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

Jeff Me INSTAGRAM Photo 2019

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

Elvis loved pets

1958 June 9 Elvis with Donkey at Graceland rareraerweraesd

RARE RARE RARE RATE photograph of Elvis with donkey @ Graceland RARE RARE

At the age of two, little Elvis Presley cried for two days when his pet rooster died. Elvis always had a fondness for animals, even stuffed ones, including his beloved teddy bear, which he named “Mabel.”

Elvis had a huge collection of teddy bears in the early days of his career; they were sent to him by swooning girls by the score. He even had a model of “Nipper,” the RCA dog, which he kept in his bedroom in later years. In 1957 in L.A., Elvis simulated a sexual act onstage with a stuffed version of “Nipper,” which got him plenty of severe criticism.

Elvis had several pet dogs over the years. As a boy, he looked after two small dogs that he named “Woodlawn” and “Muffy Dee.” When he was serving in the army and was stationed out in Germany, he kept a poodle named “Champagne.”

He liked giving dogs as gifts to the women in his life he loved. He gave his beloved mother, Gladys, a dog called “Sweet Pea;” he gave a toy poodle named “Little Bit” to his early girlfriend, Anita Wood; he gave a poodle named “Honey” to his wife Priscilla; and he gave “Foxhugh,” a Maltese, to one of his last girlfriends, Linda Thompson.

By the end of 1960, Elvis’ pet collection at Graceland included a monkey, spider monkeys, peacocks, chickens, pigs, poodles, and a Great Pyrenees dog called “Muffin.” Elvis had a chow called “Get Low” in the seventies who outlived his master by a year.

Elvis wasn’t so fond of cats, although stray that turned up on the Graceland grounds would be found new homes. He did reputedly have a pet cat called “Wendell,” named after his co-star in his movie Loving You, Wendell Corey.

When Elvis and his family moved to Graceland mansion in 1957, the barns were stocked with pigs and chickens. That year, Elvis drove out to the country, filled the back seat of his Cadillac with geese and brought them back to Graceland to keep the lawn trim.

Elvis also kept a few donkeys he had been given in the drained Graceland swimming pool when he first moved in, until work was finished on the fence around the property. Thought the larger farm animals were gradually pensioned off, Elvis retained a hen house at Graceland for a supply of fresh eggs. At one time or another, Elvis also had goats and turkeys (one called “Bow Tie”).

Elvis donated a wallaby to the Memphis Zoo after receiving it as a gift from Australian fans in 1957. He became a serial wallaby donator by repeating the gift in 1962.

 

Elvis was briefly a cattle rancher when he bought the Circle G Ranch in 1967. He bought horses for all his entourage and his wife Priscilla. Elvis loved riding his horse “Rising Sun.” He often went out riding with Priscilla, he on “Rising Sun” and she on “Domino,” the horse Elvis bought for her. Once “Rising Sun” got upset and started running amok with Elvis on him. Elvis couldn’t so anything to stop him. Finally, after a wild, uncontrolled ride, “Rising Sun” came to a stop. Most people would have been scared in such a situation, but Elvis was furious. According to a witness, Elvis jumped off the horse and -literally- punched him in the face (much like the famous scene in the Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles a few years later).

For a while, he had a peacock on the Graceland grounds, but the bird started damaging the cars, after which it was given away. He also owned myna birds, one of which could say, “Elvis! Go to hell.” The Graceland menagerie included mules at one time. Snakes that happened to venture onto Graceland had a rough time. A maid remembers Elvis blazing away with a rifle at a tree after a snake was seen slithering up the trunk.

He acquired his first monkey, a spider monkey called “Jayhew” back in 1956, to liven up his home. His best-known pet was a very fresh, mischievous chimpanzee called “Scatter.” Elvis loved this crazy monkey, but hardly anyone else shared the King’s affinity. Elvis enjoyed walking around and carrying “Scatter” on his shoulder and often brought him out to Hollywood when he was filming movies in the ’60s. “Scatter” liked to wear clothes, drink whiskey, and tear up rooms. Elvis bought him a wardrobe of suits and ties. “Scatter” had the annoying (at least to the women involved) habit and penchant for pulling up women’s dresses. When drunk, he had no qualms about about engaging in public masturbation. “Scatter” was reputedly poisoned in revenge by a maid he had bitten. Other sources pin his demise on alcohol-related liver problems.

