(49 views)*** Disclaimer: This is part of a series of articles by Jeff Schrembs, World Reknowned Elvis Presley Expert and Elvis Presley Collector. It is a "summary" with additional details being included into the "final product" scheduled for official release in late 2009. Please enjoy. ***
August of 1977 was a very hectic, and trying, month for Elvis. His health had deteriorated. He was involved with Ginger Alden and there was "mixed feelings". Elvis What Happened was being covered by the news 24/7. Lisa Marie was visiting. Monetary concerns were apparent which worried Vernon greatly. There was an investigation concerning the purchase of an airplane (FBI case files confirm).
Also, Elvis had lived his life saying from the time he was a young child - and then confirming such after her passing - that "he would never outlive the age of his Mother when she passed". This was NOT something that Elvis "took lightly" and it bothered him to such an extent that he would have dreams and wake up with his clothes soaked...with sweat.
Gladys had passed away in mid August during Elvis' time in the Army. Elvis always believed that at the time she passed away that she was "42 years old". However, Gladys was really 46 years old and Elvis never knew that she was - in fact - 4 years older.
In August of 1977 Elvis was the same age, going into the same month of her passing (8/14/1958), that Gladys was when she passed. August 14, 1977 was the "anniversary" of her passing and it weighed HEAVILY on Elvis.
Elvis had a STRONG spiritual soul and he devoured books about Religion and he believed in "signs". Elvis had commented, to those closest to him, that he was "worried" and felt that he needed to make sure his Estate was in order (i.e. will, living will, existing contracts/obligations, etc.).
There were also an INCREASING number of Fans, coming to Graceland and telling Elvis' Guard (the primary guard was Elvis Cousin) that Elvis life was in danger and he was going to die very soon. Some fans were risking their own lifes/safety to climb the wall in order to PRAY for Elvis in the yard and/or adjoining Church. These events did NOT "escape" Elvis nor his "Memphis Mafia".
Elvis own Physican (including his Dentist) were telling Elvis that he needed to be Hospitalized and monitored for a few weeks/months. This was IN ADDITION TO the pains that he had been complaining about in his chest and his limbs.
Elvis was DEVESTATED when he had to leave his (last) Vacation, in Hawaii, because he had an injury to his eye. Elvis had commented that this could be (yet another) sign for him to FOCUS on...his health...NOW!
Elvis has seen, and commented to several close friends, that things were "different" and that these "signs" were adversely affecting him. Elvis was ALWAYS the one that "solved problems", for others, but now even those closest to Elvis "knew" that something was "wrong" but they never expected it to turn out the way that it did. It was not "unthought of", and even discussed in their "heart of hearts", but we were talking about Elvis Presley...who was "bigger than life" (so the thought process went).
During his own birth the story goes what as Jessie Garron was being delivered that a medicine bottle had (mysteriously) "broken" putting a "chill" in the air. Jesse Garron was dead...still born.
A few days before Elvis' passing a glass bottle "broke" without anyone being near it. Minnie Mae, Elvis' Grandmother on his Fathers side (who was divorced from Jesse Pressley) comforted Elvis who then opted to "laugh about it". However, this sign was NOT lost on Elvis nor his girlfriend (who had to hear the story of Jessie Garron). Elvis, more than ever, consumed Religious/Spiritiual books and asked his friend/hairstylist Larry Geller for even more books in an attempt to find...answers. Larry, of course, complied.
There were MANY "signs" (visual, mental, physcial, spiritual, monetary, legally, and internally) that affected Elvis during 1977 and it seemed like things were "falling apart". He complained about his arms/limbs being "numb" and a "feeling in his body" like something was...wrong. His eating/sleep patterns were getting worse and he was depending more and more on Charlie Hodge during the last Concert Tour for help on songs...and the pace.
