(52 views)Disclaimer: This is part of an unfinished work Authored by Jeff Schrembs who is a World renowned Elvis Presley Expert as well has having one of the Largest (private) Elvis Presley Collections in the World. He is also trained in the Arts and has done some extraordinary artwork of Elvis. Lastly, his blogs/works/etc. are desired by most of the Elvis Presley Internet Sites (including his own that averages 1,000,000 visitors every 2 1/2 months!
1957 Memphis, Tennesse - Graceland - USA.
The Army had notified Elvis that he had been drafted one week before Christmas 1957. Needless to say, Elvis was "questioning" - Vernon was "upset" - but most of all Gladys (who had never been away from her baby before) instantly realized that their life - which had improved beyond their wildest dreams starting in 1956 - was now going to...disappear.
Gladys privately, and sometimes, publiclly resorted to her snuff along with something "stronger"....her Alochol. She wanted Alcohol...now. The combination of anger, resentment, fear, etc. overwhelmed her until she looked down and Elvis was still down on one knee holding the Draft Notice, in front of the beautifully decorated Christmas Tree, shaking his head and reading the words...over and over.
Gladys lunged off the sofa, called Elvis name, and went down to the carpet hugging Elvis...and crying. Elvis kept hearing her cries in his ear and when he felt her loving hand on his shoulder, the same hand who he had held going to school - the same hand that would reach out for his mother in bed (note: Elvis suffered from severe insomina. He would also walk in his sleep. On more than one occassion Elvis had walked out of their home, in the middle of the night, and had almost been run over by a passing car. The Presleys agreed that Elvis would sleep in the same room with his Parents UNLESS a relative was sleeping over and then they would make sure the relative "kept a keen eye on Elvis")- as Gladys moved her cheek to his face he felt the acumulated tears that covered her entire face streaming down colors of eyeliner as Gladys lip quivered.
Instantly Elvis "broke out of this "trance" and soon Elvis and Mother were crying together with retorical questions voiced "over and over" such as "why now" or "wny me" or "son, isn't there a way you can just stay"? As much as Gladys was supporting Elvis, Elvis knew that he would have to "check his emotions" for Gladys sake.
Soon Elvis had been processed and sent overseas and began to learn all the things taught by the United States Army.
1958: Gladys health deteriorated and she was complaing of pains/ailments and her body was swollen. Her depression, at Elvis being in the Army, was "treated" daily by her routine of snuff and Alcohol and it was getting worse.Being all alone at Graceland, without Elvis and Vernon, was something that bothered her to no end.
Elvis would call Gladys every chance he had. However, Elvis was not anticipating on the call that he received in August of 1958 notifying Elvis that his Mother was "not doing well and was Hospitalized". Elvis needed to come home and be with Gladys and he immedaitely requested the US Army to authorize a "medical leave" aka "visit to the United States" to see his Mother.
Throughout every moment on the ship, the plane, and the taxi (which equated to over26 hours) Elvis had not slept. His mind was on the one person in the World who truly understood him - loved him unconditionally - and knew just what to do in his career and in life. Elvis and Gladys had a UNIQUE bond that allowed them to baby talk and no one would understand them. They also could say nothing and yet (as an example) Gladys knew Elvis was hungry and without asking she would "know" exactly what he wanted. During his previous tours there had been car trouble with one vehicle catching on fire. Just as the car started to have trouble Gladys was awaoken from her sleep and she could "see" the flames" and she could "smell the smoke". She could not be "sediated" and neighbors came over to comfort her as she repeated "something is wrong it's Elvis car and there is a fire". When the phone rang, about 2 hours later, Gladys was overwhelmed to hear Elvis on the other line beginning to tell her what happned only to be cut off by Gladys telling him what she saw/smelt. Elvis and Gladys did not think about this "connection" as anything but...solid/consistent/ and theirs (Mother and Son).
Elvis was able to check on Gladys, at the Hospital, and stayed there for many hours until Vernon told Elvis to go to Graceland (about 15 minutes away) and lay down and get some sleep and he would call Elvis if anything changed. Elvis did not want to leave but, in his exhausted state, he gave in and left. As Elvis slept the phone rang and he needed to come back to the Hospital...now.
