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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Presley & Christmas (by Jeffrey Schrembs)

The photograph above is a very rare Christmas card from Elvis and his infamous home…Graceland. This Christmas card is one of many that I have but it is among my favorite(s). There is no doubt that Elvis was proud of Graceland and loved spending Christmas there.

Christmas, and the weeks leading up to, was Elvis’ favorite time of the year. He loved the decorations, the smiles on others faces, the gracious acts of people during this time of year, buying presents for others, reflecting back on the year and looking forward to the next, and most of all having; friends, loved ones, relatives, etc. with him to share memories – love – time and more.

To those who were able to look upon Graceland, especially from the years of 1966 through 1973, the tasteful decorations – the lights – and the beauty would literally cause cars passing by to brake and the passengers look in wonder. It was a beautiful sight to behold and Elvis took great pride in illuminating Graceland and he never grew tired of driving through the gates of Graceland winding up towards his home looking at the spectacle of lights.

Even during the saddest Christmas of his life, which was Christmas of 1958 as his mother had died a few months earlier on August 14, 1958, Elvis still found the time to think about others and try to make it a special time…for others.

Interestingly, though Elvis is the most successful recording artist ever (note: in many categories including pertaining to Christmas songs (i.e. total album sales, total single sales, number of hits on Billboard, etc.) the music playing at Elvis’ home were those of other artists such as; Dean Martin, Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, and others.

Here is a summary of Elvis’ Christmas Songs:

Elvis recorded his first Christmas album in sessions of September 5 – 7, 1957 at Radio Recorders in Hollywood entitled “Elvis’ Christmas Album” and was released in October 1957. Content included Christmas hymns, secular Christmas songs and non-holiday gospel numbers. It initially hit #1 for 4 weeks on Billboard’s pop album chart and revisited the chart due to strong sales in subsequent holiday seasons through 1962.

It was repackaged with a new cover in 1958. There were other reissues with altered content and cover later on.

Working the sessions with Elvis were Scotty Moore (guitar), Bill Black (bass), D. J. Fontana (drums), Dudley Brooks (piano), and backing vocalists The Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham. These sessions were Millie’s first work with Elvis, who, ever the gentleman, took special care to see to her comfort because she was seven months pregnant at the time.

Millie performed a soprano obbligato (in a “winter wind” sort of effect) behind Elvis’ lead on the song “Blue Christmas”, a song that over the years would become synonymous with Elvis and Christmas. During the session, song writers Leiber and Stoller wrote for Elvis a song called “Christmas Blues”.

 By the end of the session it was renamed “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” and it became another famous Elvis Christmas song. Material unrelated to the Christmas album was also recorded at these sessions.

Elvis recorded a second Christmas album called “Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas” in sessions of May 15 -21, 1971 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. It was released October of 1971. Players were James Burton (guitar), Chip Young (guitar), Charlie Hodge (guitar), Norbert Putnam (bass), Jerry Carrigan (drums), Larry Londin (drums), Kenneth Buttrey (drums), David Briggs (piano), Imperials member Joe Moscheo (piano), Elvis Presley (piano), Glen Spreen (organ), and Charlie McCoy (organ, harmonica and percussion).

Backing vocalists were The Imperials, June Page, Millie Kirkham, Ginger Holiday and Temple Riser. For this album producer Felton Jarvis attempted to set the Christmas mood in May by having the studio decorated with a tree and empty boxes beautifully wrapped. Elvis even brought gifts for everyone, presenting each with engraved gold bracelets that said “Elvis ’71″.

I hope that you enjoyed this article and may God bless you all.

Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
2012 All Rights Reserved

Happy Thanksgiving 2012 from Jeff Schrembs

Personally, and on behalf of everyone at www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org, www.ElvisCollector.info, I wanted to say THANK YOU and wish everyone a; wonderful, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving.

To our military, and their loved ones/family members, THANK YOU for your service to our Country.

To my children, family, loved ones, and friends, please know that: I love you, I miss you, I pray for you, I long to see you, I want only the best for you, and you are always on my mind…and in my heart.

May God bless you all.

