All posts tagged Memphis Mafia

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

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by Jeff Schrembs on December 30, 2019  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on December 30, 2019

https://theelvisexpert.com/2019/12/30/happy-new-year-2020-to-elvis-presley-fans-worldwide/

Prayers to the family/loved ones of George Klein who died 2/5/2019

Elvis with George Klein September 1956 rarearwrewrear

 

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.
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.
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.

 

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by Jeff Schrembs on February 17, 2019  •  Permalink
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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/

Billy & Joe Smith YouTube endeavors

I have the utmost respect for Billy and Jo Smith. I always have. I always will. Not because they are related to Elvis but for the quality of their character and convictions. I wish them and their family always the best.

From YouTube comes this channel authored by the Smith family and it contains worthwhile information and I HIGHLY recommend Elvis Presley fans around the world to check it out – leave comments – and spread the word. I will have more to say about this in the future.

The YouTube channel is Memphis Mafia Kid and I applaud their efforts. Here is one of the links:

 

Take care and may God bless you.

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by Jeff Schrembs on September 13, 2018  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 13, 2018

https://theelvisexpert.com/2018/09/13/billy-joe-smith-youtube-endeavors/

Elvis Presley and . . . Chess (Part 1)

 

Chess is a game that has been around (literally) thousands of years. It is thought to have primarily originated in India but components of China also lay claim. There is no confusion about Chess being played, studied, etc. in terms of military aspects with the “winner” limiting the opponents King so that it is trapped vertically, diagonally, and horizontally (i.e. checkmate) by one piece (the Queen) or combinations of other pieces such as; pawns, rooks, knights, and bishops. Basically, a class system summarized on a board.  Though I have played Chess all my life, and I am ok at it, it is a game that (up until the recent advent of high tech computers that can process thousands of calculations) is seldom mastered.

I encourage others to play chess for there are numerous benefits. You don’t need a lot of money and on computers, or with the assist of computers, you can play against a virtual opponent. Playing Chess forces one to look 1, 2, 3, etc. steps ahead which change fluidly in response to the opponents move(s).

Before I get to Elvis I want to make another point and that is since Chess is thousands of years old the game is over as specified herein but the Queen has the greatest power as she holds the greatest power, mobility, etc. I think it’s kinda cool that even back in the ages when women, in general, were second-class citizens that women (deservingly so) were openly given this status.

There are conflicting accounts of Elvis’ interest, or lack of, pertaining to Chess. But all agree that as an adult Elvis owned a Chess set as part of his decor. And everyone who knew Elvis, personally or professionally, remark about his quick wit, intelligence, photographic memory, etc some of which are great assets when it comes to playing Chess.

Pawns – in Chess there are more pawns (8) that any other pieces. The pawns represent the lowest class (not my opinion but in this context) but they can, in combination, be used to win the game known as “checkmate”.

Knights – they come in pairs and have a unique ability, or disability, wherein they move (forward or back) two spaces and then one space to the side. The name “Knights” is self-evident.

Bishops – they come in pairs and their unique ability (other than the Queen) is that they move diagonally, forward or backward, but they cannot deviate from the board color which they are initially placed before the game commences. The name “Bishop” is self-evident pertaining to a respected place in Christianity/Religion.

Rooks – they come in pairs and their unique ability (other than the Queen) whereby they can move forward or sideways in more than one space at a time. The name “Rook” is not known to me off the top of my head but it is sculptured in the form of a standing castle.

Queen – there is only one and as I have stated herein her powers are the greatest insofar as the ability to move (note – they do not have the power to move as the Knights do).

King – there is only one and every effort is made to protect the King. The King is limited to one space at a time.

Elvis Presley.

Pawn – To know Elvis you have to understand that he was born to parents who were not educated. I state this with great respect for Gladys and Vernon but it is a fact. They (Elvis, Gladys, and Vernon) were poor. Dirt poor. Bitterly poor. Without assets. Without means. Gladys could not read or write. She never had a drivers license.

What they lacked in education and means Gladys loved Elvis, as he did her, with her entire essence. Vernon loved Elvis but you just have to look at photographs, or videos, to see that Elvis is almost always touching Gladys when she is near. He holds her hand. He touches her face. He puts his arm around her.

