Greatness.
In spite of how often this is used, and far too much for my liking, greatness is rare but once you see it…you know it. In this case you can see it and hear it all the while Elvis is pushing himself. His 4 and 1/2 octave range never left him and he sang the hell out of this song.
He is in terrible health. He never should of been working but should have been receiving the best health care in the world. I have so much….
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 31, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/07/31/it-both-lifts-my-spirit-and-hurts-the-heart-elvis-last-rendition-of-unchained-melody/
2017 All Rights Reserved authored by Jeffery Schremfs with permission
Over the years I have been asked (literally) thousands of questions about Elvis Presley by quality websites such as; by participants of Quora, Wiki, and others. When I am able I answer them and provide facts that are not commonly known. When I get positive comments, upvotes, responses, emails, etc. I am appreciative as I have never monetized my collection, knowledge, etc. of Elvis Presley. I am a routine fan who has studied Elvis, onstage and off, for (approximately) six decades now.
This is in addition to this blog, http://www.ElvisCollector.info (no ads, no solicitations, no pop-ups, just 100% interesting/rare/unique/cool, http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (100% free Elvis Presley fan forum), and many other blog/sites I interact with.
I take great pride in these works and they have, individually and collectively, been positive distractions from my battles with cancer, PIDD, and I’ve been recently diagnosed with kidney failure aka acute renal insufficiency. Additionally I have hospitalization(s) scheduled for, including but not limited to, mapping of my, swollen – painful – and asymmetrical, lymph nodes and surrounding tissue.
I am very blessed to have good doctors, hospitals, friends, relatives, and other support systems. I have my own beliefs, and faith, in God which has sustained me and man are/were there times when the weight of all these medical/mental/emotional/etc, issues decimated my every breath.
I am also thankful to you. Those who want to know more about Elvis Presley. Those who are just curious, Those who came across this blog by happenstance. Thankful to all of the search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.
You see Elvis’ life, beginning with the death of his identical twin brother who was born first but was “stillborn” (i.e. born dead) and his beloved mother (Gladys) and Father (Vernon) tasked with coming up with a name for their newborn son as they never expected twins, is unique and interesting to say the least. Elvis life was, at various stages, complicated yet simple. If you want to see dirt poor people in the South without means in the 1930s Elvis meets that criteria. If you want to see someone with riches, fancy cars, custom jewerly, his own fleet of cars and a few airplanes to boot Elvis is your man. I can, and will in the future, go on and on.
As a boy (in the 1960’s – man its been a….W H I L E) I started collecting Elvis memorabilia and everyone from my best friends, relatives, minister, neighbors, teachers, etc. knew
I not only collected Elvis related things but was also knowledgeable about the life of Elvis onstage and off. I never believed Elvis was perfect nor did I believe anything other than Elvis was multi talented, worked hard, provided jobs/income for his friends/family, was loyal, and had a world famous temper. I never put him on a pedestal and I had an emphasis on the truth (i.e. from direct sources I had the honor of knowing/speaking with/etc) and context. My Grandfather, who has long passed and I miss very much, gave me many fundamentals/life lessons to adhere to. An example is he used to tell me “the only thing worse than a lie is a half truth”. I was young then but a few years later I learned firsthand just how wise he was and how this saying was spot on. You see when someone lies there are countless ways to cross reference it. But, when someone tells a “half truth” it carries more weight, and thus is harder to disprove because part of it is true and can be corroborated.
Back to Elvis.
Elvis, in context, was a good man who loved the Lord/Jesus/God and not only sang about it but did not back off when asked about his faith. He helped so many in need. He gave of his time. His heart. His talents. His works. His money. He cared and people were drawn to him.
Publicly Elvis did not judge others nor did he disparage other celebrities. An interesting response he gave, to a question (I am summarizing here and from two interviews around the time of his 1972 Madison Square Garden concert in New York, of “do you think other entertainers should speak their minds then “do you belief other entertainers should avoid military service”? Elvis’ response was all Elvis. He said “I’m just an entertainer and I’d rather keep my own views to myself so I’d rather not say”.
It has been a long time since Elvis walked this earth. It was a joy to watch him share his talents. Everything from his hair, to his style, to his clothes, to his laugh, to his biting humor, to his wit, to his photographic memory, to his upbringing of politeness using verbiage such as “yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir” etc.
