All posts by Jeff Schrembs
More great Elvis Presley rare items
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 3, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/03/more-great-elvis-presley-rare-items/
New content posted to www.ElvisCollector.info
Happy Labor Day 2013 to everyone.
We have added more content, yes it is hard to believe, to our Elvis Presley Fan Website of www.ElvisCollector.info. Thus please come and visit us – tell others about us – and share our site via social networks. We would appreciate it.
If you like Elvis or just want to know facts about Elvis Presley then please check out www.Elvis.com first and then check us out. Your viewing experience, at our site, is (like Elvis himself)…second to none.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 2, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/02/new-content-posted-to-www-elviscollector-info/
Rare photographs of Elvis Aaron Presley
Enjoy and please visit www.ElvisCollector.info for additional great photos and content.
May God bless you.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 27, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/27/rare-photographs-of-elvis-aaron-presley/
The eternal beauty of Elvis Presleys mother Gladys
Gladys Love (Smith) Presley.
Fitting that “Love” is her middle name for it was the essence of her especially when it came to her only child (being Elvis) that (a) lived to full term and/or (b) survived being born.
Many people are unaware that Gladys had at least two pregnancies (note: please see out the great Elvis Presley books written by Alanna Nash that cover this in detail and are a pleasure to read) with the first bearing twins (i.e. Jessie who died on January 8, 1935 and Elvis who, of course, was born January 8, 1935) and the second (sadly) ending in a miscarriage.
Back in the day it was widely believed that Elvis father, being Vernon Elvis Presley, was the “best looking young man around”. Being from the South I know that these five words are not freely given and if one was deemed the “best looking man around” then you earned it inasmuch as looks earn anything (another discussion another time).
What has been quite overlooked was that Gladys, in her own right, was beautiful.
One just needs to look at the most famous photo of Elvis childhood sandwiched between his mother and father to attest to her beauty. Vernon Elvis Presley had his choice of women and Gladys proved to be his equal in looks and his superior in virtually every meaningful aspect (i.e. hard work, love of family, smiling when the weight of the world is on your shoulders, etc.).
I have added my own photograph of this family photo and two things strike me (besides the fact that has watermarks and is a necessity in this digital world). The first is that this photo is different in the fact that there appears the pocket on the lower part of the photo, on Elvis left side, on his overalls and this does not appear in other similar photos. The second is how young a couple Gladys and Vernon were never knowing that Elvis would garner them wealth, and fame, beyond their comprehension.
Looking at this photo Gladys has a certain grace about her. She is clear eyed. There is an inner strength. Her watchful gaze, which would guide Elvis (literally) throughout her life, is omnipresent. You get a sense that she wanted to be proud of this family photograph, as it was considered a luxury for her as opposed to today when billions of photos are taken each day, but was ever mindful of her son and his needs.
Far too many people have (wrongly) judged Gladys about her weight. They don’t consider that the loss of one child, and another pregnancy, rips the heart out of a mother and it can occasionally be diminished with unhealthy acts (i.e. drinking alcohol, too much food, too much rich food, etc.). They don’t take the time to grasp the reality that a lifetime of bitter poverty, thick necked manual labor, asking for help for everyday necessities (i.e. food, clothing, etc.) for decades, being a single mother while her husband is incarcerated at a crucial time in Elvis life, combined with genetic dispositions and real health issues manifest themselves with weight gain and lower self esteem. Then you add “worry”. Gladys was a “worrier” with good reason. A lifetime of “worry” didn’t change when Elvis became successful for it was magnified with every trip, concert, appearance, etc. She worried because she….loved.
Had she of had time, anytime, throughout her adult life to just…rest. To seek medical care. To put her needs above her families perhaps there would be more photographs showcasing her beauty. However, when I see Gladys in photos I see a loving beautiful woman deserving of our respect. Her weight doesn’t define her nor should it any woman. The beauty of Gladys resided inside her as well as visually.
Gladys Love (Smith) Presley didn’t raise Elvis to be a superstar. She raised him to be a good man. To be a good Father. To be a loyal friend. To be respectful. To love and know of God/Jesus. To see people for themselves without the constraints of color or origin. She openly cared for Elvis and she sacrificed for him in ways known to, and in many others intentionally kept from, Elvis. She did her best not looking five years ahead but making the decisions an hour upon another. She succeeded.
