Thanksgiving wishes & few Elvis’ receipes

1968 Elvis standing by tree unique look blue shirt black pants colorized  On behalf of our blogs, websites, forums, fan clubs, etc. we want to wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

We came across this interesting article concerning a few of the favorite foods/recipes Elvis enjoyed.

http://www.rd.com/food/recipes-cooking/8-recipes-to-remember-elvis-presley/

Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.

Jeff Schrembs (published with the expressed permission of Mr. Schrembs)

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Elvis Collector Worldwide Fan Club (an official Elvis Presley fan club of Graceland)

Wishing Elvis’ Memphis Mafia, & family, a great Labor Day

* posted with permission of Jeff Schrembs

WM 970s n pajamas on3wheeler Graceland

On behalf of this blog, and a few of our Elvis Presley websites being http://www.ElvisCollector.info & http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org, we wanted to wish each member, and their family/loved ones, of Elvis Presley’s Memphis Mafia a great labor day weekend.

We will always have respect, admiration, and appreciation to; Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Billy Smith, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling and (who passed away but will never be forgotten) Lamar Fike. 

To those who are unfamiliar with these men, individually or collectively, we encourage you to seek out, support, etc. the; books, articles, interviews, youtube videos, etc.. Each one was a true friend, some for decades, of Elvis Presley and shared his; life, hopes, dreams, ups and downs, etc.. Elvis trusted these men as they were firsthand witness to the life of Elvis Presley onstage and off.

They are integral assets to the life, onstage and off, of Elvis Presley. They sacrificed relationships, time, etc. in order to assist Elvis both as co-workers and as friends. 

If you haven’t already, and want to learn more facts/context about Elvis, we encourage you to read the books authored by Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Betty Harper, and Sandie Stevens. 

Take care and may God bless you.

 

Gladys Presley Elvis’ mother died 56 years ago today

WM Z Vernon Gladys rare

 

Gladys Love (Smith) Presley was the beloved mother of Elvis Presley.

On this, the 66th anniversary of her (sadly) death, I was thinking of her – her mark on this earth – her caring – her worrying – her grace – and all that she endured (being poor and then wealthy beyond comprehension) throughout her (when she died on August 14, 1958) 46 years on this earth.

To learn more about Gladys Presley I highly recommend the incredible series of books, about Elvis and those he loved and befriended, authored by Alanna Nash. Her books can be found, among other outlets, on Amazon as well as app stores.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

 

Elvis 1977 – his last vacation

Elvis-EP-Monogramed-Sweatshirt

 

In Elvis’ mind the vacation had begun several months before.

He had commented that everyone had been working very hard with the completed heavy tour schedule, and a Vacation was needed.

 

Typically, he would not say where, just that it would be a nice surprise for everyone.

 

Preparation began in earnest about the middle of February.

After months of false hints, Elvis finally announced that Hawaii was the chosen location.

 

Members of the group were dispatched in advance to the islands, making arrangements to accommodate a party of approximately 38 people.

 

An intricate system of timing and coordination necessary for such a vast movement, was established.

 

The departure date of 3rd March was set.

 

The afternoon of the departure dragged by as anticipation built up for the trip.

 

Bags were packed and the travel times were set.

 

By 6.00 pm everyone had assembled at Graceland and timing coordinator, Dick Grob, passed the word to start loading the plane.

 

Billy Smith who was over seeing Elvis’ preparation, signalled that Elvis would be ready at 7.30am as planned.

 

Those not personally accompanying Elvis to the plane left for the airport and boarded.

 

Elvis came downstairs, said goodbye to his grandmother and left for the short ride to the airport,.

 

Around 8.00pm the door to Elvis’ Convair 880, the “Lisa Marie” was closed.

 

The private plane taxied through the rain on the first leg of the first and last trip to Hawaii with Elvis

 

 

The “Lisa Marie” flew westward landing at Oakland International Airport in California.

 

It was now close to Midnight, Memphis time. Fuel was added and two other passengers from Los Angeles Boarded.

 

They had just arrived by a commercial flight, to connect with the Lisa Marie Plane.

 

The additional passengers filled the plane to capacity of 29 people; in addition to the crew of 5. which was necessary for this flight.

 

Shortly before 1.00am Memphis time, the “Lisa Marie” was again airborne, westward over the Pacific Ocean.

 

When it landed in Hawaii the plane was met by the four members of the advance party who had been alerted by phone.

 

The “Lisa Marie”, with Elvis and the group, arrived in Hawaii in the early morning hours of 4th March 1977.

 

Elvis left his plane and went directly to his suite on the 31st Floor, RAINBOW TOWERS, HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE HOTEL.

 

The front cover (see 1st post) is the first view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head that Elvis saw as he looked from the balcony of his suite.

 

The remaining group occupied 15 other rooms on the same floor with equally spectacular views.

 

After two days at the hotel, Elvis rented a Beach House in Kailua, Hawaii on the other side of the island of Oahu.

 

Elvis lived in the house with his girl friend & cousin Billy Smith, his personal security guard; Dick Grob, and four others.

 

The remaining group travelled daily the route from the hotel, across the mountains through Pali Pass, to the Beach House.

 

Elvis spent the days on the Beaches of Kailus Bay,

 

or lying in the sun by the pool at the house on Kaapuni Drive.

 

He took time out from the Beaches to go shopping at the Ala Mona Shopping Centre in Honolulu,

 

and several stores in the town of Kailua.

 

Elvis also purchased clothing, sunglasses, and other items for himself and others in the group.

 

He also enjoyed a night of native dances and native food at the Polynesia Cultural Centre,

 

at Brigham Young University Hawaii Campus, located near Laie, Hawaii

 

 

While staying at the Beach House, Elvis talked with everyone, watched television, listened to music and generally relaxed.

 

He played ping pong with those staying at the Beach House and enjoyed barbecues at night.

 

He also ate his regular diet of cheeseburgers, pizza, and bacon and eggs during the time he was in Kailua.

 

 

On the Beach he relaxed enjoying conversation with his friends, and played touch football with all the guys.

 

This was a no-quarter game, full of the rough-house tactics and laughter, that Elvis loved so much.

 

Several players including Elvis sustained minor injuries from running into fences, palm trees, and occasionally other players.

 

The pictures in The Last Vacation Booklet (see cover above)

were taken on the vast white sand beaches of KAILUA BAY

showing Elvis relaxed, content, and enjoying the companionship of his close friends.

 

The laughter, recreation, and good times found on the Beaches carried over into the house.

 

On the 13th of March, the entire party checked out of the hotel and departed Hawaii for the mainland.

 

Thus ended ~Elvis’ ~”LAST VACATION”

in Hawaii and the holiday his generosity had provided his loyal employees and friends.

 

Attachment:

Jerry Hopkins 2nd book had this Page of Info…

 

It was decided that Elvis and his party would leave from Oakland because it was two hundred miles closer to Honolulu than Los Angeles. He was taking the Lisa Marie and wanted every margin of safety in fuel loading. Not one to do anything by halves, however, Elvis took thirty-one others with him, and had Joe Esposito reserve more than a dozen rooms in the Hilton Rainbow Tower and rent a house on the beach.

 

The beach house, in Kailua, about half an hour’s drive from Honolulu, was for Elvis and Ginger and her sisters, plus one bodyguard, the former Palm Springs policeman Dick Grob. The others stayed in the hotel and came over during the day or joined Elvis on his rare public forays. One evening, for instance, they were sneaked into the Polynesian Cultural Center to watch the Polynesian show. Other times, he took Ginger and her sisters and some of the others to one of the small shopping centers in Kailua, buying presents for everyone and, on one occasion, paying the bill for a stranger who was making a pur­chase for his wife.

