Here is a great article about Elvis banning his Peacocks from Graceland.
Here is the direct link:
All posts tagged ElvisCollector.info
Elvis Presley and banning his peacocks from Graceland
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on May 18, 2021
https://theelvisexpert.com/2021/05/18/elvis-presley-and-banning-his-peacocks-from-graceland/
Why Elvis Presley’s legacy is in trouble
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
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on May 13, 2020
https://theelvisexpert.com/2020/05/13/why-elvis-presleys-legacy-is-in-trouble/
Natalie Wood and Elvis Presley circa 1956
ACCORDING to Lana Wood Natalie’s sister: Intrigued by 21-year-old Elvis’ music and image, Natalie, then 18, had asked her Rebel Without a Cause co-star Dennis Hopper to introduce them. She was charmed by their first dates. “To go to the movies, he bought out the theater,” Natalie’s sister Lana Wood exclusively told Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, on newsstands now. “That’s not what she was used to.”
Elvis, meanwhile, was starstruck by Natalie, a former child actress. “She was in Miracle on 34th Street when he was a little boy,” Ray Connolly, author of Being Elvis: A Lonely Life, told Closer. The singer invited her home to impress his parents, but his mother Gladys soured on the actress quickly. “Natalie wore a very flimsy nightgown around the house,” Connolly shared. “Gladys was like, ‘Not in my house!’”
Natalie, meanwhile, found Elvis’ close relationship with Gladys troubling. “His mother said something like, ‘Come and sit on Mama’s lap,’” Lana recalled. “They were very affectionate, and it bothered Natalie. She called and asked our mom to make up a story about why she had to come home.”
Their brief romance ended with no regrets. “Later, he called her ‘Mad Nat,’ I think for how angry she got,” Connolly said. Natalie also put the trip behind her. “There were people that she idolized,” Lana said, “Elvis was not one of them.”
DIRECT QUOTE from Natalie Wood:
A former child actress, she had blossomed into an 18-year-old sweater girl and Oscar-nominated actress by the time she met Elvis in 1956. However, in her following comments in the San Francisco News on October 14, 1956, she sounded more like a normal 14-year-old girl with a crush on Elvis.
“I saw his picture in the paper before he got very popular and I liked his eyes. I thought then I just had to go out with him. He’s really great and the most totally real boy I’ve ever met. He’s a real pixie and has a wonderful little boy quality. He’s very courteous and polite and so sweet! He’s the nicest boy I know. A wonderful dancer—and he sings all the time to me. All the girls in the country are in love with him—so why should I be any different?”
When Natalie Wood came to Memphis in 1956, and yes they dated briefly, she was the teenage queen of Hollywood and she was drop dead gorgeous. Their brief fling flamed out with both parties giving, to personal friends, different accounts. BUT there were witnesses to the relationship and there have been several interviews, books etc which go into detail about this period in the lives of these two vastly different (except in looks as both were blessed in those areas). The books authored by Alanna Nash comes to mind.
Elvis
The King got all shook up when he dated Natalie Wood.
As a traffic light turned green, Elvis Presley gunned the engine of his Harley Davidson, causing his passenger, Natalie Wood, to hold her head scarf more tightly. At the height of the singer’s early stardom he’d brought his famous new girlfriend home to Memphis, Tenn. — but it didn’t work out the way either expected.
Intrigued by 21-year-old Elvis’ music and image, Natalie, then 18, had asked her Rebel Without a Cause co-star Dennis Hopper to introduce them. She was charmed by their first dates. “To go to the movies, he bought out the theater,” Natalie’s sister Lana Wood tells Closer. “That’s not what she was used to.”
Elvis, meanwhile, was starstruck by Natalie, a former child actress. “She was in Miracle on 34th Street when he was a little boy,” Ray Connolly, author of Being Elvis: A Lonely Life, tells Closer. The singer invited her home to impress his parents, but his mother Gladys soured on the actress quickly. “Natalie wore a very flimsy nightgown around the house,” Connolly says. “Gladys was like, ‘Not in my house!’ ”
Natalie, meanwhile, found Elvis’ close relationship with Gladys troubling. “His mother said something like, ‘Come and sit on Mama’s lap,’” says Lana. “They were very affectionate, and it bothered Natalie. She called and asked our mom to make up a story about why she had to come home.”
Their brief romance ended with no regrets. “Later, he called her ‘Mad Nat,’ I think for how angry she got,” Connolly says. Natalie also put the trip behind her. “There were people that she idolized,” says Lana, “Elvis was not one of them.” — By Louise A. Barile, reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows
“Gladys was embarrassed,” says Connolly. “She didn’t like the idea of this fast Hollywood girl with her son.”
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on April 2, 2020
https://theelvisexpert.com/2020/04/02/natalie-wood-and-elvis-presley-circa-1956/
Happy New Year 2020 to Elvis Presley fans Worldwide
Elvis singing Happy New Year in concert
It has been my pleasure to share my opinions, insight, true stories, facts, documents, photographs, videos, handwriting, personal letters, etc. to Elvis Fans Worldwide these 7 decades.
Though this year has been tough on me missing the likes of; Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Red West, Sonny West, Sandi Pichon, Patti Perry, Todd Morgan, Colonel Tom Parker, Lamar Fike, etc. My heart, and prayers, will forever go out to their families as it will to Elvis’ family/friends/loved ones/etc.
I know not how much longer I can share things about Elvis as though I am getting better these cancer battles have taken their toll. But I will continue to do so as much as possible and I am thankful to WordPress, Graceland, Jack Soden, Google, ElvisCollectorInfo, ElvisCollectorWorldwide Fan Club, Elvis Collector Worldwide Forum, my Elvis blogs, etc.
I remain saddened that I am a member of a wonderful, yet declining, group of people who lived during the majority of Elvis’ life. To have seen him. To have heard his music firsthand. And I can tell you it was NOT always cool to be an Elvis fan especially from 1974-1977. The man was a blessing in the entertainment filed endowed with talents, and gifts, from God but more than that he was an exceptional man/person. I miss him
I have to go
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2020 to you and your family.
Take care and God bless you and yours…always.
Jeff Schrembs
- Please check out ElvisCollector.info as we have added much needed content AND please join our 100% free Elvis Collector Worldwide forum (google it and click on the link) and become a member with exclusive content AND please let others know about us and our sites via social media. After all we sure aren’t in this for the money…
Jeff Schrembs
Man that PHOTO IS TOO BIG and I can’t resize it aaaaaaaggggghhhhhhhhhh. But that is really me and YES it is recent for those thinking I was born in Prehistoric times
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on December 30, 2019
https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/12/30/happy-new-year-2020-to-elvis-presley-fans-worldwide/
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: 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 