 1950s. He also recorded a record of his own, which included the tunes, “Who's That Kickin' My Dog Around/The Billy Goat' Song” and “Swingin' In The Orchard.” (Yes, those links are to YouTube videos.) And check this video interview with J.D. from 1958.

If you want to go visit the final resting place of The King’s grandad, seek out lot Good Shepherd A1. Tell him we said hello.

Every Friday, Louisville Unearthed will bring you an unusual fact, historical nugget, place, person, etc., that you may not know about our city.