 

Most of the ten days in Hawaii were spent close to home, sitting on the beach, playing Ping-Pong at the house, or touch football on the sand. Those who had been with Elvis for some time said later that his health improved during the vacation, said his color was better, his eyes brighter and clearer.

There was another observer who hadn’t seen Elvis in some time, and he was shocked. This was Kalani Simerson, a onetime performer who operated a successful limousine service. He had known Elvis, and had worked for him, since the early 1960s, when Elvis made his first films in Hawaii.

 

The last time he had seen Elvis was when he weighed a trim 170 or so for the satellite television show. As before, Kalani was again called to make some of the arrangements for Elvis’s visit, and because of his long­standing friendship, he was invited to join Elvis on the beach socially.

 

“We played football,” Kalani says, “and it was sad, very sad. Elvis was overweight and just unable to function normally. I guess it was all that medication they said he took. Somebody’d throw him the ball and he’d catch it and start running and he couldn’t stop. He just wasn’t able to control his own body. One time he ran right into a cyclone fence and cut his hand.”

 

On the fourteenth day, Elvis got some sand in his eyes and abruptly the vacation was ended. Five days after that he was back on tour again.

 

 

ED PARKER in his 1978 BOOK (Inside Elvis) ..remembers all the following Details

 

It was January, 1977; we were in Charlotte, North Carolina. Elvis had just completed a show and he looked haggard… spent. “I need a rest,” he confessed.

 

“Aw, it’s nothing a few weeks in Hawaii couldn’t cure,” I parried.

 

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve been thinking about that. And Ginger’s never been there. It would be kind of nice if I could take her over there and show her the Islands.”

 

That was the opening I had been looking for. I left It up to Elvls to bring up the subject of Ginger. But once the subject was raised I used every opportunity to remind her of the attractions the Islands had to offer. I mentioned that Ginger was my favorite flower and that it grew wild in the Islands, and that haunting fragrance was one of the memories that tourists took home with them.

 

We talked about the beautiful white sand beaches, the lush flower Island, and the opportunities available to relax away from the tempo of mainland life. Elvls’ casual desire for a trip to the Islands soon matured Into a full-blown plan for departure. Ginger became excited as the possibility shifted toward becoming a reality.

 

In the latter part of February I got a call from Charlie Hodge. “It looks like the boss has finally made up his mind, Ed. Then again, he may change it. But as it stands now, plan toward going to the Islands about the first of March. Elvls wants Lellanl to come. Can you make it?”

 

“We’ll do it!” I said.

We met Elvis in Oakland, California, during the second week in March. He decided that Oakland should be the departure point because it is 2OO miles closer to Oahu than Los Angeles, That gave an extra margin of safety in fuel loading. Because of the extensive remodeling Elvis had done on the Lisa Marie, the guest list for this trip would be limited to 28 individuals (not including the 5 crew members). Elvis had invited with him on this escape trip those individuals he felt he could trust. They were a small nucleus of those whose love for Elvis had never wavered. They and their families were to be Elvis’ guests for 10 days, at the Hilton Rainbow Towers in Honolulu.

 

This was an incredibly expensive trip. Fuel alone for the round trip was nearly 825.OOO. Elvis also leased a house on the opposite side of the Island. This became his retreat during the day. There he could relax and enjoy himself without the ever present threat of hotel guests interrupting him. These were happy relaxing days for Elvis. He basked in the sun, played football, walked around in “grubbies” and sampled many island delicacies that he had never tasted before.

 

There was no formality at our gatherings.

We sat on the ground cross legged and ate native style with our fingers. Elvis sampled guava cake and haopia cake, a delicacy that is laced with fresh coconut. I offered to treat Elvis to poi, knowing what his reaction would be. I was right, he rolled his eyes and said, “No thanks, I’m not going to be putting up any wallpaper today!”

 

Elvis made periodic forays to the small shopping centers on the windward side of the Island. He wanted to take Ginger and her sisters, Tille and Rosemary, on a shopping spree. Elvis played Santa Claus, and he loved the role.

 

While shopping he noticed a man buying items for his wife. Elvis waited until the man was about to pay his check, stepped in and insisted on buying it for him. The man was dumbfounded; he ran across the street, called his wife and told her what had happened.

 

By the next day the story had gone all over the Islands. That was not what Elvis had intended. His sole purpose in shopping at this out of the way place was to retain some semblance of privacy and anonymity. His generous nature had gotten the best of him.

 

As the days progressed, I could see the color returning to Elvis’ cheeks.

 

His complexion had improved, and he had begun to regain some of his stamina.

 

ED PARKER in his 1978 BOOK..remembers all the following Details..#Part 2..

 

I finally had an opportunity to do something for my friend who had done so much for me. One of the key attractions on the Islands is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s one of the few places in the world where the ancient island culture is retained. I suggested to Joe that this would be a unique opportunity for Elvis and the rest of his party. I wanted them to be my guests. The next day Elvis said that Joe had talked to him and that he was pleased with the suggestion. “This would be great for Ginger,” Elvis said. “We haven’t had a chance to go anywhere and see anything.

 

Do they have all of the old island dances there, Ed?”

 

“They’ve got dances from all of the islands there, Elvis —Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, Maori, dancers from New Zealand; but, Elvis, wait till you see the dancers from Tonga. They come out with spears and fans and they are all painted up. The gals will never forget it!”

 

“We’re looking forward to it, Ed.”

 

It took two days to work out the security details to enable Elvis and his party to enjoy themselves without being Imposed upon. The Polynesians at the Cultural Center were very coopera­tive. Elvis, the night of the performance, laughed and joked and thoroughly enjoyed himself. It pleased me to see my friend more relaxed than he had been for years. He was still not his former self, but there was a vast improvement. We arrived under cover of darkness.

 

The show had already started. But there still amassed a body of fans waiting for Elvis on the outside. Word had gotten out, and they insisted on seeing the King. Unlike mainland fans, they admired him from a distance, respected his privacy, and let him enter the show unmolested. Elvis commented on this courtesy many times before his death.

 

The show was spectacular. Immediately before inter­mission a member of the staff lead us to a first aid room to await the second half of the show.

 

We were served pineapple halves filled with ice cream. During the intermission, Elvis asked me about something he had seen that intrigued him.

“Ed, I saw this haole guy talking to a big Samoan dude and he spoke like a native. How come?”

 

“Elvis, that was one of the missionaries from our church. He served a two year mission in Samoa. After they’re there for a few months, they speak like natives.”

 

“That’s someth’n else! Two years huh? Does it pay pretty good?”

 

I had to smile at that question, “They pay their own way, they receive absolutely no pay whatsoever while they’re on their mission.”

 

Well, how do they live?” Elvis asked.

 

“They either save the money before they go, or their family supports them during that period of time.”

Elvis thought for a moment, “That’s really something!”

 

The show resumed and I watched my friend in the reflected glare of the fire dancers’ torches. He was happy. He was at peace. And for the first time in many months he was thoroughly enjoying himself. For a change he was being entertained instead of entertaining others. Those special moments were soon but a memory.

 

We returned to the mainland, and Elvis resumed his hectic pace.

 

The trip had been good for him. He slept better, he had more stamina, and I felt that his health had improved greatly..

 

LARRY GELLER chatting with ELVIS

 

 

4th MARCH 1977

Rainbow Towers Hawaiian Village Hotel, Honolulu

 

We’re here at last on a vacation that was long overdue.

Everyone is drained from the grueling effects of being on the road and the enormous pressures of working for Elvis under unforeseen, horren­dous conditions.

 

The one-nighters; the debilitating winter cold; taking care of Elvis, an exhausting job unto itself—all have taken their toll. Everyone looks older than they are.

