SeattleSusieQ

Could Elvis have won on American Idol?

2009-07-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

I don't think so. Gasp! Blasphemy by an Elvis fan? Remember, we’re talking about getting through the Idol process here, not talent. (While I absolutely love Adam’s tenor voice I still prefer Elvis’ baritone).

Here is my comparison between Adam and Elvis with regard to winning the title of American Idol

1. Luck - Elvis was fortunate to have made contact with Sam Phillips (by way of Marion Kiesker) who was patient enough to let him continue singing for hours that fateful day at Sun Studios. He could have listened to 2-3 songs and said thanks. But he let things roll and history was made.

Adam was also fortunate that the original Idol producers who heard him let him pass, because we know that having a good voice isn't always enough for them - and that not having a good voice is ok if you have something else that will make good tv. With the a cappella auditions, they have to have some vision of what might come of any given contestant.

2. Experience - Adam was 26 when he started the Idol journey. We'd have to compare him to the 19 year old Elvis. His experience, especially his years of professional singing, trumps Elvis' by a long shot.

3. Risk taking - Adam’s smarts when it came to song choice, song arrangements, etc. were very sophisticated. He took big risks with those arrangements. I don’t see Elvis doing that. We know that when Elvis heard a demo, when he recorded the song, he pretty much followed the arrangement he heard. While any song Elvis sang became his just because of his sheer talent, I don’t think he would have taken the risks that vaulted Adam past the others. (I was also impressed by how willing Adam was to dramatically change his look for the good of the song he was singing. Would Elvis have done that? OTOH, would it have been necessary.. :-))

4. Genres – Each week the Idols have to sing a song based on a theme chosen by AI producers. This could have worked in Elvis’ favor because, as we know, Elvis could and did sing “all kinds”. (Imagine having to choose a song from his birth year! ) Elvis has the edge here, because instead of embracing a genre (like country) Adam chose to make the music his own (good, but it probably hurt him even if he did get points for originality).

5. Voting – here’s where Adam and Elvis really have something in common. Adam should have won on talent and performance, hands down. But he didn’t. I have heard the vote for the finale wasn’t even close.

There was a huge backlash against Elvis when he first came on the scene. Some called him the devil incarnate. His sexiness was bad. The effect he had on girls and women was frightening. The way he looked - his hair, his clothes, his moves – all different, and all condemned by “middle” America. He was different, and therefore scary to many people.

Adam’s effect on the fans of American Idol is very similar. And his effect on “middle” America is comparable. He’s definitely different. His hair, his makeup – NAIL POLISH on a guy, fer cryin’ out loud. Scary. The questions about his sexuality during the Idol season undoubtedly had a huge effect on how many people voted. But as he says, “Sexy is sexy” and that’s why women are going nuts over him. Just like for Elvis. Sexy is sexy. And talent is talent.

As Adam says, Kris won because he got the most votes. True. But Adam didn't win because he was scary to too many voters. I think the same thing could have happened to Elvis.

Next Generation

2009-07-05T23:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a relative latecomer to the Elvis fan world. Although I remember him on TV in the 50s and I know exactly where I was when he died, I only became a fan in 2000 (see my first blog post for my story). But the excitement and joy were just as real as it probably was for those who saw his genious from the beginning. I have loved discovering each new recording and/or video of Elvis's talent and charisma.

In the 60s I was a huge Beatles fan. Rubber Soul was the first album I ever owned and I listened to it until it was almost too worn to play.

The excitement I felt for the Beatles and Elvis is back in my life. It's because of Adam Lambert. Adam has the raw talent, the charisma - everything that I saw in Elvis and the Beatles. While in this day and age I'm not sure anyone can rise to the iconic heights of the Beatles and Elvis, if anyone can, it is Adam Lambert.

And it isn't just his talent. It's his character, his integrity. I've been viewing every interview I can find on youtube and elsewhere. Everything I see tells me he is as genuine and as nice as he appears to be. That's like Elvis, too. Have you seen the genuine closeness between Adam and Idol winner Kris Allen? It's so fun to watch!

I amazed myself

a) by deciding to by his music online (and will get his CD when it comes out) and

b) buying a ticket to see the American Idol show. I'm only interested in Adam's 5-10 minutes, although I like Allison's voice a lot, too. When he starts to tour to promote his CD I will buy a ticket to that, too. I can't get enough of this guy.

Go to http://www.youtube.com/ and do a search for Adam Lambert . Add the word "Brigadoon" to hear his amazing tenor from a fairly high quality audience recording of a performance of that show. Then search for the Idol shows, especially the finally with Queen. (That's where you'll understand that the American Idol contest is not just about talent - otherwise Adam would have won, hands down).

I know this is my Elvis blog, but this is definitely Elvis-related. I'll try to blog from Tacoma where I will be seeing the Idol concert. I'll be tweeting (@seattlesusieq) during the show and I'll blog my thought about it afterwards.

Someone else create this picture - I don't have her name or I would give her credit:

New video from Elvis Week 2008

2008-09-04T11:43:00.001-07:00

Using a new camcorder for the first time I took some video at Elvis week. The quality is only so-so. So please forgive the shaky camera, etc. It was my first time :)

Due to the limitations of the editor I was using, I had to re-edit and re-publish the footage. The result is less than sharp because of the generations of editing. I hope you can enjoy it anyway. My intentions were good. I'm getting much better at this now.

George Klein's Elvis Memorial Service

2008-08-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

There’s a door prize this year. Looks like it’s a framed print of Ronnie McDowell’s painting of a young Elvis holding a guitar looking into a mirror where the reflection is the adult Elvis in the same pose.

Slides open up the show. The first is a baby picture of Elvis (aww). Now they’re playing Elvis music and showing more pictures of Elvis throughout the years. Some are new to me (one with the Dorsey Brothers, one with Rudy Vallee).

The head of the U of Memphis Fine Arts Dept opens the event. He talks about the Distinguished Achievement Award they give. Sam Phillips was one of the first recipients. This year it will be Sam’s son, Knox.

There are 3 scholarships in Elvis’ name given here every year. There’s a scholarship in Sam Phillips’ name for students in production. George Klein has also endowed a fund. Other scholarships are in the names of Isaac Hayes and Charlie Rich.

Invitees enter – here comes George Klein, Mark James, DJ Fontana, Dr. Nick and his son Dean, Marion Cocke, Jimmy Velvet, Knox Phillips, Ronny McDowell, Larry Geller, Sally Wilbourn, Ray Walker, Will “Bardahl” McDaniel, Mrs. Lester Hoffman.

GK opens with a reading of the inscription written by Vernon that is on Elvis’ grave marker.

Ray Walker gives the invocation.

All the memorial services over the years have started with a “Phillips” and this year it is Knox.

GK talks about how Elvis would want to visit Sam at all times of the day or night. Knox was part of this

Knox Phillips: The longer Elvis and friends would stay at our house, the better, as far as I was concerned.

Since Isaac Hayes just died this Elvis week has been a bit of a haze for me. He and Elvis were a little alike. Came from the same foundation, a great force in the music world. I was struck by the interviews with fans this year, especially when questions came up about Isaac. And I was impressed with your answers about Isaac. Isaac and Elvis put Memphis on the musical map.

And my dad made it possible for so many people to do the things they did in music.

I loved it when Elvis would arrive at the door and say “Hi Mrs. Phillips, can we come in?” I loved the way he would play pool – he would “electrify” any room he was in. Elvis was always cool and kind to my brother and me. When Elvis was around he’d pay attention to us kids, the youngest in the room.

My dad would call and say come on down to the studio because there was something you might like to see. I remember I was around 12 and had the duck tail hair cut. I thought I was pretty cool. So one time I got that call and there was Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins - and he came over and hugged me and said “Stay with me, Knox, stay with me”. It’s one of my fondest memories.

We thought we led perfectly normal lives but when we look back on it, not many people can say “I had grooming tips from Elvis when I was 12”.

When we come together to remember Elvis, I say remember the totality of his music and all he accomplished and helped others to accomplish.

GK – Elvis told me one time about all the people who would put him down and tell him he wouldn’t make it. Sam gave me the best advice I ever got – don’t ever let them change you – don’t let ‘em put you into a country “bag” or a “movie” bag.. etc. And I never forgot that. Then one time at a session, in walked Chet Atkins. He walked over to Scotty and started giving Scotty some pointers. It took all the gumption he had to go over to Mr. Atkins and told him ‘we have our own style so please don’t tell my guitar player how to play”.

Next up: Ronnie McDowell, the only one who had a hit record *about* Elvis.

Elvis is like the energizer bunny – he just keeps going on and on.

First time I heard Elvis was just after Hank Williams. Then the Dorsey Brothers. Then I saw him in “King Creole”. First time I saw Elvis on the big screen.

Jerry Reed (“Guitar Man”) told me he was out fishing and a boat came out and told him Elvis wanted him to play guitar on his recording. He got to the studio, looked at Elvis straight on, then came around to one side and looked at him, then went to the other side and looked again. Elvis said “man, you’d better stop staring at me like that”. Reed said “Man, you are the pretty man I’ve ever laid eyes on”.

Why does Elvis keep going on? I think it’s because of Elvis’ heart. He had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known.

Ronnie has just recorded a new song written by Mark James “Blue Suede Heaven”. I’m proud of it, but I won’t stop singing Elvis until my toes curl up.

George wants Ronnie to sing a few lines of the new song, and now Ronnie is insisting the GK sing with him. Ronnie says “are you ready?” GK says “no”. He really meant it. When it was his turn to sing he just said the words.

So Ronnie sings a little of “Love Me Tender” and gets some audience members to sing with him.

GK – Alan Fortas and I gave DJ the name “Sticks” Fontana. Elvis found him on the Louisiana Hayride. In Hollywood, Elvis’ band was called the EP Continentals and were supposed to record an instrumental album. But Parker wouldn’t let them do it. Scotty and Bill quit then but DJ stayed with him. Next up someone said “there’s Elvis Presley and his one-man band”.

DJ Fontana - Elvis asked me how come I didn’t quit and I said “Elvis, you always done exactly what you said you would do, so I had no reason to quit”. I stayed with Elvis for 14 years. He hired Scotty and Bill back. We worked 24 hours a day with Elvis. We traveled with Elvis, Scotty, Bill, sometimes George, sometime Gene. We said Elvis, get a bus! He said no, but then he started traveling on the train and we were still stuck in the car!

Once we were in the Hollywood Knickerbocker and bought a few shirts I thought were cool so I showed them to Elvis and he said “nice, where’d you get them? “ I said ‘downstairs’. He then proceeded to rip all the buttons off the shirt. “Elvis, why’d you do that?” He said “Remember my shoes you threw out the car window? It’s payback time”.

Once they were at a hotel and Bill and DJ pushed Elvis into the pool. A woman complained about the chaos and said “who do you think you are, Elvis?”

GK introduces “Bardahl” who hung with the guys.

Will “Bardahl” McDaniel: 1957 I worked at the Rainbow Skating Rink. I was asked to work a private party one night. Didn’t tell me whose party it was. Just had to give out the skates, etc. It paid $50, which was a whole lot of money.

They let in 150 people. I’d been working there for years and didn’t know a soul there. I gave everyone a set of skates and went out skating with them. Then Elvis walked in. Then I hear a whistle and all the girls come off the ice. So it was all the guys skating free flow in the middle. I said I was going to get Elvis and they told him. So we all line up and 5 minutes later I’m in a chair and I wake up and Elvis is fanning me, apologizing. Same thing happened again. I wake up and Elvis is fanning me. Next time we do this it’s Elvis laid out cold “Sh*t, I’m gonna die”, I said. At that point Elvis told Red he liked me and to give me the phone number at Graceland saying I could come anytime.

Elvis borrowed $5.00 from me one night and when I was up at Graceland I asked for my money back. Elvis blew up and had me thrown out of the house, saying I didn’t appreciate all the good times I was participating in. The next night I was in Graceland again - and I got my $5 back but he never apologized.

(He tells several more stories but I just can’t keep up).

GK – second part of the Jerry Reed story - Jerry Reed said “Elvis I’m straight but if I weren’t I’d kiss you, you’re so pretty”.

GK introduces Dr. Nick.

Dr Nick – Elvis came to our house at 2-3:00 in the morning and scared the neighborhood because they thought the Hell’s Angels had arrived. There wasn’t anything wrong, but Elvis just wanted to talk. He tried to come into the house but there were clothes lines all over the place because our dryer had broken down. Elvis had to dodge all the sheets and clothing and finally found me. And he said “If you’re going to be my doctor, you ain’t gonna live like this”.

He was just a great guy, fun to be around.

Right after Elvis died I took one of the doctors from the hospital to a Memphis State football game. He had had too much to drink and he kept saying “they shouldn’t have called that play”… Then he said ‘someone’s been throwing tomatoes at me”. Turns out he’d been shot. Someone was trying to shoot me but he’d leaned over to say something. I was sure someone was trying to shoot me and I was looking behind me for a long, long time. I can understand why some fans would want to hurt me. But Elvis was one of my best friends and I loved him and I did everything I could to save him.

One Sunday afternoon Elvis wanted to see me, so I was driving there. On the way over, I got broadsided by another car. He offered me a big Seville to use until I could get a new car. I used it for months and finally one day he said “Are you going to give me that car back?” I said “I have to talk to my wife about it”. She discouraged me. The next night I told him “I guess I’d better not take it”. He said “Just give me a dollar and you can buy the car”. So I did. Elvis was such a giver. When he gave something, 10 others would want the same thing and I didn’t want to start anything. That’s why I didn’t want to take the car but he thought I was just a cheapskate and didn’t want to pay for it.

GK introduces the producer of this event: Bev Rook

Bev: Thanks for coming. The Elvis world lost a number of people this year. Bobby McDowell, Isaac Hayes, and Todd Morgan, our dear friend. Also JD Sumner’s brother and Hugh Jarrett (bass singer of Jordanaires), Elaine Dundy and Bill Burk.

GK introduces Dean Nichopoulos

Dean Nichopoulos – Elvis really loved his fans. We were on tour and one night he wanted to get the crowd going. I used to put the bandaid on his fingers. Since it was slow, Elvis gave one of his rings away. About 3 songs later he gives another ring away and the audience is fired up. So I’m thinking – that’s about $30,000 worth of rings just to get the audience fired up. Then the TCB ring comes flying and it fell right to me. Afterward he mentioned he gave away 2 rings but accidentally lost the TCB ring. I took it out of my pocket and gave it back to him.

I taught him how to play racquet ball. One time I’m hitting balls with Linda Thompson. He doesn’t show up for 40 minutes. He comes in and says “what are you doing with my girlfriend?”

In Palm Springs he asked me if I wanted a motorcycle. I said no thanks. He said “you can ride on the back of mine”. He gives me a pitcher of water and says “you have to hold this, wrap your hands around my waist and hold on”. Now he puts a cigar in his mouth and we take off. We’re going 75 miles and hour. And he’s turning around talking to me and I’m saying “yes, sir, yes sir” But I didn’t know what he’s saying. We keep going faster and faster and I’m getting scared, we’re going so fast! When we got back to the house I asked him “what were you telling me back there on the bike?” He said “Do you want to go faster?”

We spend a lot of quality time together, watching TV, talking together in Lisa’s room.

One time I got hurt and needed stitches. We were on tour and I got to the hospital and there seemed to be a long line of people waiting for the doctor. I went up to the doctor and asked him if his wife was an Elvis fan. He said yes. I said, “do you have tickets for tonight’s concert?” He said no. I said “If you stitch me up first you’ll have to tickets for tonight’s show”.

One night on tour he called me around 3:00 in the morning. “I want to read something to you”, he said. He had the Bible out and he wanted to read to me about earthquakes.

What do you give Elvis for his birthday? I had them make a toothpick with his initials on them. He says man, I really like that. Wow, I thought I’d done pretty well. He asked me to bring over the black box he carried his jewelry in. Opened it and there were 2 engraved toothpicks, just like mine. Thereafter he got a set of sweats for Christmas and his birthday.

He was a giver. He loved watching you get your presents.

(note: They’re going to have a book coming out in about 8 months.)

GK introduces Jimmy Velvet

Jimmy Velvet – He’d bring a stack of movies for us to see at the Memphian. If he didn’t like a movie he’d raise his hand and they’d change the movie. We were watching “Parent Trap”. Hayley Mills is in her room and there were pictures of famous people there. She’s dancing and picks up a picture of Ricky Nelson – that was it – his hand went up to change the movie.

GK introduces Mrs Hoffman (I thought I had a picture, but I guess I don't)

Dr. Lester Hoffman widow, Mrs. Hoffman – Knowing this man changed my life After Lisa was born were invited to see her. Our visit lasted 45 minutes and it was a glorious time. He never stopped staring at Lisa. On the way down the steps he lit up a cigarette. I said ‘why do you smoke?” He said “why do you care?” I said “because you’re my friend”. He told me I was going to become a yoga instructor, and that’s what happened. He helped me get my training and I’ve been a yoga instructor for 39 years.