When time allows and I look at documents, photos, videos, and audio recordings etc. about Gladys some things readily stand out and some need to be digested for they are not readily apparent. An example is Elvis’ report card when in the first quarter of school he got the lowest grade that year and it was a “D” in arithmetic (that’s now known as “math”). One can only imagine what Gladys’ reaction (as she was not highly educated) was to this grade and the words she shared with Elvis. But what we do know, and I have always believed in the adage of “never confuse efforts with results”, is that the very next quarter Elvis got a “C”.
I believe that this is a representation of the beauty of Gladys in that she knew Elvis was capable. She had known the pains, and the gains, of hard work and determination. Even though Elvis was young at the time of the report card Gladys knew enough to know that a “D” would set an example of “just getting by” and Gladys wasn’t one to allow her beloved son to build his foundation of life with grades, and results, of “just getting by” when he was capable of so much more.
By Gladys’ sacrifices. love, support, hard work, determination, faith and more Elvis life story became internationally known and accepted as a part of the “American Dream”. I have always respected Gladys Love (Smith) Presley and that respect has only grown through the years.
There are many life lessons one can learn about Gladys but with each new revelation, with requires; context, effort, comparisons, and openness, the beauty of her face, and of her character, is renewed. In order to fully “see” Gladys Love (Smith) Presley one can take the easy route and go by images alone. But, as is the case much in life, in order to confirm real beauty one must look past the eye and in doing so one can truly….see.
When one looks past the surface life is more meaningful. Life is more graceful. And happiness in life isn’t measured by the number of digits in ones bank account but by the way one carries themselves and the manner in which their love, and passions, are expressed.
Though she came from generations of poverty, with limited education, the life story (as well as the individual qualities) confirm that Gladys was beautiful…in every meaningful way.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 13, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/13/the-eternal-beauty-of-elvis-presleys-mother-gladys/
Remembering Elvis Presley’s passing August 16, 1977
On August 16, 1977 we lost the greatest entertainer who ever lived…bar none.
Others lost their best friend. Some lost their employer. A Father lost a son and a grandmother her only grandson. A daughter lost her Father and the world lost a man who, though imperfect, rose up from bitter poverty and excelled, against odds, in his chosen profession for three decades.
My prayers go out to Elvis’ family members and to those, like the Memphis Mafia Members (specifically Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, etc.) and their family members, who were related to Elvis and/or shared parts of their lives with him.
To each of the “Memphis Mafia Members”, Sandi Pichon, and Alanna Nash I say thank you for putting aspects of Elvis life into various forums (i.e. written, videos, interviews, photographs, blogs, etc.) whereby we learn about the man (onstage and off) and can recall events (highs and lows) that made up the fascinating story that is…Elvis Aaron Presley.
I encourage Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide to seek out their works, individually and collectively, and add these books – videos – publications – etc.. for in doing so your knowledge, and your collection, of Elvis will be greatly enhanced.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 9, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/09/remembering-elvis-presleys-passing-august-16-1977/
Book review of “Elvis Aaron Presley”
Elvis Aaron Presley by Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Lamar Fike, and Marty Lacker (1996 reprint) is an excellent book.
This book can be found online as well as on www.Amazon.com.
WHY you ask?
Well, I will tell you.
First and foremost these individuals were with Elvis, including Billy Smith who was Elvis’ cousin, for either (a) all of his life and/or (b) the vast majority of his life.
Secondly, Marty Lacker is an honorable honest and faithful friend of Elvis’ and been an Elvis Presley (facts both good and not so good) confidant since the early 1960s.
Lamar Fike was a funny, caring, and sincere man who never left a room before leaving his laughter/sense of humor on everyone. Sadly Lamar Fike passed away recently and our prayers remain with his family, friends and loved ones.
Billy Smith was with Elvis the day of his death and played racquetball with Elvis (as Elvis could not sleep). Sadly, Billy Smith was the last person on earth to hear/see Elvis sing a song (as Elvis played the piano which was outside his racquetball court in the same building and the song he played/sang was “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”).