 

Elvis is a driven man and he needs this rest more than anyone else.

He desperately requires more than a short vacation in Hawaii. Hopefully this will signal some kind of change, because his condition is getting worse, and this short surcease from agony is just the tonic—for the time being. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.”

 

I can see on everyone’s face the relief of just being in this tropical paradise.

The Rainbow Towers has a spectacular view from the thirty-first floor. Elvis spent most of the daylight hours on his balcony today with its panoramic view of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

 

His suite was open to any of the entourage, and their wives and girlfriends, who cared to come in and visit with him.

 

He is so happy being here, pointing out the various points of interest to all from his balcony. Ginger has two sisters, Terry and Rosemary, with her, and Elvis is taking great pride and joy in providing this trip for them.

 

Actually, there are thirty-eight of us: what a family Elvis has adopted.

 

Everyone is hopeful that Elvis will take full advantage of this golden opportunity to get outdoors, exercise and eat better, instead of his typical fried-food diet and stuffing himself with cheeseburgers and fried potatoes right before he goes to sleep.

 

Health and nurturing are everywhere. The air is clean and aromatic, and the Hawaiian fragrance of pineapples and tropical flowers in this atmo­sphere has already enveloped all of us.

 

It’s so seductive.

 

5th MARCH 1977 part 2

 

Feeling fantastic in Hawaiian bliss, dressed loose and comfortably in my new Hawaiian floral shirt. As I entered Elvis’ suite, he had just come out of his bedroom to have some breakfast. A few of the guys were hanging around on the balcony. As I approached Elvis, he smiled and greeted me with “Aloha, L.G.”

 

“Aloha, E.”

 

Some weeks ago, when I gave Elvis a complete kit of vitamins and minerals for his birthday, he took them for only two days. Now I felt this was an ideal opportunity to direct him toward a healthier regimen. I placed in front of him on, the coffee table a packet of vitamins and minerals I had prepared.

 

“Take this power pack, Elvis. It will pick you up and give you some natural energy. I put in some extra E and a potent combination of the B complex, vitamin C and some minerals. If you take these every day, they will help strengthen you. “

 

Elvis opened the vitamin pack and gulped them down with fresh orange juice.

Then he looked over to me with a grin and said, “I want to get these down before Dr. Nick comes in.

 

Remember last year when we were on tour and you came in with a load of vitamin pills like these for me? And Dr. Nick said, ‘That crap doesn’t work; he doesn’t need those’? Well, you know, he’s a doctor, and most of them are locked into the old traditional-medicine ways .of doing things, that’s how they’ve been trained. I don’t want to hear him bitch and complain again. Doctors think they know everything.”

 

For the remainder of the day Elvis stayed in his suite relaxing, spending a lot of time sitting on the balcony, enjoying the view and this incredible tropical air wafting through the open balcony win­dows.

 

The majority of the group spent the day on the beach in front of the Rainbow Towers, went shopping and then went out for dinner at the various restaurants that are part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel.

 

6th MARCH 1977 part 3

 

Elvis decided to rent a beach house in Kailua on Kaapuni Drive, on the other side of the island.

 

This will provide the privacy he requires, so that he can lie in the sun by the pool or go down to the beach

 

This afternoon we all played football together for the first time in well over a year.

 

Elvis played so hard that Joe told him to go slowly, because he wasn’t used to moving his body like that and it was dangerous for his heart.

 

But there’s no stopping Elvis once he has his mind set on something.

 

7th MARCH 1977 – OAHU part 4

 

Elvis was sore today due to yesterday’s vigorous football clash.

In fact, most of us feel the effects of roughhousing it yesterday.

 

We all sat by the ocean most of the afternoon relaxing and joking with one another, and by the expressions on everyone’s face it looks as though we died and went to heaven.

 

I can’t remember the last time Elvis was outdoors in the sunshine, playing and enjoying himself so much. It’s like the old days. God willing, this will shake him out of his stupor.

 

Strangely, he won’t expose his body. No matter how hot it is, he wears his athletic pants, a short-sleeve sweatshirt, a terrycloth hat with the brim turned down and his sunglasses. Is there some other reason than the beach being open to the public?

 

8th~9th MARCH, 1977 Kailua Bay Part 5

 

Author/inventor Bernard Benson invited Charlie, Celest and me to his beach house a few miles from Elvis’. Bernard has arranged a special meeting for us with the leading Tibetan Buddhist master of the Hawaiian Island, Rimposhe, who escaped Chinese invasion of Tibet. We first met Bernard in Las Vegas last December, and he’s been an avid Elvis fan ever since.

 

Rimposhe does not speak English, which, in the long run, doesn’t matter. He is a small, radiant man. I could not take my eyes off him. He was clothed like a lama, wearing the traditional saffron robe. His face was a very fine Mongolian type, and beautifully formed: a high brow with piercing yet happy eyes, and his face lit up as if the energy of the sun was shining from it. He smiled a smile of one who knows.

 

We all sat together in Bernard’s large living room overlooking the magnificent Kailua Bay. Everyone was silent for an hour or so. The meeting had a tremendous healing effect on me, and I realized that the silence and the electricity in the air were releasing layers of tension and frustrations that had gradually accumulated. I felt it slowly melting and dissolving as I sat with this mysterious, still, silent man. I saw him turn to his attendant devotee, a young Tibetan clad in an orange robe and with a shaved head. I saw his lips move but could not hear his softly whispered words.

 

The young monk said, “Master said, ‘One can never “know” truth that is beyond the mind; the mind can only create an idea of truth, an image of truth. Truth is the creativeness behind all creation, yet that which is created is not truth. Only the uncreated is creative, and that is the truth. Therefore, discover in the silence of the mind the true unity in all things. Disregard personal separation. Live in the conscious realization of your oneness with the Creator of all mankind.’ “

 

The young monk then said to me, “You should do a meditation, ‘Om mani padme om.’ “(Translated, it means “The jewel in the center of the lotus,” a symbol of the divinity within the flesh.)

 

10th MARCH, 1977 Kailua Bay Part 6

 

Elvis’ Beach House, Kailua Bay

 

This afternoon Charlie and I related our experience at Bernard’s to Elvis and asked if he wanted an audience with the Master. Elvis was hesitant.

 

“Not now, Charlie. I have a little trouble with that one. I don’t need to meet any masters right now.”

 

“I’m on the right path.” He waved a spiritual book he was holding and clutched the chai he was wearing around his neck. “I’m sure you had a good experience and they’re good people, but not now—maybe some other time.”

 

11th MARCH 1977

 

Ed Parker, a strict Mormon who was raised in Hawaii, set up an evening for Elvis and the entire group to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center at the Hawaii campus of Brigham Young University. We all piled into a caravan of vehicles at about 8 p.m. and drove for about thirty minutes to the Center.

 

Through Ed’s organizing with the campus and local security and Elvis’ personal security staff, we were secretly ushered into the open-air pavilion, so that Elvis went unnoticed among the hundreds of tourists—until he reached his seat.

 

Within moments his presence became known. News spread like wildfire, and most eyes were glued to our special section in the grandstands where Elvis was enjoying himself, instead of on the exciting show 13th MARCH, 1977 Kailua Bay Part 7

 

Elvis decided it was time to leave paradise. The next tour begins on the twenty-third, and he wants to spend some time back home at Graceland.

 

One by one, he presented everyone with a special gift.

 

Afterward he said, “I gave everyone gifts so that they would have something to remember our trip to Hawaii and us all, happily, being together.

 

“This trip cost a good one hundred thousand, but money is not what matters.