We were in Elvis’ dressing room one night after a performance. I said “where’s Elvis?” He was showering. When he came out and hugged me and asked “was I any good? As the evening wore on, people would bring celebrities in to meet him and I said “Elvis, we shouldleave”. He put his hand on my leg and said “they are them and you are us and don’t leave”. My husband says “how long are you going to let him keep his hand on your knee?” And I said “til my leg falls off or he takes his hand away”.

GK introduces Ray Walker – he’s the guy that introduced Elvis to “How Great Thou Art”

Ray Walker – Elvis came in and introduced himself and I said I know who you are and he said “I know who you are”.

Pat Boone and I have been friends since we’re 16 years old. Elvis opened for him a couple of shows. Elvis says hello, Mr. Boone”. He says “call me Pat”, and Elvis said “but your famous” Pat says “that’s ok, call me Pat”.

Pat’s house was right behind Elvis’ and Elvis would sneak out of his house and go visit with Pat and his wife after he’d told the boys he was going to bed.

Elvis was the best listener I’ve ever seen in my life. He was the best-read reader of religions of anyone I’ve ever met. When he looked in your eyes you know you had his full attention. What a wonderful human being Elvis was. We were friends, more or less from a distance, which was probably a good thing. I still love him to this day. He called me a chameleon. I thought he was telling me I was a lizard. But I’d sing differently for each song.

On “Surrender” Elvis had already sung high note after high note. I’d told him it was great that he sang like he talked – talking with a melody. So we were rehearsing this song. He asked you teach voice. I want to hit that high note and I’m afraid I can’t make it. So I took him into another room and say ‘can you vomit?” He said “what?” Ray demonstrates the sound. He practiced with all the vowels. And then Elvis said “I’m ready, let’s do it”. Someone just sent me all the outtakes on that session.

GK introduces Mark James – Mark James is a great singer AND a great song writer, including 5 or 6 songs for Elvis.

Mark James - Memphis has always had trend-setting music. I came here in 1968. Elvis was renting movie theatres and rinks. You’d go into clubs and you’d see Isaac Hayes singing.

Elvis came into the studio with about 40 songs. I was looking for a special song for him – and Suspicious Minds was the only song I had there. Elvis seems nervous with me around (since I’d recorded the song a couple of years before). So I knew I couldn’t be there. It was the same musicians cutting the same song, so I knew I didn’t have to be there.

I saw Elvis at the Hilton and in New York. Elvis was one of a kind. A great artist. I never wrote a song for him until “Blue Suede Heaven” and this was my shot to write a song about Elvis.

(He sings it – it’s a nice tribute song).

Introduces Larry Geller

Larry Geller – tells the story about how he met Elvis. I grew up in So. Cal. The very first rock concert in So Cal was Elvis. I was still in school and my friends and I thought we were the coolest thing that ever happened. We had the look. We looked like little ‘Fonzies’. We didn’t buy tickets but we figured we’d get in to see him. The doors close and we’re not in. So we tried to get into the theatre from the side. No go. We went to the back of the building and we see Elvis! He was with some of the guys. I said “come on guys, let’s go!” They froze. I ran over to Elvis and there was – that face. He had this inner glow, this vitality. I was awestruck. He stuck his hand out and said “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley”. I couldn’t believe it. I shook Elvis Presley’s hand. Time goes by, I became a hairdresser. I did the hair of Roy Orbison, Rock Hudson, Peter Sellars.. every star came to us. One afternoon Alan Fortas calls to tell me to come up to fix Elvis’ hair. Normally I wasn’t awestruck, but this was special. I drove up to the house. I walk in and Elvis comes up to me and says “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley”. Man, I’m having this flashback, but I didn’t tell him then about the first meeting. We went into his bathroom and started to talk. He wanted to know who I was, what I was about. When I told him what I was looking for, he said “I need to know what you know”. He asked me to come to work for him.

Elvis was the greatest entertainer ever. He has more fan clubs now than any living performer.

Elvis said he knew what the Bible meant when it said It’s better to give than to receive. He tells the same story about the kid and the motorcycle he told in “200 Cadillacs”.

We were making a film and Elvis’ choreographer was Norman Winters. We were walking to the sound stage and a guy was walking on the sound stage – a jeweler. He says “Elvis, I got it for you”. Elvis looks at the ring, tries it on, it fits, it’s beautiful. Norman comes around and Elvis shows him the ring. Norman says it’s beautiful and Elvis takes the ring off his finger and gives it to Norman.

How Great Thou Art recording session: we were getting ready to go. He sent the other on and said Larry, I want to talk to you. This is not just another commercial album. This is God’s music. And you know the Bible says God works in mysterious ways and I’m not going to utter a word until I’m ready to do this right, because you never know who will hear it. We meditated. Ten years later we meet a big Elvis fan who says “Hi, Larry”. He asks her “why do you love Elvis? What’s your story?” She said, well I had a terrible accident and it destroyed my legs. I knew I would never have a boyfriend, would never get married. I was going to take an overdose of medicine to kill myself. But the radio was on and I heard Elvis sing “How Great Thou Art” and I was filled with love and good feeling and decided to live. I told Elvis this story and tears streamed down his face. “Man,” he said. “Did I need to hear that”.

I had the overwhelming task to do his hair for his funeral. But when I walked in with Charlie Hodge and walked up to Elvis’s body and I looked at that gorgeous face – I stood about him for about 20 minutes. My heart ruptured. Like Niagara Falls all the memories poured over me. All of a sudden a memory from about 10 years earlier came to me. I remember our routine was making 3 movies a year and we’d drive back to Memphis, stay for a few months, then drive back. Elvis would have me come up. I’d do his hair, we’d talk. He called me upstairs one day. Elvis is sitting at the edge of the bed, shaking his head and I knew something is up. He hands me a movie magazine and on the cover was a picture of Elvis in one of his movies, looking distraught. The headline was “Elvis still in grief over his mother’s death”. It said his group hears Elvis crying in the middle of the night, etc. Elvis said “do you believe that stuff?” “Grieve? I hope, Lawrence, you never have to grieve the way I did. In 1956 I came on the scene and all hell broke loose. I was on TV, I recorded and then I went to Hollywood to fulfill my wildest dreams. Everything was going my way. And then I got drafted. And then my mom died. The light of my life died. So my career was cut short, I was shipped overseas, and I was grieving. You know me, I want to know the reason for everything. Why me? Why did He take my mom? “ That’s what he was going through that day. He was constantly questioning why him, why Elvis that all this happened to?

GK introduces Marion Cocke

Marion – when Elvis was coming into the hospital Dr Nick asked her to come in on her day off to take care of Elvis. Elvis brought us all together and made us one family. He deserved all the honor and respect that he is getting this week.

Many of my stories have pretty much been told. But after Elvis died I was in Palm Springs. A lady who had made a movie with Elvis came up to me and said “I’m so-and-so and I made a movie with Elvis” and I said “I’m Marion Cocke and I spent the last 2 years of his life in Elvis’ bedroom”.

I wanted to do something positive to honor Elvis. The first benefit dinner I did for Elvis was at the Peabody. Next year will be the 18th year of the dinners. We didn’t think many would come this year, but we had 330 and had to turn people away. So I’ll be doing it again next year, although I’m having such trouble with my memory I may forget to come!
I do appreciate the fact that you fans also do much charity work in Elvis’ name. And then I went to the vigil last night. And I watched the people come up the walk – young, old, healthy and infirm, and I remember when Elvis asked me “Mrs. Cocke, do you think my fans will remember me?” (!)

GK introduces Sam Phillips’ companion, Sally Wilburn.

Sally Wilbourn– 1953 first album, today the remix of “Baby Let’s Play House”

Elvis invited us into his world and we all stayed. We never left. And it will all continue. Elvis would be proud. As we continue this journey, let’s don’t forget the music.
(music – the remix is played –Marion gets up to dance and Ray Walker joins her! You go, guys!)

That’s the end of the presentation. It went well over 3 hours. I heard a few stories I hadn’t heard before, heard many stories I already knew, and appreciated the fact that we still have these folks who have links to Elvis.

And MIKE FREEMAN wins the painting!

Vigil Day

2008-08-16T07:58:00.000-07:00

I did not attend the ETA contest Thursday night, so someone else will have to report on that. Instead, I went to see Jamie Aaron Kelley perform at EP Delta. He’s such a talented artist.

I did not attend the sold out Blue Hawaii breakfast with Darlene Thomkins, so if someone was there, feel free to add a comment here.

Friday August 15th – Vigil Day

Vigil day for me started out slow and easy. I had breakfast with Joe Petruccio and then brought him over to Graceland Crossing where he had his gorgeous artwork on display. I think he sat there from 11:00am until midnight, autographing calendars, paper, t-shirts – whatever people put in front of him. Joe doesn’t just write his name when he gives an autograph. He does a drawing of Elvis on each and every item he autographs. What a special guy!

The big event of the morning was the David Garibaldi's Rhythm and Hue Performance Art Show. David created several 6-foot portraits of Elvis in under 7 minutes for each to Elvis music. He paints a little, comes forward to dance, goes back to paint some more, either with brushes, his fingers, and sometimes just throws some paint. He was fun. It was SO, SO hot at the time, but it was still interesting to watch him do this.

I decided to stay around Graceland all day. I was at Graceland Crossing where the tent had Elvis-wannabes singing to karaoke all day long. Some were pretty good, some, um, weren’t. There were a lot of people there.

And then the rains came. It rained HARD for hours! Some thunder and lightning, but mostly heavy rain. We were wondering what was going to happen with the vigil with all the bad weather.

Around 8:00 we went to the Sirius booth. They couldn’t go to the sound stage because of the weather. All the local DJs were there, including George Klein. I spoke to Argo about the time frame of my little interview. Then we went across the street to the gates to see the opening ceremonies. Guess what? IT STOPPED RAINING! Indeed, it didn’t rain for the next 2 hours (it was starting again when I was leaving).

Jack opened the ceremonies with a short statement. It was mostly about how he shouldn’t be there, it should have been Todd. He talked about how much Todd is missed, especially at times like this (note: understatement of the year). Then he introduced Kevin Kern to give the rules. I was torn between wishing they had used a little of Todd’s script (“if you’re here for the wrong reasons, you’d better hope security gets to you before these fans do…”) and knowing that trying to “be” Todd would probably not have worked either. No win situation.

One more note about Todd – many of us who talked about this felt that there was no mistaking the sense of a huge void, the deep sense of loss. He was truly a great man.

The ceremony went on with the theme “I Miss You” which was referring to both Elvis and Todd. It was the 30th year of Vigils organized by the Elvis country Fan Club.

The songs were "I Miss You" by Don H. Sumner. "I'll Hold You In My Heart", "Peace In The Valley" an d"Can't Help Falling In Love".

The sea of candlelight started to wend its way up the hill. It was a beautiful sight. Of course Elvis music was being broadcast for all to hear, no matter where they were.

I went back to the Sirius booth at that time because it was getting close to the time Argo said he thought I should be at the booth for my interview. There was a lot going on over there. GK was in the booth, all sorts of people were being interviewed and Doc Walker was limping (he dropped something heavy on his foot just before he came to work). Justin Morgan arrived and he was interviewed byArgo. He’s such a sweet person and you can just sense his sadness.

(Argo, Justin and Jenna)

Jack came by and was interviewed. Karen (KJ) was interviewed by Doc (which was funny because he asked her where she was when Elvis died – and her response – “in nappies (diapers)!)

I was finally interviewed by Argo at around 10:00pm. He’s really nice and makes you feel very comfortable and not too nervous.

At that point KJ, Marie, Tom and I got in line for the vigil. It still wasn’t raining. Each time I go to Graceland I am reminded just how large this property is and I try to imagine how Elvis must have felt to have all this land to enjoy, to play. I try to imagine what it was like to be here during Elvis’ life. Then I get a sense of sadness about what might have been.

The line moved fairly well. From the gate to the grave took just under 2 hours. There was no rain and the temperature was in the 70s. What a difference from last year. The floral arrangements this year are as spectacular as usual.

Here is the link to my vigil pictures, some good, some fuzzy. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v143/seattlesusieq/Vigil%202008/?action=view&current=b3ff9ff1.pbw

EW day 6 - Second Day of EI Conference - Morning Session

2008-08-14T20:25:00.000-07:00

First of all, a big question has been brought up about Elvis on Tour. ElvisSessions reported on a conversation he had with Tom Brown about this. He (Tom) hinted at EOT might coming out at some anniversary in the near future. Sillerman was on tape so was not asked about it. People shouted out to Tom several times during the day asking about it and each time he would say "I can't talk about it". That's it. So no official word came out at the conference. We must continue to speculate.

Opening the conference today was the video-taped interview with Robert Sillerman. Scott Williams flew to NY to meet with him.

What are your plans for Las Vegas? -
It will be a big, interactive (you will be able to “talk” to Elvis), maybe they can get the street names “Elvis Presley Blvd West”. Elvis deserves a bigger presence in Vegas for what he did there.

What are your plans for Graceland –
The impact of economy may affect how fast what we do. Won’t be spending all of the money up front. But major pieces will be completed soon (“soon” being a relative term). Our current economic situation is pretty dire.

Sneak peak of plans?
Tied up with what happens with Memphis and TN We need approval. Once we know what we can do, plans will come out. Perhaps in 6 months.

Sillerman: I’m an Elvis fan – put your earplugs in and I’ll do my rendition of an Elvis song. I’m a big Elvis fans. Elvis and I have a long history.

Why did you want to buy EPE? Society has changed so much over the last 10 years, principally driven by the devices we have – ipods, dvds, internet, etc. we can now deal with iconistic people. Since it’s impossible for anyone else to ever attain the heights that Elvis did, it was our desire to be associated with this kind of talent, a talent that needs no definition, explanation. I can’t say when the idea precisely came to me, but after we sold our last entertainment company, we were looking for something.

What’s your earliest memory of Elvis -
I was studying classical piano (quite good, if I must say so myself), I had no awareness of rock and roll or of Elvis. I had my little portable radio and there was no Yankee game on. So I heard an Elvis Presley song and was taken aback. I got out of bed to have my brother listen to it. He didn’t like it but I told him he was crazy. I was captivated then – by “Hound Dog”. I know it sounds funny, but it was almost a life-changing moment.

What did you think of the Celine Dion/American Idol duet with Elvis?

Every time I see that I get goosebumps. It’s the technology I was talking about. The idea emanated from CKX. Everyone I show it to says Elvis more than holds his own with Celine’s powerful voice.

Did you see Elvis in person?

Do you own the DVDs? I saw Elvis live 5 times – in college and after college. Once in Boston, 4 times in Vegas. When I watch the concert footage I am evoking the live experiences.

Elvis Radio – what’s your favorite era and song?

No one single favorite song. It changes all the time. I listen to 13 all the time. 50s era is my favorite. In the Ghetto, Lieber and Stoller songs.

Is there going to be an EP Theme Park?

No roller coasters and ferris wheels and things like that. There will be Elvis-themed features where you can come in with themes of Elvis’ life. Interactive. We can move things out of Graceland to display them elsewhere and restore the house to its original look.

Are you a member of EI.

Yes. (He pulled out his card)

Tom gives away a prize – ipod-like/radio/ preloaded to play Elvis video clips. The one you buy has 20 video clips. This prize has 80.

Chris Noelle picks the winner. Drats. Didn’t win this one either.

(note: nothing in the next interview session was new to me. Same old stories, sorry to say. I guess there is just so much they can add after all this time).

Tom introduces the new DVD Elvis in Las Vegas – we see a clip. It’s always great to see Elvis close up on the big screen.

Now we see a trailer for EinLV.

Next up – Jerry Schilling and Joe Guercio

Tom – take me back to 1969.

Joe – ’69- I wasn’t there. But when I saw he was coming, it blew me away.

Jerry – We had been there before. Elvis loved to visit Vegas and go see the shows.

Joe - First time I met Elvis was in Sammy Davis’ dressing room – right after he got out of the Army. To get to meet him was a thrill.

Tom – reminded us of what Sammy Shore said about how nervous Elvis was before he went on.

Joe – I can understand his nervousness. He’d been there before and was not successful.

Jerry– his show was very different from what was out there in Vegas. Elvis would watch the first row in the audience. One guy would never look up. Finally, when Elvis did Trilogy, the guy stood up and saluted. Elvis could do what he wanted. Gospel in Vegas? If Elvis did it, yes, he could do what others just couldn't get away with.

Joe – Hilton flew me to LA to meet Parker and Diskin. I got the whole limo treatment, and we’re going to lunch. We got to this little hut – and we had bologna sandwiches!! Parker knows everything I’ve ever done. He asked me if I could do what they want. Mind you, I was not an Elvis fan at the time.

