Why God took Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977 (part 1)

BIO Elvis with Gladys and Vernon teh WelcomeHome Tupelo concert cndidd  My heart, and prayers, remain with the; family members, friends, relatives, loved ones, etc. pertaining to Elvis Presley and his passing on August 16, 1977. I can’t imagine their burden nor their loss.

It has taken me (approximately) six decades now to formulate this post which is based up (literally) thousands of books, audio files, documents, interviews, conversations, emails, first hand account, real documentaries, etc. I have always put a premium on eyewitnesses, factual sources, facts, and context. No sensationalism. No monetary endeavors. Just me passing along unique/cool/rare/ content as I do on these posts and on http://www.ElvisCollector.info (premier Elvis Presley website with exceptional content) and/or http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org (100% free Elvis Presley forum and though it remains in the beta testing stage we invite you to join).

To address the subject line of this post “Why God took Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977” we must look back to the day of his birth of January 8, 1935.

Gladys Love (Smith) Presley and Vernon Elvis Presley knew they were having a baby. One baby. They had no idea if it was a boy or a girl they just prayed for a healthy child. They even picked out names if it was a boy or a girl. I know the name they chose if it was a girl but that is not my story to convey publicly. But, the boy was to be named Jessie Garon Presley.

When Gladys went into labor a boy was delivered and it was perfectly formed except it (sadly) was not breathing. Gladys and Vernon were empty, lost, and consumed by their sorrow.

As the doctor, who back then made house calls, was gathering his things to leave Gladys said “I think there is another one”. The doctor, against his better judgement, did an examination and confirmed. An identical twin to Jessie was born, healthy, and breathing, and though their tears reigned their hearts gave thanks to God but they had a dilemma and that was “what to name this baby”? After all the doctor needed a name to put on the certificate/paperwork.

Within moments they settled on Elvis, which was Elvis’ fathers middle name, and Aaron which rhymed with “Garon” and paid homage to the biblical Aaron the older brother of Moses.

On January 8, 1935 through the stench of death and loss Elvis Aaron Presley was born into the world void of wealth, monetary means, but loved as much as any mother…ever. Vernon, in his own ways, loved Elvis but the love and bond between Gladys and Elvis started in the womb and would last (sadly) until her last breath.

To be continued…

Rare 1972 video Elvis receiving 2 gold records

Via YouTube comes this exceptionally rare video of Elvis (1) showing off his humor while trying to tie the LARGEST tie of all time and (2) receiving two gold records from RCA for Elvis’ Madison Square Garden album and for the 45 single “words” which was written by one of the Bee Gees.

Enjoy:

Elvis Presley’s Jaycees Award & Speech 1971 (rare footage = WOW)

Elvis Presley was nominated, and won, the coveted award from the Jaycees and here are the details courtesy of usjayceefoundation.org;

The inaugural class of TOYM recipients in 1938, announced in January 1939 by Future Magazine, still ranks as one of the most famous. Included were: George Gallop, pollster; Elmer Layden, football coach; Howard Hughes, business and aviation; Douglas Corrigan, aviation; and Rudy Valee and Orson Wells, entertainers. A 1939 TOYM group was never selected but in 1940 and every year until 1973 a TOYM group was selected for a year and recognized the next year. There were no winners for 1972. In 1973, the TOYM event was revised to honor the designates for the current, rather than the previous year. Because of this change, there were no winners for 1972. Since 1973, the tradition of recognizing outstanding young people for the year in which awarded has continued.

Currently, candidates must be United States citizens, age 18 through 40, who exemplify the best attributes of the nation’s young people, the Jaycee Creed and dedication to a better nation. Thousands of nomination forms have been distributed each year before judging panels reduce the field to 20 candidates and then select the final 10. Currently the awards program is conducted each year in March at the United States Jaycees National Meeting.

To understand the magnitude of the award in the eyes of those who have received it consider this story: Elvis Presley TOYM 1970

Accepting the Jaycee Honor “Terrified Presley” read the headline in the Memphis Press-Scimitar. The “King” was shakin’ backstage, but no tin the manner that most people would have thought, as excerpts from the newspaper story show:

“Elvis Presley stood in the wings at the Auditorium in memphis on January 18, 1971, and admitted he was ‘terrified.'”

“He was perspiring profusely and his head was hanging low as he awaited his turn on stage as one of the United States jaycees 10 Outstanding Young Men of America for 1970.”

“‘I’m scared to death.’ he told Frank C. Taylor, chairman of the Outstanding Young Men (sic), who reminded the superstar that he had appeared hundreds of times before much larger crowds. ‘Yeah but not like this,’ Elvis replied.

“‘It was a different plateau for him,’ Taylor said. ‘For the first time, he was being paced on the level with achievers in realms other than entertainment, and for the first time Elvis felt he was being accepted like a true professional. He like the association of being given such an honor along with those nine other guys, and he was impressed by their tremendous abilities. And none of the others singled Elvis out for adulation more than any other, and he liked that too.”

When Elvis’ turn came, he took his place at the podium and looked back at the other winners seated on stage. With a sweeping gesture, he said: ‘These men may be the Kingdom of God.'”

“The famous voice cracked, he could not go on.”Elvis at podium

“‘He was the only one to have genuine tears in his eyes and to break up,’ Taylor said.

“Elvis stopped, stepped back for a second, regrouped himself and spoke again.”

“‘Without a song, the day would never end, without a song, a man ain’t got a friend,’ the famous singer said, quoting a classic song.”

“Then he ended with difficulty, saying humbly: ‘So I’ll just keep on singing my song.'”

