You have to remember that, 'thanks' to Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis never toured outside the US which held him back from the levels Jacko reached ... At least they starred in films that were on an equal level
An interesting article I found while googling Elvis & the Civil Rights movement as I'm surprised (maybe thanks again to the Colonel) that he didn't play a bigger part in whatever side of the coin he has opinions.
http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis_not_racist.shtml