Mike Stoller on Writing ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ More Elvis Hits – Variety
All posts tagged Elvis historian
An exceptional article about Elvis and Lieber & Stroller by Variety
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 4, 2022
https://theelvisexpert.com/2022/07/04/an-exceptional-article-about-elvis-and-lieber-stroller-by-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
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 2, 2022
https://theelvisexpert.com/2022/07/02/the-latest-elvis-movie/
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.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 6, 2022
https://theelvisexpert.com/2022/01/06/january-8th-2022-elvis-presleys-birthday/
EXTREMELY COOL ELVIS PRESLEY PHOTOS March 2020 edition
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on March 21, 2020
https://theelvisexpert.com/2020/03/21/extremely-cool-elvis-presley-photos-march-2020-edition/
Merry Christmas to Elvis Presley fans around the world
We all want to wish you and yours a blessed & Merry Christmas.
Also, we want to wish you and yours a Happy Hannukah.
Since this is part of the holiest days of the year let us not even forget the; poor, needy, sick, elderly, imprisoned, persecuted for being Christian or Jewish, nor their family members. For they are just as deserving of happiness, good health, and long lives as we are and in most cases MORE deserving. I keep them in my prayers.
People ask, and man I get thousands of email questions from strangers and another thousands of emails a week from our active Elvis related email list (currently over 202,00 – WOW thank you one and all), “what Elvis music are you listening this time of year”? So ladies and gentlemen with a nod to the children around this world God created my answer is (in no specific order):
Somebody bigger than you and I
You’ll never walk alone
The first Noel
If everyday was like Christmas
Peace in the valley
Lead me guide me
If I can dream
Momma liked the roses
I believe
*** Every song on Elvis’ first Christmas album
IF you haven’t listened to each song on this short list do yourself a favor and take the time to do so as Elvis, as was the case in most of his recordings sans many of the 1960’s sub-par movie songs, put his heart and soul into them. Also, many held special meaning to him and it showed in his vocal inflections and overall great sound. Man, I miss Elvis the man first followed by Elvis the entertainer.
Lastly, please let others know about this blog, AND our sister website ElvisCollector.info, via social media.
THANK YOU & MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HANNUKAH to everyone at WordPress.com for your endeavors have brought me great joy and has enabled us to reach millions more Elvis Presley fans throughout the world (directly and indirectly).
Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on December 20, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/12/20/merry-christmas-to-elvis-presley-fans-around-the-world/
Respect always to Phil Arnold @ ElvisBlog.net
I am fortunate to call Phil Arnold a friend. A man I admire. A man I respect. An essential asset to Elvis Presley fans around the world.
Recently he posted on his blog that his site, that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, will be changing in the immediate future. I am saddened to learn of this as I have enjoyed his site for as long as he has had it.
I wish Phil; great happiness, joy, satisfaction knowing he has been an invaluable guide for Elvis Presley fans worldwide, and success in all of his personal and professional endeavors.
Here is his links:
THANK YOU Phil for all you have done, are doing, and will do.
Best to you and your family.
Merry Christmas Phil and may the other 364 days of the year be ones of fulfillment in every aspect.
Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.
Jeff Schrembs
PS:Â Please feel free to click on the link(s) below and please let others know via social media as after all we don’t sell anything as our goal is to provide a great website for Elvis Presley fans around the world.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on December 15, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/12/15/respect-always-to-phil-arnold-elvisblog-net/
Elvis – a new generation discovers
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 28, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/07/28/elvis-a-new-generation-discovers/
Billy and Jo Smith two eternally loved by Elvis
Billy Smith and Elvis Presley were cousins. His firsthand witness to Elvis Presley, onstage and off, and the memories created are second to none. Billy was there for the majority of Elvis’ career and shared his life with Billy, and that of his beloved wife Jo, as well as confided in him. Trusted him. Loved him. And knew him on a basis that no one else came close to.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you check out their YouTube site, that includes their two sons, which is Memphis Mafia Kid. Their recollections, intelligence, humor, and “down homeness” draws you in and never fails to educate and entertain.
I have the utmost respect for Billy and Jo. Always have. They are a priceless source when it comes to Elvis Presley let alone they are just good and respectable people, great parents, and soulmates.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 8, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/06/08/billy-and-jo-smith-two-eternally-loved-by-elvis/
Elvis and Gladys Mothers Day edition
Elvis was Gladys world.
Gladys was Elvis world.
Their relationship is legendary and yet they were two people with different life experiences. Different dreams. And yet their bond surpassed wealth, fame, and riches.
Elvis tried to jump into Gladys’ burial plot, on top of her casket, while crying uncontrollably saying “I’ve lost everything”. I’ll give it all up to be with you. I can’t go on without you Satin-in (his nickname for her since childhood). My God please bring her back.
When Elvis decided to record Momma liked the roses he was torn between, even these years after her passing, being incredibly sad and recording a remembrance song not only for him but for all others who lost their mothers. Though it was an emotional recording you can hear the love and respect he had and the words torn from his very soul.
Elvis sent flowers to her grave on a weekly basis. He visited her grave as much as possible and every time he knelt and cried. A heartbreaking cry. He confided, on one occasion as he rarely shared his loss, that what sustained him was his belief in God/Jesus and that there was an afterlife where he believed Gladys was. In a new body never to hurt again. Never to cry again. And always looking out for Elvis and being there with him.
