We, individually and collectively, can never do enough for those who served in the military and do so now.
They, and their family and loved ones, make sacrifices (in public and in private) that we can never fully grasp.
Thus on this day, and each day thereafter, we want to say to the Veterans and their family THANK YOU and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 12, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/11/12/wishing-all-vets-a-happy-veterans-day-2013/
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi to Vernon Elvis Presley, and Gladys Love Presley (Smith was her maiden name), in the two-room shotgun h
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo Mississippi, on January 8, 1935 having been delivered by the local doctor via a “house call” (i.e. the physician came to the home as opposed to a hospital) . This home was built by Vernon Presley, Elvis father, in the type of home known, in the south, as a “shotgun house” which meant that if you were to shoot a shotgun standing in the front door it would go all the way through the house without hitting anything else while passing through the back door (I.e. there were no walls other than the 4 exterior walls). Jesse Garon Presley, who was Elvis identical twin brother, was delivered (approximately) 35 minutes before him, (sadly) stillborn.
As an only child, Elvis became close to both parents and formed an unusually tight bond with his mother. The family attended an Assembly of God church where he found an outlet for his musical inclinations.
Johannes Valentin Bressler, the founder of the Presley family in America, was born in the Palatinate, Germany, 1669 in the village of Hochstadt (where the Preslar family was first mentioned in 1494); Valentine was employed there as a vine dresser; he married Anna Christiana Franse (Born Germany 1674) and immigrated to New York in 1710; with some French Norman; one of Gladys’ great-great-grandmothers was Cherokee Indian and, according to family accounts, one of her great-grandmothers was Jewish. Gladys was regarded by relatives and friends as the dominant member of the small family.
Elvis Presley descended from the Bressler (Presley) line, the name being Americanized down the line, first into Preslar, then Pressley and finally Presley but only because his Great Grand Mother, Rosella Pressley adopted her maiden name for her children. She never did tell any of her children who their father was.
Rosella bore nine ‘illegitimate’ children, never once identifying to her children who their fathers were. Rosella stubbornly, and resourcefully, supported them through sharecropping. Mrs. Doshia Steele, one of Rosella’s daughters, said this of her plight. ‘I can’t remember anyone ever talking about who our father was, It was a big mystery when we were children. My mother just didn’t talk about it’. Rosella, internalized the abandonment and re-enacted it throughout her life. Beginning at age nineteen and continuing over 28 years.
Rosella’s son, Jessie D. McDowell (J.D.) Pressley (1896-1973) was Elvis’ Grand Father. He was born on April 9, 1896 in Itawamba County, Mississippi, to Rosella Presley, unmarried, and John Wallace (Elvis’ great-grandfather). So though the rightful (traditional) surname would have been Wallace, Rosella gave her children her own name, her maiden name of Presley.
Elvis Grandfather, Jessie, J.D. Presley used the double ‘s’ before changing to the single ‘s’ after his great grandson attained international fame.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 20, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/10/20/elvis-presley-family-lineage/
Starting from the first time Elvis met Priscilla, while Elvis was in the US Army stationed in Germany and Priscilla was there with her family with her Father who was in actuality her step father a fact that was kept from her, there was an immediate mutual attraction.
Note – Priscilla’s biological father was US Navy pilot James Wagner. His parents were Kathryn and Harold Wagner. On 10 August 1944, at the age of 23, he married Priscilla’s mother; they had been dating for more than three years. He was killed in a plane crash while returning home on leave when Priscilla was six months old. When Priscilla discovered this “..family secret…” while rummaging through an old wooden box of family keepsakes, she was encouraged by her mother to keep it from the other children as she feared it would endanger our family closeness. In 1948 her mother met a United States Air Force officer named Paul Beaulieu, from Quebec. The couple were married within a year. Beaulieu took over the raising of Priscilla and was the only father Priscilla would ever know
Though Elvis only met Priscilla a few months before being honorably discharged from the US Army, in March of 1960, and Priscilla was only 14 years old at the time (a fact that was contrary to her; looks, demeanor, maturity, outspokenness, and her outlook on life) Elvis had a deep caring for Priscilla that would eventually be consummated in their marriage on May 1, 1967.