Jeff Schrembs

Elvis Presley Billboard Top 20 Hits (during his lifetime)

Heartbreak Hotel
1
1956
I Was the One
19
1956
Blue Suede Shoes
20
1956
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
1
1956
Don’t Be Cruel
1
1956
Hound Dog
1
1956
Love Me Tender
1
1956
Anyway You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)
20
1956
When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
19
1956
Love Me
2
1957
Too Much
1
1957
All Shook Up
1
1957
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
1
1957
Loving You
20
1957
Jailhouse Rock
1
1957
Treat Me Nice
18
1957
Don’t
1
1957
I Beg of You
8
1957
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
2
1958
Doncha’ Think It’s Time
15
1958
Hard Headed Woman
1
1958
One Night
4
1958
I Got Stung
8
1958
(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such As I
2
1959
I Need Your Love Tonight
4
1959
A Big Hunk O’ Love
1
1959
My Wish Came True
12
1959
Stuck On You
1
1960
Fame and Fortune
17
1960
It’s Now or Never
1
1960
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
1
1960
I Gotta Know
20
1960
Surrender
1
1961
Flaming Star
14
1961
I Feel So Bad
5
1961
Little Sister
5
1961
(Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame
4
1961
Can’t Help Falling in Love
2
1961
Good Luck Charm
1
1962
Follow That Dream
15
1962
She’s Not You
5
1962
Return to Sender
2
1962
One Broken Heart for Sale
11
1963
(You’re the) Devil in Disguise
3
1963
Boss Nova Baby
8
1963
Kissin’ Cousins
12
1964
Such a Night
16
1964
Ask Me
12
1964
Ain’t That Lovin’ You, Baby
16
1964
Crying in the Chapel
3
1965
(Such an) Easy Question
11
1965
I’m Yours
11
1965
Puppet on a String
14
1965
Love Letters
19
1966
If I Can Dream
12
1968
In the Ghetto
3
1969
Suspicious Minds
1
1969
Don’t Cry, Daddy/Rubberneckin’
6
1969
Kentucky Rain
16
1970
The Wonder of You/Mama Liked the Roses
9
1970
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me/Patch It Up
11
1970
Burning Love
2
1972
Separate Ways
20
1972
Streamroller Blues/Fool
17
1973
If You Talk in Your Sleep
17
1973
Promised Land
14
1974
My Boy
20
1975
Way Down
18
1977

 

Elvis Presley Billboard Top 20 Hits (during his lifetime)

Heartbreak Hotel
1
1956
I Was the One
19
1956
Blue Suede Shoes
20
1956
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
1
1956
Don’t Be Cruel
1
1956
Hound Dog
1
1956
Love Me Tender
1
1956
Anyway You Want Me (That’s How I Will Be)
20
1956
When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
19
1956
Love Me
2
1957
Too Much
1
1957
All Shook Up
1
1957
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
1
1957
Loving You
20
1957
Jailhouse Rock
1
1957
Treat Me Nice
18
1957
Don’t
1
1957
I Beg of You
8
1957
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
2
1958
Doncha’ Think It’s Time
15
1958
Hard Headed Woman
1
1958
One Night
4
1958
I Got Stung
8
1958
(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such As I
2
1959
I Need Your Love Tonight
4
1959
A Big Hunk O’ Love
1
1959
My Wish Came True
12
1959
Stuck On You
1
1960
Fame and Fortune
17
1960
It’s Now or Never
1
1960
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
1
1960
I Gotta Know
20
1960
Surrender
1
1961
Flaming Star
14
1961
I Feel So Bad
5
1961
Little Sister
5
1961
(Marie’s the Name of) His Latest Flame
4
1961
Can’t Help Falling in Love
2
1961
Good Luck Charm
1
1962
Follow That Dream
15
1962
She’s Not You
5
1962
Return to Sender
2
1962
One Broken Heart for Sale
11
1963
(You’re the) Devil in Disguise
3
1963
Boss Nova Baby
8
1963
Kissin’ Cousins
12
1964
Such a Night
16
1964
Ask Me
12
1964
Ain’t That Lovin’ You, Baby
16
1964
Crying in the Chapel
3
1965
(Such an) Easy Question
11
1965
I’m Yours
11
1965
Puppet on a String
14
1965
Love Letters
19
1966
If I Can Dream
12
1968
In the Ghetto
3
1969
Suspicious Minds
1
1969
Don’t Cry, Daddy/Rubberneckin’
6
1969
Kentucky Rain
16
1970
The Wonder of You/Mama Liked the Roses
9
1970
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me/Patch It Up
11
1970
Burning Love
2
1972
Separate Ways
20
1972
Streamroller Blues/Fool
17
1973
If You Talk in Your Sleep
17
1973
Promised Land
14
1974
My Boy
20
1975
Way Down
18
1977

