Greatness.
In spite of how often this is used, and far too much for my liking, greatness is rare but once you see it…you know it. In this case you can see it and hear it all the while Elvis is pushing himself. His 4 and 1/2 octave range never left him and he sang the hell out of this song.
He is in terrible health. He never should of been working but should have been receiving the best health care in the world. I have so much….
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 31, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/07/31/it-both-lifts-my-spirit-and-hurts-the-heart-elvis-last-rendition-of-unchained-melody/
My heart, and prayers, remain with the; family members, friends, relatives, loved ones, etc. pertaining to Elvis Presley and his passing on August 16, 1977. I can’t imagine their burden nor their loss.
It has taken me (approximately) six decades now to formulate this post which is based up (literally) thousands of books, audio files, documents, interviews, conversations, emails, first hand account, real documentaries, etc. I have always put a premium on eyewitnesses, factual sources, facts, and context. No sensationalism. No monetary endeavors. Just me passing along unique/cool/rare/ content as I do on these posts and on http://www.ElvisCollector.info (premier Elvis Presley website with exceptional content) and/or http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (100% free Elvis Presley forum and though it remains in the beta testing stage we invite you to join).
To address the subject line of this post “Why God took Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977” we must look back to the day of his birth of January 8, 1935.
Gladys Love (Smith) Presley and Vernon Elvis Presley knew they were having a baby. One baby. They had no idea if it was a boy or a girl they just prayed for a healthy child. They even picked out names if it was a boy or a girl. I know the name they chose if it was a girl but that is not my story to convey publicly. But, the boy was to be named Jessie Garon Presley.
When Gladys went into labor a boy was delivered and it was perfectly formed except it (sadly) was not breathing. Gladys and Vernon were empty, lost, and consumed by their sorrow.
As the doctor, who back then made house calls, was gathering his things to leave Gladys said “I think there is another one”. The doctor, against his better judgement, did an examination and confirmed. An identical twin to Jessie was born, healthy, and breathing, and though their tears reigned their hearts gave thanks to God but they had a dilemma and that was “what to name this baby”? After all the doctor needed a name to put on the certificate/paperwork.
Within moments they settled on Elvis, which was Elvis’ fathers middle name, and Aaron which rhymed with “Garon” and paid homage to the biblical Aaron the older brother of Moses.
On January 8, 1935 through the stench of death and loss Elvis Aaron Presley was born into the world void of wealth, monetary means, but loved as much as any mother…ever. Vernon, in his own ways, loved Elvis but the love and bond between Gladys and Elvis started in the womb and would last (sadly) until her last breath.
To be continued…
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 12, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/07/12/why-god-took-elvis-presley-on-august-16-1977-part-1/
Elvis Presley was nominated, and won, the coveted award from the Jaycees and here are the details courtesy of usjayceefoundation.org;
The inaugural class of TOYM recipients in 1938, announced in January 1939 by Future Magazine, still ranks as one of the most famous. Included were: George Gallop, pollster; Elmer Layden, football coach; Howard Hughes, business and aviation; Douglas Corrigan, aviation; and Rudy Valee and Orson Wells, entertainers. A 1939 TOYM group was never selected but in 1940 and every year until 1973 a TOYM group was selected for a year and recognized the next year. There were no winners for 1972. In 1973, the TOYM event was revised to honor the designates for the current, rather than the previous year. Because of this change, there were no winners for 1972. Since 1973, the tradition of recognizing outstanding young people for the year in which awarded has continued.
Currently, candidates must be United States citizens, age 18 through 40, who exemplify the best attributes of the nation’s young people, the Jaycee Creed and dedication to a better nation. Thousands of nomination forms have been distributed each year before judging panels reduce the field to 20 candidates and then select the final 10. Currently the awards program is conducted each year in March at the United States Jaycees National Meeting.