 

Before we left they even had me sign that “WILL”. Y’know, just in case, flying over the ocean and all that. Only it’s the times like this, sharing not the money, but the good times, that transcend money.”

 

Back on the mainland, we all returned to our homes to prepare for the next tour, a nine-day swing through Middle America. Though everyone enjoyed the vacation, and Elvis did get to relax, it wasn’t nearly enough. End

 

 

QUESTION: Can you tell us a little about THE LAST VACATION? Elvis seemed to be in excellent spirits,

Resting and Sunbathing with you on the Beach and having a lot of fun.

 

GINGER: My time with Elvis was so special and the Hawaiian Vacation was alot of fun.

Elvis knew I had never been to Hawaii and wanted to take my whole family but only my sisters could go at this time.

 

We left on my sister Terry’s Birthday, the 3rd of March. He was in a great mood, despite the fact, he had mentioned that more of his group had asked to go along and he reluctantly let them.

 

My Sisters and I stayed with Elvis in the back of the Lisa Marie during the flight as he joked, laughed and sang.

 

The trip was so beautiful, but unfortunately cut short when Elvis irritated one of his eyes and we had to return to Memphis.

 

I felt he genuinely had a good time on this trip and it was so wonderful to see him relax, go out to a shopping mall and sing. I have never forgotten the thrill of that Vacation.

 

ROSEMARY: (Ginger’s Sister) Yes, Elvis wanted to take our whole family but they couldn’t leave their jobs so Terry and myself went along with Ginger. We had a great time in Hawaii seeing Elvis relax and take in some sun.

 

QUESTION:

Rosemary, can you tell us about the Famous Photograph

– when Elvis has dived on top of you ?

 

ROSEMARY:

Yes, I have taken a lot of ribbing over the years with that photo!

We were at a Vacation Home in Hawaii and a few of us were talking with Elvis.

 

I noticed that he kept cutting his eyes over in my direction when he suddenly got up,

started to walk past me then threw himself on top of me!

 

Elvis and I were laughing so hard and I just more or less spontaneously,

Threw my leg into the air and someone took the photo.

 

I still can’t help but laugh every time I see that picture!

 

QUESTION:

Did you see any sign of Elvis’ Drugs Problems…….

 

SHIRLEY:

..Never …..I never saw it… as a matter of fact, I remember when we were there, he said, “Joe, why don’t you order up some of those drinks with the Umbrellas in them?”

 

So Joe ordered some Mai-tais, or whatever they were, and Elvis would sit there and take a little sip of it and you could tell he couldn’t stand it, you know.

 

I’ve had people say to me that he drank a lot too.

 

I never saw him drink and I remember that Mai-tai thing, that’s the only time I saw him drink alcohol and he’d drink it like I did, one sip at a time, not really enjoying it.

 

But it was a Fun Vacation, kind of neat because we ended up leaving the hotel and renting a House so Elvis could go out more.

 

He tried to be more active, he tried to play football with the guys.

 

 

SHIRLEY:

Now this is starting to sound like a Me, Me, Me Interview, but you know the photos taken in Hawaii?

 

And Joe will attest to this to, I swear to god that it’s true.. Joe used to do a lot of photography, and we were on the beach and he was taking photos of me.

 

Elvis was sitting there with Ginger and Rosemary and Elvis would say

 

“Hey Joe, why don’t you take a picture of Me and Shirley?”

 

ELVIS SANG “IN THE MISTY MOONLIGHT” TO JOES GIRLFRIEND (RARE FACT)

INTERVIEW with Shirley…

…..In another he is singing “IN THE MISTY MOONLIGHT”

 

Elvis was actually going to record that song for me. I used to say to him “You know Elvis, you would sing that song so well, that song was made for you” and he would say, “You know, give me the music on that, I might wanna do it.”

 

Here’s the funny thing about it; he told me that he was going to record it, and he told Charlie Hodge to get the music.

 

The night he passed away, the music was laying right next to his bed.

 

 

Some extra comments (various Sources)

ELVIS made plans during the stay to show Ginger the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Which was only cancelled at the last minute !

 

Everyone remarked on how relaxed Elvis seemed:

At times he appeared to enjoy Terry Alden’s company almost as much as her sister’s

 

Ginger got Elvis to play Ping-Pong with her ~ despite Elvis saying that he felt foolish,

swinging at a little ball that he could hardly ever keep on the table.

 

Joe is quoted as saying “The holiday was a painful exercise in Nostalgia”

 

Dr. Nick got concerned when Elvis got some sand in his eye!

and thought the Cornea might be scratched…

saying it might be better for Elvis to return to Graceland to recuperate!

 

With Characteristic generosity Elvis picked out a gift for each member of the party

to serve as remembrance of the good times that they had had……

and promised GINGER that next time they would have the experience for themselves.

 

C170 DOCUMENTS FROM HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE

Statement on white paper addressed to Elvis Presley from Hilton Hawaiian Village plus blue car­bon copy. Statement dated April 1, 1977 from dates in March totals $16,931.48.

 

Copy of a two-page detailed ledger for Elvis Presley and 18 other guests under the name, “Esposito Group.”

 

Copy of a bill from Hawaiian Telephone dated 28th March, 1977 with check marks next to three calls to Memphis and one call to Palm Springs made from the Hilton by Elvis Presley.

 

Also attached are 44 pages of individual receipts from the Hilton Hawaiian Village and a piece of adding machine tape. Original envelope included.

Eight-page book entitled “The Last Vacation, Hawaii March 1977.” Tells the story of Elvis’ Hawaiian vacation and shows pictures. Photograph includ­ed. 11×8 1/2 inches state­ment. 14×8 1/2 inches ledger. 11×81/2 inches phone bill. 71/2×6 1/4 inches individual receipts. 6 1/4 x 2″ adding tape. 71/2×101/2 inches envelope. 11×8 1/2 inches “The Last Vacation.”

 

Hawaii was a favorite vacation spot of Elvis’. He wanted to show Hawaii to Ginger Alden, his girl­friend, so he planned a two-week Hawaiian vaca­tion.

It began as a romantic getaway for two, how­ever, it quickly escalated into a travelling crowd of 30 family and friends, with Ginger’s family being among the first to be added to the guest list.

 

C170 Lot estimated bid range – $4,500 – 5,000

 

Final accepted BID = Lot 170 ($2,500) C170 – DOCUMENTS FROM HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLA

 

ELVIS’ LAST WILL was signed and witnessed… “3rd March 1977”

 

…Earlier in the same day… before they flew to HAWAII.

 

 

Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel – Waikiki Beach – Ohau

Ilikai Hotel (adjacent to the Hawaiian Village) – Waikiki Beach – Ohau

Coco Palms Resort (closed / devastated by Hurricane Iniki) Wailua – Kauai

 

1957: Hawaiian Village Hotel : Honolulu / Shofield Baracks concert

1961: Hawaiian Village Hotel : Bloch Arena concert /

1961: (continues from Concert…) Blue Hawaii (+ movie scene) / Coco Palms Resort (movie finale)

1962: Hawaiian Village Hotel : Girls, Girls, Girls

1965: Ilikai Hotel: Paradise Hawaiian Style

1968: Ilikai Hotel: Vacation (May)

1969: Ilikai Hotel / Coco Palms Resort: Vacation (May)

1969: Hawaiian Village Hotel : vacation (Oct)

1972: Hawaiian Village Hotel : November Concert / press conference

1973: Hawaiian Village Hotel : Aloha from Hawaii (January arrival / rehearsals)

1977: Hawaiian Village Hotel : Vacation arrival / – entourage stayed at the Rainbow Tower

(Elvis and selected friends moved to his rented Kailua beach house afterwards)

 

 

Rare Elvis Presley photos from www.ElvisCollector.info July 2014

Photographs courtesy of http://www.ElvisCollector.info.