 

Thank you

THANK YOU graphic

 

I wanted to take the time to say THANK YOU to Elvis Presley fans worldwide, the friends/loved ones’ of Elvis who are still around, the family/friends of those who have (sadly) passed away but were an integral part of Elvis’ life story, Lisa Marie, Linda Thompson, Priscilla, Jack Soden, all of the hardworking staff at Graceland, and to those I have been blessed to know as a direct result of being an Elvis fan including but not limited to; BIlly Jo Smith and family, Alanna Nash, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Sandi Pichon, Kathy Westmoreland, etc. To anyone I failed to list please accept my apologies.

In less than a week will be the “anniversary” of the (sadly) passing of Elvis who passed away on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. I still can’t believe that I have lived on this earth not only as long as Elvis did but T H I R T E E N years…older. My heart and prayers go out to so many who on August 16, 1977 lost their father. Their friend. Their relative. Their co-worker. Their son. Their nephew. I know that time does not heal all wounds but please know how thankful I am to you and yours and may God grant you good health and success on this “anniversary” and the other 364 days of each year.

We are the last generation that lived during Elvis’ wondrous career and (sadly) far too many of us pass away each year and I encourage Elvis Presley fans everywhere to seek out these individuals. To say thank you. To support their professional endeavors Elvis related or not.

Take care and may God bless you always.

Jeff Schrembs

Prayers for Lisa Marie Presley, her children, and her family/loved ones.

Recently it has been (sadly) reported on and on about the details of Lisa Marie’s divorce proceedings. Having young children, and some over 18, divorce/custody issues are NEVER “fun”. It takes tolls each minute of each hour of each day. Lisa Marie Presley has to be strong for her children as their mother and her decisions will affect each of them throughout their lives.

I hope others will pray for Lisa Marie Presley and her family as well as for our fellow man. This world needs more forgiving, love, empathy, etc. for each of us carries the weights of our decisions. Our actions. And our choices even when there is only one “choice”. We are so “busy” and inundated with bad news/evil far and away, we don’t convey our thanks/love to one another or to our maker which everything flows from.

 

*** this article was written by Jeff Schrembs 2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ***

I added this, after thought and prayer, true story for context and the hope it will lead to more understanding. More support. More prayers. etc.

At nine years old, after staying with her father over summer break, on August 16, 1977, couldn’t sleep. Her father came into her bedroom, where Lisa was on her white oval shaped bed and consoled her – kissed her forehead – and said goodnight.

Hours later Lisa Marie learned of her father’s death through the wailing of her grandfather Vernon, the cooks, members of the Memphis Mafia, etc. it was chaos. Little 9-year-old Lisa Marie picked up the red phone in Gracelands kitchen by the 4 closed circuit cameras (black and white) and put her finger into the first hole (of the telephone number) and repeated this 9 times. Linda Thompson, who had been Elvis’ girlfriend from 1972 (approx) until 1976, answered and heard Lisa Marie say “my daddy’s dead…my daddy’s’ dead”. Linda asked to speak to an adult and confirmed this nightmare was real.

Grown men, with various black belts in the martial arts, wept and fell to their knees crying. Vernon was inconsolable and he was frail due to his age and deteriorating medical issues. Women were in a state of shock but still tried to comfort Lisa Marie.

At times Little Lisa Marie tried to comfort her grandfather but he was unable to respond as his heart was literally…broken.

Lisa Marie was surrounded by men and women she knew and scores of others she did not. She was told her mother, and Linda Thompson was flying into Memphis. Lisa asked if her father would be back from the ambulance ride.

Over the next (approximately) year she would see her grandfather Vernon (sadly) die. She attended his funeral a little more mature knowing the finality of death which she endured so many feelings/emotions/loss of her father’s death. Lisa Marie was traumatized x 10000.

Legally her mother, Priscilla, now became the executor of Elvis’ estate as Vernon had died and everything went to Lisa but she was a minor so until she was 18 Priscilla would oversee everything. When her 18th birthday came she wasn’t ready so she let her mother run things until Lisa was 21. At 21 she still wasn’t able so it was extended until Lisa was 25 years old.