Elvis and Priscilla, through mutual shortcomings and actions adverse to the marital vows they took, (sadly) split up in 1972 and formally divorced with the final divorce decree issued on October 9, 1973.
The property settlement agreement, dated August 15, 1972, was between Elvis Aaron Presley and Priscilla Ann Presley.
It stated the couple had agreed to split the property to avoid further legal costs.
It reads: ‘The parties were married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
‘Unfortunate circumstances and unhappy differences have arisen between the parties by reason of which they have lived separate and apart since February 23, 1972, and by reason of which they intend to dissolve their marriage.
‘By this property settlement the parties wish to avoid unnecessary litigation and the emotional stress and expense which would accompany.’
Some of the interesting details of their divorce settlement are as follows:
Elvis signed over ownership of three of his prized possessions – a 1971 Mercedes-Benz car, a 1969 Cadillac El Dorado and a 1971 Harley Davidson motorbike.
Priscilla had originally agreed to a cash settlement that was 7.5 times less than the amount she finally received.
She signed the paperwork that confirmed she would receive a $100,000 tax-free lump-sum payment.
The official document is at odds with the $750,000 payment she eventually received after she appointed new lawyers who advised her to seek more money.
As well as Elvis’ cars and cash, actress Priscilla also stood to receive half the income from the sale of their three properties in California.
‘The agreement granted Priscilla ownership of a 1971 Mercedes Benz, a 1969 Cadillac El Dorado, a 1971 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, $100,000 in cash, and half the income from the sale of their three houses in California.
‘It is initialed in ink by Elvis and Priscilla on page three and signed by them on page nine.
‘The supplement specifies that taxes applied to the cash would be paid by Elvis.’
Here are two copies of the actual divorce proceedings
.
Elvis’ divorce adversely effected him throughout the remainder of his life. Though he was blessed with the birth of his daughter, who he truly loved with all his heart being Lisa Marie born exactly nine months after the wedding, the reality that his marriage had ended contributed to his failing health which included mental, emotional, and addictive behavior.
Elvis Presley endured his triumphs, and his failures, in the public eye. Fortunately, for us and for Elvis, he had an outlet to share his feelings…and his soul being his singing and performing.
During the 1970s Elvis recorded several poignant songs that, to this very day, resonate as they apply to those going through separation, divorce, children of divorce, etc. This include, but are not limited to, these songs; Suspicious Minds, You Gave Me A Mountain, My Boy, Separate Ways, It’s Over, It’s Easy For You, Always On My Mind, etc.
Lastly, Elvis loved Priscilla and she loved him. They both made mistakes and both contributed to the deterioration of the marriage. They were, are, and will be (simultaneously) an American (with an assist from Germany) Love Story as well as an American Divorce Story. This is part of the life, and legacy, of Elvis Presley that continues to fascinate Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 5, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/10/05/october-9-1973-elvis-divorce-was-final-by-jeff-schrembs/
TUPELO, Mississippi:
1941 Elvis enrolled in Lawhon Elementary School (Elvis was 6 years old)
Milam Junior High School
MEMPHIS TENNESSEE:
November 1948 they sold their furniture and moved, in the middle of the night, from Tupelo to Memphis
LC Humes High School
by Jeff Schrembs 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 21, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/21/schools-attended-by-elvis-presley-by-jeff-schrembs/
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 3, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/03/more-great-elvis-presley-rare-items/
Happy Labor Day 2013 to everyone.
We have added more content, yes it is hard to believe, to our Elvis Presley Fan Website of www.ElvisCollector.info. Thus please come and visit us – tell others about us – and share our site via social networks. We would appreciate it.
If you like Elvis or just want to know facts about Elvis Presley then please check out www.Elvis.com first and then check us out. Your viewing experience, at our site, is (like Elvis himself)…second to none.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 2, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/02/new-content-posted-to-www-elviscollector-info/
Enjoy and please visit www.ElvisCollector.info for additional great photos and content.
