The Elvis Expert

by Jeff Schrembs on January 19, 2017 • Permalink

Posted in elvis collector, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, elvis presley died, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Tagged Apple, best Elvis website, Beyonce, elvis, Elvis 1977, Elvis facts, Elvis in concert, elvis presley, Elvis Presley facts, Google, great Elvis Presley blog, great Elvis website, JayZ, Unchained Melody, www.ElvisCollector.info, www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 19, 2017

https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/01/19/1977-elvis-live-unchained-melody/

Elvis Presley & Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. January 2017

The upcoming weeks mark the well deserved federal holiday of Martin Luther King, Jr. “day”. In my opinion Dr. King, Jr. was an incredible leader who put his own well being in jeopardy standing up for not only what was right but to obtain justice for the masses.

I have, on several occasions, read the writings of Dr. King, Jr. and those he wrote while he was in jail (like so many of his writings) were powerful and stirred my emotions. What an incredible leader.

Decades ago I was honored, by marriage, to have stayed in the suite in Washington DC at the Willard Hotel. This was the same suite that Dr. King, Jr. wrote his “I have a dream speech”. Though the wedding took every moment the significance of Dr. King, Jr. being in the same suite was very…humbling. I have great memories of that time, and that love, I (in far too many ways) I took for granted. But, this post is about the connection(s) between Elvis and Dr. King, Jr.

Elvis grew up poor. Elvis never saw one’s color nor did he tolerate those who treated others with anything but respect.

Elvis grew up in the church moved by preachings, the choir, and the church filled. Elvis grew up a southerner and endured everything that being a southern man, at the period in history, entails. Elvis loved the church and was a deeply spiritual man. The same can be said of Dr. King, Jr.

Several firsthand accounts confirm that Elvis had respect, and admiration, for Dr. King, Jr. and his non-violent approach.

On April 4, 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was murdered by a coward. And he was murdered in Elvis’ beloved city of Memphis in Tennessee which upset Elvis greatly. One would think that living in the 1960’s, which I did and all the turmoil and the decade had earlier brought the murder of America’s President John F. Kennedy and months after Dr. Kings’ death came the murder of Robert Kennedy, that “nothing would be shocking” as the country was “numb” by back to back killings bringing anger and uncertainty. But, when it came to the death of Dr. King, Jr. millions of people then and now mourn and that includes this writer.

During the 1960’s Elvis was locked into movie contracts which played out to be approximately three per year. Not many people know that Elvis had to star in movies regardless of the quality, or lack of, the scripts. Elvis had no say over the movies he starred in and the 1960’s were, in many instances, frustrating for Elvis.

Elvis was presented with an opportunity to have a TV special that would air around the Christmas season in 1968. I have written about aspects concerning this special in great detail so what I will say now is that Elvis, with the guidance of the talented producer/director, realized that this was the chance for him to return to a live audience (which he was kept from for approximately 8 years) as well as showcase his first love in entertainment and that was singing/performing.

When the time came, after great momentum, for Elvis to decide how to end the TV Special, which would be sponsored by the Singer sewing company and titled “Elvis”, Elvis wanted to express his feelings. His pulse. His sensitivity. His release from years of pent up anger/frustration. Elvis shared this with Walter Earl Brown, a great song writer, and together they used direct quotes of Dr. Kings, they came up with one of the greatest songs in the world…”if I can dream”.

Not only was the song beautiful but Elvis poured his heart and soul into the song. There are two versions of this song from the 68 special and one was Elvis in front of the audience in black leather and he never looked, or sounded, better. The other was Elvis, dressed in a white 1960’s fashionable suit, singing in front of large red lit letters that spelled out “E L V I S”. The version of Elvis in white is my personal favorite version of this song. I encourage everyone to watch Elvis performing this song and affirm that, with every pore and vocal inflection, Elvis shared a soulful message with the viewing audience all the while paying respect and love to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The TV ratings were a success and catapulted Elvis back into superstardom as a singer/performer. Out of the thousands of songs Elvis knew, and he had a photographic memory, he could not of picked a better song than “if I can dream”. I believe it is one of Elvis’ greatest performances and certainly was a meaningful song for him as a man and as an entertainer.