Immediately upon her father’s death, there were stories written, tv shows about, newspapers full of, etc. the attacks (by so many through decades upon decades ) of hearing so many accused her father of being a drug addict. That he tried to kill himself. That he was really still alive.

Lisa Marie is a talented, smart, and loving mother to her children. She never asked for this. Does anyone know how much time it takes to get over your father’s death? Or how that affects one’s decisions? One’s life? The same questions about her grandfather Vernon’s death? Keep in mind this was a very close family who openly shed tears for the death of Elvis and then Vernon. These tears were not limited to August of 1977 as for many they continue through the typing of this post.

I wish Lisa Marie, and her family, happiness – success – good health – stability – long life, etc. and that this divorce, and the monetary aspects, gets resolved very soon. Lisa Marie, like all others, should garner our sympathy and support for life is so very…very short.

When one, as this has been my experiences, falls in love and then marries before men/witnesses/God it is a beautiful thing. To have children born out of this love is a blessing. Hence, it is horrendous to have to go through divorce proceedings not only for the “adults” but also for the minor children.

No amount of money will heal the (temporary and permanent) scars on ones’ emotional state, mental state, physical state, parental state, and even the monetary state regardless of one’s last name (which in this case is beloved but brings forth far too much scrutiny, chatter, gossip, etc.) so facts and context matters but always secondary to what is right including the respect and appreciation we each should have for all of our fellow men including Lisa Marie.

Lastly, I don’t ask (with all sincerity and humility) others to pray, support, show compassion about. not feed into hurtful statements, etc about Lisa Marie Presley because of her name but…in spite of it.

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

Jeff Self Photo 2018 BEST ONe

Elvis Presleys 83rd birthday 1/8/2018

BIRTHDAY 21           BIRTHDAY on his 25thBIRTHDAY with actors from Wild in the Country      BIRTHDAY with Delores Hart Elvis with cigar   1960 January 8 Elvis birthday in Germany in US Army rareraw at pianoBIRTHDAY set Wild

 

Elvis Presley was born 83 years ago today, January 8 1935, to Gladys Love (Smith) Presley and Vernon Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley is, was, and forever will be the greatest entertainer who ever lived. Fortunately, Elvis left behind three decades of exceptional works in; music, tv appearances, movies, and live concerts.

I believe that God grants us all blessings, talents, etc. for each of his is made by the hand and grace of God. Elvis pursued his talent(s) which was both brave and honorable. He never imagined, being born and raised in the throes of bitter poverty, that he could make a living signing let alone achieve the highest accolades in his various endeavors. I hope that everyone would pursue their talents/gifts for it stirs the…soul.

We are the last generation, as I have been an Elvis Presley fan these six decades now, who lived during Elvis’ lifetime. There is no substitution for that. It can’t be recreated for the decades in which Elvis lived were in periods of times that were wholly unique as was Elvis.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Elvis.

And a heartfelt thank you to Billy Smith, Alanna Nash, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Jerry Schilling, Russ Howe, Sandi Pichon, Martine Prizzo, Kathy Westmoreland, Linda Thompson, Paul Lichter, Phil Arnold, etc. I highly recommend that you seek out, support, obtain, tells others about, etc. the vast variety of exceptional works pertaining to Elvis’ life onstage and off.

Take care and may God bless you and yours always.

Jeff Schrembs

 

Elvis and October 9, 1973

DIVORCE 4n1 photos October 9 1973 interesting yet sad candids   It has been well documented that (sadly) Elvis and Priscilla’s marriage began to deteriorate in 1971 and, with increasing torment for both, Elvis filed for divorce from Priscilla with it being finalized on October 9, 1973. These photographs capture Elvis and Priscilla walking out of court. Elvis appears to be heavy (i.e. gained weight). Priscilla appears to be fine. At times they held hands and, as one photograph confirms, Elvis reached over and kissed her. Priscilla would later state that “as we walked out of court I held Elvis’ hand. They were swollen and I was shocked at how bad he looked. I was worried. Elvis had always taken great pride in his appearance and I wasn’t prepared for how he looked. I knew the divorce, and seeing Lisa Marie, weighed heavily on him and we both made mistakes. He leaned over to me and sang part of the Dolly Parton song I will always love you”.