May God bless you.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 27, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/27/rare-photographs-of-elvis-aaron-presley/
Gladys Love (Smith) Presley.
Fitting that “Love” is her middle name for it was the essence of her especially when it came to her only child (being Elvis) that (a) lived to full term and/or (b) survived being born.
Many people are unaware that Gladys had at least two pregnancies (note: please see out the great Elvis Presley books written by Alanna Nash that cover this in detail and are a pleasure to read) with the first bearing twins (i.e. Jessie who died on January 8, 1935 and Elvis who, of course, was born January 8, 1935) and the second (sadly) ending in a miscarriage.
Back in the day it was widely believed that Elvis father, being Vernon Elvis Presley, was the “best looking young man around”. Being from the South I know that these five words are not freely given and if one was deemed the “best looking man around” then you earned it inasmuch as looks earn anything (another discussion another time).
What has been quite overlooked was that Gladys, in her own right, was beautiful.
One just needs to look at the most famous photo of Elvis childhood sandwiched between his mother and father to attest to her beauty. Vernon Elvis Presley had his choice of women and Gladys proved to be his equal in looks and his superior in virtually every meaningful aspect (i.e. hard work, love of family, smiling when the weight of the world is on your shoulders, etc.).
I have added my own photograph of this family photo and two things strike me (besides the fact that has watermarks and is a necessity in this digital world). The first is that this photo is different in the fact that there appears the pocket on the lower part of the photo, on Elvis left side, on his overalls and this does not appear in other similar photos. The second is how young a couple Gladys and Vernon were never knowing that Elvis would garner them wealth, and fame, beyond their comprehension.
Looking at this photo Gladys has a certain grace about her. She is clear eyed. There is an inner strength. Her watchful gaze, which would guide Elvis (literally) throughout her life, is omnipresent. You get a sense that she wanted to be proud of this family photograph, as it was considered a luxury for her as opposed to today when billions of photos are taken each day, but was ever mindful of her son and his needs.
Far too many people have (wrongly) judged Gladys about her weight. They don’t consider that the loss of one child, and another pregnancy, rips the heart out of a mother and it can occasionally be diminished with unhealthy acts (i.e. drinking alcohol, too much food, too much rich food, etc.). They don’t take the time to grasp the reality that a lifetime of bitter poverty, thick necked manual labor, asking for help for everyday necessities (i.e. food, clothing, etc.) for decades, being a single mother while her husband is incarcerated at a crucial time in Elvis life, combined with genetic dispositions and real health issues manifest themselves with weight gain and lower self esteem. Then you add “worry”. Gladys was a “worrier” with good reason. A lifetime of “worry” didn’t change when Elvis became successful for it was magnified with every trip, concert, appearance, etc. She worried because she….loved.
Had she of had time, anytime, throughout her adult life to just…rest. To seek medical care. To put her needs above her families perhaps there would be more photographs showcasing her beauty. However, when I see Gladys in photos I see a loving beautiful woman deserving of our respect. Her weight doesn’t define her nor should it any woman. The beauty of Gladys resided inside her as well as visually.
Gladys Love (Smith) Presley didn’t raise Elvis to be a superstar. She raised him to be a good man. To be a good Father. To be a loyal friend. To be respectful. To love and know of God/Jesus. To see people for themselves without the constraints of color or origin. She openly cared for Elvis and she sacrificed for him in ways known to, and in many others intentionally kept from, Elvis. She did her best not looking five years ahead but making the decisions an hour upon another. She succeeded.
When time allows and I look at documents, photos, videos, and audio recordings etc. about Gladys some things readily stand out and some need to be digested for they are not readily apparent. An example is Elvis’ report card when in the first quarter of school he got the lowest grade that year and it was a “D” in arithmetic (that’s now known as “math”). One can only imagine what Gladys’ reaction (as she was not highly educated) was to this grade and the words she shared with Elvis. But what we do know, and I have always believed in the adage of “never confuse efforts with results”, is that the very next quarter Elvis got a “C”.
