The five greatest loves of Elvis Presley

1969 Elvis press conference tense look closed fist

  1. God
  2. Lisa Marie Presley
  3. Gladys Love (Smith) Presley
  4. Priscilla Presley
  5. Anita Wood tied with Ann Margaret

Review of Elvis’ “If I Can Dream” rendition with the Philharmonic Orchestra

A “new” rendition of Elvis’ incomparable rendition of “If I Can Dream” has been made available on CD and/or download. There is no doubt that everyone had good intentions and put together a quality cd. Everyone of the musicians in the Philharmonic Orchestra are talented and that is a good thing. Same with the backup singers.
Over the years the estate has undertaken endeavors to have some of Elvis’ songs altered and released. I know the reasons are, in part, in order to garner some media buzz and to potentially reach new audience members who then will become Elvis fans. I have supported the estate, in many ways both publicly and privately, and I have no plans to do otherwise.
However, Elvis Presley was more than a singer. He was more than an exciting performer. He was, in every sense of the word, a music producer. Felton Jarvis, who I had the honor of corresponding with, was (at first) RCA’s record producer of Elvis’ recordings in 1966 but then went to work exclusively with Elvis until Elvis’ death in 1977. Felton readily admitted that Elvis was a perfectionist of his recordings. He “felt” the song. He was “moved” by the words and the enunciations. He surrounded himself with some of the greatest musicians, orchestra, and backup singers in the world. His songs oozed unique vocal inflections with meaning. With soul. Majestic in it’s impact. Ageless in it’s spirit.
Elvis’ performance in the 1968 Singer special entitled “Elvis” was Elvis’ first live performance in (approximately) 8 years. Elvis lost weight. He sang and rehearsed instead of having to focus on his movie contracts has he had been since 1960 where he was committed to (approximately) 3 movies per year. Elvis was saddened at the loss of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and bothered that his special man had been gunned down in Elvis’ (home) residency of Memphis Tennessee.
Steve Binder did a phenomenal job putting this special together along with “keeping it real” with Elvis. For the first time in memory someone was honest with Elvis. Binder knew that Elvis was a great talent but that the movies he had been making had diluted his impact pertaining to his recordings, impact, popularity, and ability to garner new fans. Steve Binder wanted to make Elvis’ music relevant. He wanted Elvis to lose weight and sing. He surrounded Elvis with possibilities and Elvis seized the opportunity. As an Elvis fan there are not enough adjectives, or words, to fully express how Steve Binder changed Elvis’ career and propelled him to international superstardom with a body of works to follow that will forever be among the greatest recordings ever made.
The backdrop of this was the 1960s. You had the Beatles, Beach Boys, Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Motown, Vietnam, etc. Times were changing. People were changing. There were divisions of all kinds. And yet in this Singer TV Special of 1968 Elvis rose to this occasion with a blend of rock, gospel, humor, attitude, and with an unequalled vocal range with a sweat dripping performance for the ages.
Back when I was married my wife wasn’t an Elvis fan. She liked a few of his songs. But when it came to Elvis’ career she stated that Elvis, in his 1968 Singer special, was “the most handsome and the best”. I miss her.
There is a story behind the writing of “If I Can Dream” that is very special. I encourage Elvis Presley fans to seek out the works, endeavors, and words of those who have recanted the facts about Elvis – the SInger 68 special – etc. This includes but is not limited to; Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Steve Binder, http://www.Elvis.com and more.
“If I Can Dream” was a song that (initially) Elvis sang wearing black leather (not the best version but highly entertaining and moving) before a live audience and athen wearing his custom tailored white suit complete with his jet black hair, earned sweat, and bona fide emotions. He lived that song. Hearing that song left an impression long after Elvis finished and said “goodnight”. Long after the TV Special ended. In my case “If I Can Dream” was among the greatest recordings Elvis made and I have (literally) seen them all. Listened to them countless times. There is something important about Elvis singing this song. It’s not something one could easily put their finger on. Nonetheless it is apparent with every movement. Every hand gesture. Every exchange of the microphone. Every note of that brilliant song. Elvis put his talents on display and was rewarded with high TV ratings, a renewed career, options, and confidence.
As much as I respect, and appreciate, the estate’s decisions pertaining to this song I can’t help but be honest and state that Elvis’ versions recorded for the 68 Special, are exceptional and should be listened to as Elvis performed it. No duets. No fake holograms. No background singers. No changes. This performance, and the recording, can stand alone…on it’s own.
Finally, would anyone allow the Mona Lisa to be altered? The statue of David? Those are masterpieces that are appreciated for what they are. The works of a god given once in a millennium talent who, through their success and failures, were brave enough to pursue their talents. Long after they took their last breath the works they left behind are beautiful to the eye along with spawning a fawning respect.
These works of art were made by true…artists. They need no changes. For one to behold…is all that needs to happen. Elvis Presley was an artist. Elvis’ songs, including “If I Can Dream”, need to simply be…watched…and listened to…as they were meant to.
Take care and may god bless you.