It is hard, at times, for me to believe that it has been 49 years since Dr. King, Jr. took breath upon this earth. And it has been, as of August 16th of this year (i.e. 2017), 40 years since Elvis took his last breath. Both of these men had failures, shortcomings, and regrets but they were both wholly unique and they rose to infamy for what they stood for – what they believed – and how they chose to live their lives. I miss them both and my prayers are always with the family, and loved ones, of these great men.

Take care and God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

by Jeff Schrembs on January 15, 2017 • Permalink

Posted in Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, Elvis Presley Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Tagged best Elvis blog, Beyonce, Dr. King, Dr. Martin Luther King, elvis, Elvis Aron Presley, Elvis author, Elvis Collector, elvis expert, Elvis historian Jeff Schrembs, elvis presley, Elvis Presley Collector, elvis presley historian, Elvis week, Facebook, Google, jeff schrembs elvis expert, www.ElvisCollector.info

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 15, 2017

https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/01/15/elvis-presley-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-january-2017/

January 8, 2017 Elvis Presleys’ 82nd birthday

I don’t know why but as the years pass by I find myself often reflecting and, in between having a permanent broken heart and missing/loving/wanting the best for/etc my children, yearning for days gone by when Elvis was filling stadiums and his songs fluttered on the airways.

Now it is January 8, 2017 and the 82nd anniversary of the day he was born. Man, in a few years it will be MORE YEARS PAST THAN ELVIS PRESLEY EVER LIVED. The math on this is that Elvis was 42 years old when he died. As of today it has been 39 years since he (sadly) passed away (August 16, 1977). So, in the next few years it will 43 years since Elvis died versus the 42 years he lived. What a loss. What a…loss.

Graceland, and Priscilla and Lisa Marie, will (in all probability) have a week of acknowledgement filled with events as fans gather from around the world. His beloved home, Graceland, will be open and there will be candle light vigils in remembrance. The tree, whose branch expectantly broke while the members of the “Memphis mafia” were in a car during his funeral/mourning, will still be there as is the wall that fans have been writing on since the 1950’s.

I have Elvis’ music, and other eclectic singers, in every “listening device” including the albums and 45’s (which I have two record players but I don’t want to damage the records which was not the case when I was a child/young man/younger/etc. as I played the grooves off each Elvis record I could get my hands on. Man, what a…loss.

As 2017 rolled around I was heavy hearted thinking about all of the people who (sadly) passed away that were; related to, loved by, trusted by, worked with, etc. Elvis. The same is true with others in the entertainment industry whose passing were worldwide news. But, Elvis had an uncanny ability to surround himself, individually and collectively, with people of quality. Of great intellect and personality. Of being grounded and unique. With sadness, yet respect, I have put their names in memorandum on http://www.ElvisCollector.info. I hope to add much more content to these special people.

While I created http://www.ElvisCollector.info with hesitation and with nothing other than a positive distraction for me far removed from my cancer treatment(s) and my divorce but most of all from the nightmare that is custody/visitation issues. My heart goes out to the children of divorce as well as their parents and loved ones. Back to http://www.ElvisCollector.info.

I have been amazed at how many people visit http://www.ElvisCollector.info each day. Each month. Each year. At one point I put “digital pins” on a “digital map of the world” on my laptop(s). The pins were red and the map was white outlined in black. Before the month was out the red pins were in (literally) every corner of the world. To make things even more joyous the site was ranked, in about 70 different categories, number 1 in many search engines.

I added site content and decided to put “never seen before” photographs along with cool and unique; videos, audio files, photographs, documents, handwriting, personal possessions, etc. pertaining to Elvis. But, I had a few “non-negotiable s” such as; I would not allow anything about Lisa Marie (out of respect as she has her own forums to do so if she wants), I would not allow anything about anyone Elvis dated other than Priscilla (this was a hard decision for me as so many of those Elvis dated are INCREDIBLE people including Linda Thompson, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Kathy Westmoreland, etc.) for the same reason pertaining to Lisa Marie, I would not allow anything to be sold/offered for sale, I would not allow any ads, I would not allow any pop-ups, I would put things on the site that were interesting to me, I would write original stories/articles about Elvis onstage and off, I would put an emphasis on the visual (photographs, videos, etc.), I would put Elvis’ life onstage and off told by FACTS and in context, and I would keep the format simple yet compelling.