SOLELY related to a class system in relation to Chess, and before Elvis gained monetary independence, the Presleys would be pawns. They have collective power. They cannot move freely as they are dictated to by their lack of means. Lack of education. Lack of political connections.

Knights – historically knights were sworn and dedicated (wholly) to the King. They were protectors. They had unique power and access. I would say that this is similar to the members of the “Memphis Mafia.

Bishops – since the name is historically rooted in Christianity the Bishop was assigned to look over their community. To be a person of honor. Of charity. A teacher of God, and when he walked the earth and afterward Jesus, to the rich and poor alike in their relationship with God. Though Elvis did not have a singular Bishop Elvis, Gladys, and Vernon (again before Elvis’ success) put great emphasis on their preacher/pastor very similar to a Bishop and they benefited from this pertaining to; church services, church gatherings, medical care, food/meals, as a fundamental social outlet

… to be continued

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by Jeff Schrembs on January 19, 2018  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 19, 2018

https://theelvisexpert.com/2018/01/19/elvis-presley-and-chess-part-1/

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

 

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by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2018  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2018

https://theelvisexpert.com/2018/01/08/elvis-presleys-83rd-birthday-1-8-2018/

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.

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by Jeff Schrembs on October 7, 2017  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 7, 2017

https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/10/07/elvis-and-october-13-1973/

Eternal prayers to the family of Marty Lacker from Jeff Schrembs

Image result for marty lacker 1971

  • Photo of Marty Lacker circa 1971 (the date may be off)

It is so…sad.

Marty Lacker passed away on February 13, 2017 at the age of 80 leaving behind a great family, loved ones, friends, etc. I am so very sorry for loss not just as I type these words but until my time comes to leave this earth.

His obituary, from Calane Funeral Directors, is as follows: Martin J. “Marty” Lacker peacefully passed Monday, February 13, 2017 of natural causes. He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Rose Grodstein Lacker and his sister Anne Louise Lacker Grenadier. He is survived by two daughters Angie and Sheri Lacker of Memphis and one son Marc Lacker (daughter in law, Brenda Stoyka Lacker), Best friend, Patsy Daniels, Grandchildren are Brandon Lacker (Whitney), Cody Lacker and Katelynn Lacker and three Great Grandchildren Kydon, Kinzyn and Keston Lacker, and Special friends Billy and Jo Smith and Julie Bramlett. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn, NY on January 3, 1937 moved to Memphis in 1952, and attended Humes High School. After a semester at the UT Knoxville he was the successful radio Program Director at WKGN Knoxville. Later his radio career took him to WNOE New Orleans and subsequently back to Memphis’ WHBQ.

Discharged from the Army in late ’56 in Germany, he was invited to visit with fellow Humes alumnus Elvis Presley and became a close friend. In 1961, Elvis asked Marty to work for him and he eventually became Elvis’ right hand man and co-Best Man at Presley’s wedding. Marty appeared in 13 of Elvis’ movies, joined music tours, and co-ordinated recording sessions that produced iconic Presley hits. In 1969, he was responsible for Elvis returning to Memphis to record for the first time in 14 years. He convinced Elvis to record with producer Chips Moman at American Studios in what many have declared his greatest hit records since the Sun years like “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto”. Lacker remained a close and trusted friend until Elvis passed away. He was also responsible for the City Council and Memphis Mayor changing the name of Highway 51 S. to Elvis Presley Blvd in late 1971.

Outside the Elvis connection, Marty became a pillar in the Memphis Music industry in the late 60’s and 70’s, first with accepting an offer to start Pepper Tanner Records discovering Rita Coolidge and producing projects for her and then Eddie Harrison & The Shortkuts along with the help of his friends Isaac Hayes and David Porter. After becoming the General Manager of American Studios, he was responsible for other artists such as Petula Clark, Dionne Warwick, Jackie DeShanon and Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers fame to record at the studio. He was later affiliated with Stax Recording Studios.

Marty Lacker was responsible for creating the Memphis Music Awards Show in the early 70’s and subsequently created an environment that drew many major record company leaders to Memphis. Marty, being one of the leaders of the Memphis Music industry of that era was the person who conceived the original Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission and was voted in and served as its chairman and was one of the co-founders of the Memphis Chapter of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), which is the Grammys.

Marty co-authored two popular books on Elvis and has appeared on numerous documentaries about Elvis and aspects of Memphis Music. In 2010, he was honored with a Beale Street Blues Note for his music industry accomplishments.