If you like these photographs you will find many more @ http://www.ElvisCollector.info.

Enjoy.

WM 1957 GRACELAND EP by lionWM ARMY DISCHARGE papers E holdingWM 1956 candid in white with dark tie 63WM 1972 going through blue curtain black jumpr

 

Elvis week @ Graceland August 2014 info

Schedule of Events

Elvis Week is a celebration of the music, movies and life of Elvis Presley. Join us at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis for a full week of special events that offer something for everyone to enjoy. Also, don’t miss out on new events such as Elvis A Cappella and be sure to get your tickets to Conversations on Elvis which will feature special guest Priscilla Presley this year.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 1

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

Hound Dog Tour: A Musical City Tour Celebrating Elvis by Backbeat Tours

2:30 p.m. Tour departs from Backbeat Tours window at BB King’s Blues Club, located at 143 Beale Street. Join Backbeat Tours for an Elvis tribute tour with a twist! As unique as the man himself, the Hound Dog Tour takes a one-of-a-kind approach to sharing Elvis’ legacy in a high-energy concert and sightseeing tour all rolled into one. Hear all your favorite Elvis hits performed live on Memphis’ only music bus while seeing where he grew up, where he went to school, where he worked, and where he dreamed, as well as sites important to his early career. This special 2 hour tour also includes an optional visit inside the Presley family apartment at Lauderdale Courts – second only to Graceland, the Memphis home where Elvis lived in the longest. Meticulously restored to its 1950s appearance, a visit to Apartment 328 of the Courts is like taking a step back in time, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Vernon, Gladys, and young Elvis. (If you choose to visit Lauderdale Courts, the tour will last approximately 3 hours). The tour includes exciting sites such as Sun Studio, Elvis’ Audubon Drive home, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell (the amphitheater where he performed his first big show in 1954), Lansky Bros. clothing store, the Memphian Theater and the Chisca Hotel (home of the WHBQ radio station). The Hound Dog Tour has become an Elvis Week tradition, with many passengers returning year after year. Come celebrate the man behind the legend: whether you’re a longtime fan or a new admirer, we guarantee fun for all! The price of the 2 hour tour is $28/adults, $26/seniors and $16/child (7-12 years). The price of the 3 hour tour that includes Lauderdale Courts is $47/adults, $45/seniors and $32/child (7-12 years). Elvis Insiders receive a 10% discount. Tickets may be purchased online at BackBeatTours.com, or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370 or Backbeat Tours at 901-527-9415.

Elvis Night at the Ballpark with Memphis Redbirds

6:05 p.m. AutoZone Park, 200 Union Ave., downtown Memphis. Come out and enjoy a night of fun at the ballpark as the Memphis Redbirds take on New Orleans Zephyrs. The game will feature Elvis entertainment throughout the night along with fireworks set to Elvis music. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit MemphisRedbirds.com.

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 2

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Hound Dog Tour: A Musical City Tour Celebrating Elvis by Backbeat Tours

2:30 p.m. Tour departs from Backbeat Tours window at BB King’s Blues Club, located at 143 Beale Street. Join Backbeat Tours for an Elvis tribute tour with a twist! As unique as the man himself, the Hound Dog Tour takes a one-of-a-kind approach to sharing Elvis’ legacy in a high-energy concert and sightseeing tour all rolled into one. Hear all your favorite Elvis hits performed live on Memphis’ only music bus while seeing where he grew up, where he went to school, where he worked, and where he dreamed, as well as sites important to his early career. This special 2 hour tour also includes an optional visit inside the Presley family apartment at Lauderdale Courts – second only to Graceland, the Memphis home where Elvis lived in the longest. Meticulously restored to its 1950s appearance, a visit to Apartment 328 of the Courts is like taking a step back in time, offering an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Vernon, Gladys, and young Elvis. (If you choose to visit Lauderdale Courts, the tour will last approximately 3 hours). The tour includes exciting sites such as Sun Studio, Elvis’ Audubon Drive home, Humes High School, the Overton Park Shell (the amphitheater where he performed his first big show in 1954), Lansky Bros. clothing store, the Memphian Theater and the Chisca Hotel (home of the WHBQ radio station). The Hound Dog Tour has become an Elvis Week tradition, with many passengers returning year after year. Come celebrate the man behind the legend: whether you’re a longtime fan or a new admirer, we guarantee fun for all! The price of the 2 hour tour is $28/adults, $26/seniors and $16/child (7-12 years). The price of the 3 hour tour that includes Lauderdale Courts is $47/adults, $45/seniors and $32/child (7-12 years). Elvis Insiders receive a 10% discount. Tickets may be purchased online at BackBeatTours.com, or by calling Zerve at 800-979-3370 or Backbeat Tours at 901-527-9415.

George Klein’s Elvis Mafia Reunion

5:00 p.m. Alfred’s, 197 Beale Street. George Klein hosts a reunion of people who were close to Elvis. Lifelong friends and associates will reminisce, share stories and answer questions. Event is $45.00 and includes dinner and the show. All proceeds go to Make-a-Wish and the EP Charity Dinner. Reservations are accepted by calling Alfred’s at (901) 525-3711.  

Hard Rock Last Chance Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest – Round 3

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show at 9:00 p.m. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. See some of the best Elvis tribute artists in the world compete in the “Last Chance” event for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest! The winner of round 3 will compete in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round on August 12. Visit Hardrock.com/Memphis for ticket information updates.  


MONDAY, AUGUST 11

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Showcase

1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Watch as some of the semifinalists for the 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest showcase their talents as they prepare for the ultimate contest. Elvis tribute artists who will perform during this event to be announced at a later time, but all will be 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest semifinalists. This event will be hosted by Ultimate Contest host Joey Sulipeck. Individual tickets are $20 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

 

Kids/Youth Karaoke

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Graceland Crossing. Children will receive prizes for participating in our karaoke event. Ages for karaoke are 17 and under. Free.

Jailhouse Rock Movie and Dance Party

7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Put on your dancing shoes and break out your black & white stripes for a night filled with Elvis fun and excitement. Kick-off the evening with a screening and sing-a-long of Elvis’ “Jailhouse Rock” – sponsored by Warner Bros. Then, after the movie is over, continue to dance the night away with Elvis Radio’s DJ Argo as he plays some of your favorite Elvis music. Ticket price includes both movie screening and dance party that follows. Individual tickets are $30 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Looking to get “Jailhouse Rock” and other great Elvis movies on DVD? Visit ShopElvis.com for a great selection of Elvis DVDs from Warner Bros. 


TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Hard Rock Cafe, Beale Street. Private event reserved for those who have purchased VIP tickets for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. This event is now sold out.

Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center Elvis Week Fan Reception

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, 877 Jefferson Avenue. Celebrate at the Annual Elvis Presley Fans Reception at the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center in Memphis. Speakers to be announced. Light refreshments will be served and tours of the trauma center will be conducted. Included in the tour is a stop by the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center donor wall, where hundreds of plaques recognize donors who have supported the trauma center named in honor of the King of Rock ‘n Roll. Enter the Regional Medical Center at the main entrance. Greeters will then direct you to the reception.