It is NOT widely known that Elvis, for the majority of his life as an Entertainer, was in a 90% TAX BRACKET (yes, that percentage is correct). Thus for every $100.00 Elvis earned the IRS got $90.00. Also, Elvis (every year) sent his tax documents into the IRS for them to prepare for him. Elvis did this because he was SCARED to death about the IRS (both his Father Vernon and Colonel Parker, who was an ILLEGAL ALIEN by the way - not a US Citizen and that is why Elvis never toured outside of the United States (except a show or two in Canda early in his career) because Colonel Parker believed he could be "exposed". Thus, Elvis did not take the "tax breaks" that he (otherwise) could have received. Also, Elvis trusted Colonel Parker to handle the "contract stuff" and as a result Elvis was NOT fairly compensated for the photos/marketing items/etc. This equated to MILLIONS OF DOLLARS and after Elvis' death Priscilla was able to "reach a settlement", with Colonel Parker for a SUBSTANCIAL SUM OF MONEY, that confirmed that Elvis' best interests were NOT adhered to by Colonel Parker. There is not doubt that Elvis, due to his standard of living - his support obligations - and to keep those who relied on him (i.e. relatives, friends, back up singers, etc.) for money, HAD to tour...in order to keep the money coming in.
Even the "mundane" events (i.e. eating) were becoming "life threatening" as this "summary", of ONE specific event, will attest:
Joe Esposito described an incident where he had to remove food from Elvis as Elvis' medication had kicked in and he had (literally) fallen asleep while chewing/eating. Thankfully Joe reacted fast...and reacted correctly and had to put his hand into Elvis' mouth and remove the food that would have caused Elvis to die (as it was blocking his airways). I DO NOT share this story for any other reason than to put some of these events into sequence. I don't
think that this occurence, even though it is a "sad" topic, is anything other than (a) a fact and (b) honorable as it showed Joe's love for Elvis as well as the fact that (sadly) Elvis had to take STRONG medications to sleep and that
those medications (when they "kicked in") had consequences beyond (on some aspects) Elvis' control.
For Elvis to, in public and in front of those who depended on him, allow himself to look "less than the best" and/or to publiclly complain about his ailments was...rare yet increasing throughout 1977. These complaints were getting worse and more and more evident to...everyone.
For many years Elvis locked himself away from others in his room for days at a time. It was so common that Vernon left plates of food outside Elvis door, along with a certain "knock on the door" which let Elvis know the food/water was there, only to be eaten - l
Tags: Elvis Presley
(52 views)Just to "make your day" I thought I would WELCOME you to visit our site entitled www.ElvisCollector.info!
We are constantly adding new, rare, beautiful, wonderful Elvis Presley Photos weekly. We believe that my sharing some of our OVER 70,000 (cataloged, documented, digitally scanned and recorded, etc.) Elvis Presley Photo Collection that in some "small way" it will (a) make you happy and (b) keep Elvis' Legacy "alive and well".
I tried to do some "copying", onto this Blog post, but I was unsuccessful so I (again) WELCOME you to visit our site at www.ElvisCollector.info.
If there are ANY "type" of Elvis Presley Photos that you are "curious" to see (i.e. Elvis as a child, teenager, 50's, candid, offstage, shirtless, etc.) then let me know because if we don't have them then either (a) they don't exist or (b) they have never been released for public view. Nonetheless, even after all these years looking at Elvis it is a combination of "sadness and joy" along with a dose of..."if only".
I hope that you ENJOY, and appreciate, these photos as I have for (approximately) 50 years now (note: some of these are not 50 years old BUT I have some that are over 50 years in my massive collection - jealous? just kidding).
Take care and God bless.
Jeff Schrembs
www.ElvisCollector.info
Tags: Elvis Presley
(51 views)Tom Jones and Elvis Presley were...GENUINE friends. Elvis admired Tom Jones and his favorite Tom Jones song was "Green Green Grass of Home".