He owned a luxury home in Hollywood but he called Memphis (Tennessee) his home with his house named “Graceland’. At the time he purchased this home, in the 1950’s it was off the beaten path. It was a southern style mansion with acreage to ride horses. To have pets. To have privacy from the world and always being thankful to the fans who lined up outside the stone wall, and the infamous gates, of Graceland.
He was a “one of a kind” man who left us three decades of excellent works (i.e. movies, songs, albums, videos, dvds, writings, interesting stories, served honorably in the United States Army, and received many achievements throughout his life.
… to be continued
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 15, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/06/15/no-doubt-elvis-presley-part-1-of-3/
The upcoming weeks mark the well deserved federal holiday of Martin Luther King, Jr. “day”. In my opinion Dr. King, Jr. was an incredible leader who put his own well being in jeopardy standing up for not only what was right but to obtain justice for the masses.
I have, on several occasions, read the writings of Dr. King, Jr. and those he wrote while he was in jail (like so many of his writings) were powerful and stirred my emotions. What an incredible leader.
Decades ago I was honored, by marriage, to have stayed in the suite in Washington DC at the Willard Hotel. This was the same suite that Dr. King, Jr. wrote his “I have a dream speech”. Though the wedding took every moment the significance of Dr. King, Jr. being in the same suite was very…humbling. I have great memories of that time, and that love, I (in far too many ways) I took for granted. But, this post is about the connection(s) between Elvis and Dr. King, Jr.
Elvis grew up poor. Elvis never saw one’s color nor did he tolerate those who treated others with anything but respect.
Elvis grew up in the church moved by preachings, the choir, and the church filled. Elvis grew up a southerner and endured everything that being a southern man, at the period in history, entails. Elvis loved the church and was a deeply spiritual man. The same can be said of Dr. King, Jr.
Several firsthand accounts confirm that Elvis had respect, and admiration, for Dr. King, Jr. and his non-violent approach.
On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered by a coward. And he was murdered in Elvis’ beloved city of Memphis in Tennessee which upset Elvis greatly. One would think that living in the 1960’s, which I did and all the turmoil and the decade had earlier brought the murder of America’s President John F. Kennedy and months after Dr. Kings’ death came the murder of Robert Kennedy, that “nothing would be shocking” as the country was “numb” by back to back killings bringing anger and uncertainty. But, when it came to the death of Dr. King, Jr. millions of people then and now mourn and that includes this writer.
During the 1960’s Elvis was locked into movie contracts which played out to be approximately three per year. Not many people know that Elvis had to star in movies regardless of the quality, or lack of, the scripts. Elvis had no say over the movies he starred in and the 1960’s were, in many instances, frustrating for Elvis.
Elvis was presented with an opportunity to have a TV special that would air around the Christmas season in 1968. I have written about aspects concerning this special in great detail so what I will say now is that Elvis, with the guidance of the talented producer/director, realized that this was the chance for him to return to a live audience (which he was kept from for approximately 8 years) as well as showcase his first love in entertainment and that was singing/performing.
When the time came, after great momentum, for Elvis to decide how to end the TV Special, which would be sponsored by the Singer sewing company and titled “Elvis”, Elvis wanted to express his feelings. His pulse. His sensitivity. His release from years of pent up anger/frustration. Elvis shared this with Walter Earl Brown, a great song writer, and together they used direct quotes of Dr. Kings, they came up with one of the greatest songs in the world…”if I can dream”.
Not only was the song beautiful but Elvis poured his heart and soul into the song. There are two versions of this song from the 68 special and one was Elvis in front of the audience in black leather and he never looked, or sounded, better. The other was Elvis, dressed in a white 1960’s fashionable suit, singing in front of large red lit letters that spelled out “E L V I S”. The version of Elvis in white is my personal favorite version of this song. I encourage everyone to watch Elvis performing this song and affirm that, with every pore and vocal inflection, Elvis shared a soulful message with the viewing audience all the while paying respect and love to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The TV ratings were a success and catapulted Elvis back into superstardom as a singer/performer. Out of the thousands of songs Elvis knew, and he had a photographic memory, he could not of picked a better song than “if I can dream”. I believe it is one of Elvis’ greatest performances and certainly was a meaningful song for him as a man and as an entertainer.
It is hard, at times, for me to believe that it has been 49 years since Dr. King, Jr. took breath upon this earth. And it has been, as of August 16th of this year (i.e. 2017), 40 years since Elvis took his last breath. Both of these men had failures, shortcomings, and regrets but they were both wholly unique and they rose to infamy for what they stood for – what they believed – and how they chose to live their lives. I miss them both and my prayers are always with the family, and loved ones, of these great men.