Graceland Trivia Tour

5:00 p.m. Event starts at Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum while simultaneously answering trivia questions to which answers can be found on the Graceland tour. Adult and junior version of the trivia tour will be available. Prizes will be awarded for both adult and junior versions. Tickets are $34 adult; $15 children 7-12; kids 6 and under are free.Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal Round

7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, see more than 20 of the best tribute artists in the world compete in the Semifinal Round of the 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Enjoy hours of Elvis music and entertainment as these winners compete for their chance to advance to the Final Round on Thursday, August 14. The top 10 Elvis tribute artists moving on to the Final Round of the competition will be announced at the end of the Semifinal Round. Backing band for the semifinalists will be the Change of Habit Tribute Band. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinal on 8/12 and Final Round on 8/14) and can be purchased by clicking here. *The $139.00 VIP ticket also includes VIP seating plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Hard Rock Cafe on August 12. The $139 VIP ticket is now sold out, however $69 two-day tickets are still available. A one-day ticket to the Semifinal Round only is also available for $25. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*Please note: If you purchase the $139.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Hard Rock Cafe on the morning of August 12 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event. 


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event

9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Fans are invited to celebrate Elvis Presley fan clubs during this special event that focuses on the hard work of fan clubs around the world. The event will also feature two guest speaker segments this year, both hosted by Elvis Radio DJ Argo. Guest speaker segments will feature: Jimmy Snow, son of the country music legend Hank Snow who prior to becoming an evangelist in 1958 was in show business – where he recorded on RCA for 7 years and worked closely with Elvis, with whom he became good friends; and Linda Deutsch, who has been with The Associated Press for almost 50 years, but started her writing career off at the age of 12 when she launched an Elvis Presley Fan Club and published a fan newspaper that went to 300 members around the world. Fan club presidents will get an invite and registration form directly from EPE to attend the event for free. Individual tickets are $15 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

American Studio Historic Marker Unveiling

2:00 p.m. 831 Thomas Street, Memphis (in front of Family Dollar Store at the corner of Thomas St. and Chelsea Ave., the former site of American Studios). Sponsored by the Shelby County Historical Commission, an historic marker will be unveiled at the former site of American Studios. Special guests will be in attendance. American Studios is where over 120 hit records, including Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds,” “In the Ghetto,” “Don’t Cry Daddy”, and “Kentucky Rain,” were recorded. Free to the public. For more information, call (901) 604-5002.

The Memphis Boys Salute

8:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Enjoy an incredible concert event featuring The Memphis Boys with special guests Terry Mike Jeffrey and Scat Springs. The Memphis Boys were the legendary house band at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, between 1967 until it’s closing in 1972. The Memphis Boys include Bobby Wood, Bobby Emmons, Gene Chrisman, Mike Leech, Reggie Young, and Tommy Cogbill. Inductees into the Musicians Hall of Fame, The Memphis Boys have played a large part in American music culture for the past forty years as the sound behind over 120 hit singles including Elvis’ “Suspicious Minds, “In the Ghetto”, and “Kentucky Rain”; Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”; Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man”; and many, many, more. This special concert event will feature them performing some of their Elvis hits, as well as songs from the many other stars they have performed behind for the past forty years. Individual tickets are $40 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.


THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Official Insiders Event

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this year’s Official Insiders Event will feature special segments that highlight various parts of Elvis’ life and career. Attendees will enjoy sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, rarely-seen videos, feature segments filmed just for the event, special guests and much more. It will be a special “inside” look at both Elvis and his home, Graceland. Special guest segments to include: The Memphis Boys’ members Bobby Wood, Gene Chrisman and Reggie Young; a segment with representatives from Sony and Warner Bros. talking about “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is; Elvis artist and fellow Insider Joe Petruccio; Elvis’ jeweler Lowell Hays; and authors of the new Follow That Dream book “Elvis Presley: Memphis To Nashville ’61” Pål Granlund and David English. Individual tickets are $30 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 1

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Final Round

7:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Joey Sulipeck, enjoy a phenomenal show as the top 10 Elvis tribute artists from the August 14 Semifinal Round compete for the title. The excitement will build throughout the night as the group is narrowed down from ten to five before the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2014 is named. The show will also feature a performance by 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist winner Dean Z. Backing band for the semifinalists will be the Change of Habit Tribute Band. 2014 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner will receive $20,000 cash, contract to perform with Legends in Concert, a 2014 Ultimate ETA Contest belt designed by B&K Enterprises and more. Two-day tickets are $139.00 and $69.00 (includes Semifinal and Final Round) and can be purchased by clicking here. *The $139.00 VIP ticket also includes VIP seating plus access to the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet at the Hard Rock Cafe on August 14. The $139 VIP ticket is now sold out, however $69 two-day tickets are still available. A one-day ticket to the Final Round only is also available for $49. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*Please note: If you purchase the $139.00 VIP ticket for this event, you MUST show your ticket at the door of the Hard Rock Cafe on the morning of August 14 for access to the Meet ‘n’ Greet event.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 2

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass.Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be a different show than the one performed on August 14.

Conversations on Elvis

1:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), this event lets fans hear from those who worked closest with the king – from friends, colleagues, co-stars, musicians and more. This year’s event will feature someone fans will want a front row seat to hear from as Priscilla Presley sits down with host Tom Brown. Additional confirmed guests include: Cynthia Pepper, Elvis co-star in “Kissin’ Cousins,” Elvis’ Imperials Terry Blackwood and Joe Moscheo, who were in “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is.” Individual tickets are $25 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.

Memorial Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Elvis Presley

3:00 p.m. 1425 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116. The Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on August 15, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. and music beginning at 2:00 pm. For more information, please contact St. Paul Catholic Church at StPaulMemphis.org or (901) 346-2380.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 1

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be the same show as the one performed on August 14.

Candlelight Vigil

8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland. After an opening ceremony at the gates of Graceland, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis’ gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Free admission. No tickets or reservations. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis’ passing. Free secured parking at the Graceland visitor center complex after 6:00 p.m.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Elvis Presley 5K Run Benefiting Livitup, Inc.

8:00 a.m. The Elvis Presley 5K Run starts and finishes at the Gates of Graceland. After the race, join Livitup, Inc. across from the mansion at Elvis Presley Park on Craft Road for a party under the tent. There will be food, music and fun! For more information, please call Kelly Burrow at 901-316-0377, email kburrow@livitupinc.org or visit elvispresleyrunandwalk.com.

George Klein’s Elvis Memorial Service

12:00 Noon. Main Theatre Building, University of Memphis. Free admission. Annual event hosted by George Klein, longtime friend of Elvis. Speakers will include friends and family of Elvis and celebrity guests. For more information, contact the U of M Department of Communication at (901) 678-2565.

Elvis A Cappella: A Tribute to the King – Show 2

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for an all-new event at the Elvis Week Main Stage this year as Elvis goes a cappella. This exciting 60-minute Elvis show will feature some of the country’s top a cappella groups – Kentucky’s Acoustikats, Florida State University’s All-Night Yahtzee, The James Madison University BluesTones, the Vanderbilt Melodores, and Memphis’ own Briarcrest OneVoice. Listen as they harmonize, beat box and dance to some of Elvis’ greatest hits – and some fan favorites as well. An all-new Elvis Week event not to be missed. *Individual tickets are $10 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.
*Please note this will be the same show performed as the one performed on August 14 at 10:00 a.m.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is VIP Reception

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Private event reserved for those who have purchased VIP tickets for the Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition Exclusive Screening. 
Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access pass does not allow entrance into this event.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition Exclusive Screening