To understand the magnitude of the award in the eyes of those who have received it consider this story: Elvis Presley TOYM 1970
Accepting the Jaycee Honor “Terrified Presley” read the headline in the Memphis Press-Scimitar. The “King” was shakin’ backstage, but no tin the manner that most people would have thought, as excerpts from the newspaper story show:
“Elvis Presley stood in the wings at the Auditorium in memphis on January 18, 1971, and admitted he was ‘terrified.'”
“He was perspiring profusely and his head was hanging low as he awaited his turn on stage as one of the United States jaycees 10 Outstanding Young Men of America for 1970.”
“‘I’m scared to death.’ he told Frank C. Taylor, chairman of the Outstanding Young Men (sic), who reminded the superstar that he had appeared hundreds of times before much larger crowds. ‘Yeah but not like this,’ Elvis replied.
“‘It was a different plateau for him,’ Taylor said. ‘For the first time, he was being paced on the level with achievers in realms other than entertainment, and for the first time Elvis felt he was being accepted like a true professional. He like the association of being given such an honor along with those nine other guys, and he was impressed by their tremendous abilities. And none of the others singled Elvis out for adulation more than any other, and he liked that too.”
When Elvis’ turn came, he took his place at the podium and looked back at the other winners seated on stage. With a sweeping gesture, he said: ‘These men may be the Kingdom of God.'”
“The famous voice cracked, he could not go on.”Elvis at podium
“‘He was the only one to have genuine tears in his eyes and to break up,’ Taylor said.
“Elvis stopped, stepped back for a second, regrouped himself and spoke again.”
“‘Without a song, the day would never end, without a song, a man ain’t got a friend,’ the famous singer said, quoting a classic song.”
“Then he ended with difficulty, saying humbly: ‘So I’ll just keep on singing my song.'”
Elvis always consider the Jaycee Awards as his most valued achievement. The honor was so important to Elvis, he was there to receive it in person labored weeks over his now famous speech. The Jaycee Award was one of the few trophies that Elvis received during his lifetime that held a special place. It represented Elvis initiation into the mainstream, acceptance by his peers for his contributions as a humanitarian and entertainer. His Ten Outstanding Young Men trophy, as well as the tuxedo he wore to the ceremony that night, have been kept on display at his Memphis home, Graceland and is seen by thousands of visitors every day.
Courtesy of YouTube comes part of the video pertaining to Elvis receiving this award that Elvis not only was humbled by but actually opted to appear in person, with Priscilla and members of his family and Memphis Mafia, to accept the award and give one of his most iconic and heartfelt speeches.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 23, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/06/23/elvis-presleys-jaycees-award-speech-1971-rare-footage-wow/
This song has always held a special meaning to me since the day I first heard it which was when Elvis first released it. Man, in some ways those were really the days.
This song is beautifully sung, arranged, and Elvis was going through his own trials which endeared this song to him.
I prefer just listening to the song without the photographs even though some of the pictures are nice.
Here is Elvis Presley and his “love song of the year”.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on May 26, 2017
https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/05/26/elvis-presley-love-song-of-the-year/
Check out this dilapidated BMW 507 that was once owned by Elvis Presley. The car, found in a barn in the US, was put on display in Germany in 2014 prior to undergoing a two-year restoration.
Two years ago it was a case of “now or never” for the restoration of a decrepit classic once owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
The BMW 507, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful roadsters ever made, had been found rusting away in a barn near San Francisco in 2014.
BMW’s Classic Group stepped in and have completed an amazing ground-up restoration with the result of their work to be unveiled publicly for the first time on August 21 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the US.
Elvis Presley in front of a BMW 507.
It was March 1958 when Presley – who died August 16, 1977 – fell in love with the 1957 BMW 507 roadster.
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This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
Already famous, and serving a two-year stint in the US Army, Presley was stationed in Germany when he witnessed hillclimb champion Hans Stuck race a 507 at the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry in southern France. “The King” took possession of that same roadster in December 1958.
The car was originally painted Feather white but it quickly became covered in kisses, phone numbers and messages – often written in red lipstick. Presley had it repainted a flashy red to camouflage the marks.