What many Elvis fans don’t know is that Elvis made a specific request of Priscilla in the divorce filings/proceedings which the presiding Judge upheld and that was Priscilla was not to use the Presley name. She was court ordered to legally change her last name. Elvis did not make this demand at the spur of the moment. He made it a center piece of his divorce. Many of those close to Elvis, including family members – coworkers – loved ones – friends – etc, have said that “Elvis was adamant on Priscilla losing the right to be called Presley. There was no doubt that Elvis loved her very much but there were other emotions involved. Elvis never thought his marriage would come to an end “. He had invested much in the relationship and as photographs and videos attest Elvis dotted on Priscilla. Elvis showed PDA. Elvis was always intimate and gentle behind closed doors with Priscilla. Openly he was caring, and loving and the photos and videos of the late 1960’s show that this was among the happiest times in Elvis’ life.

At the time of Elvis’ divorce I had been a fan for decades. Many magazines had storylines about the problems in their marriage for a few years. When the divorce was realized the story became more sensational with obvious leaks from firsthand accounts. The american love story between Elvis and Priscilla had come to an end (legally) approximately six and a half years of marriage.

We never contemplated that Elvis would pass away four years later. We had seen Elvis recently on TV on the Aloha from Hawaii concert and Elvis looked fine and sounded exceptional. noticeably Elvis included many love, divorce, children, etc. songs that meant a great deal to him. Since my own parents were divorced, and at the time I was the only one of my peers/classmates whose parents got divorced. It was almost unheard of and Elvis could have married just about any woman in the world as fans we worried and we hadn’t seen Elvis this sullen/sad since (sadly) his beloved mother passed away on August 14, 1958.

Those close to Elvis say between the divorce, the reality that Lisa Marie was not always nearby, his failing health (mentally, emotionally, physcially), his financial burdens, and no other major professional endeavors in the works (i.e. unlike the 1968 comeback TV special by Singer, his return to live performances in 1969 after a seven year absence, the pent up deamand by fans to see Elvis in concert across the United States/World, the 1973 Aloha from Hawaii tv special which was watched by an estimated audience of ONE BILLION people, etc.) it was a combination that adversely affected Elvis 24/7. Worth noting is that Elvis never knew how much he was loved. How much he was admired. How much his music meant to people. How many cared about him. Today it is a no brainer but Elvis had serious doubts about his legacy and the choices he had made in his life.

Elvis was wholly unique. I am sad that generations never had the chance to see Elvis alive, in concert, releasing great music, and/or seeing him in his prime. Looking, and smiling, like no one else..ever. He was remarkable.

Thank you for visiting and please check out http://www.ElvisCollector.info and let others know about us. Take care and may God bless you and yours.

NO DOUBT! Elvis Presley (part 1 of 3)

2017 All Rights Reserved authored by Jeffery Schremfs with permission

1956 Elvis in car Graceland front side shot rareOver the years I have been asked (literally) thousands of questions about Elvis Presley by quality websites such as; by participants of Quora, Wiki, and others. When I am able I answer them and provide facts that are not commonly known. When I get positive comments, upvotes, responses, emails, etc. I am appreciative as I have never monetized my collection, knowledge, etc. of Elvis Presley. I am a routine fan who has studied Elvis, onstage and off, for (approximately) six decades now.

This is in addition to this blog, http://www.ElvisCollector.info (no ads, no solicitations, no pop-ups, just 100% interesting/rare/unique/cool, http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (100% free Elvis Presley fan forum), and many other blog/sites I interact with.

I take great pride in these works and they have, individually and collectively, been positive distractions from my battles with cancer, PIDD, and I’ve been recently diagnosed with kidney failure aka acute renal insufficiency. Additionally I have hospitalization(s) scheduled for, including but not limited to, mapping of my, swollen – painful – and asymmetrical, lymph nodes and surrounding tissue.

I am very blessed to have good doctors, hospitals, friends, relatives, and other support systems. I have my own beliefs, and faith, in God which has sustained me and man are/were there times when the weight of all these medical/mental/emotional/etc, issues decimated my every breath.