8:00 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, downtown Memphis. Join us at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Memphis for the world premiere screening of Warner Bros.’ newly-remastered “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is – Special Edition.” This fan-favorite concert documentary film, re-edited and remixed for its acclaimed release in 2000, will debut on Blu-ray for the first time on August 12. Fans in town for Elvis Week will be treated not only to the newly-remastered film, but also some outtakes that have never-before-been-seen on the big screen. Fans will be treated to a special performance by Elvis’ Imperials members Joe Moscheoand Terry Blackwood, along with Darrell Toney and Lynn Royce Taylor. This will be a special farewell performance by Joe Moscheo who recently retired from the group. Fans can also view “Elvis: That’s The Way It Is” related artifacts on display in the lobby direct from the Graceland Archives. This event will be hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Productions for Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Tickets are $89 (VIP) and $35. *The $89 VIP ticket includes front of the house seating, a special VIP reception at the Elvis Week Main Stage at Graceland prior to the event plus round-trip motor coach transportation to the Orpheum for the event. Tickets for this event are available through Ticketmaster.com, by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, at any Ticketmaster outlet or at the Orpheum box office.
*The VIP reception will be held at the Elvis Week Main Stage. Guests will enjoy complimentary light appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages before boarding motor coach transportation to the Orpheum. For access to the VIP reception at Graceland, you must show VIP ticket at door of Elvis Week Main Stage.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Elvis Gospel Celebration

9:00 a.m. Elvis Week Main Stage, Graceland. Join us for a special close out to Elvis Week with a Sunday morning Elvis Gospel Celebration. The event will feature a acoustic gospel set by Terry Mike Jeffrey plus performances by Terry Blackwood and The Imperials. Individual tickets are $25 or purchase the Elvis Week Main Stage All-Access Pass. Tickets for this event are available through Graceland Reservations by calling 800-238-2000 or 901-332-3322 or online here.


MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS

Free Entertainment Tent at Graceland Crossing

August 9-17. Continuous presentation of Elvis music performed live by various singers and bands, plus other activities. A schedule for the Elvis Week entertainment tent will be available at the Elvis Week information table upon arrival in Memphis. 

Morning and Evening Walk Ups to Meditation Garden

Daily throughout the year, there is a special period of time for free admission walk up visits to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Elvis Week morning walk ups will be from 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. on August 9-17. Morning walk-ups may not be available on August 16 due to the Candlelight Vigil. Elvis Week evening walk ups will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on August 9-14 and August 16-17. Evening walk-ups will not be available the night of August 15 due to the Candlelight Vigil.

Graceland Mansion Tours

Available daily. Click here for tour details and pricing.

 

Meet ‘n’ Greet with Betty Harper

August 12 – August 15: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Heartbreak Hotel. Meet artist Betty Harper and see her latest Elvis artwork. Her more than 10,000 drawings of Elvis illustrate the personal side of Elvis. Free.

Meet ‘n’ Greet with Joe Petruccio

August 12 – August 15: 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Everything Elvis, Graceland Crossing. Meet artist Joe Petruccio, view his new fine art pieces, and don’t miss out on exclusive merchandise featuring his artwork. 

Lowell Hays Trunk Show

August 11: 2:00 – 4:00 pm. August 12: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. August 13: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. August 14: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. August 15: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. August 16: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Gallery Elvis, Graceland Plaza. Meet jeweler Lowell Hays, the creator of Elvis’ famous TCB ring. View both his fine and fashion jewelry lines featuring items made from the original molds of Elvis’ jewelry

Images of the King

August 10-16. Doc Franklin’s Original Images of the King Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and Showcase presents a great lineup for Elvis Week with showcases by Shawn Klush, Cody Slaughter, Ben Portsmouth and Dean Z. Elvis’ own Sweet Inspirations and many other talented performers will also be appearing. This year’s Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (not affiliated with EPE’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest) is open to any and all ETAs visiting Memphis during Elvis Week. For more information on Doc Franklin’s Original Images of the King Contest and Showcase, please visit ImagesoftheKing.com or call 1-888-406-5885.

All details, including guests, time, etc. are subject to change.

Elvis Presley returns to making movies after stint in US Army

The tall young man with the dark, curly hair, smoothed down his soldier’s uniform, rose from the bar stool and walked glumly below bright lights, out among the crowded night-club tables. Sulkily he acknowledged applause and cheers of his soldier buddies, slapping one on the back, tousling another’s hair, as he moved toward the bandstand by popular request. When he neared the orchestra leader, he said to an approaching soldier:

 

“I thought I told you not to help.” The soldier grinned and replied, “What did I do?” Whereupon the dark-haired soldier mocked, with heavy sarcasm, “What did I do,” and sullenly accepted a guitar from a smiling bandleader.

 

 

There was no need for Elvis Presley to do any more than hold the guitar in this scene from “G. I. Blues,” his first movie since his discharge from the Army. He had already recorded in a sound studio his eleven songs for this picture. “I liked that,” Presley called across the night-club set at Paramount Studios as soon as the cameras stopped.” “I liked it too,” echoed Norman Taurog, the director, from beside the camera men. “We’ll print that.”

 

Mr. Taurog, who has a reputation for knowing how to work with child actors and young actors, explained that the secret of working with someone like Presley was that “you have to like music and you have to enjoy working with young people.”

 

Presley, he said, was obviously a natural for the movies. “There is no stiffness with this boy. This is the most relaxed boy you could want. He reminds me of Crosby and Como. He is a good listener. When you have a good listener you have a good actor.”

 

Hal B. Wallis, the producer, approached as Mr. Taurog broke off the eulogy to confer with him. Presley returned to his bar stool to chat with his co-star, Julie Prowse, who was adorned in flesh- colored tights and beads for her role of the night-club singer besought by Presley.

 

 

Mr. Wallis finished his conversation with Mr. Taurog and recalled how he had signed Presley under a personal movie contract more than four years ago. “I saw him on a TV show. There was an excitement in him. His whole look had it. I could see he was not just a singer. I saw something in him more than a personality. I signed him without a screen test.”

 

During an interval while the camera recorded crowd enthusiasm, in general and in detail, Mr. Presley withdrew to a small dressing room and discussed acting and singing. Acting, he said, was more difficult. He had heard that lots of young men and women venturing into movie work had decided to study acting. “I’m not doing any studying,” he said. “At least not so far as reading or taking lessons goes. I’m learning from experience.”

 

He denied he would sacrifice his singing career for acting. He liked singing too much, he explained. All kinds of singing. “The other night at the Milton Berle show–you know his night- club show–he put on six opera singers,” said Presley. “I flipped my lid. They had great voices, great arrangements.” With regret, he confessed that while he was stationed in Germany with the Army, he had not been to any opera. “I was just too tired at night to go anywhere,” he said sadly.

 

About his own singing, he was more specific. He does not read music, he said. “I just listen to it get played a few times. No one can tell me how you should do this song or that one. I work strictly my own way. If the day ever comes when I listen to anyone else I’ll get mechanical and I’m dead.”

 

He could see no sense in reports that rock ‘n’ roll music was dying and he said it was ridiculous to think that the success of this sort of music was due solely to payola to disk jockeys who plugged rock ‘n’ roll records.

 

“Rock ‘n’ roll music,” he said, “is getting better than ever. The sound engineers are learning more about how to handle the stuff. It couldn’t have been made popular by payola alone. Too many Americans love it. Nope. I don’t see why I should change my singing style right now. Seems pretty foolish to me. Of course,” he added, after a pause during which he squinted carefully up at the ceiling, “if things change I’ll change too. You have to. That’s show business.” Of the eleven songs he has done for “G. I. Blues,” he said that only about three or four were rock ‘n’ roll. “Then I did some medium beat and some ballads.”

 

He stretched. It was good, he said to have a car of his own instead of an Army jeep. “I get up just as early as I used to because I have to make movies.”

 

He grinned broadly. “There’s a little difference now. A little difference in tactics. A little difference in maneuvers.