Services will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Baron Hirsch Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite children’s charity or animal rescue program

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Martin “Marty” J. Lacker please visit our Sympathy Store.

I was very fortunate to have had a relationship, of mutual respect,  with Marty over a great period of time. He was one of a kind and brutally honest. His passing has hit me like a Louisville Slugger to the back of the head. However, whatever grief I have is nothing compared to what his family/loved ones must be going through. My thoughts and prayers remain with them.

I also want to say THANK YOU to so many exceptional Elvis Presley related websites who conducted intimate, and fact filled, interviews with Marty over the years. I know firsthand the sacrifices and now your endeavor(s) carry greater weight that Elvis Presley fans will seek out – appreciate – support – etc. as long as there remains an interest in Elvis.

* Note some of these websites are (including but not limited to); http://www.ElvisPresleyNews.com, http://www.ElvisInfoNet.com, http://www.ElvisBlog.net, http://www.Elvis-Express.com, http://www.Elvis.com, etc.

To each of these websites, and the dedicated people associated, please keep up the good work(s) and I wish you (personally and professionally) continued success in every endeavor you undertake. Take care and may God bless you and yours…always.

I’ll miss him.

Man, I’ll…

 

Jeff Schrembs

 

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by Jeff Schrembs on March 18, 2017  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on March 18, 2017

https://theelvisexpert.com/2017/03/18/eternal-prayers-to-the-family-of-marty-lacker-from-jeff-schrembs/

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

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

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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
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on November 25, 2016

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

Fathers Day 2016 – Elvis Presley as a Father

cool shirt   There are many friends, and authors who eloquently have written about this aspect of Elvis’ life, (i.e. Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West,  Alanna Nash, Billy Smith, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc.) who were with Elvis when Priscilla was pregnant (from May 1, 1967 to February 1, 1068) – when Lisa Marie was born – and for the 9+ years Lisa Marie was  with her Father (as he sadly died on August 16, 1977).

There is not a shred of a doubt that Elvis loved Lisa Marie from; the moment it was confirmed Priscilla was pregnant, to every kick and movement during those 9 months, to the deliver (note: back then the man was not allowed in the delivery room and they had to wait in a designated “waiting room”).

Also, in southern culture (which I know firsthand and is a prominent place of where I come from and how I look at certain things especially respect, admiration, appreciation, etc. for women) the Father was kept from seeing his wife and newborn child until both were cleaned up and “presentable”. Furthermore the Father, in this case Elvis, was given strict instructions about Priscillas expected recovery time which Elvis not only took to heart but he had a deeply held belief that God gives life through the mother and that her body is literally a sanctuary and the relationship between man and wife can change (still loving and caring but “different”) once a child is born.

Priscilla and Elvis married both wanted children but I don’t believe that Priscilla envisioned that she would become pregnant on her honeymoon. Thus, this celebratory time in their life soon turned to semi-bedrest and after the birth months of recovery.

Priscilla becoming pregnant was a great joy in Elvis’ life and he was a loving, concerned, and proud expectant Father. He doted on Priscilla and together they chose names should it be a son and/or a daughter.

1967 was a turning point in Elvis’ life as he was on the cusp of getting out of his movie contracts, that had been in place since his release from the US Army whereby Elvis starred in (approximately) three movies per year and had stifled Elvis’ creative juices and kept him from appearing before a live audience something that he truly loved…and needed,  and he was in better physcial shape.

But he, nor anyone else, had any idea that within the next two years he would catapult back into the forefront of the musical world and renew his superstardom first by his 1968 Singer TV Special (by the talented Steve Binder) entitled “Elvis” and then his successful return to live performances starting in Las Vegas.

Lisa Marie was the greatest love of Elvis’ life.

She had the best of Elvis’ features as well as those of her stunningly beautiful mother Priscilla. She was quick witted, smart, and (like her Father) seemed to be always on the move.

Thankfully, Lisa Marie has shared many of her stories/recollections about her and her beloved Father (i.e. in videos, books, interviews, photographs, etc.) which I encourage everyone to seek out and enjoy.

