Remembering Todd Morgan @ Graceland/EPE

I love Todd. Still do. He was phenomenal at navigating the responsibilities of his job, whereby he earned promotions, and he was the gatekeeper for Elvis Presley fans around the world. He was smart, funny, quick-witted, talented, and a good man who I respected and cherished our friendship and who Todd was.

I met what would be a lifetime friend in Todd Morgan in 1983 the third time I visited Graceland starting when it opened in 1982. We were the same age. We both liked Elvis. We communicated for decades until sadly he passed on March 1, 2008, at age 45. Todd was 7 months “older” than me and I used to tell him that he had the dream job (i.e. working at Graceland/EPE) I wanted and he would tell me I had the dream income he wanted. We always tried to one-up the other. He would surprise me with something unique about Elvis and I would counter him with other facts and life events. I miss Todd every day and my prayers go out to his family 24/7.

I had spoken to Todd about a week to 10 days before he died. He mentioned something about an upcoming promotion and staying in Memphis but reporting to someone in California (if my memory is true) and he was excited about it. We agreed that when next I visited Graceland again we would do lunch and/or dinner as we had in years past. It was his turn to buy and I would joke that getting a quarter out of Todd was an accomplishment. We would laugh at that.

Todd always asked about my family, how I was doing, and if I enjoyed (then) Atlanta and (later) the Washington DC area where I resided. I invited him to come out but it never occurred. I should have persisted more. Sometimes I still look at our emails I read them over and over. I miss him and I was blessed to know him. Todd Morgan was one of a kind.

* PHOTO of Todd Morgan

To Todd Morgans’s family, friends, and loved ones please know you are forever in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care and may God bless you always.

Jeff Schrembs

Interesting Elvis Presley interivew February 25, 1961 (sound only)

WOW. Jeff Schrembs has over 200,000 Quora views as of September 6, 2024

https://www.quora.com/profile/Jeff-Schrembs-3

An exceptional article about Elvis and Lieber & Stroller by Variety

Mike Stoller on Writing ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ More Elvis Hits – Variety

The latest Elvis movie

Hollywood has revisited the life story of Elvis Presley and the costumes, and sets, are spot on. The movie goes back and forth in time and takes liberties with facts. Some things are just…wrong. But, if it brings an appreciation of Elvis the man, and the performer, then I’m all for it,

Sometimes knowing too much about a topic, as I do Elvis, adversely affects the experience of watching a 2 1/2 hour film. It did in this case.

While no one before, now, or will ever have the looks – the style – the magnetism – the life experiences – how complicated he was – etc of Elvis the actor gives his all. Good for him.

I also think it is not fair to expect a movie to go into the entire career of Elvis which spanned 3 decades.

Most of all this movie made me want to go to the original sources as I continue to appreciate Elvis onstage and off as I have these 7 decades.

Take care and may God bless you and yours always.

Jeff Schrembs

2022 – All Rights Reserved

January 8th (2022) Elvis Presley’s birthday

In a few days, it will be January the 8th (2022) which is the 87th anniversary of the birth of Elvis Aron Presley (he was born in 1935).

Graceland will have visitors from around the world as it has had since its opening in 1982. Elvis’ music will be on the airways. His movies will be on television. Elvis fans around the world will acknowledge this day. Those curious about Elvis will utilize their search engines online or go old school and go to the library. Some fortunate enough will ask others, like this man, about Elvis and how it was when Elvis lived on this earth and dominated the entertainment field. I often feel kinda sorry for those who never were around to truly get to be living breathing Elvis Presley fan during his career and remarkable life.

Lisa Marie may appear or she may release a statement. Priscilla will most certainly do the same. My prayers go out to them and their family members.

Many in the “Elvis Presley community” will converse and share insights and firsthand stories about Elvis.

For those reading this if you have not yet done so, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you seek out – support – purchase their works – visit their websites – watch their videos – etc. these unique and exemplary people who are exceptional sources concerning the life of Elvis such as; Billy Smith, Jo Smith, Alanna Nash, Russ Howe, Steve Binder, Paul Lichter, Larry Geller, Jerry Schilling, Linda Thompson, Ginger Alden, Kathy Westmoreland, Betty Harper, and Sandie Kay Stevens.

Personally, I will think about what life would have been like had Elvis been with us longer. I will reflect on his failing health. His career. His love of his mother. How he influenced millions. His wonderful 4 1/2 octave vocal range. How he cared about others in need. His loyalty. His triumphs and his failures. His style. His vocal inflections. His 3 decades of works. His legacy. His loves. His compassion. His charitable endeavors. And I will revisit my own personal memories.

I wish you all a healthy, blessed, and happy 2022.

Take care and may God bless you and yours always.

Jeff Schrembs

PS: THANK YOU Jack Soden for all you have done and do for Elvis Presley fans worldwide.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas 2021

I have always said that Elvis Presley fans have great taste and are the most loyal fans.

I want to wish everyone a safe, happy, blessed, and Merry Christmas 2021.

May this holiday season bring you great comfort and joy.

Take care and may God bless you always.

Jeff Schrembs

Why Elvis Presley’s legacy is in trouble

 

1956 Elvis boarding private plane American Airlenes  I have always liked, and respected, Elvis Presley onstage and more importantly offstage.

I’ve spent, thank you chronic sleep apena, thousands upon thousands upon thousands of hours; collecting, cataloging, converting to digital formats, etc. so many photographs – videos – recordings – books – handwriting/letters/notes/etc. And yet I have never once monetized my collection or my knowledge.

Elvis Presley’s legacy is in trouble because those such as Billy (Elvis’ cousin who was Elvis’ trusted friend and beloved cousin) & Jo Smith have not been formally recognized, respected, and honored as PRICELESS assets. This is an abomination that is decades in the making and it needs to stop…now.

Elvis Presley’s legacy is in trouble because people my age and even older were the LAST generation who grew up during Elvis’, whole and/or in part, career (i.e. 1954-1977). Those who shared their memories and knowledge. Those who shared their facts and favorites with fans locally and around the world. Those who paid their hard earned money to go to see him in concert and/or in movie theatres. Those who revealed in Elvis’ successes and understood his failures and even his being…human. These are the people who are (sadly) dying in record numbers. Each is irreplaceable and my heart and prayers go out to the families and loved ones

Elvis’ Presley’s legacy

…to be continued

EXTREMELY COOL ELVIS PRESLEY PHOTOS March 2020 edition

1956 or 57 Elvis at piano Sam Phillips1957 December 21 Elvis with farron young 3n1ARMY with Elvis measurementsBIO Elvis with Gladys Vernon Colonel September 27 1957 rarere1969 Elvis shaking hands Alex Shoofey and Joanie Adams Colonel Parker background1970 Elvis candid in black with shades vernon following jet ColonelPKR bald head1957 candid Elvis shaking hands outside Army registration Memphis1970 November 14 Elvis candid touching arm of pretty girl another there 2 kinda RARE candid1956 candid Elvis white tie 2 young girls kinda rare shot2

Wednesday January 8, 2020 & Elvis Presley

RARE Elvis 1971 driverslicense

 

In less than 30 minutes it will be the 85th EIGHTY-FIFTH anniversary of the birth of Elvis Presley. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Elvis!

For whatever reason(s) I am really…sad.

Take care and may God bless you.

 

Jeff Schrembs