Alanna Nash is the foremost author concerning Elvis Presley. Her writings are “sourced” and her writing style leads the reader effortlessly throughout this book and each of her books.
One of the great things about Alanna Nash’s writings are that she puts things into context that may be controversial but are necessary to fully examine various aspects of Elvis’ life onstage and off.
The stories contained in this book are memorable and the individuals who wrote this book are exceptional men (individually and collectively). They were proud of being Elvis friends and they loved him…and he loved them as well.
That alone, ladies and gentlemen, is reason enough to get this book and learn more about the world’s greatest entertainer and the man himself.
Take care and God bless.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 31, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/31/book-review-of-elvis-aaron-presley/
Elvis week memories @ Graceland (Part 1 of 3) by Jeff Schrembs
Graceland was officially open to the public the first week in June of 1982 (being the 7th).
It had been five years since I was last in Memphis, having drove from Kentucky after hearing the news of his passing on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. Even five years later there were so many unanswered questions and we still were dealing with the reality that shuch a man, such an entertainer, had been so unhealthy and wasn’t able to work though the depression, the dependency, and the tolls that each one put on Elvis the man – the father – the son – the employer – and even the entertainer. As fans we loved him nonetheless.
The crowds were from all over the world. With folded signs, overflowing flowers, and even giant cards where everywhere the crowd turned.
We all waited to start the tour that we had been reading about, hearing about, and planned. We didn’t have the internet or iphones but we had the post office and we had access to CB radios and boy did it help. Short wave radios were another tool to be used in our communication arsenal.
With the announcement of the EPE employee of ” welcome to Graceland Elvis Memphis home the tour will start in a few minutes”.
What was inside those walls? We knew abut the false walls. We knew about the secret driveway through the Church and we even knew about the “top secret” storage area on the Graceland grounds which was (a) not part of the tour and (b) never discussed by any staff.
TO BE CONTINUED
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 25, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/25/elvis-week-memories-graceland-part-1-of-3-by-jeff-schrembs/
Humes High School dedication to Elvis Presley
On Tuesday August 13, Elvis Presley, along with high school classmates George Klein and Red West, will have a plaque dedicated in their honor at Humes High School in Memphis. Elvis Presley’s friend, George Klein, announced this on Sirius XM’s Elvis Radio station on Friday.
Radio DJ George Klein, nicknamed “GK” by Elvis, met Presley in the 8th grade at Humes High School and remained good friends with The King until his death. Elvis was the best man at Klein’s wedding. Red West, an actor and songwriter, worked as a bodyguard for Elvis and was part of Elvis’ entourage, known as the ‘Memphis Mafia’.
Because Elvis Presley graduated from Humes, the high school is on the National Register of Historic Places. The school now houses the Humes Middle School. Due to the low student population in that area, the city has plans to turn it into a performing arts school.
The dedication ceremony will take place during the annual Elvis Presley week celebration in Memphis, Tennessee. The ceremony starts at 10 AM with George Klein in attendance. Singer Ronnie McDowell known for his song “The King is Gone” is scheduled to perform.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 18, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/18/humes-high-school-dedication-to-elvis-presley/
How Elvis came to own Graceland in Memphis TN
Graceland Farms began construction in 1939 and completed construction in 1940. The magnificent Estate was built as an exemplary Georgian Colonial style. Graceland Farms originally encompassed 500 acres, with a 25 acre man made fully stocked with regional fish. The Mansion was designed to have wonderful views of the tree lined driveway and all of the beautiful landscaping that covered Graceland with beautiful flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. and encompassed 13.8 acres. Graceland Farms was located in the Whitehaven District of Memphis on Highway 51 (note: this was later named as Elvis Presley Boulevard in appreciation of Elvis) and was purchased by Dr. Thomas D. Moore. Graceland Farms, in contrast to the beautiful “Mansion”, was used for the raising and selling of Hereford Cows.
In 1957 Gladys and Vernon had seen Graceland and then Elvis went to see Graceland. Elvis and his Mother fell in love with the home and Vernon, who had watched Elvis be delivered in a “1 one shotgun house in Tupelo” 22 years ago was now contemplating buying this magnificent home.