The photographs taken of Elvis and Priscilla in the hospital with newborn Lisa Marie show a smiling, animated, laughing, and joyously proud Elvis who took to holding, and fonding over,  Lisa Marie like he had done it his whole life. Of course Priscilla looks beautiful and her smiles are equally bright and the love she has for her daughter is evident in every breath… every movement.

Writing this blog will never do justice to the love Elvis had for Lisa Marie. I think their love was beautiful, consuming, unique, and eternal. I believed that he loved her so much and that when the marriage between Elvis and Priscilla began to deteriorate it adversely effected Elvis every moment of his life. I don’t believe Elvis ever thought that he would bring a child into this world and not be able to spend their lives together with an enduring triangle of love cemented by an ever present Mother and Father.

Lisa Marie has been blessed to have her own children who I am sure she loves greatly. Lisa Marie is a multi-talented woman who is sensitive, regal, and in so many ways strong/brave/fierce. She is married to Mr. Michael Lockwood since 2006 and by all accounts they are happy, committed, and loving parents. I wish her and her family all the best in life.

Elvis spoiled Lisa Marie with gifts, attention, freedom, etc. I believe he did this, in part, because of his childhood growing up with love but also in adjunct poverty. Also, I believe Elvis (like many of us do) had an internal clock that was known only to Elvis but precipitated his intentions and his actions.

Perhaps it was because his mother died on August 14, 1958. For whatever reasons Elvis, as he did in every aspect of his life, did what he thought best and the end result was that he raised (along with Priscilla) an  exceptional woman in her own right.

I believe that Elvis Presley was a good Father. That he showed his love to Lisa Marie and that his love has, in part, sustained her throughout her life.

Lastly, I believe that true love is not only essential but never ending. That true love is not defined by geography, time, space, or presence. That true love is the greatest gift God bestowed to us other than his son, Jesus. I believe that the love between Elvis and Lisa Marie exists to their very day and that, as it should be, it belongs between them.

** Note – though I possess many photographs of Elvis with Lisa Marie I made a decision decades ago that it is not my place to show them to the general public. That the only person who should control those moments encapsulated on film (i.e. photos and videos). I am also very appreciative to Lisa Marie for giving of her time to Elvis Presley fans worldwide and to carry on supporting worthwhile charitable endeavors as Elvis did throughout his life.

Thank for your visiting our site and please let others know about our blog, and websites, via social media.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2016.

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

 

Jeff Schrembs – 2016 All Rights Reserved

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

 

 

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by Jeff Schrembs on June 17, 2016  •  Permalink
Posted in Elvis Presley facts, Uncategorized
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 17, 2016

https://theelvisexpert.com/2016/06/17/fathers-day-2016-elvis-presley-as-a-father/

Did you know? Elvis Presley June 2015 edition by Jeff Schrembs

Elvis fighting stanceDid you know that there are several exceptional books about Elvis, onstage and off, authored by Alanna Nash – Sandie Stevens – Members of Elvis’ infamous Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Charlie Hodge, Lamar Fike, etc.) & Sandi Pichon among others?

Did you know that Elvis wore lifts in his shoes so that he would be six foot or slightly over?

Did you know that Elvis was self taught to play the guitar and piano?

Did you know that Elvis had a dental cap on his front teeth?

Did you know that Elvis swallowed his tooth cap during filming of Jailhouse Rock and had to have a medical procedure to retrieve it?

Did you know that there were, excluding other movies which Elvis disliked due to the lack of quality of script and/or being repetitive, two movies Elvis made that he would never watch and never allowed to be played (even if it came on TV) anywhere near him? The movies were Jailhouse Rock due to the fact that his female co-star Judy Tyler died just after filming completed in an automobile accident. The other was Loving You as Elvis’ beloved mother, Gladys Love (Smith) Presley, was a part of the audience.

DId you know that Elvis was never nominated for a Grammy award other than the three he received in the Gospel category?

Did you know that the total number of records Elvis sold has never fully been audited/confirmed a fact that greatly annoys Elvis Presley fans, including this one, dating back to the 1970’s?

Did you know that, contingent on your comments and sharing on social media sites, that there will be more “Did you know Elvis Presley” posts in the future?

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.ElvisCollector.info

http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

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by Jeff Schrembs on June 13, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Jeff Schrembs on June 13, 2015

https://theelvisexpert.com/2015/06/13/did-you-know-elvis-presley-june-2015-edition-by-jeff-schrembs/

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