First days of rehearsal and Lamar brings a ton of music over and says ‘this is what we’re going to do’. I said “I’m not a librarian”.

Second rehearsal Elvis walks in. He hangs around for the first hour. Joe E says would you like to meet Elvis. “I think it would be nice”. From the moment we shook hands – it was such charisma! We hit it off and were friends ever since.

Jerry – I was in LA when Elvis was picking the band. We had all these great musicians and we knew this one drummer’s name who was sure to be picked – but Elvis didn’t pick him. This heavyset guy keeps playing the drums – his family is in the van. Elvis comes over to me and says “watch this” and tells Ronnie Tutt what he wants. Elvis picked him because he had the same mindset as Elvis.

Tom – and the gospel quartets? Joe – I never saw anyone do church music before that.

Jerry – I worked on the DVD for about a year (behind the scenes) for about a year. ABC Entertainment flew me to Vegas where we did the interviews. We went down to the dressing rooms where I told some stories about the time Elvis was there. It’s great to hear the next and current generations talk about how Elvis influenced them

Tom – his ear for picking a song –

Joe – it was the lyrics, the story, that sold a song for Elvis.

Jerry – Elvis is the most underrated producer in music history.

Joe – he loved all music – he had a rock and roll band, an orchestra and church groups – all on the same stage.

Tom – when he wanted something, he wasn’t confrontational . He knew a better way to get things done the way he wanted.

Tom - talk to me about Elvis, who had no musical training.

Joe – for the first night’s performance – he was in tune with everything that was going on around him. He sang to the back row all the time. He made the person in the back row feel as close as the ones up front. It was a good time. It was more of a happening than a “show”. He’d change a song as he went along so we always had to be paying close attention. The first time he did this we were in the middle of “He Gave Me a Mountion” – he switched things around but I’d told the orchestra that when I dropped my hands go to bar 32. Elvis changed something but we were ready. Made for interesting shows every night.

Jerry – he always had a degree of nervousness, although not to the extent of the first show. He always worried about whether the fans would accept him.

Tom – how difficult to transfer the Vegas show to the road?

Joe – it wasn’t difficult – he took his charisma with him. (laughter)

Jerry- there was probably more to it for everyone else (laughter)

Joe – we all had to take karate lessons in Vegas and he brought in Ed Parker to train us. Everyone has to participate. I said I’m not going. I’m home for 2 weeks and I’m not coming in for this. I detected a vibe from Elvis. Last night everyone got their karate level belts – during the show! Closing night party – “Ronnie Tutt – black belt”… …. … “Joe Guercio” – Parker gives me a black belt- a black belt - in baton. :-)

Joe – tells the marble story – (let me know if you haven’t heard it – I’ll type it out).

Jerry talks about the practical jokes Elvis did in the down times of movie making. Says this behavior carried over to Vegas. If you’ve seen the tv show “Entourage”, that’s how it was back then.

Joe – Elvis was one of only 4 stars I’ve worked with all these years that truly respected the rest of the people- on stage. He made everyone feel important.

Tom – Vegas then and now?

Jerry – we spent almost 3 months a year in Vegas – shows - and fun. Back then I thought it was huge but you could still interact. Elvis took it to the next level. Then hotels got bigger and bigger. Now we’re in the third phase now. It’s just huge. So big. But the good news is that Elvis will be even bigger than ever next year when the Sillerman project is done.

Joe – when Elvis came to town hotels were filled to 88%. That had never happened before.

Tom introduces Charles Stone.

He took a picture of Elvis back stage in Michigan playing the piano. He’d forgotten about it and found the undeveloped film this year! I’ll have to go down to the expo to see this picture of Elvis sitting at the piano all by himself. (note: I bought a copy of this very different picture of Elvis.)

Charles says Elvis never played to an empty seat (although others have said this isn’t entirely true). There is nothing else in the history of entertainment that could compare to the electricity and excitement of Elvis walking onto a stage.

Prize is an autographed copy of this picture.

Another prize – a copy of the deluxe 68 special autographed by Steve Binder.

Marian Burns (? Didn’t get name straight) talks about Elvis from Broadway to Memphis. I’m going to take a break right now. Since I’m going to this concert on Sat. I’ll blog about it then.

EI Conference Thursday afternoon

Video of 68 special- bordello scene and outtakes –

Susan Henning- yowsa!

First face of milk commercials.

Played Hayley Mill’s twin in “Parent Trap”

Was in Live a Little, Love a Little. Played a mermaid. (showing a clip of her here). I don’t remember it, but it’s cute! She’s sitting on a diving board (as mermaid), holding out her lunch. A whale comes up and takes her food.

SH - They fitted me for the mermaid tail sitting in a wheel chair – when Elvis walked in. That’s how we met. Instant sparks. He’d take me out on his motorcycle.

Tom – how did you get into the 68 special?

SH – During LaL he took my number and called me back a few days with the offer. I was engaged at the time but I couldn’t help the feelings I had for Elvis. Broke off engagement. My character was called the “virgin hooker” in 68 special. When I came on to the set for the first time he had his back to me. I went up to him from behind and touched him and he said “my boy, my boy”

Tom – in the outtakes you seem to be having a special private moment with Elvis.

SH – when I saw the outtakes just now it really brought me back to a very, very special time in my life.

Tom – in talking about your time with Elvis, how do you draw the line with how much you want to tell vs how much people want to know more.

SH – good question. People who really love Elvis respect his privacy and I think some things should be left up to one’s imagination.

Tom – well, there go my next 3 questions… Over the years did anything change in what you thought about what could have been?

SH – a decision was made in our relationship – remember, I was a young 21 year old woman, I had lots of dreams I had not yet fulfilled. And he was there already living his dream. I wanted to live my life, not so much live Elvis’ life. So there was a path I had to choose. I chose to develop and see who “Susan” was. I honor everything he’s done. He is the king and there will never be another Elvis.

Tom – what is it about him that makes us be together 31 years after his death?

SH – He transcends gender, so he appeals to men and women. His sex appeal. His charisma. You can have that and be egocentric. But he was genuinely humble, so touchable. Add that to talent. It’s magnetic.

Tom – tell us about your life after Elvis.

SH – we have how much time? I did a few more films, and some television. I was a successful commercial model. But I wanted white fences and meadows and horses. I have 3 wonderful children and a wonderful supportive husband that has allowed and been supportive of “Susan Henning”. Dating actors was a way of life. People ask if I saved a lock of Elvis’ hair. But it was just life and we didn’t think of things like that. But I’m grateful that you all want to hear about my time with Elvis.

Susan has put together a book about her time with Elvis. She found some pictures of us that have never been seen before. Don't know when it will be released.

Hambri (SP?) from Sony/BMG to talk about the Elvis Christmas duets CD1957 and 1971 Elvis recorded 2 Xmas albums. Using new technology we’ve recreated the original tracks and then added the new artists to sing the duets with him.Some artists were asked to participate but were too intimidated. He wouldn’t name names.

Track Listing - (although I missed something)
Anne Murray- "Silver Bells"
Martina McBride- "Blue Christmas"
Gretchen Wilson- "Merry Christmas Baby"
Wynonna- "Santa Claus Is Back In Town"
Sara Evans- "Silent Night"
Leann Rimes- "Here Comes Santa Claus"
Amy Grant- "White Christmas"
Carrie Underwood- "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

We’re hearing a little piece of “Blue Christmas” Elvis with Martina McBride and “Here Comes Santa Claus” with LeAnn Rimes.

My thoughts – this is going to work for a Christmas album to introduce Elvis to new fans. But if it were anything but Christmas songs I’m not sure I’d want to hear Elvis duet with anyone (except Lisa).

New door prize – Viva Las Vegas DVD – Tanya Lamani George (belly dancer, ’68 special) picks the number. She says Elvis a very special human being. Kind, warm and generous. She does a little belly dance move.

Another video – of David Garibaldi doing his incredible “rhythm and hue” art work to Elvis music. Awesome stuff.

Thomas Kincaid has a new Christmas painting. Video of him talking. Commercial for the new painting to be out this fall “Christmas Cottage” (not Graceland). Also has done “Winter at Graceland” for sale. It’s very pretty. The pink Cadillac is in front of Graceland, with Elvis and a woman (can be anyone you want :-))

Darlene Thompkins on now. (Sorry, I don't seem to have a picture of her.

Tom: How did you get the role with Elvis?

DT - my agent sent me on an audition for a musical. I can’t sing and I can’t dance but that didn’t stop me from going to an audition for an Elvis movie. Elvis wasn’t there but I got the part. When I first saw him he took my breath away. He was the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. But when started to talk and he made me feel like we had already met. A few days later I admitted to him that I couldn’t sing. Elvis said no matter, we can dub the voice. Then I admitted I can’t dance, either. He said “Just have fun!”. In one scene Norman Taurog puts me right up with Elvis. And I know that Elvis is a “one-take” guy. In slice-and-sand scene I move of the scene. When you hear about how nice Elvis was and how kind, it doesn’t come close to describing how he was.

Another prize – Elvis #1 hits Vol 2

Video – Elvis’ screen test at Paramount. It’s still fun to watch this.

More video movie clips – from movies of the next panel.

Panel: Celeste Yarnell (CY)form LaL and Edward Faulkner( EF) and Francine York (FY) from Tickle Me

Tom – what was the set like

CF – there was a bit of a cloud over the set because MLK was assassinated. Elvis and I comforted each other over that sadness. When that wasn’t happening, he kept the energy up and made us have lots of fun.

EF – I had a very small part in GI Blues. Being 2 southern boys we had a very nice relationship. He and John Wayne had a lot in common. Both were very easy to work with and I never saw either of them on set with a script. The last time I saw him he was rehearing a later movie. When he saw me he came right off the set, the set closed down and he talked with me for 20 minutes.

FY – I first saw Elvis on screen in a movie theatre. I was modeling in San Francisco. But when I saw him in person, he was very, very special. Elvis had a very sweet smell (not cologne). It was wonderful. One day we were having trouble with something on the set, so while we were waiting Elvis was blowing into my ear. Wow! We chatted about movies I’d made with Jerry Lewis and told me I’d have a great career. Elvis was down home – but gorgeous! He was so much more handsome in person.

Tom – a lot of people put the movies down, but it seems a lot of young people are discovering Elvis through his movies. What kind of reaction are you seeing from Elvis fans about how important these movies are?

CF – The remixes – the first was of the song Elvis sang to me – and now it’s a number 1 song. But I’m not happy that there were hip-hop dancers in the video!

Tom – What did it take to get the fight scenes?

EF – they were professionally choreographed. Elvis and I staged one fight. We rehearse it a couple of times, we basically did the whole thing in one day. He made you feel extremely comfortable. Every event I do – people from around the world – it warms my heart to see people going back to these honest films as opposed to what is being shown these days. It’s amazing how many young people have found Elvis.

Tom – you worked with Jerry Lewis. Tell me how important it is for an actor to get along with the crew and the director How did Elvis stack up?

FY – Our set was very happy. The crew liked Elvis. At the time of this movie Elvis had bought a green convertible for his girlfriend. She drove it right on the set and Elvis was livid. You didn’t flash his gifts.

CY – lots of rehearsal for kissing scenes. His makeup would end up on my face and we’d have to redo it. Elvis told me to pick out a car but I told him I didn’t need it. He said what do you want? I said just your friendship. His eyes welled up and he gave me a big hug.

Tom- how does it feel to come to these events?

CY – I’ve been amazed. I am filled with gratitude. You think you’re coming out for us, I’m saying we’re coming out for YOU.

EF – It’s a delight. I’m retired after 19 years in the business.. It is very heartwarming to meet the fans and it’s my privilege to give back to you. I enjoy talking to you all.

FY – I’m still working. I told my agent I’m going to this Elvis event, clear my calendar. It’s amazing that you appreciate something we did so many years ago. And as I’ve said, there will never be anyone or anything like Elvis ever again. I travel around the world and no matter where I go, everyone knows who Elvis is.

More prizes – the new Graceland DVD, Steve Binder autographed CD box, the new Barbie doll!

That's it for today.

A few pictures

2008-08-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

I've posted a few pictures here http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v143/seattlesusieq/?action=view&current=bab76895.pbw?nocache=11 in a slide show. You can click on any picture to see it by itself.

Terry Mike Jeffrey

2008-08-13T22:31:00.001-07:00

We went to EP Delta to see Terry and his group tonight. I have only seen him once before when he sang just a couple of songs at Marian Cocke’s benefit last year. I was impressed then, but tonight I was blown away. As ElvisSessions mentioned about his show the night before, Terry is very professional and has a fabulous band (including his wife of 35 years and his son!). He’s NOT an ETA. He sounds like Elvis, sings his repertoire, but doesn’t try to copy Elvis. He’s also James and Glen D., instrument-wise. He’s amazing, talks to the audience with great fun, and puts on an awesome show.

BTW, I had dinner at the EP Delta restaurant. They have their annual “Elvis” menu which includes a fried banana split. Did you know Elvis was fond of eating duck quesadillas? ;-)

EW day 5 - first day of EI Conference

2008-08-13T15:42:00.003-07:00

I'm here!

Wednesday morning.

Well, the airline gods came through, but the car rental gods didn’t. Then when I got here the person who had my ticket wasn’t to be found. So I missed the entire morning. And I’m really sorry I missed Mike Stoller and DJ Fontana talking together. I sure hope Elvissessions has that in his report.

Wednesday afternoon EI Conference

Jack Soden gives greetings, then we see some of Having fun with Elvis on the ’68 Special. I thought we'd hear more from Jack than just welcome.

Tom Brown introduces Sammy Shore (SS), the comedian who opened for Elvis in Vegas. He says nobody wanted to see the comedian. They just wanted to see Elvis.

Tom: did you find that a challenge?

SS – I was an unknown. Opening night everyone in the world was there. Movie stars – Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor, etc. I knew if I bombed my career would be over. If I did well, I’d do well in the business. I hadn’t gotten there yet. So this was it for me. Elvis and the Col saw me open for Tom Jones and they liked me. Elvis and Parker came backstage to meet him and I was speechless. Parker said “I like your humor” and I said I like your chicken”.

So, opening night there was a lot of pressure. This was it for me. It was me out there by myself. House lights dimmed and there was a tympany roll. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, a legend in his own time.. , but first here’s Sammy Shore. “ And the mike was dead! My big break and the mike was dead! They shoved out a new mike and I started to adlib to make it look like the second mike didn’t work. After 5-10 minutes I had ‘em. If the mike wasn’t dead I probably would have bombed.

When I came off I saw Elvis waiting. I shook his hand – and his hand was sweaty, too. He was nervous. After all, this was the first time in 12 years he’d been on a live stage. Of course we know what happened. My dressing room was next to his and I tried to get the celebs and the young pretty girls to come in to my room. But everyone wanted to see Elvis, of course.

Two older gentleman came in. They were very high ups in the William Morris agency!! They said what I’d done that night was incredible. We want to sign you at the WMA.

After all my small club experiences I was ready to handle what happened that night.
Vegas was the place to see and be seen. Everyone had an opening act. No longer. The hotels want everyone to see the show and get back to gambling. Nowadays there are few comedians playing there.

Tom: have you talked to people here that saw you in Vegas?

SS. Oh sure. But I tell you, working last night, opening for Shawn Klush.. I got my standing ovation – and then I watched Shawn. It was like going back in time. He was amazing. It was like going out on tour with Elvis!

Tom: tell me about your book.

SS: “the Man who made Elvis laugh”. (too fast to copy, but he’s very, very funny describing what’s in his book). But the serious part of his book amounts to “it ain’t over til it’s over”. (He’s 81.) Sammy’s son is Pauly Shore. He says “Let me say 2 words about Pauly: I’m sorry”. Then jokes that it could have been CarrotTop.  (He was funny all the way through but I don’t think it translates well here on the written page.

(Note: Sammy Shore was very funny but I couldn't capture him here. Mannerisms, sound effects, etc. I hope you can hear it some day).

Sandi Pichon helps give away a prize. Tells the Elvis-gets-panty-thrown-at-him story. Talks about how great it’s been since she put out her 2 books. They help her relive her experiences. That's really special.

Tom is talking about the 25th anniversary concert. We see a clip. Then Tom introduces Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood, Sherman Andrus – The Imperials.

Joe: it was the best time of our lives. “He Touched Me” album – who knew what that would become?

Tom: Dixie mentioned that he seemed to be a different person when he sang gospel in church. What did you see?

Terry: Elvis would go see the gospel events, coming in late, leaving early so he wouldn’t bother everyone. My family attended the same church. Gospel influenced his life.

Tom: you can literally draw a line from that gospel to rock n roll

Sherman: when I listen to Elvis’ interpretation of songs you can feel all that passion. You knew he had something special. We called it in the church being endowed or having the spirit. This guy cut through all the cultural everything. It didn’t matter what kind of song he sang, but you always felt his passion.