Take care and God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 15, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/01/15/elvis-presley-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-january-2017/
I don’t know why but as the years pass by I find myself often reflecting and, in between having a permanent broken heart and missing/loving/wanting the best for/etc my children, yearning for days gone by when Elvis was filling stadiums and his songs fluttered on the airways.
Now it is January 8, 2017 and the 82nd anniversary of the day he was born. Man, in a few years it will be MORE YEARS PAST THAN ELVIS PRESLEY EVER LIVED. The math on this is that Elvis was 42 years old when he died. As of today it has been 39 years since he (sadly) passed away (August 16, 1977). So, in the next few years it will 43 years since Elvis died versus the 42 years he lived. What a loss. What a…loss.
Graceland, and Priscilla and Lisa Marie, will (in all probability) have a week of acknowledgement filled with events as fans gather from around the world. His beloved home, Graceland, will be open and there will be candle light vigils in remembrance. The tree, whose branch expectantly broke while the members of the “Memphis mafia” were in a car during his funeral/mourning, will still be there as is the wall that fans have been writing on since the 1950’s.
I have Elvis’ music, and other eclectic singers, in every “listening device” including the albums and 45’s (which I have two record players but I don’t want to damage the records which was not the case when I was a child/young man/younger/etc. as I played the grooves off each Elvis record I could get my hands on. Man, what a…loss.
As 2017 rolled around I was heavy hearted thinking about all of the people who (sadly) passed away that were; related to, loved by, trusted by, worked with, etc. Elvis. The same is true with others in the entertainment industry whose passing were worldwide news. But, Elvis had an uncanny ability to surround himself, individually and collectively, with people of quality. Of great intellect and personality. Of being grounded and unique. With sadness, yet respect, I have put their names in memorandum on http://www.ElvisCollector.info. I hope to add much more content to these special people.
While I created http://www.ElvisCollector.info with hesitation and with nothing other than a positive distraction for me far removed from my cancer treatment(s) and my divorce but most of all from the nightmare that is custody/visitation issues. My heart goes out to the children of divorce as well as their parents and loved ones. Back to http://www.ElvisCollector.info.
I have been amazed at how many people visit http://www.ElvisCollector.info each day. Each month. Each year. At one point I put “digital pins” on a “digital map of the world” on my laptop(s). The pins were red and the map was white outlined in black. Before the month was out the red pins were in (literally) every corner of the world. To make things even more joyous the site was ranked, in about 70 different categories, number 1 in many search engines.
I added site content and decided to put “never seen before” photographs along with cool and unique; videos, audio files, photographs, documents, handwriting, personal possessions, etc. pertaining to Elvis. But, I had a few “non-negotiable s” such as; I would not allow anything about Lisa Marie (out of respect as she has her own forums to do so if she wants), I would not allow anything about anyone Elvis dated other than Priscilla (this was a hard decision for me as so many of those Elvis dated are INCREDIBLE people including Linda Thompson, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Kathy Westmoreland, etc.) for the same reason pertaining to Lisa Marie, I would not allow anything to be sold/offered for sale, I would not allow any ads, I would not allow any pop-ups, I would put things on the site that were interesting to me, I would write original stories/articles about Elvis onstage and off, I would put an emphasis on the visual (photographs, videos, etc.), I would put Elvis’ life onstage and off told by FACTS and in context, and I would keep the format simple yet compelling.
I also wanted fans to know about other sites, and person(s) (including but not limited to Russ Howe, Paul Litcher, Phil Arnold, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Sandi Pichon, Marty Lacker, Alanna Nash, etc.), about Elvis. Now, I have very high standards, as has been the case since the late 60’s, but these sites/people are truly deserving to be recognized. I hope people check out every site/person listed as they are worth the “click” and the “time”.
Well, I’m off to knock out a few chores/errands but here are a few cool things that I hope your enjoy.
Please visit, and share via social media and verbally, http://www.ElvisCollector.info and http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (please BOOKMARK as the name is sooooo long and typing it over and over will give you carpal tunnel) the Elvis Presley forum that is 100% free to join. Please note that the forum is still in the “beta testing” realm and hopefully 2017 will be the year it is up to par with my expectations.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Take care and may God bless you and yours always.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/01/08/january-8-2017-elvis-presleys-82nd-birthday/
It is with a heavy heart that I learned that Joe Esposito died on November 23, 2016 at the age of 78.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, friends, etc.. May God grant them time to mourn. Time to heal (as best as is humanly possible). And always recall/remember the acts, passions, simple gestures, etc. of Joe Esposito.
Elvis Presley met Joe while in the US Army in 1958 and their friendship grew with Elvs ultimately offering Joe a job working with Elvis upon their discharge(s) in 1960. And during Elvis wedding in 1967 he was “co best man” with Marty Lacker who is a priceless asset to the Elvis Presley community worldwide along with being an exceptional man with an exceptional family.
Joe Esposito was one of the “Memphis Mafia” the nickname given to Elvis’ entourage during the 1960’s.
We will be adding (sadly) this information to our Elvis Presley website http://www.ElvisCollector.info along with so many other quality individuals who have (sadly) passed away over the years.
There are those living who Elvis loved, cared for, befriended, trusted, etc. They are including but not limited to; Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Kathy Westmoreland, etc. I encourage everyone to seek these individuals out. To support them in all of their professional endeavors. To let them know how much you appreciate their firsthand accounts of being with Elvis onstage and off for decades. To promote healing within the Elvis Presley community so that we can cherish/focus on the facts, good and not so good, about Elvis the man and Elvis the performer.
Joe Esposito you will be missed. But, you will never be forgotten.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 25, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/25/joe-esposito-elvis-friend-died-november-23-2016/
RARE handwriting, with signature, of Elvis Presley. Photo courtesy of Mr. Jeffrey Schrembs.
On our website, http://www.ElvisCollector.info, we have a page entitled “about us”. On this page we pay homage to those who were close to Elvis and have (sadly) passed away. Needless to say, our eternal thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones, family, friends, etc.
We hope to add more information about this, individually and collectively, exceptional people on our website as quality content (i.e. rare, unique, cool, exclusive, original articles by the Elvis Presley collector Jeff Schrembs).
Please excuse the wierd font and spacing below.
In no specific order they are (note on http://www.ElvisCollector.info we have photographs of each person so please check it out and share this blog, and our websites, via social media);
CONDOLENCES, RESPECT, APPRECIATION, LOVE, and PRAYERS ALWAYS TO:
the friends, the family members, and the love ones concerning Todd Morgan (of EPE) who passed away at the age of 45 on March 1, 2008.
I had the HONOR of befriending Todd dating back to his first few years at EPE during the 1980s. Todd was a WONDERFUL – HONEST – HARDWORKING – PROFESSIONAL. He was a TREMENDOUS asset to EPE and he will be missed…forever.
Our heartfelt thanks, prayers, and thoughts (eternally) go out to your loved ones, friends, and family members as well. We will never forget the relationships you had with Elvis and we say “thank you” for any/all contributions you have made (i.e. verbally, in writing, in person, on the radio, on TV, in book form, on DVD, on CD, etc.) concerning the life (onstage and off) of Elvis Presley.
In no specific order we remember now; Elvis Aron Presley,
Vernon Elvis Presley (Elvis’ Father), Gladys Love Presley (Elvis’ beloved Mother), Minnie Mae
Presley (aka: Dodger Elvis Grandmother and Vernon’s’ Mother), Jesse
Garon Presley (Elvis’ twin brother born before Elvis as a “stillborn child”),
Charlie Hodge (Elvis’ friend and his onstage “right hand man who gave Elvis his water and his scarfs”), JD Sumner (Elvis loved his deep voice and is credited with hitting the
“lowest note” ever recorded who also sang back up with Elvis onstage for years via JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet) and Lamar Fike (who passed away January 22,
2011 at the age of 75) who was Elvis’ beloved friend of (approx.) twenty years and was Elvis’
“lighting manager” for Elvis’ Concerts and a source/recipient of Elvis’ humor.