 

Elvis Presley returns to movies after discharge from Army

The tall young man with the dark, curly hair, smoothed down his soldier’s uniform, rose from the bar stool and walked glumly below bright lights, out among the crowded night-club tables. Sulkily he acknowledged applause and cheers of his soldier buddies, slapping one on the back, tousling another’s hair, as he moved toward the bandstand by popular request. When he neared the orchestra leader, he said to an approaching soldier:

 

“I thought I told you not to help.” The soldier grinned and replied, “What did I do?” Whereupon the dark-haired soldier mocked, with heavy sarcasm, “What did I do,” and sullenly accepted a guitar from a smiling bandleader.

 

 

There was no need for Elvis Presley to do any more than hold the guitar in this scene from “G. I. Blues,” his first movie since his discharge from the Army. He had already recorded in a sound studio his eleven songs for this picture. “I liked that,” Presley called across the night-club set at Paramount Studios as soon as the cameras stopped.” “I liked it too,” echoed Norman Taurog, the director, from beside the camera men. “We’ll print that.”

 

Mr. Taurog, who has a reputation for knowing how to work with child actors and young actors, explained that the secret of working with someone like Presley was that “you have to like music and you have to enjoy working with young people.”

 

Presley, he said, was obviously a natural for the movies. “There is no stiffness with this boy. This is the most relaxed boy you could want. He reminds me of Crosby and Como. He is a good listener. When you have a good listener you have a good actor.”

 

Hal B. Wallis, the producer, approached as Mr. Taurog broke off the eulogy to confer with him. Presley returned to his bar stool to chat with his co-star, Julie Prowse, who was adorned in flesh- colored tights and beads for her role of the night-club singer besought by Presley.

 

 

Mr. Wallis finished his conversation with Mr. Taurog and recalled how he had signed Presley under a personal movie contract more than four years ago. “I saw him on a TV show. There was an excitement in him. His whole look had it. I could see he was not just a singer. I saw something in him more than a personality. I signed him without a screen test.”

 

During an interval while the camera recorded crowd enthusiasm, in general and in detail, Mr. Presley withdrew to a small dressing room and discussed acting and singing. Acting, he said, was more difficult. He had heard that lots of young men and women venturing into movie work had decided to study acting. “I’m not doing any studying,” he said. “At least not so far as reading or taking lessons goes. I’m learning from experience.”

 

He denied he would sacrifice his singing career for acting. He liked singing too much, he explained. All kinds of singing. “The other night at the Milton Berle show–you know his night- club show–he put on six opera singers,” said Presley. “I flipped my lid. They had great voices, great arrangements.” With regret, he confessed that while he was stationed in Germany with the Army, he had not been to any opera. “I was just too tired at night to go anywhere,” he said sadly.

 

About his own singing, he was more specific. He does not read music, he said. “I just listen to it get played a few times. No one can tell me how you should do this song or that one. I work strictly my own way. If the day ever comes when I listen to anyone else I’ll get mechanical and I’m dead.”

 

He could see no sense in reports that rock ‘n’ roll music was dying and he said it was ridiculous to think that the success of this sort of music was due solely to payola to disk jockeys who plugged rock ‘n’ roll records.

 

“Rock ‘n’ roll music,” he said, “is getting better than ever. The sound engineers are learning more about how to handle the stuff. It couldn’t have been made popular by payola alone. Too many Americans love it. Nope. I don’t see why I should change my singing style right now. Seems pretty foolish to me. Of course,” he added, after a pause during which he squinted carefully up at the ceiling, “if things change I’ll change too. You have to. That’s show business.” Of the eleven songs he has done for “G. I. Blues,” he said that only about three or four were rock ‘n’ roll. “Then I did some medium beat and some ballads.”

 

He stretched. It was good, he said to have a car of his own instead of an Army jeep. “I get up just as early as I used to because I have to make movies.”

 

He grinned broadly. “There’s a little difference now. A little difference in tactics. A little difference in maneuvers.

 

Elvis Presley returns to movies after Army discharge

The tall young man with the dark, curly hair, smoothed down his soldier’s uniform, rose from the bar stool and walked glumly below bright lights, out among the crowded night-club tables. Sulkily he acknowledged applause and cheers of his soldier buddies, slapping one on the back, tousling another’s hair, as he moved toward the bandstand by popular request. When he neared the orchestra leader, he said to an approaching soldier:

 

“I thought I told you not to help.” The soldier grinned and replied, “What did I do?” Whereupon the dark-haired soldier mocked, with heavy sarcasm, “What did I do,” and sullenly accepted a guitar from a smiling bandleader.

 

 

There was no need for Elvis Presley to do any more than hold the guitar in this scene from “G. I. Blues,” his first movie since his discharge from the Army. He had already recorded in a sound studio his eleven songs for this picture. “I liked that,” Presley called across the night-club set at Paramount Studios as soon as the cameras stopped.” “I liked it too,” echoed Norman Taurog, the director, from beside the camera men. “We’ll print that.”

 

Mr. Taurog, who has a reputation for knowing how to work with child actors and young actors, explained that the secret of working with someone like Presley was that “you have to like music and you have to enjoy working with young people.”

 

Presley, he said, was obviously a natural for the movies. “There is no stiffness with this boy. This is the most relaxed boy you could want. He reminds me of Crosby and Como. He is a good listener. When you have a good listener you have a good actor.”

 

Hal B. Wallis, the producer, approached as Mr. Taurog broke off the eulogy to confer with him. Presley returned to his bar stool to chat with his co-star, Julie Prowse, who was adorned in flesh- colored tights and beads for her role of the night-club singer besought by Presley.

 

 

Mr. Wallis finished his conversation with Mr. Taurog and recalled how he had signed Presley under a personal movie contract more than four years ago. “I saw him on a TV show. There was an excitement in him. His whole look had it. I could see he was not just a singer. I saw something in him more than a personality. I signed him without a screen test.”

 

During an interval while the camera recorded crowd enthusiasm, in general and in detail, Mr. Presley withdrew to a small dressing room and discussed acting and singing. Acting, he said, was more difficult. He had heard that lots of young men and women venturing into movie work had decided to study acting. “I’m not doing any studying,” he said. “At least not so far as reading or taking lessons goes. I’m learning from experience.”

 

He denied he would sacrifice his singing career for acting. He liked singing too much, he explained. All kinds of singing. “The other night at the Milton Berle show–you know his night- club show–he put on six opera singers,” said Presley. “I flipped my lid. They had great voices, great arrangements.” With regret, he confessed that while he was stationed in Germany with the Army, he had not been to any opera. “I was just too tired at night to go anywhere,” he said sadly.

 

About his own singing, he was more specific. He does not read music, he said. “I just listen to it get played a few times. No one can tell me how you should do this song or that one. I work strictly my own way. If the day ever comes when I listen to anyone else I’ll get mechanical and I’m dead.”

 

He could see no sense in reports that rock ‘n’ roll music was dying and he said it was ridiculous to think that the success of this sort of music was due solely to payola to disk jockeys who plugged rock ‘n’ roll records.

 

“Rock ‘n’ roll music,” he said, “is getting better than ever. The sound engineers are learning more about how to handle the stuff. It couldn’t have been made popular by payola alone. Too many Americans love it. Nope. I don’t see why I should change my singing style right now. Seems pretty foolish to me. Of course,” he added, after a pause during which he squinted carefully up at the ceiling, “if things change I’ll change too. You have to. That’s show business.” Of the eleven songs he has done for “G. I. Blues,” he said that only about three or four were rock ‘n’ roll. “Then I did some medium beat and some ballads.”

 

He stretched. It was good, he said to have a car of his own instead of an Army jeep. “I get up just as early as I used to because I have to make movies.”

 

He grinned broadly. “There’s a little difference now. A little difference in tactics. A little difference in maneuvers.
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