At the time Elvis, Vernon, and Gladys had seen the hom the Mansion had 10,266 square feet. Numerous times over the years Elvis added to the home and as of 2010 the home is 17,552 square feet (excluding the Racquetball Building) or 19,552 including the Racquetball Building.
Elvis had previously purchased a home in Memphis at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis but between the Fans standing outside the home 24/7, the neighbors being inconvenienced and complaining, the Press reporting about the “all night fans” and the neighbors “peace and quiet” being disturbed Elvis and his Family had decided that they needed a larger home that was close enough to get to “town” but further out of Town with a lot of land and security. Graceland Farms fit the criteria.
The Presleys, unbeknown to them, were not the only interested purchasers for Graceland Farms. The “staple of American life” aka” SEARS wanted to buy all the land and build a large store displaying all of their goods to Memphis residents and visitors.
Also, the Church wanted to buy a part of the land so Sears was notified to find out if they would be willing to do so (as they were buying more than enough land for their purposes but their “data” confirmed that Memphis was an “up and coming City” and Highway 51 was planned to become “THE” Highway in Memphis with thousands of consumers going up and down Highway 51 daily.
Vernon was called and told about Sears as well as the Church. Vernon knew that if he did not get this home for Elvis that Elvis would be “shattered” because Elvis wanted his home for his Mother who he (literally) adored. Vernon called Elvis and gave him the news and Elvis knew that Dr. Moore was an honorable and religious man who helped out the community routinely. Elvis was also a very spiritual/religious man and decided that it would be “good” to have others singing and praying to God on the property right next door. So Elvis called Vernon and said “do it” and added one stipulation and that was for Elvis to have a “right of easement” to be able to enter in from the Churches parking lot and go directly into Graceland through this “secret entrance”.
Vernon called the Real Estate Agent back and was told they were waiting on Sears to respond. The Real Estate Agent called Dr. Moore to let him know that Elvis was interested, at full price less what the Church wanted in property and Elvis would pay the Church directly for the easement. Dr. Moore was pleased that Elvis allowed the Church options and “impressed” when he learned that Elvis grew up singing Religious Hymns – never drank – did not smoke – always said “yes sir” or “yes mam” to his elders and was a respectful man who wanted to provide an “easier living” for his family and have a safe “HOME” to return to where he could raise a family and enjoy the beauty of the property and the blessings that God bestowed to all of us.
Sears called back hesitant about letting the Church have some of the property so the Realtor called Vernon to tell him the good news. On March 26, 1957 Vernon, Gladys, and Elvis signed the paperwork (jointly) and purchased Graceland for (approximately $ 103,000.00. Gladys Presley cried as she was handed the keys to her home as Elvis and Vernon hugged her and Elvis kissed her forehead telling her “I love you” and “I am doing all of this for you momma”.
1957 Elvis career was going great, his movies were all hits, his songs sold millions, his relationship with his parents was good and he now owned a Mansion that could allow him options to rest or to play and to add to as Elvis’ interests changed.
Interestingly, 9 months later on Christmas Eve Elvis would receive his “hand delivered” Draft Notice. Elvis’ 1st Christmas at Graceland went from tears of joy, love, presents, laughing, etc. to Elvis reading and re-reading the draft notice (in semi-shock). In 1958 Elvis, now in the Army, said “things could not get any worse” and yet on August 14, 1958 his beloved Mother Gladys Love Presley passed away. Some of the most “traumatic/emotional” photographs ever taken of Elvis were taken while Elvis and Vernon sat on the front steps of Graceland with their arms around each others’ shoulders crying. Repeating “shes gone” “everything I loved is gone” “Why, why?” and Vernon “saying how sorry he was while consoling Elvis.
Elvis first 2 years at Graceland were filled with “ups and downs”. From 1958 – 1960 Elvis served his term in the US Army and was honorably discharged. When Elvis returned some things at Graceland “changed” (i.e. paint, trim, way room was used, etc.) but out of respect for his Mother Elvis left as much of her things as they were during her lifetime.