The first time Elvis heard this song he was returning back to Memphis and it came on the radio. He was so MOVED that he pulled the car over and was...trembling. The last lines of that song are/were a "shock" and Elvis wanted to hear that song "over and over" (as Elvis always did when he heard a song he liked he would send someone to buy SEVERAL copies of the records).
However, this was in the 1960's before there were "digital recorders, ipods, etc." where you can hit "repeat" (lucky generation all you "newbies" are because the closest we got, during my childhood, was the CLOSE AND PLAY - look it up but enjoy the picture below as it was HIGH TECH...back in the day). cYWBJsqf0zQY!~~_1.JPG)
So, Elvis had Joe Esposito, his friend who he met during the sadest time of his life (when his Mother passed away while Elvis was in the Army), call the Radio Station in Memphis (Elvis knew the DJ's) and they played the song "over and over" for Elvis about 20 times!
Just when you think you know "everything" about Elvis and Tom...Tom Jones releases this "tidbit" of info (courtesy of the Sun.uk):
SIR TOM JONES has revealed Elvis Presley once serenaded him — as he was naked in the shower.
Welsh star Sir Tom said the All Shook Up legend had come to see him perform.
He was getting ready for the show in Las Vegas when Elvis, who died in 1977, said he had a tune he wanted to sing to him.
Sir Tom, 68, said: “He couldn’t wait. I was in the shower and I could hear Elvis Presley singing.
“When I opened my eyes he was leaning over the door singing to me. I didn’t have any clothes on.
“I think he was checking me out.”
THANK YOU to Tom Jones, and the Sun uk, for this WONDERFUL piece of "Elvis history". Also, THANK YOU to all of the Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide.
Whenever you are NOT online at absoluteradio.co.uk please check us out at:
www.ElvisCollector.info
Lastly, let me know what you think about this article. If I get enough POSITIVE SHOUTS, and letters of undying loyalty and admiration, I MAY keep these "tidbits" coming.
Take care and God bless.
Jeffrey Schrembs, Elvis Presley Expert & Collector
Tags: Elvis Presley
(52 views) 14th March - 19th April
2009
COOKING WITH ELVIS By Lee Hall
This dark comedy by Newcastle writer Lee Hall, probably best known for creating Billy Elliott, was staged at the 1999 Edinburgh Festival Fringe before transferring to London's West End.
Set in a dysfunctional northern household, Dad is a wheelchair-bound cripple who dreams of his life as an Elvis Presley Tribute Act. His wife has an insatiable appetite for sex, which can only be satisfied by the lodger. And then there's Jill, the fourteen year old daughter, who develops a strange relationship with the family's pet tortoise whilst trying to control her obsession to eat everything in sight.
"A jaw dropping theatrical pleasure"
Financial Times review of the Edinburgh Production
Not for children or those who are easily offended
Tue - Sat at 8.00pm / Sundays at 4.00pm
Tue-Fri & Sundays: £12 (Concs £10)
Saturdays: £15 (Concs £12)
To book tickets call the
BOX OFFICE: 020 8340 3488 Tags: Elvis Presley
(89 views)Who said this? "I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet and I'll die like a poet" - Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell. See the answer on tomorrows blog.
Yesterdays quote: “We shall never tour America again. It’s very hard work, and one bring down after another. You have no idea how terrible it is" Keith Richards – 1967.
This Day in Music:
2001, Peter Blake, who designed The Beatles’ classic Sgt. Pepper album cover sued the group’s record company for more money. Blake was paid £200 ($340) for the famous figures in 1967, but was now “cheesed off” that EMI have never offered to pay more money.
1995, with the release of 'Me Against the World' Tupac Shakur became the first male solo artist to have a No.1 album on the Billboard chart while in prison.
1990, Flea and Chad Smith from The Red Hot Chili Peppers were arrested for sexually harassing a woman on Daytona Beach, Florida. They were each fined $1,000 (£588).
