Elvis and Nixon
Out of the millions of photos contained in the U.S. National Archives, this image of President Richard M. Nixon and Elvis Presley shaking hands in the Oval Office in Washington D.C., on Dec. 21, 1970, is the single most-requested.
Read further for the back story and pictures.
The two were born in different years, but just a day apart. Nixon would have turned 103 years old on Jan. 9, 2016 and Presley would have turned 81 on Jan. 8, 2016.
Elvis and Nixon
Elvis Presley personally delivered this hand-written letter to a security guard at the White House requesting a meeting with the president, later held on Dec. 21, 1970.
Presley introduced himself and said he wanted to meet the president and give him a gift. There was also a request in the letter for credentials of a federal agent in the war on drugs. Presley was a police buff and collected law enforcement badges. He also donated thousands of dollars to police charities.
Elvis and Nixon
Presley's letter to President Nixon. The rock star asked Nixon to make him a "federal agent-at-large."
Elvis and Nixon
Presley stated that he was staying at the Washington Hotel under the name 'Jon Burrows' in his letter to President Nixon and that he would stay as long it took to get the credentials of a federal agent.
Elvis and Nixon
Presley told President Nixon that he'd done an in-depth study of drug abuse and Communist brainwashing techniques.
Elvis and Nixon
The last page of Elvis Presley's letter to President Nixon.
Presley ended his letter stating he would love to meet Nixon "just to say hello" and that he considered Nixon one of the "Top Ten Outstanding Men of America".
Elvis and Nixon
President Nixon meets with Elvis Presley, Dec. 21, 1970.
Elvis and Nixon
President Nixon meets with Elvis Presley, Dec. 21, 1970.
Elvis and Nixon
President Nixon checks out Elvis's cuff links, as White House staffer Egil Krogh looks on.
Elvis and Nixon
President Nixon shakes hands with Elvis Presley, Dec. 21, 1970.
Elvis and Nixon
A letter written to White House Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman from White House aide Dwight Chapin stating the purpose of Elvis Presley's visit to the White House on Dec. 21, 1970.
Presley wanted to become a "Federal agent at large" to help with the war on drugs.
Elvis and Nixon
The memo from White House aide Dwight Chapin to Chief of Staff H.R. Halderman outlining the agenda for Elvis Presley's visit to the White House on Dec. 21, 1970.
Elvis and Nixon
Page two of the memo from White House aide Dwight Chapin to Chief of Staff H.R. Halderman outlining the agenda for Elvis Presley's visit to the White House on Dec. 21, 1970.
Elvis and Nixon
A memo to President Nixon summarizing the Oval Office meeting with Elvis Presley, Dec. 21, 1970.
The President said Elvis could reach young people and Elvis responded saying, he did his thing by "just singing." Presley went on to criticize the Beatles as being a force for "anti-American spirit" during the meeting and told the President he was "on your side".
Elvis and Nixon
Page two of the memo to President Nixon regarding talking points for the meeting with Elvis Presley, Dec. 21, 1970.
The memo describes Elvis's support for the President and Elvis hugging him. Elvis also asked Nixon for a Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs badge. Presley was given a specially prepared badge with his name on it.
Elvis and Nixon
A letter from President Nixon to Elvis Presley thanking Presley for the gift of a World War II Colt 45 pistol, Dec. 31, 1970.
World War II Colt 45 pistol
The World War II Colt 45 pistol Elvis Presley presented to President Nixon as a gift, Dec. 21, 1970.
For more photos: Elvis Presley