Tom: if he had not been the singer he became, would he have fit into a gospel quartet?

Terry: laugh – how could you be in a group with Elvis? He’d always be standing out.
Joe: I thought he was an amazing gospel singer. Remember “If I Can Dream” he believes the lyrics, he’s selling the meaning. “I’m trying to tell you something”.

Tom: he would always sing gospel during the Vegas years.

Joe: there was a special elevator up to the suite. Even before getting to the elevator he’d already start “I, John” or something. He was relaxing us.

Terry: every time he initiated a song a capella it would be a gospel song. “Farther along” – we knew that song backwards and forwards.

Tom: when you were singing gospel, would Elvis stay on a part? Bass, tenor, etc.

Terry – Elvis could sing whatever he wanted. Laugh)

Joe: He’d sit at the piano and hit a high note – ‘see that note up here’, he’d say. ‘That’s Millie.’ Then he'd play a lower note and say 'that's Joe's...' He actually arranged the songs.

Terry: and he’d know if you missed a cue.

Joe threw a t-shirt into the audience. Nice souvenir, although I'm not sure what the t-shirt was.

Tom: what’s the number 1 thing people ask you about a memory you have?

Terry: was Elvis as nice as we’ve heard. What was he really like? Of course he was as nice as everyone has heard. He wasn't one of those stars who would do their job and leave. He wanted to hang around with us.

Tom interviews Carlee, the winner of the MySpace Karaoke contest. (She sang with the Imperials last night). She was pretty intimidated at first (last night). She has been learning a lot more about Elvis and he gained a lot more respect for him. You go, girl!

Next up: JoAnn Cash, John’s sister. (Can't believe I didn't take a picture of her. Sorry. I have one on video, but can't pull it out right now)

Tom: what was your first experience singing with John?

JC: We’d work in the cotton fields and we would sing all day long. I thought everyone sang. We sang in church, school. So it wasn’t that big a deal.

Tom: John wanted to be a gospel singer, too.

JC: yes, he did but Sam said it wouldn’t sell. But he did sing gospel later on in his career. Early on in his career he’d be in a different city every night and in order to keep going, Johnny would take the pills that would push his body. But he got passed all of that.

JoAnn Is a born again Christian. Then she met her husband in the church. They are pastors in a church they started in Nashville.

Tom plays the audio of Elvis introducing himself as Johnny Cash and starts singing “Folsom Prison” and “Walk the Line”.

JC: The kinds of songs Johnny sang were from his life experience. I write gospel songs that are truly from my experience. And Elvis could make you cry when he sang. He could also make you laugh. He was one of the funniest people, too.

Joe Petruccio comes out to give away another prize. It’s lot’s of stuff, including a small wood block he painted. Nice. Which I’d won that!

Another prize – Lowell Hayes is giving away a TCB! DRATS! Made from the original mould! I wish I’d won that, too! (sigh) Tom asks about what it was like putting these things together for Elvis. Lowell met Elvis in 1969 and then he asked me to start making his jewelry. TCB ring story – he wanted a stage ring. I made several rings – the big horseshoe ring he gave to JD. Then after that they talked about the design for a new ring. Elvis wanted him to bring it upstairs but I wanted him to see it under the light of the chandelier. He was amazed and thrilled. His comment was “Wow! Wait til Sammy Davis sees this ring!” We sing happy birthday to Mr. Hayes. He’s 69.

CMT had a contest – Viva Las Vegas contest. Winner is interviewed. I left the room for a few minutes here.

A bit of gospel video that includes Richard Sterban.
Next guest – Richard Sterban- from the Stamps and the Oak Ridge Boys. Elvis was a frustrated bass player.

Tom: what was it like to be in a group with 2 bass singers – Richard and JD. He was hired by JD when JD wanted to spend more time on his business ventures. I was there about 6 months when Elvis called JD to get the Stamps to go on tour with him. So JD wanted to sing again and Elvis wanted JD there, too.

Tom: When did you know you wanted to be a singer?

RS: I wanted to be a ball player, but that wasn’t to be. But believe it or not, when I was a kid I sang as a boy soprano. But when I was about 6 yrs old I already knew I wanted to sing for a living.

Tom: and before rock n roll, gospel WAS rock and roll.

RS: Yes. This music fascinating me, especially with JD.

Tom: how often did the offstage gospel happen?

RS: more often than not. Sometimes even *before* we went on stage, as well as afterward. It was a very big deal to be on one of the largest tours around. It was a very exciting time for me. A lot of people questioned my decision to move on to the Oak Ridge Boys, but I really liked them, too.

Tom brings out his old vinyl ORB records. Talks about RS’s fashion sense. Turns out RS once worked in the mens dept of Gimbels’ dept store. ( I just love Tom Brown. He's such a great interviewer because a) he's so knowledgeable about his guests and b) he's such a genuine fan!

Tom: what went through your mind last year when you did Elvis the Concert?

RS: the best part of the concert last year was being reunited with all the guys, the Sweet Inspirations, etc. I had a really long chat with Ronnie Tutt. But it was also unbelievable to sing with Elvis again (RS gets choked up here).

Tom: there have been tremendous changes in touring. How does it differ touring then
and now?

RS: With Elvis we played the biggest venues. It helped set me up for touring with the ORB. Then, we had a few lights here and there – today it’s techno shows and all.

RS: Elvis was a big football fan. Because of the 3 TVs he had, he could watch several games at the same time. Nowadays that’s much easier.

Tom: what do you think of the Elvis phenomenon after all these years?

RS It will never happen to any other entertainer. Last year they sold out the FedEx forum – for a dead entertainer! That will never happen again. My daughters love his music. It’s got that magic, just the music, even without the image.

I was on “Burning Love”. He walked around the studio with a handheld mike. That would never happen today. He’ was an engineer’s nightmare. Tom: talk to me about how important it was to find the right song.

RS: material is the most important thing in the music business. We’d spend hours listening to demos just to find that one right song. But Elvis had no idea what he was going to record before he went into the studio. We might listen to 4,5-10 songs and he’d decide which song to record. (He had a great ear for what would be good for him). So then someone would have to quick write an arrangement and Elvis would tell us what he wanted us to sing.

Tom: how have you guys (ORB) stayed together so long?

RS: the key is the love of what we do. We love the creative process. We’re not young anymore but I hope to continue working for a long time.

Video - Elvis sings “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You”

Scott gives away several prizes, including a USB flash drive with 70 Elvis songs on it. Scott has cool prizes.

(I know I wrote about this when it came on but I just noticed it's not here...) At some point today they showed a photo/video montage of Elvis in the army with the audio of the Dick Clark interview with Elvis when he was in the army. I've never heard the whole interview before. It's really great! And some of the video was new to me, too, although probably not to many of you reading this.

That’s it for today. Going to see Terry Mike Jeffrey tonight and may run over to Club Elvis, but that depends on how I feel. I’m bushed from the red-eye flight and no sleep today.

I will post some pictures of the Expo - probably later tonight.

EW Day 4 report by ElvisSessions

2008-08-13T15:42:00.001-07:00

First up for us was the Shawn Klush concert at the Cannon Center. We're pretty ambivalent about the whole ETA scene, but we gave it a shot back when EPE first endorsed such acts in 2006. We were mightily impressed with Klush, even if we remained somewhat perplexed by the impersonator scene overall.

It certainly was no surprise to us when Shawn won the competition last year, though we didn't attend any of the performances. We'd expected to see Shawn on the Elvis Cruise, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from attending.

Tuesday being a fairly slow day, we went ahead and ordered the tickets for his show. We certainly had a good enough time, though the audience's swooning adulation remains a little misplaced, in our opinion. But to each her own, we suppose.

As tribute, impersonation, performance art, call it what you will, Shawn is pretty amazing. On the outside edges of his range, he strays off model, but many of his mannerisms, physical and vocal, are eerily familiar -- and sometimes downright chilling.

There was a lot of fun risque banter with the audience members who were straining for kisses and scarves, and if you don't let yourself get too uptight about the whole thing, it can be a lot of fun.

Shawn's a good performer, and he had a strong Chicago band behind him. Some of the cheesy reputation of ETAs comes from the often-substandard karaoke they have to contend with. But Shawn put on a professional show, for sure.

Ray Walker of the Jordanaires shared the stage briefly, and it was fun to hear him actually handling some of the LEAD vocals on It's Now or Never. Ray was his usual cut-up self, and he fit right in with the light mood of the show. Joe Guercio was in attendance, too, and he cheerfully posed for photos with the ladies afterward.

One ETA artist is enough for us, and that's all for the week.

In the evening, we attended the second Music and Movie night. Steady rain into the afternoon may have had some folks worried about a muddy evening, but the skies cleared up in time to give the grass a chance to dry.

We enjoyed another cool night on the Graceland lawn as Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band -- along with members of the TCB band and the Imperials -- put on an excellent show.

Terry is such an Elvis Week regular, there may not be much more we can say about him after several years of reports. It's a credit to his professionalism, though, that he doesn't let the concert fall into a rut. He always throws in a few rare numbers along the way (Drums of the Islands, for example!) But of course, all the usual highlights were there, too, including the traditional American Trilogy closing.

Carlee Goins, the MySpace Elvis Week karaoke contest winner, got her chance to perform a number with the band. We'd seen her dancing with her boyfriend at the first Club Elvis, and we were happy to spot her at the second one so we could congratulate our fellow Texan on her excellent performance. "Dynamite," was one one attendees assessment. (To read more about Carlee, here's a link to the Memphis Commercial-Appeal article about her, which includes information on how to listen to her entries in the contest. http://www.commercialappeal.com/new...-elvis-karaoke/ )

After Terry Mike Jeffrey left the stage, we enjoyed That's the Way It Is (the special edition version, as usual, of course). This movie really holds up well in the outdoor setting, and though we'd seen it from exactly the same spot last year, we still enjoyed it immensely -- as always. The sound system was plagued by some dropouts in the right channel, unfortunately, but of course when you have every moment memorized anyway, you hardly notice.

We had our first chance of the week to talk to some friends after the concert so we didn't make our usual nightly check of the Graceland grounds. After helping the dancing diehards close up Club Elvis, we retreated to our hotel to get ready for the start of Day 5 -- and the Insiders Conference.

EW Day 3 report by ElvisSessions

2008-08-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks again, ElvisSessions! See you tomorrow!

Just two events to report on today: the Fan Club Presidents' Event, which has been opened up to anyone (who pays the modest admission fee, that is) and the first night of the Music and Movies. (Could someone else provide a dispatch from Gigi's Meet 'n' Greet?)

We started the day at the presidents' event. Clearly this was this year's substitute for the much-missed Fan Forum. However, the event lacked the freewheeling open-mike Q&A session of the forum. Instead, various staffers (mostly from marketing) paraded before us. All pleasant enough, but no sparks -- and sadly, not a lot of big scoops.

As far as new products go, suffice it to say, if you can put it in a jumpsuit, EPE will license it. There will be more Mickey Mouses in jumpsuits, in case one wasn't enough. And if that's too cartoonish, well, there's an adorable set of porcelain field mice in jumpsuits (?!) And, of course because you were clamoring for it, an entourage of M&M's in jumpsuits. Also, Elvis M&M's in snowglobes ... in jumpsuits. And, of course, Jesus and the 12 apostles in jumpsuits ... NO, we just made that up ... Don't get any ideas, EPE

But somebody's buying, or they wouldn't be making them. So, more power to them. At least there was no threat of a new creepy robotic head this year, so let's be grateful for that at least.

We suppose everyone's already heard about the two different Elvis and Priscilla wedding doll sets (plastic or porcelain, depending on your budget constraints, but to our eyes, the plastic may actually be the better likenesses.)

Truthfully, there weren't any big-deal product announcements. Interestingly, not a peep about the Christmas duets album at this meeting -- though we all know it's coming.

Instead they showed the video for the Spankox remix, and though there's still plenty of skin in it, the video in fact has been re-edited for the U.S. market to spare us some of the more, ahem, adult themes.

We also got the usual roundup of Elvis news clips from the last year. Old news, sure, but when you see them all compressed in a few minutes, you realize what a busy year it's been, starting with coverage of the 30th anniversary concert and Lisa Marie's In the Ghetto duet. Also, we had wrapups of the attention paid to the comeback special and Army induction anniversaries. And, of course, we saw clips from Dancing With the Stars.

We got the first in a series of plugs for the new Walmart exclusive Viva Las Vegas TV special DVD, which goes on sale Tuesday.

There were the usual drawings for items such as that DVD and the new Comeback Special four-CD set (which is a beauty, by the way, even if it doesn't include any material that's new to the obsessive collectors among us).

So, if there wasn't much news on music, movies or merchandise, what distinguished this fan club event? Well, it was the moving tributes to Todd Morgan. Jack Soden started it off and speaker after speaker honored our deeply missed friend.

For those of us who were able to make it to EPE's memorial service in April, we knew what to expect. But for others, this was their chance to let the tears flow as the speakers choked up and the treasured photos and videos were shown.

Jack promised we'd be hearing more about Todd, and we hope EPE has some special words of honor reserved for him on vigil night, the time when many of us will miss him most of all.

As if our heartstrings hadn't been tugged enough, we then heard from a grateful resident of Presley Place. She talked about all the services the charity provides and how they had saved her and her young son. Once again, much of the audience was in tears.

That set the stage for a parade of fan club representatives to hand their checks to officials from various Memphis-area charities, including the Humane Society and, of course, St. Jude's.

Several fan club leaders took the stage to offer advice on fund-raising, and the results of their efforts spoke for themselves as the dollars accumulated.

Finally, Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood and Sherman Andrus of the Imperials took their seats on the stage to entertain the audience. But they didn't sing to us ... we did the singing, to Joe, who was celebrating his 71st birthday. (Thanks to the Sweet, Sweet Spirit fan club of Ohio for being thoughtful enough to provide a lovely trophy to Joe to mark the occasion.)

All three Imperials in attendance shared memories of Elvis, but Joe and Sherman, especially, had good stories to recount. Joe spoke of meeting Elvis for the first time in 1960 at a gospel quartets competition in Memphis. All but unknown at that time, Joe was amazed that Elvis knew him and the work he had done as an accompanying pianist. Joe spoke of how he bashfully asked Elvis for his autograph, only to be put at ease by Elvis' asking for his signature in return.

Sherman's story similarly illustrated Elvis' fundamental decency, as he told of meeting Elvis for the first time and joking with him about needing a TCB of his own, even though he'd never performed with Elvis. He may have thought he was kidding, but you know Elvis ... sure enough, next time they crossed paths, Elvis handed him a box that held a TCB -- and another piece of jewelry.

It sometimes seems everyone who met Elvis has a story like this, and all of them seem to have been awed by the experience. We're so fortunate Elvis Week gives us so many opportunities to hear these stories.

OK, wow, this is a long report already, so let's move along briskly and wrap this up.

The first night of Movies and Music gave us a chance to truly revel in the cool weather. Although the staff members were handing out fans, who needed them? It was a sweat-free night.

Andy Childs and his band took the stage while we waited for nightfall so the movie could start. Andy's set was familiar to those of us who have seen him before, though the show included a heavy acoustic emphasis, with Andy going "unplugged" and solo for the middle portion of the performance. That gave several of the standards a different, folksy feel. Perhaps not quite as rousing as the full band treatment, but for the Elvis Week veterans, a fresh approach is always appreciated. The peformance suited the weather and the lower-key Elvis Week we've been enjoying so far. Mellow.

But just in case anyone felt cheated, Andy made sure to close with the signature Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On, including the patter and band introductions many of you may remember from last year's event.

Jerry Schilling and George Klein took the stage briefly to make some remarks on the Viva Las Vegas TV special, among other things. But nothing too earth-shattering. Yes, G.K., we spotted you in the movie right away

And as for that movie ... perhaps you've heard of it .... a little film called Jailhouse Rock?

What is there to say, the movie was great -- as always -- and the fans loved it -- as always. Of course, they showed us the recently restored version, so it looked immaculate and sounded great.

...

And tonight's report from Graceland Crossing ... positive again, for the third night running. A good-sized crowd deep into the night, and consitently good performances on the stage. Graceland Crossing is the best place to take Elvis Week's pulse, and we're pleased to report it's strong and steady this year!

EW Day 2 report by ElvisSessions

2008-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

note from SeattleSusieQ: I'm thrilled that the weather is so perfect! Hope it lasts.
--------------
ES's report:

Well, what a fun day -- even if the pace is a marked contrast to 2007.

"Leisurely" best describes the mood of this year's Elvis Week so far, with plenty of time between activities to relax and enjoy the sights.

We had a chance to pick up our tickets at Graceland and were delighted when, upon, giving our last name, the EPE staff member remembered the first name. "Oh, you have a lot of tickets. You're hardcore." After pulling all the little envelopes, we had to laugh. "OK, they're all here ... except for the big packet for the concert." Oh, and you have THAT package, too," she said in surprise.