I also wanted fans to know about other sites, and person(s) (including but not limited to Russ Howe, Paul Litcher, Phil Arnold, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Sandi Pichon, Marty Lacker, Alanna Nash, etc.), about Elvis. Now, I have very high standards, as has been the case since the late 60’s, but these sites/people are truly deserving to be recognized. I hope people check out every site/person listed as they are worth the “click” and the “time”.

Well, I’m off to knock out a few chores/errands but here are a few cool things that I hope your enjoy.

wm-1957-candid-with-joan-adama-runner-up-miss-america

bio-elvis-with-gladys-on-set-of-loving-you-gladys-proud-and-it-shows

1956-elvis-candid-at-party-wearing-customized-gold-mask-3-women-hugging-2

1969-elvis-with-priscilla-head-shot-both-looked-great-lasvegas-streisand-concert

1960s-elvis-off-set-harum-scarum-with-colonel-parker-and-mideget

army-professional-photo-elvis-posed-for-all-dressed-up-one-of-cillas-favorites

army-elvis-signing-autos-with-2-young-girls-1-man-houses-in-background-rs-9

army-side-shot-furry-small-hat-smiling-very-very-rare-candid-rs-10

moving-gif-army-induction-elvis-shirtless-with-other-man-b4-famous-haircut

wm-1970s-with-pat-boone-charie-in-middle

wm-1950s-elvis-with-carl-perkins-in-crowd-rarer

wm-1960s-great-side-shot-in-convertible-wondefull

wm-1965-or-66-elvis-with-priscilla-ca-home-driveway-rareaer

Please visit, and share via social media and verbally, http://www.ElvisCollector.info and http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (please BOOKMARK as the name is sooooo long and typing it over and over will give you carpal tunnel) the Elvis Presley forum that is 100% free to join. Please note that the forum is still in the “beta testing” realm and hopefully 2017 will be the year it is up to par with my expectations.

I hope you enjoyed this article. Take care and may God bless you and yours always.

Jeff Schrembs

2 Comments

by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2017 • Permalink

Posted in elvis collector, elvis expert, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, Elvis Prelsey Expert Jeffrey Schrembs, elvis presley, Elvis Presley birthday, elvis presley blog, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, jeff schrembs, jeffrey schrembs, Memphis Mafia, Uncategorized, www.ElvisCollector.info

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2017

https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/01/08/january-8-2017-elvis-presleys-82nd-birthday/

Joe Esposito, Elvis’ friend, died November 23, 2016

Image result for elvis with joe esposito 1967 It is with a heavy heart that I learned that Joe Esposito died on November 23, 2016 at the age of 78.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, loved ones, friends, etc.. May God grant them time to mourn. Time to heal (as best as is humanly possible). And always recall/remember the acts, passions, simple gestures, etc. of Joe Esposito.

Elvis Presley met Joe while in the US Army in 1958 and their friendship grew with Elvs ultimately offering Joe a job working with Elvis upon their discharge(s) in 1960. And during Elvis wedding in 1967 he was “co best man” with Marty Lacker who is a priceless asset to the Elvis Presley community worldwide along with being an exceptional man with an exceptional family.

Joe Esposito was one of the “Memphis Mafia” the nickname given to Elvis’ entourage during the 1960’s.

We will be adding (sadly) this information to our Elvis Presley website http://www.ElvisCollector.info along with so many other quality individuals who have (sadly) passed away over the years.