 

Heartaches in the life of Elvis Presley (by Jeff Schrembs)

Far too many people, articles, DVDs, online posts, and TV commentary put an emphasis on (a) how Elvis died and/or (b) factually incorrect assumptions about how he lived the last few years of his life.

 

Though Elvis gained wealth beyond imagination, worldwide fame, success in every aspect of the entertainment fields (i.e. singing, TV appearances, life performances, movies, etc.), and a legacy that will endure having been burned into the pages of history what is commonly overlooked it the great amount of sadness and heartache he endured from the moment of his birth through the last days of his life and in-between.

 

I could write a lengthy book about this topic but here are some notable facts:

 

1.    Elvis was born after his twin brother, who was born first, died at birth (i.e. stillborn). Having heard about this, and seeing how much it pained his mother and father, throughout his childhood it made a lasting impression on Elvis and saddened him greatly.

 

2.    Elvis Mother, Gladys Love (Smith) Presley, was pregnant with a child AFTER Elvis was born but (sadly) miscarried. She was told she could never have a child again so Elvis would be her only living child.

 

3.    Elvis’ Father, Vernon Elvis Presley, spent time in jail (note: he made FULL restitution, did his time, learned from this, and never was in any type of trouble with authorities again) and Elvis recalled how this devastated his mother.

 

4.    Elvis had many ailments as a child including, but not limited to, the following: asthma, chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, sleep walking (and numerous times he just missed being killed by passing cars as he slept walked), acne, and heart palpitations.

 

5.    Elvis was born into, and grew up, extremely poor monetarily. He knew what it was like to go without food, heat, shelter, food, and seeing his parents do everything they could to provide for him and yet they always lived “day to day”.

 

6.    Elvis grew up knowing he was “different” and this affected his social interaction with other children. Fortunately, around the age of 11 his confidence in himself – his appearance – and his abilities increased.

 

7.    Elvis grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and he was thankful to have the opportunity to audition for the Grand Ole Opry but he was REJECTED. Elvis never forgot this rejected but he used this as fuel to perform, and record, and he “proved them wrong”.

 

8.    During the height of his fame, and popularity, he was drafted into the US Army (i.e. December of 1957). As he had only been out of the United States once, to go to Canada, he was overwhelmed with the reality of living in another Country. However, Elvis turned down all offers to enter into the “celebrity entertainment” branch of the service (i.e. where he would go to bases/events and sing for his fellow enlisted men) and was honorably discharged from the US Army.

 

9.    Elvis going into the Army had an adverse effect on his mother. She became very sick and was hospitalized in August of 1958. When Elvis was told about this he immediately asked for an emergency medical leave of absence and it was denied. He had to threaten to go AWOL, and to the press, before he was finally granted leave.

 

10.   Upon arriving at the hospital, where his mother was at, her spirits improved. Elvis was exhausted and was told to go to Graceland to rest. Shortly after arriving at Graceland his mother’s condition worsened and she (sadly) died on August 14, 1958 at the age (Elvis believed throughout his life) of 42. However, his mother actually died at the age of 46.

11.  During his 2 year term in the US Army he worried about his career and had real doubts about his “comeback”.

 

12.  From 1960 until 1969 Elvis was contractually obligated to make motion pictures/movies. With each passing year, with a few exceptions, the quality of the movie scripts lessened to such an extent that it made Elvis physically sick and bothered him mentally and emotionally.