The ultimate celebrity automobile, Presley’s 507 was featured in international magazines and even had a role in a minor movie. By 1960 the car made its way to the United States. After passing through several other owners, Jack Castor purchased it in 1968 and kept it for decades.
This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
The car was in a bad way when it was rediscovered and even had a Chevrolet V8 engine under the bonnet.
But, back in the BMW Group Classic, the car has received a complete restoration over the course of the past two years, with working including repairs to the subframe which had been altered to fit the Chevrolet engine. BMW Group Classic has also built an entirely new V8 for the car.
Although there has been suggestions that the car should remain in the “Presley red” colour, the restored BMW 507 roadster is now back to its original Feather white colour.
This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
BMW is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will present an array of historic models from pre-
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 6, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/08/06/elvis-presleys-1957-bmw-507-has-been-restored/
*** Book cover courtesy of Amazon.com ***
Linda Thompson is well known to Elvis Presley fans around the world as being the woman Elvis chose to date, for a period of years, after Elvis seperated/divorced from Priscilla. But her life story is not limited to being one of the great loves of Elvis (which she was).
People email me around the world, to http://www.ElvisCollector.info and http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org, asking why I don’t have photos/videos/blogs/audio/etc. about Lisa Marie and/or Linda Thompson. My answer has been, and will forever be, that Lisa Marie has her own (blessed) memories and she has forums in which to tell her story. Thus it is not my place to interject concerning a father and his daughter.
Pertaining to Linda Thompson she also has her own story and forums in which to share and/or tell her story and I trust the judgment, and wisdom, of Linda Thompson.
My observations concerning Linda Thompson is that she really loved, and cared for above and beyond, Elvis. She is (including but not limited to); very intelligent, (no disrespect intended) but a beautiful person/woman, quick witted, funny, fashionable, loyal, trustworthy, a successful and talented writer including several beautiful songs such as “my grown up Christmas list” which, in full disclosure, is one of my favorite “contemporary Christmas songs”. Personally she is a wonderful mother and grandmother and she exudes a spiritual (positive) spirit and can (literally) light up a room.
Her new book, scheduled to be released in August of 2016 per Amazon, is entitled “A little thing called life”. Her is the direct link for pre-ordering/ordering Linda Thompson book released August 2016. I pre-ordered her book via Amazon and look forward to receiving it, and reading it, and I am thankful that she opted to share aspects of her life with the world. Doing so is a brave and honorable thing.
I remember first seeing Linda Thompson back in the 1970’s a couple of times and then (sadly) during Elvis’ funeral with her (if my memory is correct) mother. The first few times I saw her she was immaculately dressed and affectionate/supportive of Elvis publicly and vice versa. But when I saw her at Elvis’ funeral she was (justifiably so)…devastated. Yet she was doing everything she could, with a grace and loving heart, to comfort Lisa Marie and Vernon Presley (who was beyond crushed and it was very moving/touching to see how many friends/family members/co-workers/relatives/etc. were doing everything they could for Vernon. But, his sorrow went to his marrow). His heart. His soul. He loved his son and I don’t know how he was able to get through Elvis’ funeral and the months afterward until he (sadly) died.
Interestingly Linda’s older brother, Sam Thompson, worked in a security capacity for Elvis from 1972 until 1976 (approximately when Linda Thompson and Elvis ended their relationship). Sam Thompson went on to have a successful career and I wish him continued success in all of his personal and professional endeavors.
I have always encouraged Elvis Presley fans to; reach out, support, let them know how much they are respected and appreciated, add their various works to their collection(s), seek out, and acknowledge their lives and their sacrifices (which include the sacrifices of their family/loved ones). These sentiments are, of course, applicable to Linda Thompson.
I have always believed that Elvis Presley fans are the most loyal, and diverse, fans in the world. I hope that they, and tens of thousands of others, purchase her book – encourage family/friends to do so – and share their feedback via social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.).
I say this (in part) because Linda Thompson has had a unique life , and is not solely about Elvis but includes aspects about Elvis from her firsthand perspective, and any endeavor she is involved in, in my opinion, is a worthwhile endeavor and should be very interesting. I look forward to reading her book and I am thankful she took the time to write this long awaited book.
Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.
Jeff Schrembs
* Please feel free to share this blog post via social media. As always your comments are appreciated. Thank you
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 16, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/07/16/linda-thompson-book-to-be-released-august-2016/
Scotty Moore playing his guitar with Elvis Presley in middle and Bill Black far right onstage at the Louisiana Hayride. And to those who don’t realize it YES the world had color back then and it was bold, unique, cool, and beautiful.
Scott Moored, Elvis Presley’s original guitarist and first manager, passed away on June 2016 in Nashville Tennessee at the age of 84. Our thoughts, and eternal prayers, go out to the loved ones/relatives/friends/etc. of Scotty Moore.
There is a case to be made that had it not of been for Scotty Moore Elvis would never have put together the song that launched his career (i.e. That’s all right little momma”) and the signing at Sun Records by Sam Phillips.
The story goes that Sam Phillips called Scotty Moore, who was a local musician that was in a group with Bill Black, and wanted him to come to Sun Studio and jam with Elvis Presley to try out some songs. The first time together was nothing special and Sam asked Sonny what he thought which prompted Sam to schedule another jam session and in that session music, entertainment, and the world would forever change.
It is a slight to just call Scotty Moore Elvis guitarist as he had a career before meeting Elvis and one afterward. However, he is well known as Elvis’ guitarist. Elvs was fortunate to surround himself with people of quality and that was certainly true of the multi-talented Scotty Moore.
I am very sad to learn of the death of Scotty Moore who I have respected all of my adult life. I had met him on two occasions and I am thankful for that honor.
** I implore Elvis Presley fans worldwide to (now) reach out, support. share on social media, collect, etc. those who Elvis Presley was related to and/or worked with for decades. They are, including but not limited to, ; Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Billy Jo Smith, Joe Esposito, and Jerry Schilling.
Additionally there are many fans, friends, and outstanding authors about Elvis that we highly recommend such as; Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Russ Howe, Kathy Westmoreland, June Juanico, Anita Wood, Linda Thompson, Sam Thompson, Paul Litcher, Phil Arnold, and Larry Geller. Each of these individuals have their own stories as they were firsthand witnesses to Elvis Presley onstage and off.
Sadly, each year so many people of quality pass away. Many pass away without them truly knowing how much they are appreciated, respected, acknowledged, etc. by Elvis fans worldwide. In this day of instant messages, emails, social media, etc. there is no reason why we can’t take the time to reach out – give thanks – pray for – wish the best for – support – etc.
Please share this article, this blog, our websites, etc. via social media and, as always, we appreciate your comments.
Jeff Schrembs
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 4, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/07/04/scotty-moore-elvis-guitarist-has-died-june-28-2016/
![OnStage3[1]](https://i0.wp.com/theelvisexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/onstage31.jpg?w=261&h=405&ssl=1 "OnStage3[1]")
![Stage8[1]](https://i0.wp.com/theelvisexpert.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/stage81.jpg?w=243&h=279&ssl=1 "Stage8[1]")
There are many friends, and authors who eloquently have written about this aspect of Elvis’ life, (i.e. Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc.) who were with Elvis when Priscilla was pregnant (from May 1, 1967 to February 1, 1068) – when Lisa Marie was born – and for the 9+ years Lisa Marie was with her Father (as he sadly died on August 16, 1977).
There is not a shred of a doubt that Elvis loved Lisa Marie from; the moment it was confirmed Priscilla was pregnant, to every kick and movement during those 9 months, to the deliver (note: back then the man was not allowed in the delivery room and they had to wait in a designated “waiting room”).
Also, in southern culture (which I know firsthand and is a prominent place of where I come from and how I look at certain things especially respect, admiration, appreciation, etc. for women) the Father was kept from seeing his wife and newborn child until both were cleaned up and “presentable”. Furthermore the Father, in this case Elvis, was given strict instructions about Priscillas expected recovery time which Elvis not only took to heart but he had a deeply held belief that God gives life through the mother and that her body is literally a sanctuary and the relationship between man and wife can change (still loving and caring but “different”) once a child is born.