Yes, we'll pretty much see and do it all this year ... and we'll try to report on it all. (We weren't able to attend the memorial luncheon for Bill Burk; can anyone fill us in?)

First up for Sunday was the gospel "brunch" at the Car Museum. We have to confess that until late Saturday, we had assumed this would be a concert like the one at the old EP Memphis restaurant back in 2003.

It was until we thought about the fact that the event was scheduled to last only an hour that we realized what it really was.

Now, let's be clear here: A chance to share breakfast with fellow fans and listen to Elvis perform gospel music is a great idea. Quite pleasant.

But surely you can understand that with a ticket price of $33 apiece, we might have expected something more than the 20- to 30-minute loop of Elvis gospel performances we got.

The food -- scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy and grits heavy with cheese -- was good enough, kept warm and ready for us.

But a ticket price of $15 would seem a little more fair. At $15, you might draw a hungry crowd every morning and it could make a nice daily start for the Elvis Week regulars. (Just an idea )

Nothing really to report on the music. Just the clips you'd expect, the gospel medley from the '68 Comeback, Sweet Sweet Spirit and the informal gospel recordings from Elvis on Tour, Peace in the Valley from the Sullivan Show, etc.

We joked in our Day 1 report about the misnamed Elvis "brunch." Well, it appears EPE figured it out for itself sometime after it published the schedule, because the commemorative coffee cups they gave us for the event were marked "Elvis gospel breakfast 2008." Inside were samples of the Elvis house blend coffee from Ugly Mug. Thanks, EPE.

A non-Elvis aside: After the gospel brunch, we visited Shelby Farms with our puppy -- his favorite part of Elvis Week. If you travel to Memphis with your dog, give him a treat at Shelby Farms -- probably the greatest off-leash dog park in America. And what a great place to enjoy this beautiful Memphis weather. That's right: beautiful Memphis weather in August. After being brutalized by the heat last year, we have been rewarded with temperatures in the 80s this year. Marvelous!

After dropping a worn-out dog off at our hotel, we raced to the Bears on Tour scavenger hunt. We've been boosters of this event since it started because of the opportunity to wander Graceland at our own pace without the usual crowds. Last year, being the 30th anniversary, drew a larger than average crowd. But this year, much like the first couple of scavenger hunts, we never had more than a couple of people sharing the rooms with us. What a different feeling you get when you can spend time in the mansion alone.

And best of all, our loyalty to the scavenger hunt was rewarded this year. That's right, we won the first-place drawing. (Sooner or later, our number had to come up .) So, now we have the fun of trying to make up our minds how to spend the $300 -- that's right, three hundred dollars -- in Graceland gift certificates we won.

If you haven't tried the scavenger hunt before, give it a shot your next Elvis Week. It always draws your attention to new little things you might never have noticed before (like the St. Francis statue hiding in the corner of the Jungle Room -- have you spotted that one before? ) Plus you might end up a few hundred dollars richer!

After a quick dinner, we zipped off to this year's first Club Elvis, at the Car Museum. Club Elvis has grown a lot since its slow start years ago. Now there's a core enthusiastic crowd that dances the night away. This year, they twisted and kicked right up until the traditional American Trilogy closing. (The first of many for the week, we're sure!)

A lot of the new remixes got spun, but to our ears a number of them are pale follow-ups to the three officially released in the U.S. so far. We'll get a chance to hear and see more of Spankox later this week, so we'll reserve the rest of our comments about all his remix attempts till after that.

For those who chose to party outside in the beautiful cool weather -- or didn't want to pay the Club Elvis admission fee -- there was plenty going on at the Graceland Crossing tent. Just like Saturday night, the seats were still full after midnight, and the amateur singers were going strong.

But we had to head on to bed. We want to be fresh for the Fan Club Presidents' event, which we assume marks the much-appreciated return of the Fan Forum, albeit in a different guise. Also up tomorrow: Night One of Music and Movies.

EW Day 1 report by ElvisSessions

2008-08-11T06:14:00.000-07:00

Elvissessions has posted 2 reports already about Elvis week and has given me permission to repost them here, since I'm not there to do my own reporting yet.

Thanks, Chris!

File this under "no where to go but up." We pulled into town rested and ready for the kick-off party, which was moved from the Hard Rock Cafe to EP's Delta Kitchen and Bar because of "capacity reasons."

Anyone who remembers our dispatches from previous years knows we're the most enthusiastic boosters and gentlest critics of Elvis Week events.

But finally: our first truly negative review.

First, it's easy enough to imagine that the "capacity reasons" were too much capacity, not too little. Although in the first half-hour, there were people sitting at almost every table in the VIP area, that was a very temporary condition and there was pleny of room elsewhere in the restaurant.

That's not EPE's fault, certainly, and many Elvis Weeks start slowly and still build to remarkable clilmaxes.

But it's hard to overlook the event's other shortcomings.

First, the band, billed as Elmo and the Shades, was way off the mark for an event advertised as an Elvis Week "kick-off."

Any Elvis connection appeared to be coincidental. Yes, there were run-throughs of Johnny B. Goode and Big Boss Man. But for the most part it was more a tribute to Memphis music in general, especially to the Stax sound.

The band was good. The second set, for example, opened with some remarkable solo guitar work. But simply put, who ever imagined the Theme From Shaft was going to put anyone in an Elvis frame of mind?

As far as the food for the VIPs .... ummmm ... ick.

The nacho cheese, for example, tasted as if it had been reconstituted from powder. The only less-appetizing possibility was that the grit in it could be explained some other way.

Some of the desserts, obviously pulled from a refrigerator (freezer?) shortly before the event, had been turned to mush by condensation that had collected on them. Only a few lemon bars survived at all.Small barbecue sandwiches just weren't good, and the same could be said for most of the rest.

At first, rather disappointed at the paltry selection, we were temporarily heartened by the arrival of a new tray about a half-hour into the event. Our hope turned to dismay as we realized that even after tasting it, we could not state for certain what it was. (Pork, perhaps?) Certainly, it was none too savory, and we set most of it aside.

There's no sense belaboring the point; Elvis Week isn't about fine dining. However, it was hard not to spend the evening calculating where the $40 per "VIP" had gone.

The wait staff was friendly -- and forgiving on our bar tab. And it's always great to start to see the familiar faces begin to gather.

But clearly we weren't alone in our negative assessment. The audience thinned out fast. We lasted longer than most, but we threw in the towel not long after midnight. We'd love to hear from anyone who actually made it through to 3 a.m. But our guess is most of the wait staff got a chance to turn in early.

After leaving Beale Street, we paid our traditional first late-night visit to Graceland to check the week's pulse. By this measure, things look promising. Still a good crowd at the tent, and still a performer on the stage.

We couldn't stick around long, as we have to be up for the 8:30 a.m. gospel "brunch." (By the way, EPE, if it's 8:30 a.m., it ain't a brunch )

We hope to be back soon with more (better) reports.
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Audubon Drive posted a comment to this report:

I was there too, but I had the cheap ticket so was forced to sit by the bar. Literally forced to: I was upstairs visiting, hanging out and the bouncer noticed that I didn't have the "VIP wristband". Which is not a bad thing to sit by the bar, just couldn't stay all night. Had a Tupelo tour to do the next day (today).

The band was good, I have heard them many times here in town. Half the band played with Isaac Hayes on the Theme from Shaft" recordings. No, its not Elvis related, but Memphis related. You may have missed what "Elmo" the lead singer said: that he played for one of Elvis' New Years Eve parties at the old Club Manhattan. So there was a little Elvis after all.

In all, I got the better of the deal by getting the cheaper ticket.

Elvis Week '08

2008-07-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

I finally decided - 2 days ago - to attend Elvis week this year. Although I'm not going for the whole week, I will be able to cover the Insiders' Conference, some evening events, and whatever I participate in Friday and Saturday, including vigil day.

Look forward to writing about it again.

Todd Morgan's Memorial Service

2008-04-01T21:57:00.000-07:00

I’m here at the sound check for Todd’s service. I was hoping to blog live but since I didn’t make arrangements in advance I can’t get connected. It’s really too bad.

They are singing “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and the tears are already welling up in my eyes. The Imperials are here, Joe Guercio.

Terry Mike Jeffrey is rehearsing now. I’ll do the blow by blow when I blog the actual performance.

I’m sitting in the back of the auditorium now. By myself, near the sound board where I can plug in my laptop.

(note: you can click on a picture to enlarge it. To return, click on your browser's back arrow)

There are a couple of people in the first 2 rows that appear to be family members. I see Jerry Schilling and Gary Hovey chatting.

Scott Williams just came in. This is tough. Big hug, repeating what we’ve already said – wish it could be seeing each other under happier circumstances.

The Service begins

“Peace in the Valley” accompanies lots of pictures of Todd growing up. What a hoot!

More pictures of Todd, voiced over by Bill Rock with the story of his life. There is video of Todd throughout the years with EPE. Background music is “Bridge Over Troubled Waters”. Video of Todd at last year’s 30th Anny concert. Video of Todd with Matt Lauer. Pictures of Todd and his charities. Pictures, many pictures, of Todd and friends. His favorite song now under the voiceover: "My Way".

The Imperials come on stage. Sing “Peace in the Valley”. My throat is tightening again.

Jack Soden – Todd deserved credit for far more than anything you’ve seen him get credit for. From the beginning fans knew they had a kindred soul in Todd. He fought their battles and showed them wisdom when he thought patience was the better path.

Jack’s voice is cracking. He talks about the all-nighters. He talks about rewriting scripts for the next day. Todd would ask about Lisa – would she ever appreciate what we do? Reads statement from Lisa: His heart soul and dedication will never be replaced. I hope he knows how much I appreciated how much he did. Words can hardly describe what we have felt in this time (since Todd's death).

Sound Fuzion plays “A Little Less Conversation”. Awesome! Making me cry just thinking about Todd watching them.

Kevin Kern – Todd was his boss, but more of a friend than a coworker. Todd was the voice of Graceland, Now the voices of Graceland workers. (He quotes a number of them but I hope they post these because I cannot type fast enough. "Nobody did Steel Magnolias better than you." "Quiet kindesses."

Video clips of Todd on camera. Todd with a beard talking about the Graceland wall. Todd in the car museum, Todd with Matt Lauer. Larry King’s tribute.

Jerry Schilling – March 3rd – I needed to call Todd about the end-all documentary he’s been interested in. I couldn’t believe it when Gary Hovey called me later that day to tell me that Todd was gone. Normally at a time like this (the service) I would show Todd what I was going to say. We’ll all never be as eloquent without Todd. (His voice is cracking). Todd knew I had a book in me before I knew it. I thank him for his time, his expertise, and most of all for his friendship. Col. Beaulieu said “what I loved the most about coming to Graceland was to come to hear Todd speak”. I can’t imagine Elvis week without Todd. But as someone said, the show must go on. But because of all the work he did over the years we will always feel his presence.

Priscilla called, too and I’ve never heard her so devastated.

Video from Priscilla - Priscilla’s videotaped message was wonderful. He was a great friend. You could hear her voice cracking as she mentioned that Todd was supposed to have come out to cheer her on in Dancing With the Stars. She said had he been there he would have said “Love your hair. Hope you win”. It was an ongoing thing they had. We’ll miss him, she said.

Gary Hovey – Todd and I worked together. He was the creative guy and I was the one when I tried to make it work. (Voice cracking). I met Todd in 1990. No one cared about Elvis more than Todd. One day he called and said “Can you get Elvis’ voice track out of a video”? Well, why not? … led to the Symphony, then on to the Elvis the Concert. Stig Edgren, the producer, says working with Todd was the most fun he’d ever had. Todd was a perfectionist for all things, big or small. It was a working relationship between us, but also a friendship.

Todd always took the time to explain to the fans why something they wanted couldn’t happen, not just that EPE couldn’t do it. Todd named me Dr. No for all the things I had to say no to. At the end of last year Todd had been moved into my department. We had lots of projects we were going to work on together. We will miss his caring, his Candlelight talks. Nobody will replace Todd. In 2003 we got to do something we had been dreaming about – remastering the ’68 Special. During the edit, we had an hour left in the editing room. That’s when we put together what is now known as the “black and white” If I Can Dream.

Video - If I Can Dream – black and white version.

Justin Morgan, Todd's brother – "he never said 'love your hair hope, you win' to me". Thanks to EPE for the immense support. Growing up Todd was such a support to me and our brother Trevor. A guide, a champion, a refuge for me through my best times, my worst times. Funny cards, a great listener. Great memories. For my 11th birthday Todd was still a tour guide and he arranged for a tour of Graceland for me. It was a huge treat for me, including the special treatment he arranged. At the end of the tour Todd gave me a book on the life and times of EP. All the guides, including Billy Smith signed it, including Rising Sun (!). Later in life, the big tribute concert at the Pyramid, with all the musicians who were heroes of mine. At the end of the show Todd put a VIP pass around my neck. We went upstairs, there was Joe E. Firs tperson in the room is James Burton. I met them all – the Sweets, Ronnie Tutt. I was overwhelmed by the whole thing. I’m usually talkative but I was speechless that night. Todd was not only my brother but my friend. Words cannot describe how much my family misses him right now. We all shared a passion for music and we used to sing all the time. But we couldn’t get him to sing much. But one of the songs we did sing together was “Lead Me”. Todd and I would often sing this together in the car. Being on the stage with some of the people who worked with Elvis at such an event (Todd’s memorial) was not what he had in mind, but this is for Todd.

Justin sings “Lead Me” a cappella. He has a beautiful voice and this is so, so sad.

Terry Mike Jeffrey – I’ve known Todd for 22 years. We used to compete unofficially in Elvis trivia. One of Todd’s favorite Elvis songs was “Wonder of You”. He sings this with the Imperials. Asking the Imperials was impromptu, as they didn’t do it this way in rehearsal.

Joe Mosecho – I haven’t been appointed spokesman for the vocal groups Elvis sang with. But I think I can speak for all of them when I say we’re going to miss Todd. He was our best friend. He had a way of making you think everything was ok. He was someone you trusted. It’s difficult these days to have someone you can trust. He was sympathetic to our cause, which was gospel music. When we were planning the “He Touched Me” DVD he was so instrumental in helping us with details. His life was too brief. We will miss him.

The Imperials: “He Touched Me”. This is so hard.

Larry Edwards – friend of Todd. I direct Sound Fuzion. That’s how I met Todd. Todd had a way of making everyone feel good about themselves. He had the ability to make everyone feel important. Todd refurbished a 2 bedroom 1 bath house in Memphis. He knew what he wanted and was looking for another one. He found one and on closing day he invited some of his friends went with him to see it. He told us “I found the ugliest ranch house in Memphis”. And he did! We were at this house after he died and we were sitting around talking about this house. There wasn’t any “ugly duckling” that he didn’t think was beautiful and he made everyone feel good.

Joe Guercio. Joe told several stories about working with Todd but I couldn't get them all.... "After I did something with the Pope he called me “Pontiff”. When he did something particularly great I “promoted” him to “Cardinal” and that’s the way he signed his emails from then on. "

First time he walked into my condo in Nashville he saw a picture I had of Judy Garland. He was a huge Garland fan. So in honor of his love of Judy, Ruby Wilson sings “Over the Rainbow”.

Imperials – Sweet, Sweet Spirit. Surprise for me! I didn’t hear this at the sound check. I love this song!

Oh my. How beautiful. Makes my heart ache. I requested this song on Bill Rock’s show in memory of Todd, but because Elvis never recorded it, he had to pick my second choice, “He Touched Me”.

“How Great Thou Art” Joe says "the night we finished mixing this I called Todd and we played this version for him over the phone. This is for you, Todd. " Ruby sings with the Imperials and Joe is conducting.

Last vision: Joe Petruccio’s portrait of Todd!

It was a beautiful service. We got the chance to chat a little with everyone afterward. It's clear to me how much the "bigwigs" are missing Todd. Jack said he bets there isn't a soul on earth who didn't have a high opinion of Todd. Jerry is still reeling from not having Todd to bounce ideas off of. Scott tells me they still start many sentences at Graceland with "Todd did.." or "Ask Todd..." etc. Life goes on there, but it's still very surreal that Todd isn't there.

Others who were there, please feel free to add comments and pictures.

Thanks, EPE, for doing so right by Todd.

Todd's memorial service will be Apr 1st, 2008

2008-03-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

I have booked my flights and reserved a room and a car.

It has been almost 2 weeks since we got the news, but I'm still not over the shock of Todd's untimely passing. I hope it helps his family to know how much Todd was loved, admired and respected by friends, coworkers and thousands of people who only knew him a little, or just knew his work.

He will be irreplaceable but he will also be unforgettable

I will be blogging about my trip to Memphis.