Elvis. Elvis Presley. Elvis Aron Presley. And the fans who remember him

WM 1956 Elvis shirtless Graceland wiping off shoulder

Singer.

Performer.

TV star.

King of Las Vegas.

His live performances unequalled.

Gospel singer.

Actor.

Son.

Father.

Friend.

Employer.

To his fans  he left behind three decades of exceptional professional endeavors that resonates to this very moment.

“Nuff said.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

Elvis (Presley) week August 2015

1961 candid head down Elvis sad looking

This being August of 2015 Elvis, even more than routinely, will be in the forefront of media attention not only for it being (sadly) the 38th anniversary of his passing (i.e. August 16, 1977) but for the United States Postal Service offering a “forever Elvis Stamp”.

While many will be traveling to Graceland, or getting together in person and/or online with other Elvis fans, there will be many who will acknowledge their memories of Elvis privately. Regardless of geographical location with the plethora of Elvis’ professional material available for sale, and/or on the internet, is extensive and much of which is of quality.

On one page of the website http://www.ElvisCollector.info I have the names of those who were integral part of Elvis’ life but (sadly) they too have passed away. After much thought, and with an emphasis of respect to the loved ones and family members of those who have passed, I decided on incorporating this into the site.

Many of those listed on the site I was fortunate enough to know, or have met, or have spoken with, or have communicated with, and/or I was able to (over a period of decades) convey my appreciation and respect. I continue to keep their family, and loved ones, in my prayers knowing that there are no words that can heal the loss that they have endured through the very writing of this post.

Knowing full well that we are the last generation with personal connections to Elvis, while he was alive in his prime, and performing to sold out crowds throughout the United States. Man, those days seem….like a lifetime ago.

To Lisa Marie, Priscilla, EPE, Jack Soden, etc. thank you for allowing Elvis Presley fans to view Graceland since 1982.

To so many that loved Elvis, and Elvis loved and trusted, such as; Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Billy Smith, Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kay Stevens, Kay Wheeler, Kathy Westmoreland, etc. they were (individually and collectively) integral parts of Elvis life – his successes – etc. onstage and off. To each I say “thank you”.

To Alanna Nash, Russ Howe, JAT, Paul Litcher, etc. thank you for your professional endeavors which include unique books – exhibits – websites – dvd – cd’s – etc. about Elvis Presley’s incredible life.

I listen to Elvis music routinely. So many of the songs I not only know the lyrics by heart but have listed to (literally) thousands of times. Some of these songs were the backdrop of my youth and even in my twilight years I always enjoy, and am impressed by, countless recordings/concerts/dvds/cds/tv appearances/movies that Elvis made in his three decades in the entertainment field.

There will never be another Elvis.

One of the primary lessons of Elvis’ life is that he was blessed with God given talents and he found the strength to pursue his talents, working extremely hard at his craft, and in many ways became an inspiration.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

All these years – Allen Thompson

This song is from a different kinda cat.

A different kinda sound.

For a different kinda man who now invites you to listen.

https://songspace.com/app/#/catalog/allenthompsonmusic/song/68978

%d bloggers like this: