Elvis, Elvis, and more Elvis May 2018 edition

Hello. Welcome.

75 fascinating facts about Elvis Presley COURTESY OF NEWSDAY and edited by yours truly:

1. Elvis is Norse for “all wise.”

2. The Presley family were subjected to a violent tornado in Tupelo, Miss., when Elvis was 15 months old.

3. Research shows that “Elvis” is one of the most popular passwords for computers.

4. When Presley was 2, he wiggled out of his mother’s grip and joined the choir to sing during an Assembly of God Church service.

5. When he was 10, he sang “Old Shep” during am Alabama Mississippi children’s talent show. He finished fifth ** note – many have falsely stated that Elvis won this show but there are conflicting accounts of Elvis placing fifth or sixth

6. At 11, Elvis got a guitar. He really wanted a bicycle (some say a rifle), but his parents couldn’t afford it..

7. Once a boy he was wrestling with broke a hip.

8. The first time Presley recorded, it was (supposedly) for his mothers birthday which is odd as her birthday was not in the near future. He paid $4 to Sun Studio to press two songs – “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin”

9. Elvis recorded anywhere from 600 to 1,200 songs, depending on whether the list includes unfinished works, alternate versions, bootlegged recordings, etc.

10. After Presley’s first TV appearance in 1956, Jackie Gleason said, “The kid has no right behaving like a sex maniac on a national show.” * Note there are conflicting accounts of this with Gleason saying he never said it.

11. Parents got freaked out, too. On Long Island, a 14-year-old girl told the press: “My parents locked up my Elvis records, and my father broke my record player.”

12. Another Long Island teen is captured in a set of iconic Alfred Wertheimer photos in 1956 – the white-gloved girl got out of a cab with her father in midtown Manhattan, saw Presley there, talked to him and broke down crying when he left.

13. Sometimes, Presley would sign autographs on fans’ chest (at their request) – “Elvis” on the left and “Presley” on the right.

14. In 1965, Presley talked about entering a monastery and was a deeply spiritual/religious man and had respect for all faiths.

15. Elvis started wearing a chai necklace because his mother Gladys’ maternal grandmother was Jewish – the reason why he added a Star of David on his mother’s gravestone in the mid-1960s.

16. When asked why he wore the necklace, he said, “I don’t want to miss out on going to heaven on a technicality.”

17. He also is said to have been partly Scottish, Irish, German, Welsh, Cherokee Indian and French.

18. A tartan was created in 2007 for the 30th anniversary of Presley’s death. It contains pink, baby blue, black and gold.

19. Presley’s 1961 hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is set to the melody of “Plaisir D’Amour,” an 18th century French love song.

20. Elvis loved biscuits and gravy, potato cheese soup and meatloaf with mushroom gravy, but he also loved the fat-free, antioxidant-rich, very healthy beefsteak tomato.

21. He hated fish, and wouldn’t allow Priscilla to eat it at Graceland.

22. In Elvis’ later years, primarily while touring, preferred to take sponge baths, using a rag and soap.

23. As a teenager, Presley worked as an usher at Loew’s State movie theater in Memphis.

24. He got to wear another type of uniform when he joined the ROTC in the 10th grade.

25. Elvis was honored by his commanding officer for his “cheerfulness and drive and continually outstanding leadership ability,”.

26. The Germans called Presley “the rock and roll matador” and the Russians called him “a threat to their citizens”

27. He liked to smoke thin German cigars but often had a cigar or cigarette that was not lit hence no smoking.

28. While serving in the Army overseas, Elvis laughed and said that his one disappointment was never meeting Brigitte Bardot.

29. One of Elvis’ movie idol was Tony Curtis, who had black shiny hair.

30. Elvis dyed his hair, starting in 1955-56, and used Miss Clairol 51 D, “Black Velvet.”

31. The first time Presley’s hair was professionally colored, the makeup department at Paramount used “mink brown” to make it look black on screen.

32. Elvis once used black shoe polish when he did it himself.

33. He also dyed his eyelashes, which caused health problems later in life.

34. In between filming 1956’s “Love Me Tender” and 1957’s “Loving You,” Presley had his nose done (he thought the bridge of his nose was too wide), his teeth capped and his acne treated.

35. Several big-time stars say they were influenced by Presley after seeing him perform when they were kids, including Bruce Springsteen, Roy Orbison and Cher.

36. Presley’s 1956 “romance” with Natalie Wood was short-lived, some saying it ended because he was just not that into her.

37. He performed “Unchained Melody” only during the last six months of his life.

38. Some commentators say Elvis’s had a four and a half octave vocal range.

39. Elvis had a slight stutter.

40. Elvis used A&D ointment to keep his lips soft.

41. When he was young, Presley could lose several pounds during a concert.

42. Later in life his weight ballooned to 250 pounds.

43. Presley loved “The Tonight Show,” until Johnny Carson joked about him being “fat and 40.”

44. Presley was said to be as fit as a 21-year-old when he taped the ’68 Comeback Special. He was actually 33.

45. He almost didn’t go onstage the first night taping the NBC show.

46. He recorded 15 songs with the word “blue” in the title.

47. “Queenie Wahini’s Papaya,” “Yoga Is as Yoga Does” and “There’s No Room to Rhumba in a Sports Car” are just some of the strangely titled songs Presley recorded for his movies.

48. In the 1970s, Presley would start every concert with “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” a 19th century Richard Strauss tone poem and the theme of the 1968 movie “2001: A Space Odyssey,” because he liked its rhythm and movements.

49. Viewers in the United Kingdom did not see the worldwide “Aloha From Hawaii” special because the BBC refused to pay the price for the 1972 concert.

50. Presley met the Beatles in 1965 in Elvis’ home in California, although his manager, Col. Tom Parker, had to force him into having them over to his Bel Air, Calif., house.

51. He met Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in 1975, but Wilson says the meeting ended badly when he made an unexpected karate move on Presley after Presley asked him not to.

52. Here’s what Presley and President Richard Nixon said to each other during their 1970 meeting celebrated in the famous photograph: “You dress kind of strange, don’t you?” Nixon said, to which Presley responded, “Well, Mr. President, you got your show, and I got mine.”

53. The meeting was a secret until The Washington Post broke the story about a year later.

54. Presley once gave Muhammad Ali a robe declaring the boxer “The People’s Champion.” (Ali gave Presley gloves that said, “You’re the greatest.”)

55. After receiving a kidnap-assassination threat while performing in Las Vegas which the FBI investigated and warned Elvis not to perform. Elvis decided not to upset the fans and went ahead with the concert appearances but took precautions including a pistol in each of his boots.

56. For his 36th birthday, Presley treated himself to police equipment which was not uncommon throughout his life.

57. In the early 1970s, Presley would impersonate a police officer, driving around with a blue light, long flashlight, a billy club and guns, and pulling people over. Instead of giving out tickets, he would hand drivers autographs but on one occasion broke up a violent fight between two men.

58. During a concert at Nassau Coliseum in 1975, he threw a guitar into the audience, laughed by saying, “Whoever got the guitar can keep the damn thing. I don’t need it, anyway.”

59. Some members of the Memphis Mafia called Presley “Crazy and/or Crazy eyes” as when mad he had an imposing look and physical presence

60. Elvis’ karate name was “Tiger.” and he studied the martial arts from the early 1960’s throughout his life

61. He once broke a woman’s ankle while showing her a karate move at his hotel suite in Las Vegas.

62. Elvis was born under the “dog” sign (astronomical)in Chinese astrology.

63. He was Patrick Swayze’s guardian angel, four psychics told the late actor.

64. Some believe that Parker had the ability to hypnotize Presley, especially before he’d go on stage which everyone of his inner circle said never happened as Elvis was his own man and his own performer. He did not need Colonel Parker to do anything but focus on the business aspects

65. It is believed that Elvis was prescribed about 10,000, thousands were unused, during the later years of his life.

66. When Elvis played Madison Square Garden in 1972, he rented the New York Hilton’s top floor and this concert set a record in sales, and sold out in less than an hour after the tickets became available, a feat (like many) never equalled

67. Minnie Mae Presley, Elvis’ grandmother, lived at Graceland having divorced her husband Jessie Pressley who, upon Elvis getting famous, changed his name to Presley and actually recorded a few songs and appeared on tv.

68. Elvis had a pet turkey. His name was Bowtie.

69. He also owned (including but not limited to) a basset hound, two great Danes, a chow chow, a Pomeranian, several horses, some donkeys, some peacocks and guinea hens, ducks, chickens, a chimpanzee, a monkey and a mynah bird.

70. Elvis, his parents and grandmother aren’t the only ones buried at Graceland. So is his golden palomino quarter horse, Rising Sun one of his two favorite horses.

71. It’s not clear where Scatter, Presley’s pet chimp, is buried (note Michael Jackson, like he did in so many ways, copied Elvis). Some believe the hard-drinking animal died of liver disease; others say he was poisoned by a maid he had bitten.

72. Elvis believed, beginning in his teenage years, that he would die in his 40s, like his mother. In fact Elvis believed his mother Gladys was 42 years old when she died but was really 46 years old. Sadly, Elvis and his mother died in in the month and year being August (Elvis on the 16th of 1977 and Gladys on the 14th of 1958)

73. Elvis’ last words were, “OK, I won’t,” when he assured Ginger Alden, his last girlfriend, that he wouldn’t fall asleep reading in the bathroom.

74. It is estimated that there were about 170 Presley impersonators when he died in 1977. Today, some say there are 250,000. But it is not debatable that Elvis influenced thousands upon thousands of entertainers/music superstars.

75. The first post-death Presley spotting was in Kalamazoo, Mich., where a mother of five told the Weekly World News that she saw him in a grocery store and at a Burger King. This sighting was untrue as Elvis sadly died at his home Graceland in Memphis Tennessee on August 16, 1977 at the young age of 42.

Please share our blog via social media with others. Take care and may God bless you.

January 8, 2017 Elvis Presleys’ 82nd birthday

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remembering those friends/family of Elvis’ that have (sadly) passed away

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).

 

 

 

Underrated Elvis Presley songs

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

 

Lightning in a bottle = Elvis Presley

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

 

Happy 81st birthday Elvis Presley

On January 8, 2016 it will have been 81 years since Elvis Presley was born.

For all the lives he bettered. For all of those he cared for. For all of the great entertainment (i.e. tv, in concert, movies, records, cd’s, dvd’s, downloads, etc.) he created. For all of those he loved. For the millions upon millions of fans. For all of those he worked with. For those, and more, we say “thank you” as well as acknowledge (what would have been) Elvis’ 81st birthday.

Elvis was, point blank, the greatest entertainer who ever lived.

Take care and may God bless you all.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

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)

 

 

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