There are those living who Elvis loved, cared for, befriended, trusted, etc. They are including but not limited to; Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Kathy Westmoreland, etc. I encourage everyone to seek these individuals out. To support them in all of their professional endeavors. To let them know how much you appreciate their firsthand accounts of being with Elvis onstage and off for decades. To promote healing within the Elvis Presley community so that we can cherish/focus on the facts, good and not so good, about Elvis the man and Elvis the performer.

Joe Esposito you will be missed. But, you will never be forgotten.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

by Jeff Schrembs on November 25, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in elvis blog, elvis collector, elvis death, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, Elvis in Army, Elvis Prelsey Expert Jeffrey Schrembs, elvis presley blog, elvis presley died, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Tagged best Elvis Presley website, best Elvis website, elvis, Elvis Aron Presley, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis fans, elvis presley, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley facts, Jeff Schrembs the Elvis Collector, joe esposito, Joe Esposito died, Memphis Mafia

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 25, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/25/joe-esposito-elvis-friend-died-november-23-2016/

Remembering those friends/family of Elvis’ that have (sadly) passed away

RARE handwriting, with signature, of Elvis Presley. Photo courtesy of Mr. Jeffrey Schrembs.

On our website, http://www.ElvisCollector.info, we have a page entitled “about us”. On this page we pay homage to those who were close to Elvis and have (sadly) passed away. Needless to say, our eternal thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones, family, friends, etc.

We hope to add more information about this, individually and collectively, exceptional people on our website as quality content (i.e. rare, unique, cool, exclusive, original articles by the Elvis Presley collector Jeff Schrembs).

Please excuse the wierd font and spacing below.

In no specific order they are (note on http://www.ElvisCollector.info we have photographs of each person so please check it out and share this blog, and our websites, via social media);

CONDOLENCES, RESPECT, APPRECIATION, LOVE, and PRAYERS ALWAYS TO:

the friends, the family members, and the love ones concerning Todd Morgan (of EPE) who passed away at the age of 45 on March 1, 2008.

I had the HONOR of befriending Todd dating back to his first few years at EPE during the 1980s. Todd was a WONDERFUL – HONEST – HARDWORKING – PROFESSIONAL. He was a TREMENDOUS asset to EPE and he will be missed…forever.

Our heartfelt thanks, prayers, and thoughts (eternally) go out to your loved ones, friends, and family members as well. We will never forget the relationships you had with Elvis and we say “thank you” for any/all contributions you have made (i.e. verbally, in writing, in person, on the radio, on TV, in book form, on DVD, on CD, etc.) concerning the life (onstage and off) of Elvis Presley.

In no specific order we remember now; Elvis Aron Presley,

Vernon Elvis Presley (Elvis’ Father), Gladys Love Presley (Elvis’ beloved Mother), Minnie Mae

Presley (aka: Dodger Elvis Grandmother and Vernon’s’ Mother), Jesse

Garon Presley (Elvis’ twin brother born before Elvis as a “stillborn child”),

Charlie Hodge (Elvis’ friend and his onstage “right hand man who gave Elvis his water and his scarfs”), JD Sumner (Elvis loved his deep voice and is credited with hitting the

“lowest note” ever recorded who also sang back up with Elvis onstage for years via JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet) and Lamar Fike (who passed away January 22,

2011 at the age of 75) who was Elvis’ beloved friend of (approx.) twenty years and was Elvis’

“lighting manager” for Elvis’ Concerts and a source/recipient of Elvis’ humor.

Janelle McComb (who passed away July 25, 2005 at the age of 84). From EPE – Janelle McComb died on July 25 in Tupelo due to a congestive heart failure. Janelle was a friend of the Presley family since Elvis was four years old and remained close to Priscilla and Lisa Marie. As far as know, Janelle was 84 years old and was the driving force behind the Tupelo Youth Center, the renovation of the birthplace, the construction of the museum and the Elvis memorial Chapel. Janelle possessed a treasure of letters, notes and pictures from Elvis, which were never made public.Few fans know that Janelle was a gifted writer herself. For Lisa’s 4th birthday, she wrote a poem, called The Priceless Gift. Elvis was so touched by it, that tears filled his eyes. In fact, he was so impressed that he commissioned a second poem in 1976, this time as a Christmas gift for his father. One year later, shortly after Elvis had passed away, it was Vernon’s turn to call on Janelle, and ask her if she could write a poem for the gravestone. Janelle did, and it’s that poem that millions of fans all over the world have read in the Meditation Garden. Later, when the Eternal Flame was installed,

Now (i.e. Thursday October 27, 2011) Patti Parry (sadly) has

died. Patti was a beloved, and trusted, trusted friend to Elvis for 17 years. Patti, like so many

unique and talented people associated with Elvis will be (forever); missed, mourned, celebrated for

their lives, and loved.

John Wilkinson John Wilkerson died, on January 11, 2013 at age 67, after battling cancer. John was a remarkably talented musician and played with Elvis for nine years and up to Elvis’ death in August of 1977.

Al Wertheimer died on October 20, 2014. Mr. Wertheimer was a professional photographer who captured exceptional photographs of Elvis in 1956. In this photo he is holding his most famous Elvis photograph entitled “the kiss”.

Millie Kirkham died on December 14, 2014. Millie, the angelic soprano, began recording with Elvis during the Blue Christmas session in 1957. Millie worked with Elvis in the 1960s on various movie soundtracks. When Elvis returned to live performing he reached out to Millie, who was a Nashville staple of excellence, to join him in Las Vegas. She accepted and her beautiful voice, and talents, were showcased during the 1970 documentary That’s The Way It Is.

Joe Guercio died on January 6, 2015. Joe was not only the conductor of the orchestra during Elvis’ live appearances from 1970 until 1977 but also a trusted friend of Elvis.

Alan E. Fortas died on September 23, 1992. Elvis and Alan became friends after Alan was introduced to Elvis at Graceland in Memphis in 1955. Alan worked with Elvis from 1956 through 1968. Alan was the only member of the Memphis Mafia to be captured on film for the 1968 Singer Special entitled Elvis. This special is known as the “comeback special” the “68 special”, etc. Alan left Elvis’ employ in 1968 due to the burdens of travel but he remained friends with Elvis throughout Elvis’ life.

Joe Moscheo died on January 11, 2016 at the age of 79. Joe not only was a friend of Elvis’ since 1966 but was a part of the group “the Imperials” who sang backup to Elvis during Elvis’ initial concerts in Las Vegas from 1969 until 1972. He, and the Imperials, also were on many of Elvis’ recordings during these time periods.

SCOTTY MOORE – he (sadly) died on June 28, 2016 at the age of 84 in his home in Nashville, Tennessee. Scotty Moore, in this 1955 promo photo is on Elvis’ RIGHT (picture circa 1955). Scotty Moore was an established professional musician with a hard work ethic and was a very good guitar player in high demand. Scotty Moore played with Elvis, and Scottys friend and bandmate Bill Back, from Elvis’ first professional recording session at Sun Records in Memphis Tennessee which was owned by Sam Phillips. The first jam session, with Elvis – Scotty – Bill, did not go well and after Elvis left (disappointed as he knew he could do way better) Sam asked Scotty “what do you think”? and Scotty responded with a “he has a good voice but he is raw but he knows a lot of songs of all kinds. Sam asked Scotty if he would be willing to get together with Elvis and Bill again in a few days. Sam knew that Scotty would not waste his time, as he had a job and a band and a wife, and Scotty said “yes”. It was at that second session where Elvis, with Scotty and Bill, changed music and culture…forever. Also, Scotty Moore was Elvis’ first official manager.

They, individually and collectively, will never forgotten as they remain forever in each of our hearts

and we miss them daily.

We continue to have the family members, friends, and loved ones of each of these individuals in our

thoughts and prayers. May God allow you the time to heal and may your pain be gradually replaced

with fond memories now…and each day hereafter. May there come a day when all of us will be

reunited on the “other side” and what a glorious day that will be.

We encourage everyone to reach out, support, give thanks to, thank their family members, etc. those who were close to Elvis onstage and off for they were firsthand witnesses and they are priceless assets to the Elvis Presley community. Thank you.

Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.

http://www.ElvisCollector.info (the premier Elvis Presley website)

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (the premier Elvis Presley fan forum in beta testing phase).

by Jeff Schrembs on November 18, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in elvis collector, elvis expert, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, Elvis Prelsey Expert Jeffrey Schrembs, elvis presley, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Tagged Bill Black, Charlie Hodge, elvis, Elvis Aaron Presley, Elvis Aron Presley, Elvis band, Elvis died, elvis presley, Elvis Presley friends, Gladys Presley, Joe Moscheo, Lamar Fike, Memphia Mafia, Millie Kirkham, Patti Parry, Scotty Moore, Vernon Presley

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 18, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/18/remembering-those-friendsfamily-of-elvis-that-have-sadly-passed-away/

Elvis’ return to live appearances circa 1969 courtesy of YouTube (audio)

1969 was a great year for Elvis Presley personally, physically, mentally, and professionally.

Elvis’ 1968 Singer TV Special entitled “Elvis” had the highest TV ratings of the year. Elvis showcased his magnetism and his four and a half octave vocal range with ease. The show contained Elvis singing; some of his prior hits, gospel, and one of the greatest songs/performances when he ended the show with “If I Can Dream” dressed in a white suit giving his all in a powerful and emotionally moving way.

I am “young” enough to remember watching this special on TV (note: I have been a diehard Elvis Presley fan for six decades now) and Elvis was simply…amazing. I could not wait to be able to purchase the album that contained songs from the TV special.

In 1969 Elvis had been married for (approximately) two years to Priscilla who he met in 1960 while stationed in Germany during his US Army tenure (i.e. 1958 – 1960). He and Priscilla were blessed to have a beautiful baby girl (approximately) the year before. Elvis had years of pent up frustration with the lack of quality songs he was given to record. Elvis was in peak physcial condition and he radiated sex appeal.

Via YouTube here is Elvis’ (audio) of his first live perfomance in (approximately) nine years. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have. Even after all these years Elvis’ singing is unrivaled.

Jeff Schrembs

by Jeff Schrembs on November 14, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in elvis collector, elvis expert, Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis facts, Elvis Prelsey Expert Jeffrey Schrembs, elvis presley blog, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, Elvis Presley hit records, Elvis Presley hit songs, Uncategorized

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 14, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/11/14/elvis-return-to-live-appearances-circa-1969-courtesy-of-youtube-audio/

Elvis Presley – a generational…thing

Being in the hospital is something that I have had to deal with. But, being in the hospital for extended periods of time is upsetting to say the least. Being in an “isolation room”, due to fear of further infection, is something else all together.

My heart and prayers go out to medical care providers and their family/loved ones. And I mean everyone from the trash collector, to the volunteers, to the doctors and everything else. I feel the same way about the patients themselves and their family/loved ones.

The design of the local hospital is similar with Baptist Hospital where Elvis (sadly) was taken when he died on August 16, 1977 and where he was admitted numerous times for various medical issues. But, the technology and the medical advances between the 1970’s and now is almost incalculable. It amazes me.

I have had the occasion to listen to many of my eclectic playlist, record collection, digital music downloads, etc. and YES I have every Elvis Presley song ever recorded my taste in music, and my favorites depending on the mood, I listen to a vast array of artists many (sadly) have died but they left behind, as Elvis did, great quality of musical works. I will say that Elvis sounded as good if not better onstage, and he moved around quite a lot, as he did on his recordings which were NEVER digitally enhanced and/or auto tuned or anything else as Elvis had great instinctual vocal inflections and a beautiful four and a half octave vocal range. The man flat out could sing.

I find myself, more often that I would like, getting emails or phone calls about those who were close to Elvis undergoing medical hardships and/or passing away. My heart goes out to them as do my prayers. We are literally losing, each month and each year, people who were or quality and witnessed Elvis’ personal and professional triumphs, setbacks, frustrations, etc. And each generation that comes along rarely knows the names of these exceptional people.