Janelle McComb (who passed away July 25, 2005 at the age of 84). From EPE – Janelle McComb died on July 25 in Tupelo due to a congestive heart failure. Janelle was a friend of the Presley family since Elvis was four years old and remained close to Priscilla and Lisa Marie. As far as know, Janelle was 84 years old and was the driving force behind the Tupelo Youth Center, the renovation of the birthplace, the construction of the museum and the Elvis memorial Chapel. Janelle possessed a treasure of letters, notes and pictures from Elvis, which were never made public.Few fans know that Janelle was a gifted writer herself. For Lisa’s 4th birthday, she wrote a poem, called The Priceless Gift. Elvis was so touched by it, that tears filled his eyes. In fact, he was so impressed that he commissioned a second poem in 1976, this time as a Christmas gift for his father. One year later, shortly after Elvis had passed away, it was Vernon’s turn to call on Janelle, and ask her if she could write a poem for the gravestone. Janelle did, and it’s that poem that millions of fans all over the world have read in the Meditation Garden. Later, when the Eternal Flame was installed,
Now (i.e. Thursday October 27, 2011) Patti Parry (sadly) has
died. Patti was a beloved, and trusted, trusted friend to Elvis for 17 years. Patti, like so many
unique and talented people associated with Elvis will be (forever); missed, mourned, celebrated for
their lives, and loved.
John Wilkinson John Wilkerson died, on January 11, 2013 at age 67, after battling cancer. John was a remarkably talented musician and played with Elvis for nine years and up to Elvis’ death in August of 1977.
Al Wertheimer died on October 20, 2014. Mr. Wertheimer was a professional photographer who captured exceptional photographs of Elvis in 1956. In this photo he is holding his most famous Elvis photograph entitled “the kiss”.
Millie Kirkham died on December 14, 2014. Millie, the angelic soprano, began recording with Elvis during the Blue Christmas session in 1957. Millie worked with Elvis in the 1960s on various movie soundtracks. When Elvis returned to live performing he reached out to Millie, who was a Nashville staple of excellence, to join him in Las Vegas. She accepted and her beautiful voice, and talents, were showcased during the 1970 documentary That’s The Way It Is.
Joe Guercio died on January 6, 2015. Joe was not only the conductor of the orchestra during Elvis’ live appearances from 1970 until 1977 but also a trusted friend of Elvis.
Alan E. Fortas died on September 23, 1992. Elvis and Alan became friends after Alan was introduced to Elvis at Graceland in Memphis in 1955. Alan worked with Elvis from 1956 through 1968. Alan was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to be captured on film for the 1968 Singer Special entitled Elvis. This special is known as the “comeback special” the “68 special”, etc. Alan left Elvis’ employ in 1968 due to the burdens of travel but he remained friends with Elvis throughout Elvis’ life.
Joe Moscheo died on January 11, 2016 at the age of 79. Joe not only was a friend of Elvis’ since 1966 but was a part of the group “the Imperials” who sang backup to Elvis during Elvis’ initial concerts in Las Vegas from 1969 until 1972. He, and the Imperials, also were on many of Elvis’ recordings during these time periods.
SCOTTY MOORE – he (sadly) died on June 28, 2016 at the age of 84 in his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Scotty Moore, in this 1955 promo photo is on Elvis’ RIGHT (picture circa 1955). Scotty Moore was an established professional musician with a hard work ethic and was a very good guitar player in high demand. Scotty Moore played with Elvis, and Scottys friend and bandmate Bill Back, from Elvis’ first professional recording session at Sun Records in Memphis Tennessee which was owned by Sam Phillips. The first jam session, with Elvis – Scotty – Bill, did not go well and after Elvis left (disappointed as he knew he could do way better) Sam asked Scotty “what do you think”? and Scotty responded with a “he has a good voice but he is raw but he knows a lot of songs of all kinds. Sam asked Scotty if he would be willing to get together with Elvis and Bill again in a few days. Sam knew that Scotty would not waste his time, as he had a job and a band and a wife, and Scotty said “yes”. It was at that second session where Elvis, with Scotty and Bill, changed music and culture…forever. Also, Scotty Moore was Elvis’ first official manager.
They, individually and collectively, will never forgotten as they remain forever in each of our hearts
and we miss them daily.
We continue to have the family members, friends, and loved ones of each of these individuals in our
thoughts and prayers. May God allow you the time to heal and may your pain be gradually replaced
with fond memories now…and each day hereafter. May there come a day when all of us will be
reunited on the “other side” and what a glorious day that will be.
We encourage everyone to reach out, support, give thanks to, thank their family members, etc. those who were close to Elvis onstage and off for they were firsthand witnesses and they are priceless assets to the Elvis Presley community. Thank you.
Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.
http://www.ElvisCollector.info (the premier Elvis Presley website)
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (the premier Elvis Presley fan forum in beta testing phase).
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 18, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/18/remembering-those-friendsfamily-of-elvis-that-have-sadly-passed-away/
1969 was a great year for Elvis Presley personally, physically, mentally, and professionally.
Elvis’ 1968 Singer TV Special entitled “Elvis” had the highest TV ratings of the year. Elvis showcased his magnetism and his four and a half octave vocal range with ease. The show contained Elvis singing; some of his prior hits, gospel, and one of the greatest songs/performances when he ended the show with “If I Can Dream” dressed in a white suit giving his all in a powerful and emotionally moving way.
I am “young” enough to remember watching this special on TV (note: I have been a diehard Elvis Presley fan for six decades now) and Elvis was simply…amazing. I could not wait to be able to purchase the album that contained songs from the TV special.
In 1969 Elvis had been married for (approximately) two years to Priscilla who he met in 1960 while stationed in Germany during his US Army tenure (i.e. 1958 – 1960). He and Priscilla were blessed to have a beautiful baby girl (approximately) the year before. Elvis had years of pent up frustration with the lack of quality songs he was given to record. Elvis was in peak physcial condition and he radiated sex appeal.
Via YouTube here is Elvis’ (audio) of his first live perfomance in (approximately) nine years. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. Even after all these years Elvis’ singing is unrivaled.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 14, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/14/elvis-return-to-live-appearances-circa-1969-courtesy-of-youtube-audio/
IN MY WAY recorded by Elvis Presley.
This is a simple, thoughtful, and hauntingly beautiful song.
Enjoy
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 29, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/01/29/underrated-elvis-presley-songs/
Like many of the “baby boomers”, talk about an oxymoron because I feel anything other than babyish man age is a …., Elvis Presley made new records – toured throughout the United States – had movies that first ran in theatres and then on TV (yes we had THREE total TV stations growing up and everyone of them cut off at 11pm – those were the days) – and his music played on radio stations.
Inasmuch as I have a great knowledge, and affinity, for Elvis Presley the person (disclaimer – as much as you can learn from studying something for 6 decades with an emphasis on first had sources) Elvis was “lightning in a bottle” onstage.
Man he didn’t sound like nobody. He didn’t move like anybody. He didn’t walk like anybody. He didn’t look like anybody. He didn’t sing like anybody. He wasn’t raised like anybody. He was Elvis and he was wholly unique.
Throughout Elvis’ school years he went to dances/proms but never danced. He told his dates “I don’t like to dance and/or I can’t dance”. Since he was Elvis, even then, I think he could have said anything and the dance/prom would have been thrilling/enjoyable for his dates. And yet onstage he moved with passion. With rhythm With grace, With melody. He moved and his voice sounded as good if not better live than his recordings. Another rare charistic.
This day is Elvis’ 81st birthday. My prayers go out to Lisa Marie, Graceland, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Sandi Pichon, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, and all of his loved ones and relatives for they shared their lives with Elvis as well as hopes and dreams. They, as did their families, rode the waves of Elvis’ greatest successes – his setbacks – his mood swings – his fears, etc. There is a true sacrifice, on many levels that last a lifetime, even when it comes to Elvis Presley.
My prayers go out to the loved ones, friends of, relatives of, those who knew Elvis and have (sadly) passed away. Out of respect we have honored them by name on our site http://www.ElvisCollector.info but their contribution to Elvis’ life, and that of his fans, is as alive today as it was when Elvis breathed upon this earth.
If you want to know about Elvis you can watch many of his candid interviews, concerts, TV appearances, etc. One of my favorites is Elvis That’s The Way It Is followed by Elvis’ 1968 Singer TV Special entitled “Elvis”.
If you want to learn about the complicated and multi talented man I highly recommend seeking out, and supporting, these people: Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, and the author of several exemplary books about Elvis by Alanna Nash. There are also some great Elvis Presley websites, many are listed on our site http://www.ElvisCollector.info under the “links” page, and include Phil Arnold at http://www.Elvisblog.net and Russ Howe who knew Elvis personally and has been apart of many successful endeavors about Elvis.
As I end this post I am thankful to everyone who takes the time to visit this blog and our affiliated sites as well as our Officially recognized by Graceland Elvis Presley Fan Club of Elvis Collector Worldwide Fan Club.
As much as I know about Elvis it is nothing compared to the multi-talented and diametrical strong presence named Elvis Presley onstage and off. But I have enjoyed his music since I was a child and I share my insights herein.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisColectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/01/08/lightning-in-a-bottle-elvis-presley/
The Elvis Expert 