 

13.  Elvis was offered, by Barbara Streisand, the costarring role in the remake of “A Star Is Born”. Elvis was excited to act in a real movie with a great script/cast. Colonel Parker was unable to reach an agreement and Elvis was devastated.

 

14.  A song entitled “I Will Always Love You” was brought to Elvis and he loved the song and wanted to record it. This song was written by Dolly Parton and later made infamous by Whitney Houston. Similarly to what happened in “A Star Is Born” Colonel Parker was unable to reach an agreement. Elvis had felt, starting in 1972, that the lack of quality songs he was being presented – and thus able to record – bothered him immensely.

 

15.   When Elvis’ wife, Priscilla, told Elvis that she was moving out of Graceland and wanted a divorce he was overwhelmed with emotions. He, at first begged her to reconsider, and then when he found out she was “seeing” another man (i.e. Mike Stone who Elvis had paid to be her Karate instructor) he was…furious. The hurt that Elvis endured, knowing that his marriage had failed and this his beloved daughter Lisa Marie would grow up without both of her parents being in love/happy/together/married/etc. (literally) broke his heart and adversely affected him every day thereafter.

 

16.   Starting from (about) 1975-1977 Elvis’ finances dwindled when compared to his actual worth and the amounts earned off his recordings, appearances, likeness, etc. Two of Elvis’ oldest friends, who had worked with him for three decades, wrote a book entitled “Elvis What Happened” which disclosed the fact that Elvis had been taking prescription drugs and was addicted to them and in some cases was abusing them. Even though Elvis had very real physical, mental, and emotional medical issues – which took their toll on him in every way (including his moods and weight) – Elvis was angry about this book and feared how it would affect his daughter Lisa Marie (first and foremost) and (secondly) his fans. Note: Elvis loved two of the men who wrote this book and they loved him. It is, was, and forever will be regrettable that they were not able, during Elvis’ lifetime, to work things out and make amends.

 

17.   Being in terrible shape physically, mentally, and emotionally Elvis kept his word and allowed the filming (in 1977) of his life performance. Elvis, who should have been allowed to rest – recover – obtain necessary medical care – obtain addiction therapy – and not be subjected to the monetary/financial pressure of having to perform. Knowing that the fans had heard of the book, and the press was increasingly making fun of his weight, Elvis nonetheless took the stage and showcased his incredibly voice. LISTENING to these songs, even these 35 years later, that Elvis sang on what is known as “Elvis CBS Special 1977” is a estimate to his vocal range and power. However, when WATCHING the video it is hard to keep looking at as Elvis was (sadly) in such bad shape. But, he gave his all to his fans knowing he would be mocked, and criticized, and for that (and all the other great accomplishments he achieved) Elvis should be respected, appreciated, and his life put into context.

 

I hope you enjoyed this article.

 

Take care and may God bless you.

 

Jeff Schrembs

 

An open letter to Lisa Marie August 17, 2012 by Jeffrey Schrembs

August 17, 2012

Dear Lisa Marie:

35 years ago, and 1 day, you lost your Father and no one will ever know the pains you have had to endure/bear all these years.

Throughout the years I have seen a constant division between certain family members, and members of the Memphis Mafia, and EPE. This was a topic and I routinely discussed with my friend, who (sadly) died before his time, Todd Morgan who rose through the ranks at EPE. I would never disclose the specifics of our conversations but he respected my opinion as I did his.

Over the past few years we have lost so many of those who Elvis; loved, worked with, befriended, trusted, etc. With each passing day the remaining members of the Memphis Mafia, as we all do, grow older and the loss of their friend (i.e. Elvis Presley) never…diminishes. There is no doubt that they, individually and collectively, loved Elvis and carry with them regrets.

I have always believed that events in ones’ life, or a series of events, should ALWAYS be put in context. That people can disagree and yet respect one another. That loving, and caring for, our “fellow man” is not just applicable to those nearby or that we are related to or that ended up on the right side of a position. I have had the utmost respect for Elvis’ charitable endeavors and I am proud to know that you, Lisa Marie, have carried on with giving of your time – your heart – and monetarily.