Elvis always consider the Jaycee Awards as his most valued achievement. The honor was so important to Elvis, he was there to receive it in person labored weeks over his now famous speech. The Jaycee Award was one of the few trophies that Elvis received during his lifetime that held a special place. It represented Elvis initiation into the mainstream, acceptance by his peers for his contributions as a humanitarian and entertainer. His Ten Outstanding Young Men trophy, as well as the tuxedo he wore to the ceremony that night, have been kept on display at his Memphis home, Graceland and is seen by thousands of visitors every day.

Courtesy of YouTube comes part of the video pertaining to Elvis receiving this award that Elvis not only was humbled by but actually opted to appear in person, with Priscilla and members of his family and Memphis Mafia, to accept the award and give one of his most iconic and heartfelt speeches.

Marty Lacker (sadly) passes away 2/13/2017

Authored with the expressed written permission of Mr. Jeff Schrembs – 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Man.

I.

Did?.

Man.

This is a tough one.

Learning that Marty Lacker passed away today February 13, 2017 hurts. I can’t even image the pain his family and loved ones are enduring. My prayers go out to them. Each of them.

Yeah this is being posted on http://www.theElvisExpert.com but this is real life. A man died. A man who left behind a family. A man who I and it is hurting me to write this. I don’t know if it is a combination of my own medical trials or the fact that he took the time recently to ask how I was doing and how I was feeling. I am just so very sad.

I can’t think of more to write at this time but when I am able I hope to.

Jeff Schrembs

 

 

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

 

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

http://www.EkvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Elvis Presley’s 1957 BMW 507 has been restored

BMW restores Elvis Presley’s 1957 BMW 507 video

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.

Elvis Presley in front of a BMW 507.

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.

READ MORE:
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This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

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.

This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

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.

This dilapidated 1957 BMW 507 was once owned by the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley.

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-

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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Scotty Moore Elvis’ guitarist has died June 28, 2016

WM Scotty Moore died June 28 2016

Scotty Moore playing his guitar with Elvis Presley in middle and Bill Black far right onstage at the Louisiana Hayride. And to those who don’t realize it YES the world had color back then and it was bold, unique, cool, and beautiful. 

Scott Moored, Elvis Presley’s original guitarist and first manager, passed away on June 2016 in Nashville Tennessee at the age of 84. Our thoughts, and eternal prayers, go out to the loved ones/relatives/friends/etc. of Scotty Moore.

There is a case to be made that had it not of been for Scotty Moore Elvis would never have put together the song that launched his career (i.e. That’s all right little momma”) and the signing at Sun Records by Sam Phillips.

The story goes that Sam Phillips called Scotty Moore, who was a local musician that was in a group with Bill Black, and wanted him to come to Sun Studio and jam with Elvis Presley to try out some songs. The first time together was nothing special and Sam asked Sonny what he thought which prompted Sam to schedule another jam session and in that session music, entertainment, and the world would forever change.

It is a slight to just call Scotty Moore Elvis guitarist as he had a career before meeting Elvis and one afterward. However, he is well known as Elvis’ guitarist. Elvs was fortunate to surround himself with people of quality and that was certainly true of the multi-talented Scotty Moore.

I am very sad to learn of the death of Scotty Moore who I have respected all of my adult life. I had met  him on two occasions and I am thankful for that honor.

** I implore Elvis Presley fans worldwide to (now) reach out, support. share on social media, collect, etc. those who Elvis Presley was related to and/or worked with for decades. They are, including but not limited to, ; Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Billy Jo Smith, Joe Esposito, and Jerry Schilling.

Additionally there are many fans, friends, and outstanding authors about Elvis that we highly recommend such as; Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Sandie Kaye Stevens, Russ Howe, Kathy Westmoreland, June Juanico, Anita Wood, Linda Thompson, Sam Thompson, Paul Litcher, Phil Arnold, and Larry Geller. Each of these individuals have their own stories as they were firsthand witnesses to Elvis Presley onstage and off.

Sadly, each year so many people of quality pass away. Many pass away without them truly knowing how much they are appreciated, respected, acknowledged, etc. by Elvis fans worldwide. In this day of instant messages, emails, social media, etc. there is no reason why we can’t take the time to reach out – give thanks – pray for – wish the best for – support – etc.

Please share this article, this blog, our websites, etc. via social media and, as always, we appreciate your comments.

 

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

Under appreciated Elvis Presley ballads

Elvis was known as the “king of rock and roll” a title which he never asked for and on several occasions, in response to fans yelling out or having signs of “you are the king Elvis” his response was “there is but one king and his name is Jesus Christ”. However, there is no doubt that Elvis enjoyed the success and adulation sans titles.

Elvis Presley sang ballads just as he sang Gospel and uptempo songs. He put his all into each song, as he was a perfectionist who would literally make himself exhausted (vocally, mentally, and physically) until he got the song “just right”, and as much as his fans loved the rock and roll the girls/women swooned over his ballads.

For the purpose of this post, based upon my own love and experiences for great ballads, here are ten ballads recorded by Elvis. In no specific order they are:

  1. In my way
  2. How the web was woven
  3. 500 miles (note – this song is quasi Gospel but Elvis’ recording of this song in the album “in a private moment”)
  4. And I love you so
  5. Sylvia
  6. Tender feeling
  7. This is our dance
  8. The girl I never loved
  9. Earth angel (note – this version is from a home recording in Germany circa 1959)
  10. The wonder of you (note – this version is a live version circa 1970 from the documentary “That’s the way it is”)

We appreciate you taking the time to visit our blog so please feel free to share this post/blog via social media.

Also, please visit http://www.ElvisCollector.info and become a member (100% free) of http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org.

Thank you again and please feel free to leave a comment. Take care and may God bless you.

 

** The videos listed below, for each song referenced, are courtesy of YouTube **