JEFF SCHREMBS – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2014
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on February 12, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/02/12/rare-elvis-presley-interview-excerpts-in-regards-to-valentines-day/
There is no doubt that Elvis had been “hurt” during his lifetime and every day since his beloved mother died on August 14, 1958 – when his marriage deteriorated in the early 1970s – and when he health (mentally and physically) deteriorated, along with his outlook on life and his career, over his declining depression and weight gains.
The song “Hurt” was a song that Elvis loved but it was bittersweet for him. He admired the arrangement as well as the vocal challenges (as the song required a 3 octave rang with a crescendo at the end lasting a good 30+ seconds).
Throughout 1976 and 1977 Elvis sang this song during those concerts when he was “up” (meaning happy and focused). On other shows in which his depression, monetary pressures, being upset about the book entitled “Elvis what happened?” was being written and/or published, and the constant negative press reviews about his weight.
Elvis was a proud man who took great strides to look his best. In fact, according to those who knew him the best, there were only a few times, over a few decades, in which Elvis (even at Graceland) was not groomed and/or dressed to the “9s”.
The one time, at Graceland in 1976, is my favorite as Elvis, who had severe insomnia = chronic sleepwalker – sleep apnea (since childhood), had been in his room for several days with his meals being put outside his door and the earlier dishes and glasses left outside the door when done.
Usually Elvis came down the stairs at Graceland, after first calling down from his private phone in his room to let one of the Memphis Mafia know he was up and to pass along his meal request, in the early to mid afternoon.
Everyone stated that they “knew” when Elvis was coming way before they saw him as there was an energy about Elvis that transformed/dominated every setting. Well on this specific day Elvis came downstairs in his robe, unshaven, and his hair was almost completely white (as he dyed his hair black dating back to 1956 and continued to do so for cosmetic reasons and because he had gone prematurely white) and he got to the foot of the stairs and everyone looked at him and, kept their amusement to themselves, Elvis looked around and said “{curse word} it – I’m going back upstairs” as he was embarrassed.
A few hours later Elvis returned, dressed up with freshly dyed hair and attitude, and repeated his standing at the bottom of the steps looking around. He asked “do you {curse words} like me now?” at which point he started to laugh and everyone laughed with him. He then said “the next time I come down looking like Charlie Rich (a singer he respected but also had gone completely white haired prematurely but refused to dye it) one of you {another curse words} remind me. Elvis had a wicked sense of humor and his laugh was not only one of sheer happiness but it also was contagious.
There are several great recordings of Elvis’ singing Hurt including the one released on his albums. The CBS Elvis Special, taped a few months before he died on August 16, 1977 but aired after his death, contains one of the greatest (vocal) versions of Hurt yet, for me, it is bittersweet as it is clear (and was clear at the time) that Elvis’ health was grave and he should have been hospitalized instead of performing but if you listen to him singing Hurt it is (literally) an amazing vocal accomplishment with Elvis easily obtaining a 3 and 1/2 octave range. I love that version but yet am reminded (sadly) of his health and his death.
So, thanks to YouTube I now share Elvis Presley singing Hurt from his live concert in Pittsburgh in 1976 (audio only). Enjoy.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 20, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/01/20/elvis-presley-hurt-1976-live-onstage-audio/
In a few days, on January 8, 2014, Elvis Presley would have been 79 years old.
Here are a few rare photographs of Elvis throughout the years.
For additional photos please check out http://www.ElvisCollector.info.
Take care and may God bless you.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/01/08/elvis-presleys-birthday-is-january-8th-2014-by-jeff-schrembs/
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
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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/
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 3, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/03/more-great-elvis-presley-rare-items/
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/
Graceland Farms began construction in 1939 and completed construction in 1940. The magnificent Estate was built as an exemplary Georgian Colonial style. Graceland Farms originally encompassed 500 acres, with a 25 acre man made fully stocked with regional fish. The Mansion was designed to have wonderful views of the tree lined driveway and all of the beautiful landscaping that covered Graceland with beautiful flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. and encompassed 13.8 acres. Graceland Farms was located in the Whitehaven District of Memphis on Highway 51 (note: this was later named as Elvis Presley Boulevard in appreciation of Elvis) and was purchased by Dr. Thomas D. Moore. Graceland Farms, in contrast to the beautiful “Mansion”, was used for the raising and selling of Hereford Cows.
In 1957 Gladys and Vernon had seen Graceland and then Elvis went to see Graceland. Elvis and his Mother fell in love with the home and Vernon, who had watched Elvis be delivered in a “1 one shotgun house in Tupelo” 22 years ago was now contemplating buying this magnificent home.
At the time Elvis, Vernon, and Gladys had seen the hom the Mansion had 10,266 square feet. Numerous times over the years Elvis added to the home and as of 2010 the home is 17,552 square feet (excluding the Racquetball Building) or 19,552 including the Racquetball Building.
Elvis had previously purchased a home in Memphis at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis but between the Fans standing outside the home 24/7, the neighbors being inconvenienced and complaining, the Press reporting about the “all night fans” and the neighbors “peace and quiet” being disturbed Elvis and his Family had decided that they needed a larger home that was close enough to get to “town” but further out of Town with a lot of land and security. Graceland Farms fit the criteria.
The Presleys, unbeknown to them, were not the only interested purchasers for Graceland Farms. The “staple of American life” aka” SEARS wanted to buy all the land and build a large store displaying all of their goods to Memphis residents and visitors.
Also, the Church wanted to buy a part of the land so Sears was notified to find out if they would be willing to do so (as they were buying more than enough land for their purposes but their “data” confirmed that Memphis was an “up and coming City” and Highway 51 was planned to become “THE” Highway in Memphis with thousands of consumers going up and down Highway 51 daily.
Vernon was called and told about Sears as well as the Church. Vernon knew that if he did not get this home for Elvis that Elvis would be “shattered” because Elvis wanted his home for his Mother who he (literally) adored. Vernon called Elvis and gave him the news and Elvis knew that Dr. Moore was an honorable and religious man who helped out the community routinely. Elvis was also a very spiritual/religious man and decided that it would be “good” to have others singing and praying to God on the property right next door. So Elvis called Vernon and said “do it” and added one stipulation and that was for Elvis to have a “right of easement” to be able to enter in from the Churches parking lot and go directly into Graceland through this “secret entrance”.
Vernon called the Real Estate Agent back and was told they were waiting on Sears to respond. The Real Estate Agent called Dr. Moore to let him know that Elvis was interested, at full price less what the Church wanted in property and Elvis would pay the Church directly for the easement. Dr. Moore was pleased that Elvis allowed the Church options and “impressed” when he learned that Elvis grew up singing Religious Hymns – never drank – did not smoke – always said “yes sir” or “yes mam” to his elders and was a respectful man who wanted to provide an “easier living” for his family and have a safe “HOME” to return to where he could raise a family and enjoy the beauty of the property and the blessings that God bestowed to all of us.
Sears called back hesitant about letting the Church have some of the property so the Realtor called Vernon to tell him the good news. On March 26, 1957 Vernon, Gladys, and Elvis signed the paperwork (jointly) and purchased Graceland for (approximately $ 103,000.00. Gladys Presley cried as she was handed the keys to her home as Elvis and Vernon hugged her and Elvis kissed her forehead telling her “I love you” and “I am doing all of this for you momma”.
1957 Elvis career was going great, his movies were all hits, his songs sold millions, his relationship with his parents was good and he now owned a Mansion that could allow him options to rest or to play and to add to as Elvis’ interests changed.
Interestingly, 9 months later on Christmas Eve Elvis would receive his “hand delivered” Draft Notice. Elvis’ 1st Christmas at Graceland went from tears of joy, love, presents, laughing, etc. to Elvis reading and re-reading the draft notice (in semi-shock). In 1958 Elvis, now in the Army, said “things could not get any worse” and yet on August 14, 1958 his beloved Mother Gladys Love Presley passed away. Some of the most “traumatic/emotional” photographs ever taken of Elvis were taken while Elvis and Vernon sat on the front steps of Graceland with their arms around each others’ shoulders crying. Repeating “shes gone” “everything I loved is gone” “Why, why?” and Vernon “saying how sorry he was while consoling Elvis.
Elvis first 2 years at Graceland were filled with “ups and downs”. From 1958 – 1960 Elvis served his term in the US Army and was honorably discharged. When Elvis returned some things at Graceland “changed” (i.e. paint, trim, way room was used, etc.) but out of respect for his Mother Elvis left as much of her things as they were during her lifetime.
Elvis LOVED Graceland and it truly was his “home”. It was fitting, though no less painful to accept, that Elvis died at Graceland and is buried at Graceland with his Mother, Father, and Grandmother. Their head stones rest in the meditation gardens which Elvis had built in the 1960′s and thousands of fans come to Graceland each week to see Graceland and to pay their respects.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not say that Elvis Fans Worldwide should say a heartfelt “thanks” to Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Jack Soden for allowing Graceland to be seen and for the professional endeavors they are involved in. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting Graceland, EPE, and/or http://www.Elvis.com. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Elvis Fans Worldwide seeking out, and monetarily supporting, and paying their respects to Marty Lacker, Marty Fike, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc. Elvis loved these men and they spend the better part of the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s working with Elvis 24/7. I say aloud THANK YOU and God bless you all in each of your personal and professional endeavors!