I ask you now, Lisa Marie and EPE, to please consider that (literally) millions of Elvis Fans Worldwide would like, as would I, to see each member of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, and each member of their immediate family, etc.) formally recognized – appreciated – respected – and embraced by you and EPE. I ask this not because of any “gain” on my part but that time is never guaranteed and that there needs to be true healing between the parties (publicly and privately).

I wish that you never had to grow up without your Father. I wish that God had granted Elvis more time so that he truly knew how much he meant to all of us…and future generations. That he was given time to heal (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.). That he was able to spend more time with you. That he was given the respect, and appreciation, he earned and deserved from the “critics” and “award nominating agencies”.

Some of my most cherished photos, of your Father, is not him onstage but reaching out to hold a child – visiting children in a hospital – bringing a little blind girl onstage – smiling while hugging a child with cancer – and/or kissing an elderly woman and thus bringing an immediate smile to her face. These “acts of kindness” come from the heart and Elvis had, among other things, a huge heart and the world was better off for it. I have always stated that there is honor in kindness – honor in forgiveness – and honor in giving others another chance. In accordance with these genuine gestures I now have authored this open letter to you.

I have lived long enough to know the beauty of a simple gesture and that small steps can lead to honest dialog and communication. This is what I hope, and wish, for…now.

In closing, I will continue to wish you, EPE, and each of your family members nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

An open letter to Lisa Marie August 17, 2012 by Jeffrey Schrembs

August 17, 2012

Dear Lisa Marie:

35 years ago, and 1 day, you lost your Father and no one will ever know the pains you have had to endure/bear all these years.

Throughout the years I have seen a constant division between certain family members, and members of the Memphis Mafia, and EPE. This was a topic and I routinely discussed with my friend, who (sadly) died before his time, Todd Morgan who rose through the ranks at EPE. I would never disclose the specifics of our conversations but he respected my opinion as I did his.

Over the past few years we have lost so many of those who Elvis; loved, worked with, befriended, trusted, etc. With each passing day the remaining members of the Memphis Mafia, as we all do, grow older and the loss of their friend (i.e. Elvis Presley) never…diminishes. There is no doubt that they, individually and collectively, loved Elvis and carry with them regrets.

I have always believed that events in ones’ life, or a series of events, should ALWAYS be put in context. That people can disagree and yet respect one another. That loving, and caring for, our “fellow man” is not just applicable to those nearby or that we are related to or that ended up on the right side of a position. I have had the utmost respect for Elvis’ charitable endeavors and I am proud to know that you, Lisa Marie, have carried on with giving of your time – your heart – and monetarily.

I ask you now, Lisa Marie and EPE, to please consider that (literally) millions of Elvis Fans Worldwide would like, as would I, to see each member of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, and each member of their immediate family, etc.) formally recognized – appreciated – respected – and embraced by you and EPE. I ask this not because of any “gain” on my part but that time is never guaranteed and that there needs to be true healing between the parties (publicly and privately).

I wish that you never had to grow up without your Father. I wish that God had granted Elvis more time so that he truly knew how much he meant to all of us…and future generations. That he was given time to heal (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.). That he was able to spend more time with you. That he was given the respect, and appreciation, he earned and deserved from the “critics” and “award nominating agencies”.

Some of my most cherished photos, of your Father, is not him onstage but reaching out to hold a child – visiting children in a hospital – bringing a little blind girl onstage – smiling while hugging a child with cancer – and/or kissing an elderly woman and thus bringing an immediate smile to her face. These “acts of kindness” come from the heart and Elvis had, among other things, a huge heart and the world was better off for it. I have always stated that there is honor in kindness – honor in forgiveness – and honor in giving others another chance. In accordance with these genuine gestures I now have authored this open letter to you.

I have lived long enough to know the beauty of a simple gesture and that small steps can lead to honest dialog and communication. This is what I hope, and wish, for…now.

In closing, I will continue to wish you, EPE, and each of your family members nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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