Priscilla and Elvis married both wanted children but I don’t believe that Priscilla envisioned that she would become pregnant on her honeymoon. Thus, this celebratory time in their life soon turned to semi-bedrest and after the birth months of recovery.
Priscilla becoming pregnant was a great joy in Elvis’ life and he was a loving, concerned, and proud expectant Father. He doted on Priscilla and together they chose names should it be a son and/or a daughter.
1967 was a turning point in Elvis’ life as he was on the cusp of getting out of his movie contracts, that had been in place since his release from the US Army whereby Elvis starred in (approximately) three movies per year and had stifled Elvis’ creative juices and kept him from appearing before a live audience something that he truly loved…and needed, and he was in better physcial shape.
But he, nor anyone else, had any idea that within the next two years he would catapult back into the forefront of the musical world and renew his superstardom first by his 1968 Singer TV Special (by the talented Steve Binder) entitled “Elvis” and then his successful return to live performances starting in Las Vegas.
Lisa Marie was the greatest love of Elvis’ life.
She had the best of Elvis’ features as well as those of her stunningly beautiful mother Priscilla. She was quick witted, smart, and (like her Father) seemed to be always on the move.
Thankfully, Lisa Marie has shared many of her stories/recollections about her and her beloved Father (i.e. in videos, books, interviews, photographs, etc.) which I encourage everyone to seek out and enjoy.
The photographs taken of Elvis and Priscilla in the hospital with newborn Lisa Marie show a smiling, animated, laughing, and joyously proud Elvis who took to holding, and fonding over, Lisa Marie like he had done it his whole life. Of course Priscilla looks beautiful and her smiles are equally bright and the love she has for her daughter is evident in every breath… every movement.
Writing this blog will never do justice to the love Elvis had for Lisa Marie. I think their love was beautiful, consuming, unique, and eternal. I believed that he loved her so much and that when the marriage between Elvis and Priscilla began to deteriorate it adversely effected Elvis every moment of his life. I don’t believe Elvis ever thought that he would bring a child into this world and not be able to spend their lives together with an enduring triangle of love cemented by an ever present Mother and Father.
Lisa Marie has been blessed to have her own children who I am sure she loves greatly. Lisa Marie is a multi-talented woman who is sensitive, regal, and in so many ways strong/brave/fierce. She is married to Mr. Michael Lockwood since 2006 and by all accounts they are happy, committed, and loving parents. I wish her and her family all the best in life.
Elvis spoiled Lisa Marie with gifts, attention, freedom, etc. I believe he did this, in part, because of his childhood growing up with love but also in adjunct poverty. Also, I believe Elvis (like many of us do) had an internal clock that was known only to Elvis but precipitated his intentions and his actions.
Perhaps it was because his mother died on August 14, 1958. For whatever reasons Elvis, as he did in every aspect of his life, did what he thought best and the end result was that he raised (along with Priscilla) an exceptional woman in her own right.
I believe that Elvis Presley was a good Father. That he showed his love to Lisa Marie and that his love has, in part, sustained her throughout her life.
Lastly, I believe that true love is not only essential but never ending. That true love is not defined by geography, time, space, or presence. That true love is the greatest gift God bestowed to us other than his son, Jesus. I believe that the love between Elvis and Lisa Marie exists to their very day and that, as it should be, it belongs between them.
** Note – though I possess many photographs of Elvis with Lisa Marie I made a decision decades ago that it is not my place to show them to the general public. That the only person who should control those moments encapsulated on film (i.e. photos and videos). I am also very appreciative to Lisa Marie for giving of her time to Elvis Presley fans worldwide and to carry on supporting worthwhile charitable endeavors as Elvis did throughout his life.
Thank for your visiting our site and please let others know about our blog, and websites, via social media.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2016.
Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.
Jeff Schrembs – 2016 All Rights Reserved
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 17, 2016
https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/06/17/fathers-day-2016-elvis-presley-as-a-father/
The Elvis Expert 