We hope that you enjoyed this article.
Take care and God bless.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 7, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/07/how-elvis-came-to-own-graceland-in-memphis-tn/
The Rolling Stones had a, justifiably so, hit song entitled “Time is on my side”. With each passing year we have learned that this is not so. Time will go on long after we physically leave this world.
On August 16, 1977 at the age of 42 Elvis Aron Presley died. His health (mentally, physically and emotionally) had been deteriorating since 1973. The greatest entertainer in history had died and the world was in mourning.
At the time of his death the various family members, and friends, rallied around Colonel Parker and Vernon Presley (who was inconsolable and in shock as well as having his own severe health issues) in a constant state of chaos having not only lost a friend – a loved one – but also (in many cases) their employer.
In the days immediately after they had no time to grieve as the swells, and the media coverage, filled the infamous Graceland gates with hundreds of thousands of fans. Flower shops for miles were sold out. Elvis last album, Moody Blue, sold 1 million copies within a week.
Elvis fans suffered in the heat and at night sweated as candles were held up and personal stories recalled.
I will never forget that day nor will I forget the legacy, and the ups and downs of being a fan, of Elvis Presley. Our generation is truly the last living links to Elvis Presley as sadly other generations can only read about him, learn about him, watch tapes of him, but never can comprehend the musical scene in which Elvis triumphed – went into the Army – did his first comeback – went into the movies for 9 years – did the 68 Special – started touring and performing live in Vegas – toured from 1970-1977 – and created a great body of songs that still resonate these (4) four decades later.
With each passing year (sadly) we have lost loved ones, friends, relatives, etc. of Elvis Presley, Recently we lost Lamar Fike and Myrna Smith. My prayers continue to go out to their family and loved ones.
As of this writing (June 2013) there remains essential players in the “Elvis Presley story” being; Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Billy Smith, Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, Sandi Pichon and even Priscilla. Lisa Marie stands alone and I applaud her for excelling as a Mother having lost, at such a young age, her beloved Father…Elvis.
Though Elvis fans will form their own opinions, 99.9% on opinions not put into context or taking into consideration the fact that Elvis loved each of these individuals over a period of decades, I have always supported each of these individuals endeavors and I have respect for them. They remain “living breathing witnesses” to greatness. They were loved and trusted by Elvis. They shared in his success. His failures. His depression. His deteriorating health. And most of all in his life. I encourage everyone to seek out these individuals and support their endeavors for time holds no guarantees.
Outside of these few are those who have given of their time – their expertise – and of their passion by writing books, in context, about Elvis. Such is the case with Alanna Nash. I have read her books about Elvis knowing as much about Elvis as anyone outside of the Memphis Mafia, Priscilla and/or Lisa Marie. Alanna Nash writes about all aspects of Elvis, the good and the not so good, and provides a context. I applaud her for doing so and I thank her.
It is my hope that those of my generation never take for granted those who are actual links to Elvis. For Elvis himself often questioned, his friends and of God, “will they remember me when I am gone”? We have never forgotten him and I hope that the answer to this questions continues to be a resounding….YES.
Elvis was more than an image. More than a persona. He was a man who achieved greatness, in every avenue he pursued, while having his own self doubts and temperament. He was, of course, imperfect but he was unique and he used the talents he was blessed with and he shared it with the world. His story would be incomplete had it not of been for the inclusiveness of these individuals whom I have specified herein. I hope that they never stop sharing their memories. Sharing their time. And sharing their talents. For we lost enough on August 16, 1977.
Take care and may God bless you.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 18, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/06/18/the-last-living-links-to-elvis-presley-by-jeff-schrembs/
1953 – Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis, TN.
1958 – Elvis Presley returned to Fort Hood, TX, for ten weeks of advanced tank training.
1963 – Priscilla Beaulieu graduated from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral High School.
1975 – The Elvis Presley single “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” hit #35 in the U.S.
1975 – The Elvis Presley album “Today” hit #48 in the U.K.
1995 – Michael Jackson appeared on TV with his wife Lisa Marie Presley in a live interview on “Prime Time Live” with Diane Sawyer.
2004 – It was announced that TV Guide would be issuing four commemorative Elvis Presley covers in celebration of 50 years of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The covers were to be on newsstands July 1 (July 4th issue).
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 14, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/06/14/events-about-elvis-presley-which-occured-today-june-14th/
The Elvis Expert 