Todd Morgan RIP

2008-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have no idea who Todd is- was. He worked for 25 years at Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE). He was responsible for the deluxe re-editing of 2 major Elvis shows, the '68 Special and the Aloha concert. He was the personification of EPE to the press and to the fans. And he was as big an Elvis fan as any of us. For him it was a dream job. He loved what he did and it showed.

Todd had just been promoted to a new position and was to report directly to Gary Hovey in Los Angeles, though he would remain in Memphis. He was due to go out to dinner Saturday night with friends to celebrate his promotion, but did not show. He had died, apparently of a massive heart attack, at the obscenely young age of 45.

I remember watching Todd watch us a few years ago in Memphis as we took in the revised version of "Aloha" before its release. The look on his face was combined pride and anxiety as he waited to hear our reactions. He was so proud of the work he'd done - and, of course, rightly so. He'd seen every inch of the raw footage of that show and the '68 Special and was such a fount of information he will be impossible to replace.

We got lots of support from many people at EPE, and Todd bent over backwards to help us release "200 Cadillacs". He allowed us to film at the car museum - for free. He (in cooperation with Gary Hovey) got me the names and phone numbers of the people at the Frank Sinatra Estate, SOFA Entertainment, Warner, etc. where we needs rights and clearances. This help was priceless.

For the next project he told me to be sure to use his name with the contacts he gave me. We had talked about this project during Elvis Week and I was supposed to call him when I had some news. Two emails from Todd have been sitting in my inbox - at the top of the list - waiting for news so I could just hit 'reply'.

Last August, during the Elvis Week celebrations, I loved watching his excitement as he told us to anticipate something really cool at the big Elvis concert. It was so cute when he tried to keep all the camera flashes from going off so we could see the special effects at the beginning of the show. His enthusiasm was always contagious.

There is so much more.

I didn't know him all that well, but he was the kind of guy that made everyone feel important when he was with them. I have surprised myself by how deeply this is affecting me. He was quite a guy.

------------

I changed the picture. Isn't this a great one of Todd?

The Memphis Sessions Boys concert

2007-08-19T09:48:00.001-07:00

I saw these fabulous musicians several years ago during EW when they played at the Daisy theatre on Beale St. So I just had to stay in Memphis long enough to see this performance(otherwise I would have left that day).

This was a fabulous concert. We all got our money's worth and then some. BJ Thomas was totally awesome and Mark James rocked the place with his songs.

Reggie and Mike share a thought together:

I must admit I really don't understand why the TCB band was there, certainly not to back up the Danish singer who was reading the lyrics of the songs he sang. It's always wonderful to see them, but I couldn't help wondering why, with all the trouble it probably took to get them, why they weren't used to better advantage.

Additional performers included Dickey Lee, who wrote "She Thinks I Still Care", among other songs. Here's a link to a bio: http://www.tsimon.com/dickeylee.htm

Bill Black's daughter, Nancy, sang 2 songs, too.

My final comment: I wish this had been a strictly Memphis Sessions band concert with just BJ Thomas and Mark James doing the singing. Having said that, I still enjoyed the show immensely!

The 2 Concerts – Part 1

2007-08-17T02:25:00.000-07:00

What a night. It’s 4:00 am and I’m wired, so I’m blogging about it, even though I haven’t finished the Dolan house and vigil entries yet.

I had a VIP seat which entitled me to go to this lounge and wait for the concert started. Just before it was to start Todd came in to introduce Priscilla AND Lisa!! They were just there for a minute to thank us for being such loyal fans. That was very cool. And Priscilla autographed over 500 reprints of one of the famous family portraits for us to have. Yikes! My hand hurts just thinking about it! Thank you, Priscilla.

Do you remember how the previous big concerts started out with Elvis’ arrival with motorcycles and limos? This time he came via helicopter. They did a reenactment of an arrival on film. Joe E, Jerry Schilling (in tour jackets) and “Elvis” in costume ready to go to a concert go out to the field at Graceland to get into a waiting helicopter. You see shots in the helicopter – of Joe and Jerry and a profile of “Elvis” looking out the window. Then you see an aerial shot of the Fed Ex Forum. They land and get out. As you hear Elvis’ entry music all of a sudden you see Elvis walk across the stage – sort of. They have Aloha footage of him walking across the stage behind the curtain and it looks like a spotlighted Elvis entering the stage WE are looking at. Very cool. And that’s just for starters.

Knowing that this is the last time we’ll see these shows, I paid more attention to the live musicians than to the filmed Elvis. I’ll always have the DVDs of Elvis, but to see these guys and gals – that’s a finite proposition. So I concentrated on them this time. They are all legends in their own right and I so appreciate their talent and their bodies of work.

The Jordanaires, Stamps and Imperials were part of the show and each had full solo songs, as did the Sweet Inspirations.

The Dempseys played with DJ for the 50’s stuff. I’m really sorry Scotty, for whatever his reasons, decided not to participate. He is missed and I can’t help thinking he has cut off his nose to spite his face (hope you all know that expression!). Considering this is the very last one of these concerts it would have been really nice for him to be there.

They threw in more modern clips of Elvis singing the 50s songs along with the usual 50’s TV footage. You know, like from the ’68 special. That was lots of fun, too.

I think the 60’s “movie songs” section is new. Neither the TCB band or DJ Fontana participated, although the Dempseys and the Jordanaires performed for these for various songs. James came out to play dueling guitars with Bradley Dean Birkedahl of the Dempseys.

Then came the 70s stuff. I can’t be sure, but it looks to me like they added new footage on the side screens. I’m really not sure, but do you remember seeing timing stamping at the bottom of the film? I don’t.

The place was electric and people were on their feet all the time to sing, sway, applaud, wave..

I’ve just hit a wall (sleep-wise) It’s 3:30am and I’ve got to get some sleep. But I had to get started. Later

Scotty Moore - Last Man Standing

2007-08-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

What can I say about this concert? It was happy, sad and exhilarating – all at the same time.

I saw the second-to-the-last ever performance of Scotty Moore (the last being the 5:00 show after this 2:00 show).

Scotty came out with Darwin at the beginning and answered a couple of questions. As Darwin noted, Scotty was as verbose as we’ve ever seen him. I didn’t take notes but one story that stood out to me - he talked about what it was like to meet Elvis and listen to him for the first time. The most impressive thing to Scotty was that even though Elvis didn’t know the chords to all the songs he was singing (at his “audition”), he would stop playing the guitar when he knew he didn’t know the chords, keep singing, and then jump right back in when he did know the chords, without missing a beat. The fact that Elvis knew the lyrics to so many songs also impressed Scotty.

During the interview I observed that Scotty had the biggest grin on his face I have EVER seen.

This was a tribute to Scotty, but it was also a tribute to Boots Randolf who just passed away. In fact, Gail Pollack came out to tell us of the CD that they had just finished recording 3 weeks before he died. Understandably, she was all torn up about it. But if you can find one of the 1000 copies that are signed by all the musicians (except Boots, of course) GO GET IT! It’s called “The Mighty Handful”.

The tribute opened with the band Scotty has toured with in Europe- the Grundy-Pritchard Band. (I apologize, my pics of them were just too fuzzy to post). I can sure see why Scotty likes to work with them. These guys are GREAT! Paul Ansell was amazing on vocals. They played mostly Elvis songs and we enjoyed several of their own creations. If you’re in Europe, go see them. I asked about seeing them here in the States and was told that was unlikely. Too bad.

Next up was “The Mighty Handful”. The place rocked. The Jordanaires came out and sang a set with Billy and the gang. When Billy Swan introduced the Nashville sessions sax player who was “replacing” Boots, his voice cracked. It was so, so sad. Of course he did NOT play “Yakity Sax”, but he did play a wonderful solo tribute to Boots. Beautiful. When they played a song that had featured Boots at the Legends concert they “simulcasted” the video of Boots playing at that show. The music we were hearing was live, but you got to see Boots playing on film. I hope they release the Legends concert on DVD someday. Perhaps 2 concerts on one DVD – that one and this one. Darwin, can you hear me? :-)

After a while I noticed Scotty standing in the wings watching the concert.

Scotty isn’t up to playing an entire concert anymore, but for the final 2 songs Scotty came out and played. What a treat!

A quick private moment.

They brought the Grundy-Pritchard band back out for the finale and they rocked.

This was sad and exhilarating at the same time. I am so glad I was there.

FE Comes to Graceland

2007-08-16T07:26:00.001-07:00

If you don’t know who or what Flat Elvis is, please check out this website:
Flat Elvis website

After all the hoopla at the gate we finally walked up to the house. There was a slew of motorcycles in front of the house. These were all won in a raffle and the winners were there, too. So our ceremony was not at the front door as we had expected. Instead, Sandi and Bev handed over all the FEs in a gorgeous display box. Take note of the FE that came back from Hawaii with a teeny little lei around his neck. In addition, Bev printed out all the pages of the website – onto 300 paper pages! It’s amazing and she really put hours and hours into this project. KUDOs to Bev and Sandi.

A beautiful tribute was written and read Charlotte Cameron.

One of Elvis’ youngest fans. That’s Ash’s little boy (whose name I can’t remember as I write).

They put FE and flowers at the gravesite. Right at Elvis’ grave. Isn’t that awesome?

Early morning at Graceland on Vigil Day

2007-08-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

We got to Graceland before 7:00 am to go to the Flat Elvis ceremony, but there was lots of commotion already at the gate. Seems like CBS TV was there with a bunch of ETAs for a live feed. Joe Mosheo was there to plug his book. Here are a few pictures of this event. Notice how Flat Elvis managed to get into the picture. :)

Food Network comes to Memphis and we get to eat!

2007-08-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

I posted this on the EI but here it is for non-EI folks:

The first day of the conference we filled out tickets for a raffle for a very special event for Insiders only.

The Food Network Show "Dinner: Impossible (like "Mission Impossible?)? Here's the description from their website:

Robert Irvine is a real life chef extraordinaire and the host of Dinner: Impossible. Each week, Robert (with the help of his two sous-chefs, George and George) is thrown a new culinary curveball and the team must figure out a way to solve their challenge before time runs out.

Well this week the challenge was to show people that Elvis's diet was more than just peanut banner and fried bananas. So Mr. Irvine showed up at Graceland this morning where Priscilla gave him his instructions. He had 4 hours to shop for and cook a wonderful southern banquet. And he succeeded. Wildly.

We all went down to EP Delta and sat at beautifully appointed table settings. They filmed some "B" roll of us waiting for things to start and then Priscilla came in, walked to the front and told us what I just told you, adding that the instructions were to feed 100 Elvis Insiders. (Cheers! Cheers!)

The dinner was amazing. It was actually more like 6 dinners. We were served
a gorgeous summer salad

bean salad

spinach

corn bread

sweet potato

corn

fried catfish

steak

meat loaf

fried chicken (although that didn't appear at our table)and

an unbelievably awesome dessert that we think is bread pudding with ice cream.

It was impossible to get a picture of all the plates together, because they just kept coming and coming and coming. But here they are in one composite shot:

And here's a couple of shots at this event:

THANK YOU EPE AND PRISCILLA FOR THIS FUN EVENT!

EI Conference Day 2 - Priscilla

2007-08-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Priscilla looks GREAT!

Her favorite Elvis song: Memphis sessions songs.

The times she cherished were the times she and Elvis got to be alone. He could vent about things in private. She was a sounding board for him.

When she first met Elvis, he had just lost his mother and he was very lonely. She was as private as he was. He was very loyal and that's why so many of are still loyal to him. We feel protective of him. It's hard for her to decide what to share without wondering if she is betraying his confidence.

Jerry says she's done a very good job of protecting his privacy.

She wrote her book (Eliv n Me) because of the stuff written in Albert Goldman's book, among others. Again she wanted to be truthful, but keep some things back to protect Elvis, and that is why it took 3 years to write.

About the decision to open Graceland - she held off as long as she could. But when push came to shove, this is what she had to do to keep Graceland in the family. She thanks God that she found Jack Soden.

AT what time in his life with her was Elvis the happiest. At the beginning "young Elvis". At the ranch, Lisa, traveling with their friends.

She found Gene Smith's wife and invited her to be here. They were very close when Priscilla first met Elvis.

She thinks Elvis would get a kick out of the ETAs.

Did you ever sing with Elvis? Yes.

Elvis liked "Hey, hey Paula". "Save the Last Dance for Me" Roy Orbison songs. Ballads, gospel, story-telling songs.

Priscilla is talking about the process Elvis went through to write the Outstanding Young Men speech.

Elvis believed very strongly that he had a responsibility to send a message to youth to encourage kids to stay in school; it was very important for families to stay together. And he would be appalled at the Linday Lohans of this world. Lisa is trying to help now, too.

Favorite holiday with Elvis - Christmas, especially after Lisa was born.

The story about knocking on doors in the middle of the night to find a golden palomino was a riot.

The last time she spoke to Elvis was a couple days before he died. He wanted Lisa to stay until he left on tour. He was concerned about his weight and he was trying to get motivated about it. But he was looking forward to it. She felt he wasn't up to par health-wise. He seemed a bit pre-occupied and she wonders if she should have called him. She saw him a couple of months before he diied.

Talked about the origins of the TCB and the TLC.

One last question about partnership with Sillerman. She's very confident about the partnership. It took a long time to find the right partner and they're very happy working with them. They will help improve getting all the things there are to see available and visible.
Things are being planned that we'll like.

Priscilla says it won't be like Disneyland and it will be something we'll all be proud of. We should rest assured everything will be ok.

EI Conference Day 2 - the Memphis Sessions boys

2007-08-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

What a group. I LOVE this band and can't wait to see them Friday night. They recorded "Suspicious Minds" and "In the Ghetto" with Elvis.

I didn't see this from the beginning. But...
Reggie says Elvis was unique from the get-go and I'm so proud of being part of his career.

Gene said what a feeling to remember hearing Elvis on the radio when you were a kid - and then you get to play music with him.

Bobby Emmons - yikes I can't understand what he's saying!

EI Conference Day 2 - The Sweet Inspiration

2007-08-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Tom asks how they knew what the next song would be (connecting to questions asked of the TCB band). Myrna said they could tell from the first notes they heard.

Fan stories? Not then, since Elvis didn't travel overseas. But NOW, no matter where you go - you can't go one place where Elvis isn't mentioned. Fans would follow the Sweets whereever they would go (in Vegas).

Did you think Elvis would be bigger now than he was then? Myrna says you never thought about Elvis alive and what would happen after Elvis - you just didn't think that way. Amazingly, 30 years later, we're still doing Elvis work.

They hate looking at the clothing styles and hair styles!

EI Conference Day 2 - Joe Petruccio

2007-08-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

The most wonderful artist! So much of the artwork you see on EPE gear is his creation.

He got started by posting pictures of his painting online and someone told him to contact Scott Williams. Next he got an email and the rest is history. And we're the richer for it.

If you have a Elvis calendar with artwork (as opposed to photos), chances are it's Joe's work. He also paints other celebrities. He's a star and the most kind and generous person. Check out his website.

http://homepage.mac.com/petruccio/Menu3.html

EI Conference Day 2 - Sandi and Sandi

2007-08-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

Wearing twin outfits. Aren't they adorable?

Sandi P - talking about how she met Elvis. Too fast and long to type here. So buy her book. :-)
But she knew him in the 50s and she hung around the Audobon house. Elvis asked her to go for a ride on his motorcycle.

Sandi M - a gate girl invited up to the house - refused for a long time til Elvis asked why. She became a very good friend.

He was very accessible. Fans knew him, and he knew the fans and remembered them.

Sandi P - Elvis went out a lot more than the "prisoner of Graceland" impression. In Memphis and in CA.

Best kisser!

Great pictures! Sandi P got lots of kisses from Elvis in concert.

Now Sandi's pics. Lovely shots.

These 2 women have told many of their stories in books they've written or contributed a lot to. Buy their books!

EI Conference Day 2 - the TCB Band

2007-08-14T08:21:00.001-07:00

OK, right now I'm blogging live as it goes on. Tom has introduced the TCB band and is now interviewing them.

James is saying how amazing it is to him to see the same fan faces over all these years.
Ronnie Tutt loves seeing the generations of Elvis fans in one family.

They're talking about rehearsals and takes and retakes which is why the recordings are so great.

Glen talks about how good a tour manager Tom Diskin was. Made things easier, but it was hard work.

Ronnie is saying that when a show was over (on tour) Elvis literally left the building and went right to the airport. The band, however, would take time to wind down after the show and then have to get up very early to leave for the next city's show. It was very tiring. Vegas was easier, although they did 2 shows a night (3 on weekends in the first few years).

Jerry mentions that the big Elvis-the-Concert they do now is actually twice as long as the shows they did with Elvis - and they're twice as old!

Ronnie mentions that he got a chance to spend a lot of leisure time together (karate, etc) and he was funny and warm and a great guy to be around. That's what he misses most.

Glen looks really great. He's lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw him.

Jerry says what he liked a lot was that the music with Elvis kept evolving and that's what he loved. He loved that Elvis loved the musicians.