Elvis LOVED Graceland and it truly was his “home”. It was fitting, though no less painful to accept, that Elvis died at Graceland and is buried at Graceland with his Mother, Father, and Grandmother. Their head stones rest in the meditation gardens which Elvis had built in the 1960′s and thousands of fans come to Graceland each week to see Graceland and to pay their respects.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not say that Elvis Fans Worldwide should say a heartfelt “thanks” to Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Jack Soden for allowing Graceland to be seen and for the professional endeavors they are involved in. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting Graceland, EPE, and/or http://www.Elvis.com. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Elvis Fans Worldwide seeking out, and monetarily supporting, and paying their respects to Marty Lacker, Marty Fike, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc. Elvis loved these men and they spend the better part of the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s working with Elvis 24/7. I say aloud THANK YOU and God bless you all in each of your personal and professional endeavors!
We hope that you enjoyed this article.
Take care and God bless.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 7, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/07/how-elvis-came-to-own-graceland-in-memphis-tn/
The last living links to Elvis Presley (by Jeff Schrembs)
The Rolling Stones had a, justifiably so, hit song entitled “Time is on my side”. With each passing year we have learned that this is not so. Time will go on long after we physically leave this world.
On August 16, 1977 at the age of 42 Elvis Aron Presley died. His health (mentally, physically and emotionally) had been deteriorating since 1973. The greatest entertainer in history had died and the world was in mourning.
At the time of his death the various family members, and friends, rallied around Colonel Parker and Vernon Presley (who was inconsolable and in shock as well as having his own severe health issues) in a constant state of chaos having not only lost a friend – a loved one – but also (in many cases) their employer.
In the days immediately after they had no time to grieve as the swells, and the media coverage, filled the infamous Graceland gates with hundreds of thousands of fans. Flower shops for miles were sold out. Elvis last album, Moody Blue, sold 1 million copies within a week.
Elvis fans suffered in the heat and at night sweated as candles were held up and personal stories recalled.
I will never forget that day nor will I forget the legacy, and the ups and downs of being a fan, of Elvis Presley. Our generation is truly the last living links to Elvis Presley as sadly other generations can only read about him, learn about him, watch tapes of him, but never can comprehend the musical scene in which Elvis triumphed – went into the Army – did his first comeback – went into the movies for 9 years – did the 68 Special – started touring and performing live in Vegas – toured from 1970-1977 – and created a great body of songs that still resonate these (4) four decades later.
With each passing year (sadly) we have lost loved ones, friends, relatives, etc. of Elvis Presley, Recently we lost Lamar Fike and Myrna Smith. My prayers continue to go out to their family and loved ones.
As of this writing (June 2013) there remains essential players in the “Elvis Presley story” being; Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Billy Smith, Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, Sandi Pichon and even Priscilla. Lisa Marie stands alone and I applaud her for excelling as a Mother having lost, at such a young age, her beloved Father…Elvis.
Though Elvis fans will form their own opinions, 99.9% on opinions not put into context or taking into consideration the fact that Elvis loved each of these individuals over a period of decades, I have always supported each of these individuals endeavors and I have respect for them. They remain “living breathing witnesses” to greatness. They were loved and trusted by Elvis. They shared in his success. His failures. His depression. His deteriorating health. And most of all in his life. I encourage everyone to seek out these individuals and support their endeavors for time holds no guarantees.
Outside of these few are those who have given of their time – their expertise – and of their passion by writing books, in context, about Elvis. Such is the case with Alanna Nash. I have read her books about Elvis knowing as much about Elvis as anyone outside of the Memphis Mafia, Priscilla and/or Lisa Marie. Alanna Nash writes about all aspects of Elvis, the good and the not so good, and provides a context. I applaud her for doing so and I thank her.
It is my hope that those of my generation never take for granted those who are actual links to Elvis. For Elvis himself often questioned, his friends and of God, “will they remember me when I am gone”? We have never forgotten him and I hope that the answer to this questions continues to be a resounding….YES.
Elvis was more than an image. More than a persona. He was a man who achieved greatness, in every avenue he pursued, while having his own self doubts and temperament. He was, of course, imperfect but he was unique and he used the talents he was blessed with and he shared it with the world. His story would be incomplete had it not of been for the inclusiveness of these individuals whom I have specified herein. I hope that they never stop sharing their memories. Sharing their time. And sharing their talents. For we lost enough on August 16, 1977.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 18, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/06/18/the-last-living-links-to-elvis-presley-by-jeff-schrembs/
The Elvis Expert 