I am very weak but I had this on my mind as my granddaughters, who are personally and musically wholly unique, have been listening to Elvis songs. They are still in elementary school and for them to like, appreciate, learn the words, and even sing the songs that Elvis recorded decades before they took their first breath is…remarkable. Does Elvis dominate their musical tastes? No, but I have always believed in quality over quantity.

Elvis’ music has been a part of the soundtrack of my life for better or worse. It is ingrained in my mind and associated with a lifetime of memories (which becomes harder and harder as getting older is not “fun” and it takes adverse tolls on your mind and your body jack). But, unlike so many I put Elvis’ life into context with equal footing for each of his great works and his failures/shortcomings personally and in his career. I don’t gloss over facts.

For those of my generation no one else knows of how life used to be and how it was cool when Elvis was around and killing it onstage/tv and producing songs that warranted being played over and over until the record itself could not be played again. Many of them were that good.

Throughout Elvis’ career he had fans across every generation and, though not as often, continues to do so to this day. I hope future generations will be exposed, and like, to Elvis’ life and his decades of great professional works in every media genre. Though so much as changed I have faith in the generations to acknowledge quality and if they do then Elvis Presley will always be relevant and that, my friends, is a good thing indeed.

Take care and may God bless you.

me-october-14-2016 Jeff Schrembs

http://www.EkvisCollector.info

2 Comments

by Jeff Schrembs on October 16, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 16, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/10/16/elvis-presley-a-generational-thing/

Elvis Presley a lifelong appreciation

PUBLISHED WITH THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MR JEFFERY SCHREMBS

1950s-candid-hair-coiffure-swept-up-hair

I have had great things occur in my life (i.e. marriage, children, grandchildren, friends, family, passions, etc.) as well as setbacks and soul wrenching…losses.

I have lived in various parts of the United States that, growing up, I never imagined I would visit let alone spend parts of my life.

My story is unique as is everyone’s. The same is true about my faith, foundation, beliefs, and even my shortcomings/faults.

I became an Elvis Presley fan between the age of 1 and 2 years old. How do I know this you say? Well, I have home movies of me trying to stand up listening to the record player with many Elvis albums. Not only did I gravitate to music but as I grew into a young man/teen I became a fan of Elvis the man along with Elvis the singer/performer.

I have listened to every song Elvis sang and I have my favorites as I do various times in his career. I never imagined that I would be, as I am now, TWELVE years older than Elvis was when (sadly) he died. Man…

There are so many things I love, and at times long for, about my life in years gone by. And Elvis music, in part, has been the soundtrack of my life. But I don’t shy away from Elvis’ low points in his career or his failing health and reliance on medications over a period of decades. I, as I do everyone, believe context matters and in any reasonable criteria Elvis Presley was…truly unique and exceptional.

I have been very blessed to get to know so many who worked with, were related to, were loved by, were befriended by, etc. Elvis Presley. The relationship I have for each of these wonderful people is something I cherish.

Elvis Presley was a man of quality and I was fortunate to have lived during exciting times in his career. Though I have a website, forum. blog(s), etc. about Elvis I have opted to share some of my insights, facts, expertise, etc. over the past many years it is only the tip of the iceberg.

I look forward to 2017 and I wish everyone all the best in life.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

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by Jeff Schrembs on October 6, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs, Uncategorized

Tagged elvis, Elvis Collector, elvis expert, Elvis facts, Elvis historian, elvis presley, Elvis Presley Collector, elvis presley expert, Elvis Presley facts, Jeff Schrembs the Elvis Collector, Jeff Schrembs the Elvis Expert

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 6, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/10/06/elvis-presley-a-lifelong-appreciation/

Elvis Presley’s 1957 BMW 507 has been restored

BMW restores Elvis Presley’s 1957 BMW 507

BMW

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.

BMW

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.

BMW

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.

BMW

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.

BMW

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-

by Jeff Schrembs on August 6, 2016 • Permalink

Posted in Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized

Posted by Jeff Schrembs on August 6, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/08/06/elvis-presleys-1957-bmw-507-has-been-restored/

Linda Thompson book to be released August 2016

*** 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

ME July 12 2016.jpg

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