1981, Eric Clapton was hospitalised with bleeding ulcers causing a US tour to be cancelled. He was back in hospital five weeks later after being involved in a car crash.
1968, the promotional film for ‘Lady Madonna’ was broadcast in black and white on Top of the Pops on UK television. The video portion of the film clip was shot while The Beatles were performing the song ‘Hey Bulldog’, but the ‘Lady Madonna’ audio track was paired with the video for the promo release.
1955, CBS talent scout Arthur Godfrey turned down the chance to sign Elvis Presley, instead at the same audition he signed singer Pat Boone.
Tags: Eric Clapton The Beatles Elvis Presley
(74 views)Note: this article is a part of a "final product" that is scheduled for release in late 2009 by Jeff Schrembs who is a World renowned Elvis Presley Expert, Advocate, and Collector.
Elvis in 1977 this was a year that Elvis had been dreading (literally) since he could remember and now it was upon him.
Elvis and his Mother had a "spriitual and a cosmic bond" whereby they (literally) "felt" or "knew" what each other was doing. It was real and it happenen throughout Elvis' life.
Elvis said, from the age of a child, that he would NOT outlive his Mother (meaning if she died at age 30 that we would too).
Since Elvis Mother had died at the age of 42, in August of all months, 1977 was the year (January 8, 1977) that Elvis would also be 42.
Elvis believed in, studied, absorbed many things about Neumerogoly and there were SIGNIFICANT things that this "study of numbers" were showing Elvis about 1977...and it was NOT good.
Elvis was being "frustrated" by the FBI investigation concerning an individual affiliated with the MOB (yes this is true and I have the FBI Files that support this) who Elvis had purchased a plane from (for about a million dollars). Not only was this a "legal nightmare" but it could, as Elvis knew how the MOB "worked", turn into a "get rid of Presley" scenario (witnesses are known to be threatened, attacked, etc. during criminal trials by the defendants and the defendants connections).
Elvis was being pressured to finalize something with Ginger and he made the decision to take one of his large TCB rings and turn it into an engagement ring (she has this ring to this day). According to Ginger Elvis proposed in Janaury of 1977 and they set the date of Christmas for the Wedding. Elvis and Ginger notiifed her parents and Elvis began to get involved (initially) in buying Gingers' parents a home closer to Graceland but ultimately opted to enhance her existing home, and pay it off for her, and add a pool and some trees.
Elvis was unaware exactly what the monetary limitations were because Vernon, his Father who was a constant worrier, knew that there were severa lawsuits pending (bodyguards beeing a bit rough, etc.) against Elvis and their expenses (i.e. automobile expenses in particular) were eating away at all of their money.
Worth noting is that during Elvis career he was subjected to a NINETY PERCENT TAX BRACKET. Yes, I said it and it is true. Elvis was subjected to a NINETY PERCENT TAX BRACKET so if he earned one million dollars the US Goverment would get nine hundred thousand and Elvis would get one hundred thousand.
Elvis NEVER took a tax break and handed the IRS his return EVERY YEAR to do. Elvis was TERRIFIED about the IRS and Colonel Parker, himself an ILLEGAL ALIEN never wanted any "red flags to go off" and that is why Elvis never toured out of the Country (excluding Canada).
When I looked at the inventory/assets/etc. from 1977 it is clear that between the planes, cars, and the divorce proceeds and paying the Memphis Mafia (what was left) that the (approximately) "One Million Dollars" Elvis had left...would be gone in a few months.
Elvis always believed in "signs". He also believed that "bad things happened in threes". During 1977 there were MANY signs, and many "threes", that occured that adversely affected Elvis.
One of which is the last Vacation Elvis took with Ginger. When Elvis announced this trip it was just going to be Elvis , Ginger, Gingers Family, Gingers Sister, and one unmarried Friend and one married Friend. That left out about 7 people involved with Elvis and they did NOT like that. Elvis had made it known that, unlike what happended to his marriage with Priscilla (concerning the Memphis Mafia assisting in the break up of that marriage - note: this takes NOTHING away from Elvis role in what he did and/or did not do but it is still a fact).
