I love Elvis! I've been a die-hard fan since I was a kid and proud of it! So every year about this time, I remember his very untimely passing....sigh.... it was one of the saddest days of my life. I know, that probably sounds dramatic given all the other important things going on in the world, but it was a personal tragedy for me.
My brother Pierre was very good friends with Elvis. They became close as my brother produced and directed "Elvis on Tour", Elvis' last full length feature film. This movie became an icon portraying the real life of Elvis on the road and personally. So many people of all ages have written to me about how this movie influenced their love of this unbelievably talented man.
When my brother passed away in 1974 (that's him above in the middle) from many long standing health issues, Elvis sent a huge bouquet to the funeral and most all his "Memphis Mafia" - Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Red West, Sonny West attended his funeral to pay tribute to my brother on behalf of Elvis. They were all great guys. The pics above were the movie poster from Elvis on Tour and the black and white photo is from the November 1972 issue of RollingStone magazine with an article about the movie.
I remember Elvis calling our house at all hours to talk to Pierre. Joe Esposito would place the call and then Elvis would get on the line after Pierre answered. Wow! You have no idea how tempted I was to pick up the phone but I never did. At other times, Pierre would casually tell my dad, "I'm going to Elvis house'", and drive off. How cool is that!?
There's been so much garbage written about Elvis and his supposed drug use and his lifestyle, etc. The public too has passed judgement as if they knew him. I don't listen cause I do know the truth, and he was just a great man. Period.
What matters most is the gift that this man gave to the world. He was cool before it was hip to be cool! He was a trendsetter. He broke racial barriers. I know for me I would never have given gospel music a listen if it wasn't for Elvis. I wouldn't have known talents like J.D. Sumner or Donnie Sumner or The Sweet Inspirations or The Blackwoods, etc... He was also a philanthropist and his charities still continue to this day helping the poor, children, and so many more worthwhile organizations.
It's "Elvis Week" now in Memphis and at Graceland right now. If you're an Elvis fan, I urge you to pay a visit during this time of year. The outpouring of love from visitors to Graceland is amazing! They come from all over the world 33 years later to pay homage. I've been and seen it. Yes Elvis, you are Always on My Mind!
7 comments:
jeannine! damn! you need to write a book! damn! i grew up with a couple of dottie's kids (morris west) and one of her sons works down the road from me. one of my buds toured with elvis playing guitar and elvis gave him a gold and diamond cigarette lighter. those were the days. when i first heard the announcement that the king had died i was shampooing a lady at the first salon i worked at... how weird is that jeannine?! huh?
jeannine i miss you and i'm glad to hear from you! i think we have more in common than meets the eye.....
That is just to cool that your brother worked with him. I wasn't the Elvis fan but my brother made up for it! I remember the day that he died and mama told him. He didn't believe her and when he realized she was telling him the truth, his whole world stood still. Wishing you a terrific week!
(((HUGS)))
You guys are great! So happy to hear from you!
Connie - I swear you're my soul sister girl! When I open my salon in TN, you gotta go get your license again and come work with me! We'll have a blast.
Yep - Elvis is da man! Long live the King!
That is just a great tale of part of your life. My mother was a big fan of Elvis...so I grew up on his music...definately very special to me. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers!
What a fantastic story. My mom loved Elvis and that said a lot because she was really straight laced. It's sad once a famous person dies there are hordes of people who delight in nothing more than mud slinging. Thanks for sharing your memories. It was GREAT!
Donna
PS I agree, you SHOULD write a book
I'll leave the book writing to actual writers! LOL! But thanks. I do like to ramble on though...lol! And of course thank you all for stopping by. It's less lonely with good friends like you all! :)
My hubby and I got married at the Heartbreak Hotel right across the street from Graceland......good memories! Jaja
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