I am also thankful to you. Those who want to know more about Elvis Presley. Those who are just curious, Those who came across this blog by happenstance. Thankful to all of the search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

You see Elvis’ life, beginning with the death of his identical twin brother who was born first but was “stillborn” (i.e. born dead) and his beloved mother (Gladys) and Father (Vernon) tasked with coming up with a name for their newborn son as they never expected twins, is unique and interesting to say the least. Elvis life was, at various stages, complicated yet simple. If you want to see dirt poor people in the South without means in the 1930s Elvis meets that criteria. If you want to see someone with riches, fancy cars, custom jewerly, his own fleet of cars and a few airplanes to boot Elvis is your man. I can, and will in the future, go on and on.

As a boy (in the 1960’s – man its been a….W  H   I   L   E) I started collecting Elvis memorabilia and everyone from my best friends, relatives, minister, neighbors, teachers, etc. knew

I not only collected Elvis related things but was also knowledgeable about the life of Elvis onstage and off. I never believed Elvis was perfect nor did I believe anything other than Elvis was multi talented, worked hard, provided jobs/income for his friends/family, was loyal, and had a world famous temper. I never put him on a pedestal and I had an emphasis on the truth (i.e. from direct sources I had the honor of knowing/speaking with/etc) and context. My Grandfather, who has long passed and I miss very much, gave me many fundamentals/life lessons to adhere to. An example is he used to tell me “the only thing worse than a lie is a half truth”. I was young then but a few years later I learned firsthand just how wise he was and how this saying was spot on. You see when someone lies there are countless ways to cross reference it. But, when someone tells a “half truth” it carries more weight, and thus is harder to disprove because part of it is true and can be corroborated.

Back to Elvis.

Elvis, in context, was a good man who loved the Lord/Jesus/God and not only sang about it but did not back off when asked about his faith. He helped so many in need. He gave of his time. His heart. His talents. His works. His money. He cared and people were drawn to him.

Publicly Elvis did not judge others nor did he disparage other celebrities. An interesting response he gave, to a question (I am summarizing here and from two interviews around the time of his 1972 Madison Square Garden concert in New York, of “do you think other entertainers should speak their minds then “do you belief other entertainers should avoid military service”? Elvis’ response was all Elvis. He said “I’m just an entertainer and I’d rather keep my own views to myself so I’d rather not say”.

It has been a long time since Elvis walked this earth. It was a joy to watch him share his talents. Everything from his hair, to his style, to his clothes, to his laugh, to his biting humor, to his wit, to his photographic memory, to his upbringing of politeness using verbiage such as “yes mam, no mam, yes sir, no sir” etc.

He owned a luxury home in Hollywood but he called Memphis (Tennessee) his home with his house named “Graceland’. At the time he purchased this home, in the 1950’s it was off the beaten path. It was a southern style mansion with acreage to ride horses. To have pets. To have privacy from the world and always being thankful to the fans who lined up outside the stone wall, and the infamous gates, of Graceland.

He was a “one of a kind” man who left us three decades of excellent works (i.e. movies, songs, albums, videos, dvds, writings, interesting stories, served honorably in the United States Army, and received many achievements throughout his life.

… to be continued

Elvis Presley was, is, and forever will be the MAN

Like the headline? Well it took me all of 1/10000000000th of a second to come up with it. Finding my car keys? I’m lost. Elvis? I can recall.

Lets compare Elvis FOUR to FIVE to SIX DECADES AGO to “celebrities” of today shall we?

Homes: Elvis had homes in Memphis Tennessee and in California at the same time. Elvis home is an official American LANDMARK

TV’s: Elvis had 3 set into the wall of his “man cave”. They were all color (and that was a rarity in that day/time) which he copied after President Johnson so Elvis could watch all 3 football games at the same time. Yeah we all have access to screens 24/7 how but who wouldn’t want to sit and watch football games with Elvis?

Large Screen Movie: Elvis had the largest, most technologically advanced, TV screen (projector) to watch movies at this home (in the Jungle room FYI). Also Elvis was the FIRST American to own a VHS from Sony.

Jewelry: Elvis had his own Jeweler. He owned MILLIONS, over his lifetime, of dollars of jewelry. From rings the size of golf balls, to lions head necklaces, to “crazy” engraved solid gold bracelets, etc. in every shape – design – etc.