However, it ended up that a few more people came (some with their wives) and it "dampened" Elvis mood as he had told Ginger that things would be "different" and that they were going to "clean house" (i.e. get rid of certain people who were not condusive/positive influences to Elvis first and ELvis and Ginger being married second).
In spite of Elvis good mood, the weather, and the alone time with Ginger the trip was cut short and Elvis had to return to Memphis as he damaged his eye. Ginger had the tast of putting the eye cream into Elvis' eye which was not something that Elvis espically enjoyed. Another Sign?
Also, in 1977 Gingers GrandFather had died. Elvis flew Ginger, and her family, to Colorado for the funeral and we to drive the 20 miles back to the Airport and they fly home. Somewhere along the way Elvis spent the night at the home of Gingers' family. This was something that Elvis NEVER did...EVER. Elvis had TERRIBLE INSOMINIA accompanied with sleep walking and there were times when Elvis was able to leave his house (not knowing of course) in his sleep. It was not a good 'situation" and that is WHY there were rules about watching Elvis sleep....24/'7. Another Sign?
During the night Elvis had a TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE that affected his mood. It was one of those "the medicine is not working, this bed is not comfortable, I am not in my own bed/home, I am not feeling well, and now I close my eyes and I see visions of my brother (Jesse) and my Mother (Gladys) both of which have passed away. Another sign?Between those always asking him for things, which happened more and more at Graceland and got to such a point that Elvis did not want to go downstairs Graceland anymore because anyone could be there and not a day went by when someone was not putting/inferring their own problems unto Elvis. They did this because they KNEW that Elvis would "fix it" as he always did. However, Elvis should never have been put into that position as his health should have been his PRIORITY NUMBER ONE!
During a hectic Concert arrival in Louisville Elvis went into the Hotel just to find that the AC had broken down. This was summer of 1977 in Louisville and I can tell you firsthand that it gets HOT/MUGGY/STEAMY. That is the LAST thing Elvis needed to get ready for another show. His GrandFather was to come and see him (Jesse Pressley who lived in Louisville was the EXHUSBAND of Dodger, Minnie Mae Presley, who had lived with Elvis at Graceland and was with Elvis in Germany and befriended Priscilla and loved her with all her heart) but between Elvis having to find another Hotel ASAP (with enough rooms for him and his group) Jesse showed up and had to return home without ever seeing Elvis. Another sign?
The book "Elvis What Happened", written by 3 ex employees of Elvis (Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler), was all over the news in late 1977. This book told some TERRIBLE, yet true, ommissions concerning Elvis' dependency on priscription medications. Elvis lived and breathed loyalty. This was a BETRAYAL and what bothered Elvis most was that this could adversely affect ELvis beloved daughter (Lisa Marie) and his Fans. Elvis could NOT live without his fans...pure and simple. Another sign?
Elvis had a relationship with Priscilla that continued. They shared a daughter and they shared a love. They were man and wife and they loved each other. Priscilla had had (3) three affairs that we know of (note: I am NOT going to be judgemental to her at all because she was a young beautiful woman and she was left alone with a newborn and Elvis went around the United States and he was "subjected to" (which Elvis had shared with her many times before but as Priscilla got older and was now a
Tags: Elvis Presley
(52 views)Not all of life is "candy and roses" but yet, somehow, on February 14th...life is about "candy and roses". I know HOW this happened (i.e. how a "Holiday" celebrating love turns into "commerical goods") but yet I still "long" for the "monetary aspects" to be replaced with...the truth.
The truth is that life is...precious.
The truth is that IF you find love, and I mean true love the kind that EVEN if you are "chicken noodle soup - unshaven - unshowered - runny nose - used tissues covering your floor/bedding - Nyquil gulping - blemishes protrouding - barely talk" being REAL (and still loved), then you should CELEBRATE it. To be "loved"...is to live.
