Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, the bond between Elvis and Gladys was inseparable. She worked tirelessly to support the family and saved enough money to buy him his first guitar at just eleven years old—a small act that helped change music history. Even as Elvis rose to stardom, Gladys remained his emotional anchor, offering comfort and encouragement amid the pressures of fame.
Her sudden death in 1958, shortly before Elvis left for military service, devastated him. He later described it as the darkest period of his life. In the years that followed, his grief quietly found its way into his music.
In 1961, Elvis co-wrote and recorded “That’s Someone You Never Forget,” a song widely believed to be inspired by his mother’s memory. Though never officially labeled as a dedication, it stands as one of his most personal and heartfelt performances—a lasting tribute to the woman who shaped his life and believed in him first.