Cars:  No contest. Elvis OWNED (not rented) the baddest cars on the planet. BMW 507 check. Mercedes Benz limo black on black check. Stutz blackhawk CHECK. Custom painted purple luxury cars check. Pink caddy for his mother than never had a drivers license and never knew how to drive check. Iconic Lincoln with suicide doors check. In Americana the 1950s are defined as the best in advances and style and Elvis OWNED (literally) the best of the best every decades of his life.

Toys:  Motorcycles. The King had them in spades. Three wheelers too. All custom and bad TO the bone.

Horses: Elvis loved horses. He kept them at Graceland throughout his life and during the 1960’s bought an entire ranch called the “Circle G ranch” complete with trailers to live in (for everyone), stables, horses, and anything else one would need.

Planes: Yes please. Elvis not only bought a million dollar plane but he SPENT an additional (estimated) million dollars on renovations. Then he named it after his beloved daughter Lisa Marie. Hugh Hefner did it first, and Elvis borrowed Hef’s plane at one time, but Elvis did it best.

Style: CHECKMATE. Elvis hair. Winner. Elvis look. Winner. Elvis clothes. Winner. Elvis custom capes. Winner. Elvis designed the first “karate style Vegas suit” Winner. Elvis even, before he died, had a custom jumpsuit to be used with LASERS. Yes I said LASERS and that was 1977.

Well folks I’m exhausted from Elvis winning but thanks for visiting. Tell others about us. Checkout http://www.ElvisCollector.info. And take care.

Jeff Schrembs

Elvis Presley’s personal posessions Feb 2017 edition

PUBLISHED WITH THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF MR. JEFFERY SCHREMBS 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Thank you for visiting.

We hope that you will enjoy this post and comeback often.

Also, you are invited to become a member (100% free of course) of Elvis Collector Worldwide (an official Elvis Presley fan club and your membership comes with tangible benefits again at no charge) associated with the Elvis Presley forum of http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (please bookmark this as we don’t want anyone to get carpal tunnel syndrome by having to type such a long series of words.

Lastly, please visit http://www.ElvisCollector.info to read, experience, see, learn about, enjoy, etc. every aspect of Elvis’ life onstage and off. This website has NO ADS. NO POP-UPS. NO SOLICITATIONS. Just facts about Elvis with great, rare, content and our emphasis is on our visitors having a great experience and letting others know (via Facebook, Google +, Twitter, Pinterest, Yahoo, Linkedin, and others) about this blog, the fan club, and the Elvis website.

Elvis was a man of many interests, passions, opinions, beliefs, etc. His possessions reflected not only his personality but diversity and having full confidence in the things he liked. This, along with input from (his beloved mother and when she was alive) Gladys – then Priscilla – then Linda, enabled Elvis to showcase his good taste.

But, in the case of the Jungle Room Elvis bought these items because they reminded him of Hawaii/Bahamas as he had seen them in the store and, like he did many times, he said “I’ll take it all”. Additionally, Elvis had another movie of the “kill two birds with one stone”mentality as Elvis used the Jungle Room to kick back. To watch big screen movies. And to record. He actually recorded two albums in the Jungle Room being “From Elvis Presley Boulevard Memphis Tennessee” and sadly parts of Elvis’ last album “Moody Blue”.

WM RARE 1977 Elvis jumpsuits on rack set up for last concert he died B4.png

Elvis Presleys concert clothes (i.e. jumpsuit) he used for his last concert.

RARE Elvis audio setup at Graceland WOW.jpg

One of Elvis’ state of the art entertainment systems. At the time this unit was consider to be of exceptional quality and was highly desired along with having a premium price tag.

 

graceland-elvis-desk-from-upstairs-office-large-ceramic-dog2

Elvis’ desk. Everything from very personal photos of his, and he did throughout his life, hands on personal charity endeavors to an open bible inside protectorate see through case, a large sculpture of a dog, a piano in the back right corner, Elvis beautiful golden caramel leather chair, and more. 

GRACELAND furniture upstairs red hearted chair.jpg

Elvis’ furniture upstairs at Graceland (note: the tour at Graceland does not allow access to the upstairs so this photograph rocks).

***************************************** MORE TO COME

 

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.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

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