I have had the great "fortune" to have loved. Yet, all of the love that I experienced never prepared me for...real love. Real love that accepts who you are yet works with you to improve...who you are. Real love that stands by you when the World says "your wrong" but you know...you are right. Real love that nurtures you...through it all. Real love that tells you when you are WRONG and holds you to your word. Real love that demands that you earn it...and in return you receive it...with grace.
Seeing the birth of my children I experienced TOTAL LOVE. Whenever I see any child I pray, wish, and hope that they get all the best in life. I give what I can and I do...what I can. I cherish ALL of God's children as we all should.
But, the love I am talking about is the kind shared between two "consenting" adults and the kind that you KNOW will get you back into bed after a late night of "celebrating" that ends up on the floor of the closest bathroom (you KNOW what I am talking about so say HALLEJUAH!).
Real love is NOT contained within the largest Russell Stover "selections" (even though it may taste good at the time). Real love is NOT the most beautiful picture of roses that you found via Google. Real love is NOT the amount, or lack of, money that you happen to have at the time.
Real love comes from ONE place and it cannot be purchased, used, bought, sold, or "duplicated". Real love comes from ones heart and it should be shared - celebrated - respected - appreciated - supported - praised - acknowledged - and honored.
Real love is what I wish for us all. For this Generation and the next. For this World...and beyond.
Take care and God bless.
Jeffrey Schrembs, ElvisCollectorWorldwide
www.ElvisCollector.info
ElvisCollectorWorldwide an EBay Store
Tags: Elvis Presley Beyonce
(143 views)Hello and happy Sunday. With yesterday being Valentine's Day, hopefully most of you are reading this on Sunday afternoon....if you catch my drift. ;-) Anyway, hope you all had a very romantic day and didn't spend too much time digging into the choccies.
To wrap up this week of love songs on a high note, today's selection comes to us from UB40.
UB40's band members began as friends who knew each other from various colleges and schools across Birmingham. The name "UB40" was selected in reference to a paper form issued by the UK government's Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) at the time of the band's formation for claiming unemployment benefit. The designation UB40 stood for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40.
Before any of them could play their instruments, Ali Campbell and Brian Travers travelled around Birmingham promoting the band, putting up UB40 posters. The band purchased its first instruments from Woodroffe's Musical Instruments with £4,000 in compensation money that Campbell, who would become the lead singer, received after a bar fight during his 17th birthday celebration.
Their first gig took place on 9 February, 1979 at The Hare & Hounds Pub in King's Heath, Birmingham for a friend's birthday party.
UB40 caught their first break when Chrissie Hynde noticed them at a pub and gave them an opportunity as a support act to her band, The Pretenders. UB40's first single, "King"/"Food For Thought" was released on Graduate Records, a local independent label. It reached #4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their first album was titled "Signing Off", as the band were signing off from or closing their claim on the unemployment benefit. It was recorded in a bedsit in Birmingham. "Signing Off" was released on 6 September, 1980, and entered the UK Album Chart on 2 October, 1980. It reached as high as #2 in the UK and spent 72 weeks in total on the chart. "Signing Off" is now a Platinum album.
Despite great success in the UK, UB40's popularity in the United States was only established after they released "Labour of Love", an album of cover songs, in 1983. The album reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart and #8 on the Billboard Top 200 in the US. The album featured the song, "Red Red Wine", a cover version of a Neil Diamond song.
Their most successful worldwide single release is the cover of the Elvis Presley ballad "(I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You", which was a number one hit across Europe and in the US.
Who says you can't copy an Elvis song and have it work? And then to have it become a #1 hit!! With their 1993 version of the Elvis Presley classic "(I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You", from their album "Promises and Lies".... here's UB40....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0i6QU--fuk
Tags: UB40 Elvis Presley