I believe that this is a representation of the beauty of Gladys in that she knew Elvis was capable. She had known the pains, and the gains, of hard work and determination. Even though Elvis was young at the time of the report card Gladys knew enough to know that a “D” would set an example of “just getting by” and Gladys wasn’t one to allow her beloved son to build his foundation of life with grades, and results, of “just getting by” when he was capable of so much more.
By Gladys’ sacrifices. love, support, hard work, determination, faith and more Elvis life story became internationally known and accepted as a part of the “American Dream”. I have always respected Gladys Love (Smith) Presley and that respect has only grown through the years.
There are many life lessons one can learn about Gladys but with each new revelation, with requires; context, effort, comparisons, and openness, the beauty of her face, and of her character, is renewed. In order to fully “see” Gladys Love (Smith) Presley one can take the easy route and go by images alone. But, as is the case much in life, in order to confirm real beauty one must look past the eye and in doing so one can truly….see.
When one looks past the surface life is more meaningful. Life is more graceful. And happiness in life isn’t measured by the number of digits in ones bank account but by the way one carries themselves and the manner in which their love, and passions, are expressed.
Though she came from generations of poverty, with limited education, the life story (as well as the individual qualities) confirm that Gladys was beautiful…in every meaningful way.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 13, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/13/the-eternal-beauty-of-elvis-presleys-mother-gladys/
On August 16, 1977 we lost the greatest entertainer who ever lived…bar none.
Others lost their best friend. Some lost their employer. A Father lost a son and a grandmother her only grandson. A daughter lost her Father and the world lost a man who, though imperfect, rose up from bitter poverty and excelled, against odds, in his chosen profession for three decades.
My prayers go out to Elvis’ family members and to those, like the Memphis Mafia Members (specifically Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, etc.) and their family members, who were related to Elvis and/or shared parts of their lives with him.
To each of the “Memphis Mafia Members”, Sandi Pichon, and Alanna Nash I say thank you for putting aspects of Elvis life into various forums (i.e. written, videos, interviews, photographs, blogs, etc.) whereby we learn about the man (onstage and off) and can recall events (highs and lows) that made up the fascinating story that is…Elvis Aaron Presley.
I encourage Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide to seek out their works, individually and collectively, and add these books – videos – publications – etc.. for in doing so your knowledge, and your collection, of Elvis will be greatly enhanced.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 9, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/08/09/remembering-elvis-presleys-passing-august-16-1977/
Elvis Aaron Presley by Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Lamar Fike, and Marty Lacker (1996 reprint) is an excellent book.
This book can be found online as well as on www.Amazon.com.
WHY you ask?
Well, I will tell you.
First and foremost these individuals were with Elvis, including Billy Smith who was Elvis’ cousin, for either (a) all of his life and/or (b) the vast majority of his life.
Secondly, Marty Lacker is an honorable honest and faithful friend of Elvis’ and been an Elvis Presley (facts both good and not so good) confidant since the early 1960s.
Lamar Fike was a funny, caring, and sincere man who never left a room before leaving his laughter/sense of humor on everyone. Sadly Lamar Fike passed away recently and our prayers remain with his family, friends and loved ones.
Billy Smith was with Elvis the day of his death and played racquetball with Elvis (as Elvis could not sleep). Sadly, Billy Smith was the last person on earth to hear/see Elvis sing a song (as Elvis played the piano which was outside his racquetball court in the same building and the song he played/sang was “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”).
Alanna Nash is the foremost author concerning Elvis Presley. Her writings are “sourced” and her writing style leads the reader effortlessly throughout this book and each of her books.
One of the great things about Alanna Nash’s writings are that she puts things into context that may be controversial but are necessary to fully examine various aspects of Elvis’ life onstage and off.
The stories contained in this book are memorable and the individuals who wrote this book are exceptional men (individually and collectively). They were proud of being Elvis friends and they loved him…and he loved them as well.
That alone, ladies and gentlemen, is reason enough to get this book and learn more about the world’s greatest entertainer and the man himself.
Take care and God bless.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 31, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/31/book-review-of-elvis-aaron-presley/
The Elvis Expert 