Unfortunately Elvis arrived too late and Gladys (Gladys died on August 14, 1958 and Elvis went to his grave thinking that she was 42 years old. However, she was really 46 years old when she died. Elvis had always known/believed that he would not "outlive her". I find it "erie" that Gladys died in August at 42 (really 46) and Elvis died in August at 42. I wonder what, if anything, woud have changed if Elvis had known Gladys true age?) had left this World. Elvis was DEVESTATED and tears filled every aspect of his eyes and the tears, the screams, the pain that (literally) burns your heart and makes everything...heavy.
After the Funeral, and a few days of "sorrow" Elvis returned back to Germany with Vernon and Dodger (Vernon's Mother who had been married to Jesse Pressley but they had divorced - at least Jesse said they did and Dodger had another side to tell) occupying his home there are well. ELvis needed every friend, and loved one, around him because he was carrying with him guilt about what he should have done - guilt about he had been too busy touring and doing shows to have made sure Gladys got proper medical care - the cold hard truth that Gladys was gone and would never meet his wife - and the uncertainty about what would happen when this tour for the Army was over. Would anyone want to listen to him? Buy his records?
Between manuevers, a solid cast of friends, his Father and Vernon there and Elvis "putting his nose to the grindstone" excelling at his tasks for the US Army time...gradually...began to pass. Elvis' famous smile, so rare those first months after Gladys' passing, were now frequent and somehow/someway....more confident.
1960.
Approximately 6 weeks left on Elvis' Army commitment and Elvis could feel it in his "bones" as he liked to say. He had shared with others that in his dreams Gladys had visited him and that she held him and told him things would be ok. Several times people recalled that Elvis would be "talking to no one" but even though no one was there Elvis was speaking as if Gladys was there. The bond between Elvis and Gladys was so strong it would NOT surprise me if "love" was able to endure....forever.
During one of the "parties", also known as get togethers, one of ELvis' friends had invited Priscilla to "come to meet Elvis".
Priscilla was in Germany because her StepFather was in the Military as well. Priscilla had one brother and one sister. Priscilla had BEAUTIFUL STRIKING FEATURES with magnificent eyes. A smile that could melt ice and a "majestic way" about her that was NOT "natural' for a young girl of only 14.
As Priscilla came into the room, where there were many people there playing records serving food and drinks, s
Tags: Elvis Presley
(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
(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
(44 views)Thank you Absolute for your incredible website and support of the music industry....and artists!
If you are in the "mood" for a good Elvis Presley Website, with no pop-ups/commercials/etc., then PLEASE visit www.ElvisCollector.info.
Also, if you enjoy seeing RARE Elvis Presley items/collectibles/memorabilia then please check out "ElvisCollectorWorldwide", an EBay Store, at http://stores.ebay.com/Elvis-Collector-Worldwide.
Jeff Schrembs
PROUDLY Collecting "anything/everything" relating to Elvis Presley since 1970!
Tags: Elvis Presley
(60 views)Elvis, from the time he could "recall", believed that he would die...before his...time.
Gladys, Elvis' Mother, had terrible nightmares/daymares, before Elvis was born and (sadly) Elvis' twin brother (Jesse Garron) died at birth (i.e. stillborn). At the same moment that Elvis was born one of the medicine bottles, afar from the delivery area, just broke in two. Vernon, and Gladys, believed that is was some type of "omen".
Elvis believed that "spritually" he "absorbed" the life energy of his brother and that he had to "do more in life" as a result. This "feeling" continued throughout Elvis' life.
Elvis and Gladys had a "connection" whereby Gladys knew what Elvis was thinking, if he was "scared", and if he was becoming "ill". Elvis, who was an insominiac and was prone to walking in his sleep putting himself in danger, often slept in the same bed as his Mother (note: Vernon at one point was in jail for altering a check) and he would awake - cold sweat - and Elvis and Gladys would discuss his dreams/visions. Many times they were of "shadows" following Elvis or "feeling/seeing" the form of his brother.
When Elvis first began touring Gladys made him promise that he would not use an airplane because she visioned that he would die in a blaze/crash. One night she awoke as she saw Elvis in an automobile burning up with fire ablazing. She paced the home and unable to be "calmed down' because she "knew" that something was wrong. It was only after Elvis had called, a few hours later to tell her that there was a problem with the vehicle and it had caught fire - while Elvis was asleep - but everyone had gotten out "ok", her that she felt calmed enough to try to go back to sleep.
As Elvis career was succeeding past anyone's expectations Elvis always believed that as long as they were "together" that life would be...fine. On Christmas day Elvis, and Gladys', World came to a "shattering halt" as Elvis was handed his draft notice from the US Army. Gladys was devestated and believed that "the end was near".
