As more details emerge of the death of Michael Jackson yesterday (6/25) , it’s becoming clear that the final act of the King of Pop resembles that of one of Jackson’s icons, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley — in many ways beyond the crowds of tearful fans leaving flowers and greetings at sites associated with the entertainers.

ELVIS NICKNAME:

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

MICHAEL NICKNAME:

The King of Pop

ELVIS DEATH:  Died young of heart attack, though questions about drug involvement persisted.  A 1994 re-opening of the case led the coroner to declare that all signs pointed to a sudden violent heart attack, but that there was little doubt that his “polypharmacy/Combined Drug Intoxication Pill dependence” was a factor in his declining health.

MICHAEL DEATH:  Died young of coronary failure.  Questions swirling about possible drug involvement as police impound car of doctor.

EP LAST PERFORMANCE:  Barely made it through his final concerts as his health issues escalated.

MJ LAST PERFORMANCE:  Health problems and “a onetime prescription pill addiction” had doubters saying he wouldn’t make London concerts as scheduled (L.A. Times May 12)

EP RIDICULED:  In the years before his death, was called a gross caricature of his former self, a washed up has-been.

MJ RIDICULED:  In the years before his death, was called a gross caricature of his former self, a washed up has-been.

TABLOID FODDER, EP:  As paparazzi captured pictures of his grossly bloated body and cheesy, jumpsuit-clad performances – and tales abounded of his eccentric behavior, such as gunning down a TV set.

TABLOID FODDER, MJ:  As paparazzi snapped photos of his grossly distorted face and his eerie disguises and militaristic costumes – and stories abounded of his eccentric behavior, such as dangling his baby from a hotel balcony.

MARRIED w/CHILDREN, ELVIS:  To Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley’s mother, later divorced.

MARRIED w/CHILDREN, MICHAEL:  To Lisa Marie Presley, later divorced.  Also married to Debbie Rowe.  Children: Michael Jr., Paris, Prince

ELVIS’ TELLING NUMBERS:  Estimated to have sold a billion records and counting.  1,500,000,000 viewers watched his “Aloha From Hawaii” global satellite special.

MICHAEL’S TELLING NUMBERS:  More than 750 million records sold, and counting.  60,000,000 viewers tuned in to Diane Sawyer interview with Jackson and Lisa Marie.  $500 million in debt.

ELVIS, RACIAL CONTROVERSY:  For sounding black

MICHAEL, RACIAL CONTROVERSY:  For looking white

FAMOUS PRESLEY HOME:  Graceland

FAMOUS JACKSON HOME:  Neverland

ELVIS’ GRAND GESTURES:  Loved to give away cars

MICHAEL’S GRAND GESTURES:  Loved to treat disadvantaged children and sick children to days of fun at his Neverland fairground and zoo

ELVIS INFAMY:  Overeating and pill dependence; one doctor was found to have prescribed more than 10,000 doses of sedatives, amphetamines and narcotics in Elvis’ name in the first eight months of 1977 alone.

MICHAEL INFAMY:  Child molestation charges, despite being acquitted.

ELIVS RESURGENCE:  All but deified as soon as he died.

MICHAEL RESURGENCE:  All but deified as soon as he died.