Fan stories: Ronnie mentions meeting a Turkish Elvis fan. There are 5000 members of an Elvis fan club there! James was in Russia traveling with Jerry Lee and Elvis fans recognized him. Glen just said he can't think of a story on the spot like this. "I drink a lot", he said. Lots of laughter.

When not involved with Elvis-related activities.
Glen - had time off this summer. Working on his garage wall. :)
Jerry - in response to Tom's "what are you working on" Jerry says "Stayin' alive!". He's working with someone who does corporate shows and he comes out and tells stories.
Son Jason (bass player of group Chicago) wants to build a studio to do some recording with the TCB band.
Ronnie: doing grandpa duty, projects around the house.
James: doing his own show James Burton Intl'l Guitar Festival to raise money to buy guitars for kids. First show - raised money for 600 guitars to put into schools. Second show this year raised money to buy over $1200 guitars. Tomorrow he's presenting guitars to St. Judes hospital.

The George Klein reunion

2007-08-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

Since I got to this event late, had to stand in the back, and the sound was awful (except for George's booming voice) it's hard to give a full report, but I did hear a few stories I'd never heard before.

The discussion started out with George Klein with Dick Grob, Charles Stone, Sam Thompson, Kim Davis, Patty Parry, Marian Cocke, Dr. Nick and his son, Dean, Jerry Schilling. Later, DJ Fontana and Mark James arrived, with Joe Esposito arriving at the very end. Although some of the stories were ones we've heard before, the place was jammed with fans and I don't think they were disappointed.

Dick told a story about Elvis wanting to bring VietNam POWs out to Vegas. He wanted to do something for them. What he ended up doing was write the arrangements for and sing "America". There's more to that story but I just don't remember the details right now - at 1:42 am)

Dean told the story about one time in Vegas (a fun trip - Elvis wasn't working). They needed a car to take Elvis someplace but didn't have one. Someone brought up a car to the valet at the hotel and Dean pleaded with the guy (the valet) to borrow this car. Elvis was already coming out the door. The valet said ok, but the car had to be back in an hour and in perfect shape. The guys told Elvis about this and Elvis decided the valet needed a TransAm. It took them all night, but it wasn't until the next morning that they could find a place to buy the black TransAm they gave to the valet as a thank you.

(Gee, wish we'd had this story for "200 Cadillacs")

After the show I went to ask Mark James if "Always On My Mind" was written with anyone in particular in mind. He answered that there were 2 unusual things about that song - first, he wrote it with 2 friends (Johnny Christopher and Wayne Carson Thompson). This was unusual for him. Second, they were give the song title and told to write a song! I've heard that before about some songs. Mark suggested there was some mildly related personal experience he probably drew from. ;-) (emoticon is my comment)

This was not taken at the GK event. I got this picture of me and Mark James after Marian Cocke's benefit.

Marian Cocke's Benefit Dinner

2007-08-13T22:40:00.000-07:00

This was quite an evening. Over 1000 people attended this dinner! Many of the usual honored guests were there - Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, Dr. Nick, Sam Thompson, Dick Grob, Cynthia Pepper, Patty Parry. And the big surprise - Priscilla! She's never attended this event before and it was a major secret until she walked in. She said a few very nice words about Marian, and then she sat down at her table.

The joyous part of this evening was in the performances by Terry Mike Jeffrey, the Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham. They had obviously NOT gotten together beforehand to discuss anything, not even song titles. But these professionals know their stuff so well, it wasn't even necessary.

First Terry came up and sang alone, accompanying himself on the guitar. Then the Jordanaires came out and did a bunch of great songs (except for the first song after they came out - "Happy Birthday" to Gordon. They sang several songs and then did "It's Now or Never". This blew everyone away. Then they called Millie Kirkham up to the stage to sing the same song - this time with her soprano part. IT WAS SO AWESOME.

Then they sang "Blue Christmas" and Millie told a story I'd never heard. Elvis didn't want to record it so he told everyone to do something silly. Millie started that undulating soprano part. Elvis told her to keep doing it, and she did, for the whole song. When they finished recording it Elvis said "they'll never release it". And now it's the MOST played song on the radio in history.

Marian then gave out several special awards to 4 people, George Klein and Jerry Schilling among them. One was to a woman who had been to all of Marian's fundraisers, and for that loyalty Marian gave her a gold cross that had been made for Marian by Mike McGregor. Isn't that sweet?

There had already been a silent auction earlier, but now there was an additional auction that included some of Marian's personal Elvis-related items. Most significant one (IMO) was the silver fur coat that Elvis gave her. This is the one she mentions in "200 Cadillacs" - she said he gave her a silver coat to match her hair. Tonight Marian said her hair is white so it doesn't match anymore, anyway. If this isn't the last benefit she does, I'll be really surprised.

Mark James performed and some ETAs got to sing one song each with the Jordanaires. I didn't see this but I heard there was one really good one.

This event ran very, very long, but it was a most moving tribute to both Elvis and Marian. (And the food was pretty good, too).

End of an era.

Jamie Aaron Kelley

2007-08-12T23:02:00.001-07:00

For those of you in Memphis this week, you should REALLY, REALLY try to get to EP's Delta to see Jamie perform. He has a full band and backup singers now. What a voice! Although he's been moving away from his Elvis show he understands what his audience wants during Elvis week and he does NOT disappoint! He's performing twice a night almost every night this week. Only $20 per ticket and you get MORE than your money's worth! I promise! Just think - you'll be able to say you knew him "when". :-)

Also - a very cool thing: James Burton was in the audience. I took a picture of Jamie where you could see the back of James' head and I was prepared to post with an arrow pointing to James, but it was too blurry. :-(

Here's a link to some pictures I took. Jamie Aaron Kelley I was behind the bar, so I had to crop pictures to remove the bar glasses at the bottom of many pictures. oh well.

One recommendation for this place: go for the drinks only. The menu is VERY limited for Elvis Week and the food we ordered was pretty awful. Just 2 people's opinions. I'm not happy to report this, since I want this restaurant to succeed.

Tupelo

2007-08-12T20:41:00.000-07:00

A little commentary about each place I visited.

.
The House

It is the original house on the original site. It's just 2 small rooms, a bedroom and a kitchen, and the furniture is not the original stuff owned by the Presleys. It was built by Vernon himself. It's just a little shack, really. But what a feeling I got when I entered the front room! I didn't feel Elvis' presence here, but I did feel Gladys. This little house was a home and the credit goes to her. I feel something very special here.

The Chapel

This tribute to Elvis was built because of the effort of his fans. It's really very peaceful and calm. Quite lovely.

The Museum

I've seen a lot of pictures of Elvis. But there are some here that I've never seen anywhere else. (And since you must check your camera at the door, you probably won't see them anywhere else, either). Much of what's here was donated by Janelle McComb, but there's lots more now. Some of the items (pictures and other things) have been donated by childhood friends of Elvis' only in the last few years, so even if you've been here before, it's worth coming again. Here are 2 pictures on the outside: a lovely fountain and one of the story quotes on the wall.

The Hardware Store

This is a fun place. Really just a basic hardware store that happens to have sold Gladys a guitar for Elvis. It still sells guitars, along with Elvis gear of all sorts. But what happened here is one of those little turns in a life that you don't see coming and you don't understand the importance of until much later, if ever. Dare I say Gladys' buying the guitar for Elvis (instead of a gun) was one of Elvis' "defining moments" as Dr. Phil likes to call them.

Johnnies's Drive-In

We should have had lunch here, but they're closed on Sundays, no matter what's going on - even Elvis week! ;-}. That's ok. Here's a picture that's on the wall inside the place. It was taken in 1956 by someone (not a fan!!) who was told Elvis was in the diner. He went in to investigate, took the picture and never thought of it again for years. Later in life he found it, recognized the value, and returned to Tupelo to give a copy to the diner. Thanks to Mike Freeman for the history.

The Fairgrounds

Sort of. The actual fairgrounds where Elvis performed 3 times (once when he was 10 years old, twice as a returning home-town hero) is long gone. It's now called "Fairpark" and the only thing left is a reference to Elvis' performances in '56 and '57. Time marches on. This picture was taken from a moving van, so I missed the flags at the top. :)

Wanda Jackson ROCKS!!

2007-08-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to get to Memphis by 7:30, check into my hotel and meet up with Pam and Orlinda to go to the Hitone music club. But my flight was over 2 hours late, so I thought I'd missed Wanda's show. But lucky for me the show started late and there was an opening act, Sweden's top rockabilly band (whose name I'm not remembering - I came in late!). Wanda has recorded with them before. So I got to see the entire show of this legendary star.

For those of you who are not familiar with Wanda, she was one of very few female rockabilly stars. She toured with Elvis and dated him. Wanda's voice is absolutely unique; once you hear her raspy, dirty-girl version of "Let's Have a Party" you may be as hooked as I was - AM! For all that raspiness, her voice has great variety. Some of her hits besides "Let's Have a Party" include "Fujiyama Mama", "I Gotta Know".

While I understand that this week is all about Elvis, you really should go meet Wanda at the Expo and BUY HER CD! She's got an Elvis tribute album and she does NOT disappoint. I know how we can be tough on people covering Elvis songs, but you will just love her versions.

Another note - Wanda has also recorded several gospel albums. Maybe she'll have those to sell, too.

Wanda Jackson, THANK YOU!

At the Airport

2007-08-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so I was anxious. I got to the airport 3 hours before my flight! I thought I might make an earlier flight but it was full, so here I am, connected to the Internet, listening to Sirius Channel 13 (Elvis, of course). I'm hearing interviews of people already in Memphis and I want to be there already!

I'm carrying 3 pieces of my Elvis luggage - a big one, a small roll carry-on and the computer case. (Checked the big one, of course). It such fun because I always get comments about it, but there is sometimes a spoiler. The TSA guy wanted to look through the carry-on and when he asked if it was mine he said he was surprised because he thought I might not want to claim it. (grrr). Of course I responded "Absolutely, this is mine) :-)

Later! Hope to get some pics of Wanda Jackson performing.

24 hours from now

2007-08-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'll be en route on my American Airlines flight (let's hope!). I've got one more laundry to do and I'm ready to pack (yes, the suitcases have been out for 2 weeks already).

I am really looking forward to this week - especially the blogging part! I'm hoping to give you all a good sense of what's going on at the events I cover. First event will be Wanda Jackson in concert, although that will be written after, not during the event. I'm so excited about that.

Well, laundry and packing, here I come!

LMP is doing SOMETHING for the concert!

2007-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

I just learned that Lisa Marie will be "doing something" for the big concert! I hope it's something like what she did in 1997 with "Don't Cry Daddy". I wasn't in the audience for that but was able to get a bootleg video. It was amazing - and I kinda surprised myself with my reaction to it - serious lump in my throat, tears. And then there was her big smile at the very end, like she was so proud. If that really was what she was thinking, she nailed it. Here's a Youtube link to the bootleg. Enjoy. Don't forget to note that smile at the end. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlY3NG16rkU

I've seen Lisa in concert and really enjoyed the show. I make it a point to get her CDs before I see her so I can understand the lyrics of her songs. ;-) She writes great songs.

Maybe she'll perform live this time( instead of or in addition to a video). Whatever she does I'm thrilled that she has decided to participate in a big way for this event. Yep, it's unbef#%^lievable and it's terrific!

EW - What I'm most looking forward to

2007-08-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

I've got 5 concerts scheduled (maybe 6?...) tours, the EI conference, a Tupelo tour, benefits, Flat Elvis and much more. Whatever I think I'm looking forward to most will probably NOT end up being what stands out after the fact. I think it depends on my expectations of each event.

For example, I've seen Elvis-the-Concert 5 times. So that's not at the top of my list. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE EtC. But as I said, I've already seen it 5 times. It just affects my expectations. But suppose they manage to surprise us with something spectacular - like Lisa performing. The expectation is a great concert, but the memory would be of a special event. See what I mean?

I bought a ticket for that second (midnight) concert the same night even though I still can't fathom what will be new or what they would do that wasn't done for the first concert. If it's just a repeat for those that couldn't get tickets for the first concert, I'll be really annoyed. It's gotta be a little different, though, since I know that DJ Fontana isn't doing the second concert. But there could be a nice surprise there, too. Never underestimate what Todd and co. can come up with.

The Tupelo tour - I'm taking it for the first time ever this year. I have no expectations that this will be a "special" event. And yet - people tell me it's a very moving experience. So there ya go. I'll let you know.

I'm NOT looking forward to the heat.

I AM looking forward to seeing all the folks I already know in the Elvis world and meeting lots of new folks. If you see me typing away at an event c'mon up and introduce yourself!

The camera is not fixable

2007-07-29T22:41:00.001-07:00

If you read my last post you know that I dropped my (Panasonic Lumix) digital camera the other day after taking a picture of my Elvis luggage. I now know that the camera cannot be repaired. Well, maybe it can be, but price-wise it probably isn't worth it.

But I've seen the camera I will probably replace it with... The Panasonic DMC-TZ3K, which is just as powerful - but even smaller than the one I broke. Here's a picture. Isn't it cute? Small but with a great zoom - best for taking closeups of the guests at all the events I'll be attending. :)

16 days to go - and my suitcase is out!

2007-07-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Those who know me know that when I travel (which is frequent), I manage to do laundry the day or so before I leave and my suitcase comes out the night before I am leaving.

But today - my suitcase is already out, ready for packing for Elvis week. Yikes! This year I see no reason to get dressed up for anything, although I'll wear something nicer than a t-shirt for Ms. Cocke's benefit event. But hey, you're not interested in what I'm packing.

Since I will be taking my laptop, I'll have to check my Elvis-themed suitcase. Oh, and by the way, I have noticed that since I have been using this luggage the security inspectors have been opening my suitcase for inspection MUCH more frequently than when I used a plain old black suitcase. I wonder if they're looking for some kewl Elvis goodies. Hmm.

In any case, I look forward to my checked luggage arriving on time and intact. I worry about that this year after reading some horror stories about air travel this summer. But American Airlines has a very good record with me, so maybe I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here. I'll be interested in hearing how things go for you.

Drats! I just took a photo of my luggage for you (see image) – and I dropped my camera! It appears to be broken (it keeps asking me to take the lens cap off and it is, of course, off!) and I may have to buy a new one. @#$%@#

The calm before the storm

2007-07-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

For some reason I just realized that EW is only 3 weeks away! Yikes! The time has gone by so fast since I booked my flights and hotel. I'm still doing some planning, buying tickets, etc.

I think this is going to be the biggest Elvis Week ever. Thanks to EPE for pulling out all the stops this year. What a week of events! And mucho, mucho kudos to the Elvis Insiders team for planning that event for this year. (For last year, too, I might add). You guys ROCK!! I look forward to blogging.

Having said that, I also think it will be the last really big EW ever, in terms of attendance. EPE usually goes all out only every big anniversary (20, 25, 30 etc). In 5 years a lot of the original players will have probably - and unfortunately - passed or will not be able to participate. More important, many of the biggest fans are getting older and will be unable to attend. In addition to that, some of them who might attend may be unwilling to attend because of resentment over the price hikes that showed up this year. I don't know. I think we'll forget about that when the time comes and be happy we can still do it.

Sirius Solution

2007-07-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Remember my rant about Sirius? I could NOT get a new car dock for my S50 in time for my trip this weekend. So with a little thought I figured out how to have my Sirius radio in my car, in time for today's ride.

The home dock works. The receiver works. So how to make the home dock work in the car? It needs a power supply. Quick call to my local Radio Shack, and voilà - power supply! They make an adapter that converts your cigarette lighter into a regular plug. Kewl, yes?

Next issue - The car dock somehow works with the car radio and uses its speakers. How could I hear what was now coming through? Inelegant but simple - buy speakers that run only on batteries. Also found at Radio Shack. They aren't great, but I can hear the broadcasts!

So my outbound trip was a Sirius success. The bad news - the adapter is so large it interferes with the poorly designed cup holders in my Passat. So I have no place to put my water bottle while Sirius is playing. The good news is I found a power outlet in the trunk of my car. It appears to be the same cigarette-lighter in the car. So I plug the adapter in there in my trunk. Then I will buy an extension cord which will wend its way under the back seat, floor mats, under the front seat... where the home dock can plug into it. Voilà Home dock successfully in use - AND I get my cup holder back.

I tell you... problem solver is my middle name. ;-) I still need to find out if there is a way to connect this to the sound system in the car. Any ideas?

New Links

2007-07-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

I've added some links for your Elvis Week convenience. Over there on the right.
There are 2 calendar links and one link to the other blogs reporting on the official Elvis week website.

Sirius Satellite Radio Equipment Rant

2007-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I'm annoyed. I have had a Sirius S50 portable device for over a year (and out of warranty). I have a car kit and a home kit. I've had to replace the car antenna and the reception at home kicks out unevenly, even on gorgeous sunny days. But that's not why I'm irritated.