Elvis, being the American Patriot, entered into the Army and refused to be granted any "special provisions" like so many entertainers before him. Elvis completed his basic training, just like every other solider, and he earned the respect of his fellow servicemen. But, Elvis' fear/belief that something tragic was going to happen never left him.
Gladys, while Elvis was in the Army, became more and more depressed and "lived in fear" that her son was...in danger. Many a night, it was later confirmed, Gladys would be awoken by a "dead sleep" fearful that something was wrong with Elvis.
Even when Gladys was able to visit Elvis she could not hide the "physcial tolls" that she had endured by all the sleepless nights, tears, fear, and her trying to "numb the pain".
Gladys, as Elvis was stationed in Germany, felt her health issues become more and more "common" and even Elvis phone calls could not make her condition...improve.
Elvis was notified of Gladys health problems and when Gladys was hospitalized Elvis asked for, and received, permission to return to the United States to be with his Mother.
Gladys was not doing well, and in fact the Physcians feared for her life, and Elvis felt "helpless" on the long journey back to the States. Upon his arrival he was met by Vernon who had to update Elvis on Gladys' deteriorating condition.
Elvis was "overcome" with emotion seeing his (beloved) Mother in the hospital. In spite of his being exhausted, and emotionally spent, he refused to leave the Hospital. Vernon, seeing that Elvis needed a "good nights sleep" convinced Elvis it was "ok" to return to Graceland to get some rest. Sadly, Gladys passed away while Elvis was...away.
Elvis had always believed that at the time of her death that Gladys was 42 years old. Elvis had said, since he was a teenager, that he knew that he would never "outlive" the age of his Mother. After Gladys passing he further "cemented" his belief that he would not live past the age of 42.
After Gladys passing, and continuing on until Elvis death, Elvis desperately searched for the "spiritual wisdom" to answer his questions of...."why". Elvis would often look to the Heavens and...think. He also had an uncanny ability to forcast movements in the stars and amazed many a friend by his ability to say (beforehand) what would happen...next as they looked into the stars.
Elvis, also, would stay locked in his room for days at a time only unlocking his door to retrieve plates of food left for him. It was during these "private times" that the loss of his Mother - his brother - and his own fears/questions would...overtake him.
In late 1976 Elvis had mentioned, in passing and on other occassions quite serious, that time was...running out. Some of the decisions that Elvis made, including how he ended his last Concert, were "contrary" to what Elvis had done "year end and year out"...each and every year previously.
The writing of the book "Elvis...What Happened", written by three of Elvis' (recently fired) employees including Elvis' oldest friend Red West, became "the straw that broke the camels back' as it exposed parts of Elvis life and hurt him....tremendously.
Elvis health, and his physcial appearance, "decreased" during his divorce preceedings in 1973 (finalized on October 9, 1973). During all of his "ups and downs" Elvis always could count on his "fans" to lift up his spirits and give him a reason to...continue.
This is NOT to minimize the love that he had for his daughter Lisa Marie Presley who he adored.
One can only "imagine" the thoughts that overtook Elvis knowing that this "tell all book" was being "hyped" by every news outlet...around the World.
The "final night" of Elvis life he had requested medical care and obtained several prescriptions. He was to leave, for his first tour since the release of "Elvis...what happened", the next day. Elvis tried to "burn some energy" and played Racketball at his Court at Graceland. After the game he stopped at the piano and played two songs...and sang...softly.
Not many people know that, for whatever reason, around 3am Elvis went in to check on Lisa Marie (who was staying at Graceland and was scheduled to leave the next day) who was lying on her "hamburger bed". Elvis kissed her and said "go to sleep". This would (sadly) be the last time that Lisa would see her Father...alive.
He retired to his bedroom and then told his girlfriend that he was going to the bathroom to read, which is where he often went to read - again due to his ability to sleep, and was found there many hours later with his life...now gone from him.
Elvis left this World at the same age, of 42, that he had always believed his Mother had been. However, at the time of her death Gladys was really 46 years old and not...42. Apparently, Gladys had (for as long as anyone could remember) "reduced" her true age by 4 years.
What "difference" this would have made, if any, on Elvis' phyche is (of course)...unknown. But what is known is that Elvis passing confirms that there are "bonds" that are able to "pierce" time, distance, and space.
I believe that "true love" endures....eternally and while we are here we should help one another. Take care, God bless.
Tags: Elvis Presley
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