Priscilla recalled that one time she went, without Elvis knowing, into the attic at Graceland and there were all of Gladys clothes neatly hung or folded. Her personal things. She could smell Gladys perfume. She saw how short in height she was. She went through her jewelry and fawned at the most expensive pieces knowing that she was embarrassed when she received them as she said “son you don’t need to spend so much on me” and “the best present you can give me is your time. that means more to me”. But Elvis had, since childhood, promised to provide for her. To buy her a house. To buy her a nice new car knowing she couldn’t drive and didn’t own a drivers license. To ensure she never again had to work backbreaking labor as she had most of her life.
In August of 1958, while Elvis was in the US Army, Gladys became very sick. Elvis immediately put in an emergency leave request. It was denied. He appealed in perform. He was denied. It was only after he threatened to go AWOL was his leave approved.
When Elvis made it to Gladys hospital room she perked up. Her color seemed to come back. Her voice was audible. Elvis never stopped holding her hand, kissing her, running his fingers through her hair, telling her how much he loved her, and refusing to leave her side.
There came a time after the doctor said it was fine and Vernon asked for the 50th time, that Elvis left the hospital room and went back to Graceland. Sadly, Gladys died before he could make it back to the hospital. To say he was devastated was an understatement.
Gladys died on August 14, 1958, at the age of 46 but Elvis was always told she was 4 years younger thus dying at age 42. Sadly, Elvis would die on the same month – the age he thought she was being 42 – and even the same week (i.e. August 16, 1977).
If you have your mother cherish her. Tell her you love her. Make amends with her. Spend time with her. As Elvis once said during an emotional exchange “if you don’t love your mother with all your heart it’s against God and human nature. Your mother should be the greatest love and you should let her know it every day. You should take care of her and provide for her. She gave you something you can never repay…life”.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on May 10, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/05/10/elvis-and-gladys-mothers-day-edition/
Prayers to the family/loved ones of George Klein who died 2/5/2019
Per http://www.Elvis.com comes the heartbreaking news of the death, on February 5, 2019, of one of Elvis Presley’s oldest and most beloved friends George Klein. Our hearts, and prayers, go out to the family and loved ones of George Klein who by all accounts was a good man a great friend to Elvis, and a legend as a DJ in Memphis Tennessee. May he be in heaven along with his friend Elvis Presley.
Here are the details via http://www.Elvis.com the official and best Elvis Presley website in the world:
George Klein, the deep-voiced radio personality who became friends with Elvis Presley in high school and stayed close to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll throughout his career, has died. He was 83.
Marian Justice Cocke, Elvis Presley’s former personal nurse posted on her Facebook page the following message: ‘I regret to inform you that George Klein passed away just moments ago. At this time, I have no further information to pass on, however I will keep you informed ASAP.
Rest In Peace my dear fr iend ; I love you my dear friend
God Bless and TLC’.
Priscilla Presley, told The Associated Press that Klein died Tuesday at hospice in Memphis, Tennessee. Priscilla Presley said Klein had been suffering from illness, including pneumonia, for about two weeks. She said she had been in constant contact with Klein and Presley’s other close friends, including Jerry Schilling and Marian Justice Cocke, while Klein was ill.
George Klein and Elvis Presley.
Graceland posted: ‘Priscilla, Lisa and all of us with Elvis Presley Enterprises are deeply saddened that we have lost our dear friend George Klein. Elvis and George met at Humes High School in Memphis and formed a lifelong friendship. Elvis stood up as George’s best man at his wedding and George remained a close confidant throughout Elvis’ life. After Elvis’ passing, George continued as a great friend and supporter of Graceland, Lisa and Priscilla and continued to honor Elvis’ legacy through sharing stories and memories with fans around the world as a DJ on Elvis Radio at Graceland. Our hearts are with George’s family, friends and fans – as we celebrate his life and his important place in the history of Memphis music’.
Klein met Elvis Presley in 1948 at Humes High School in Memphis and they were close friends until the rock ‘n’ roll icon died in 1977. Klein was part of Presley’s entourage, known as the ‘Memphis Mafia’, and enjoyed telling stories about the times he and Presley spent together.
Elvis Presley and George Klein.
Priscilla Presley said her former husband liked Klein’s outgoing personality, his loyalty, and his sense of humor. She called their friendship a ‘guy’s thing’, with their own inside jokes and ‘their own language’. Elvis Presley used to affectionately call Klein ‘GK’.
‘Their friendship was golden, truly golden’, she said in a phone interview from Los Angeles on Tuesday night. ‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard George say anything bad about anybody’.
Presley served as Klein’s best man, and Klein was a pallbearer at Presley’s funeral. Klein appeared in his friend’s film, ‘Jailhouse Rock’. When Presley was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, Klein made the acceptance speech.
‘Personally, Elvis was a great friend to me’, Klein said in the speech. ‘You know, I never saw Elvis refuse an autograph. I never saw Elvis refuse a handshake. I never saw Elvis refuse to take a picture with anyone’.
Klein hosted a radio show featuring Presley’s music on Sirius XM. He had also hosted radio and television shows in Memphis dating to the 1960s. Klein was known throughout the city, speaking at charity events for no pay, Priscilla Presley said.
‘He has been an unbelievable ambassador for the city, for Graceland, for Elvis Presley and his family’, Calipari wrote.
In recent years, several friends of Elvis Presley — Scotty Moore, Red West, D.J. Fontana — have died. Priscilla Presley said she has thought about that, and calls it ‘a reality check’. ‘It hits home’, she said. ‘He’s the last of our history, in many ways’.
Also, Phl Arnold (the original Elvis blogmaster) has an interesting post about Elvis and George at his site http://www.ElvisBlog.net a website we highly recommend.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on February 17, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/02/17/prayers-to-the-family-loved-ones-of-george-klein-who-died-2-5-2019/
The Elvis Expert 