Now the car dock has died and I having great difficulty getting a new one. The new car kit I ordered from Sirius didn't have the car dock and when I called about that, they said they didn't sell it anymore. All the stores - both brick-and-mortar and online - no longer have the car kits (even though they still appear on their websites). All the eBay listings include the receiver, which I don't want to pay for again (There was one car dock only item but I didn't win it because I didn't want to pay as much for that as for the whole box).

OK, so I see the handwriting on the wall. I'm going to have to get a new receiver. The Stiletto is the new portable device and it's really portable in that you can really listen to Sirius live on the go! The portability is not limited to pre-recorded stuff. That's what I want. And if I want to spend even more money, I can get the wi-fi enabled version. That's what I really want. (sigh)

The irritation I have is because of this: I thought I might keep the S50 receiver in the home dock and use the Stiletto everywhere else. But I can only do that if I buy an additional subscription to Sirius! GRRRRRRRRR!

The second irritation is cost. Reading reviews, I learned that I'm still going to have to buy a car dock for reasonable reception with the Stiletto in the car.

Does anyone want to buy a Sirius S50 receiver with home docking kit? Includes the receiver, dock, antenna.. You have to buy (or transfer) your own Sirius subscription.

I'm still looking for a car dock on eBay, although I really want to have something in place for a long drive I'm taking this weekend.

Rant over.

ETAs

2007-07-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

ETAS (Elvis Tribute Artists) have been around since before Elvis died. Of course, since his death their numbers have grown considerably. I guess I've been aware of them since forever, but only in a negative way - newscasters only show the more unflattering versions.

The first time I saw an ETA actually perform was at my first Elvis Week where there used to be annual none-EPE sponsored events every year. I don't remember the name of the guy who organized this - I think he was a dentist. There were Elvises of all shapes, types, ages and nationalities. We met Japanese and Korean ETAs. Blacks. Women. It was so strange to see SO MANY people wandering around the place - all in Elvis performance garb, from the '50s to the '70s.

We were contemplating using them in "200 Cadillacs" but I was adament with my partners about not going in that direction (see first paragraph). Anyway, we interviewed a couple of them (for just-in-case) and I have to say the one overriding and sincere point every one of them wanted to make was how much they loved and revered Elvis. Several made sure we understood that they only performed for charity.

That same week I went to Marian Cocke's benefit where I saw ETAs just in street clothes sing Elvis gospel music. My reaction to them was that it was a shame they were spending their time performing as "Elvis" - when they had such talent! Why didn't they just go out and have their careers as themselves?

We met Jamie Aaron Kelley that week, too. I didn't see him perform then - I did at another location. When I did see him perform I was totally impressed. He has the knack of paying tribute to Elvis, singing his songs, and yet he still shows you Jamie. I hope to get to his show in Memphis this year.

Since then I have seen a couple of ETA shows - 2 in Vegas and one Elvis birthday contest here in Seattle (we had a female friend who had entered the contest as Elvis Chestly - she was actually pretty good - but the guy who won was in a fat Elvis costume, belly hanging over his belt. That he could win just demonstrates the bad side of having ETAs).

Today I was reading the EI forum section about the ETA contest EPE has been sponsoring. There has also been a lot of discussion about Trent Carlini on an Elvis loop I get. There is no shortage of opinions about ETAs! So I went to the EPE website to see the preliminary winners of their event. It is very heartening to me that there are so many young men taking this wonderful interest in Elvis. I'm glad to see that - as Scott has said "Elvis sells Elvis" and that should continue for a long, long time.

And there were the professional ETAs - Trent Carlini, Irv Cass. My first acquaintance with Irv (not sure about Trent) and other pros was in a documentary called "Almost Elvis". That was a wonderful film - well done. It followed a number of contestants in a national EPE contest (was it the one in Memphis I mentioned above? I don't remember). This film convinced me to appreciate them for all the work they do to do honor to Elvis. So I really like the good ones. Don't get me wrong - I do NOT mistake them for Elvis.

Having said that, I agree totally with the sentiment Elvis himself wrote in a letter to one contest winner:.."mimcry (sic) is a sincere form of being a fan. Do develop your own special talents and abilities, though.." You can see that letter in its entirety here.

My First Time

2007-07-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

My very first Elvis week was in 2002, the 25th anniversary of Elvis' passing. It wasn't my first time in Memphis, but it was my first Elvis Week.

We were interviewing people for "200 Cadillacs" and I had a blast. I met George, Scotty, Joe, Larry, Kang Rhee, Myrna, Gordon and several others, including some of the car salesman that were interviewed for our film. I had already met DJ and Jerry Scheff at other Elvis related events on the west coast. DJ and Jerry (along with Sonny Burgess and Kern Kennedy) had participated in a post 9/11 fundraising concert in New Jersey that I co-produced. But I digress.

After the big "Elvis-the-Concert" at the Pyramid (the one that was used in the new DVD), I got to go see all the performers with a backstage pass (thanks, Jerry). Here's a picture of me then with Glen D.

And here's a picture of Priscilla that I took at the after-party. I'm quite proud of this one. She looks really, really great here, doesn't she? Yep. I was that close! I hope to get some wonderful new ones of her this year at the EI Conference.

I didn't go to the vigil that year, although I thought about it. But that was the year of the heavy downpour (I think! Please correct me if I'm wrong) and I just didn't want to go badly enough to stand out there in the rain. This is the year, though - rain or shine.

Only 30 more days!

Susan Henning, et al at EW

2007-07-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Of course it would be fun to hear what this woman has to say about the steamy hot interaction she had with Elvis in the outtakes of the '68 Special. That goes without saying. But did you know she played Hayley Mills "secret co-star" in "The Parent Trap"? (not the Linday Lohan version!!) She was the "other twin". (about Susan Henning) I adored Hayley Mills films when I was a kid.

I haven't decided about attending this event yet. I would really love to chat with Billy and Jo Smith, who were, of course, 2 of the last people to see Elvis alive.

And speaking of Billy Smith, I've always wondered why he is not invited to Presley-family events - like "Presley by the Presleys". Like it or not, he was family. Is family. If it's because of his participation in some of the more sleazy shows about Elvis, why would they invite Dick Grob? or Joe Esposito? Oh well. Some things we'll never know.

Now I have to decide about this event...

34 Days

2007-07-08T18:31:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I'm paying attention to how many days there are before I arrive in Memphis. That's just so not me (or is it? ;))

Here's what I have so far:
Arrive Sat Aug. 11th
I understand there are 3 shows I'd be interested in seeing that evening, although I have no tickets for any of these: Wanda Jackson, Chris Isaak and Jamie Aaron Kelly. I may play that by ear, since I only arrive at 7:15 I may not get into town from the airport in time for any of them. But I have to say I will shoot for the Wanda Jackson show. I'll try to catch Jamie later in the week.
Sunday Aug 12
· Meet and Greet, Expo during the day. I'm glad I'll get there before the major rush the next day. Hope all the celebs are there already.

· George Klein Memphis Mafia reunion/dinner. I went to that event the first time I was at EW. Funny how things change - at that time I had no idea who anyone was - the speakers, that is. That was in 2002.

· the Elvis Insiders Events! I am looking forward to these. Maybe there's still a surprise guest? I'm hoping for Kurt Russell (since Mac Davis can't come ;-))

· Marian Cocke's Benefit Auction and Dinner -- The last time I went to her event the theme was Elvis' Gospel music. In addtion to the speakers who knew Elvis, she had several ETAs sing - only gospel, and not in "costume". It was very, very lovely. She puts on a classy event.

· Concerts:
"BJ Thomas and the Memphis Boys", 30th Ann'y Concerts (both). Darwin Lamm's concerts. Have I missed any? Man, I'm looking forward to ALL of the concerts! What a week!

I'd also like to see Sonny Burgess and the Pacers. I adore Sonny Burgess, having had the privelege of spending time with him and Kern when they came up to New Jersey for a post-9/11 fundraising concert I co-produced. They're playing twice, from what I can tell. Just have to get them on the schedule. --- Oh drats! I just found out that one of the concerts happens after I leave. So I've gotta make sure I see them earlier in the week.

· This year will be my first vigil. I hope it doesn't rain.

I know I'm missing something. I've gotta get organized!

Boots Randolf

2007-07-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Boots Randolf won't be treating us to his wonderful saxaphone sound this year at the EW concerts. He passed away this week. Some people on the EI have posted lots of pictures and a great deal of his history over there. If you're a member, you can check it out here, here,and here.

I only met him once, when we were doing interviews for various projects so I got to chat for a long time. What a warm, wonderful man he was. And that evening, after a couple of hours with him, I got to see him in Darwin Lamm's concert. What a treat and a joy that was. Boots and all the others - that whole concert.

It's surprising me how difficult a time I'm having about this passing, since I really didn't know him enough to feel a personal loss. If I put on my "self-analysis hat" I suppose I can relate it to the fact that my brother (the one who died, see first blog post). He was also a saxaphone player who often played riffs like Boots did. (You can hear him on the first Manhattan Transfer Album Tuxedo Junction (look for Mike Rod - and if you rent the movie Moscow on the Hudson, all of Robin William's mediocre sax playing (and the cool stuff on the record he listens to) is my brother.). Yeah, that's probably it.

Having said that, Boots will be missed terribly by those who enjoyed his music and I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Tickets have become available

2007-06-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

EPE has announced a new batch of great seats for the big concerts. I think that's great, although some are upset they didn't have the opportunity to get better seats than the ones they got when tickets first went on sale.

I can understand that. But it's just the way it is. I've been the lucky one to get fabulous seats at concerts long after concerts were considered sold out, so I'm ok with it. I forgot to buy tickets to a Bette Midler concert I had meant to get. A few days before the show I called the box office. Lo and behold, Ms Midler's stage was going to be much smaller than they expected, so 15 rows were added - to the front, right at the stage! We got seats in row 11. I'm sure the people behind us thought they were in the first rows and were angry, and I might have been, too.

I've also gotten last-minute tickets for U2. Awesome seats, too. Maybe I'm just lucky?

Lucky or not, these days I try to get mad at the things I can do something about. This isn't one of them.

Planning for EW

2007-06-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've got my flights. Check.

Car? No car this trip. Check. Hoping not to need to rent during the week...

Tickets? Check, although I'm sure I'm missing something. Hopefully I will be able to pick up tickets to any events I have forgotten.

Hotels. Check. Hotels? with an S? Yes. I have to admit I currently have 2 hotel reservations at 2 different downtown locations. The reason for this is I made a mistake months ago when I booked the Marriott - only I booked the wrong one! By the time I realized my mistake, the Downtown Marriott was booked. I wasn't sure the other one was where I really wanted to stay, so I kept that reservation and booked another hotel from a different company - one that has some major good AND bad reviews on one of the travel websites.

I really need to decide since people are looking for rooms, and it isn't fair. So I think I'll check with an EI member who lives in Memphis for an opinion. When I decide I'll give up one of the rooms. Still hoping that the Marriott downtown opens up.

My guilty conscience will be eased.

Countdown to EW

2007-06-18T23:12:00.000-07:00

This is certainly not my first EW, but it's the first one I do as a "civilian" - that is, it is not a business trip. That's the bad news, since I had hoped to be promoting a new documentary.

The good news is that I will be going simply because I want to enjoy the events, see my "Elvis" friends, soak in all the Elvis music and concerts. I have never been to the vigil but maybe this is the year to do that. I've been to Graceland, of course, but I have never sensed Elvis' presence there. While I feel it at other times and at other places, I've never felt it at Graceland. Maybe he shows up for the vigil to see his fans. Maybe this is the year to do the vigil.

Elvis and me

2007-06-12T14:23:00.001-07:00

Some know my story - how I got into Elvis Presley. Since this is my Elvis blog, I thought I'd repost it here.

My life took a 90 degree turn a few years ago.

In January of 2000 I went to Graceland for the first time. One of my best friends, Barbara Murphy, who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given 3 to 6 months to live, had made a list of things she wanted to do while she could. Seeing Graceland was at the top of this list. Although I am old enough to remember seeing him on the Ed Sullivan Show, I was never really an Elvis Presley fan. I knew his songs, but had never seen any of his movies, including the two documentaries of his performances in the ‘70s. I didn’t even know about what is now known as the “’68 Comeback Special”, arguably the highlight performance of his career.

So when Barbara asked me to go to Memphis with her in January of 2000, I wasn’t really excited about the idea, but I agreed to go - for her. We flew to Nashville for 2 days and drove to Memphis for the “Elvis Experience” package at the Heartbreak Hotel down at the end of Lonely Street (really!). Elvis music was playing over a loudspeaker as we walked into the hotel. The first thing I noticed once we got inside was a portrait of a young Elvis. I’d forgotten how drop-dead gorgeous he was. The fifties-style lobby had an old television playing old Elvis movies. Once we got to our room I figured out that they had an all Elvis TV station!

We took the tours of all the museums and the mansion. The more I saw, the more I wanted to know about this man, Elvis. We bought a cassette of his love songs for the car trip back to Nashville. Wow, I’d forgotten what a really nice voice he had! But what I still didn’t understand was that what I was to learn about Elvis in the coming months would change my life.

When I got home I knew I had to get my hands on everything I could to know this man better. As weeks went by, I spent a great deal of time trying to learn about as much as I could. I was surprising myself at this interest and I didn’t understand the pull Elvis was having on me. To that end, I went to bookstores, eBay and internet newsgroups to obtain books, pictures, and videos. I found the documentaries of his performances in Las Vegas and on tour, outtakes, home movies and recordings, and books by people who knew Elvis. I wanted anything that might help me know who Elvis was. While the concert footage –especially the 68 Special’ – blew me away, I was still looking for information about Elvis the man - anything that might give me more information about who Elvis was. I still couldn’t understand my new obsession! Then, as fate might have it, I was channel surfing one night – and came across an infomercial for the gospel videos “He Touched Me”. This program includes interviews with people close to Elvis that knew how much gospel music meant to Elvis. Not only did I not know that Elvis had recorded gospel music, I didn’t know that Elvis’ only 3 Grammy awards were for his gospel albums (not counting the life-time achievement Grammy he got at age 36). I ordered the 2 videos as well as the double-CD of his gospel music.

As I watched the infomercial (which was video #1) I started to cry. Sob, really. Where was this coming from? I wasn’t particularly a fan of gospel music. Was I was crying about how sad it was that Elvis died so young, with so much left to give? Well, maybe a little, but not really. Where was this coming from? When the videos arrived in the mail I tore the package open and put video #2 into the VCR. As I cried (yet again), all of a sudden I knew. A light bulb went on. This was the breakthrough to my understanding of the effect Elvis was having on me. And what a wonderful relief it was!

Only four months before I went to Graceland my older brother Michael died suddenly and unexpectedly at the too young age of 56. My grief was intense, as you might expect, but I thought I was dealing with it. However, the more I learned about Elvis, the more I thought about Michael. There were many similarities between Elvis and Michael: both were musicians, both had connections to Las Vegas (my brother was living there when he died), both were gorgeously handsome but had gained a lot of weight, and both of them had heart attacks and were found on their bathroom floors. And on top of that, I was finding pictures of Elvis that reminded me of Michael – especially pictures with certain funny expressions on Elvis’ face.

I could not even think about these gospel videos or music without finding tears welling up in my eyes. More often I would just break out in a sob. It seemed as if the dam had broken! All the bottled up emotions of grief came out. This lasted for weeks. I watched the videos over and over again, crying every time. Same thing for the CDs – I listened to them in my car and would cry as I drove. A friend told me I would solve my crying problem by simply not watching and listening to Elvis. I couldn’t stop. I truly believe that Elvis came into my life for a reason - to help me through my grief. And that he did. After a month or so I felt immense relief, like a huge boulder being removed from the pit of my stomach. I could begin to listen to the music and simply appreciate that voice for itself.

Of course this changed my life, but Elvis wasn’t finished yet.

The Experience Music Project in Seattle was having a month-long tribute to Sun Records in May of that same year. Sun Records is, of course, where Elvis got his start. Because of my new found interest in all things Elvis I just had to attend. I couldn’t believe my luck! I was going to get to meet Sam Phillips (founder of Sun) and D.J. Fontana (Elvis’ original drummer). During DJ’s session I got to meet Dan Griffin who had been managing DJ and Scotty for a while. He showed us some samples of a documentary he was making about the Blue Moon Boys (Elvis’ original backup band). He hinted that he was looking for some help finishing this project and there it was. A new direction for my life. Documentary producer! I am still working on this project, but one month after the Sun tribute I got sidetracked to work on a second Elvis project – “200 Cadillacs” a music/video documentary about Elvis Presley’s generosity. 200 Cadillacs - the website I’ve gotten to meet so many people that knew Elvis well over the past few years. I’ve made several great new friends and my life has changed. If ever one thought a spirit or an angel could guide one’s life, here’s your proof.