I want to share this very special page of my web site. I just realized tonight that the link to this page has not been on display in my menu list. For some reason, it did not automatically appear in the page links and I never noticed that it was missing until just tonight.
For those who may have some loose pocket change lying around, below is the link to an article with some very clear and close-up photos of some of the jewelry which was owned by Elvis and which will be up for auction at Graceland during this week’s coming birthday events.
Jean McClelland: Elvis memorabilia flooding the market
JON SUPER
The Associated Press A notation is seen on Elvis Presley’s personal Bible as the book waits to be sold at an auction of pop memorabilia in Stockport near Manchester, England, in this 2012 file photo. Containing approximately 1,600 pages with the singer’s notations, handwriting and underlining throughout and with Elvis Presley and Holy Bible, embossed in gold on a leather cover, the Bible was given to Elvis by his uncle Vester and Aunt Clettes Presley as a Christmas gift on Dec. 25, 1957. With a flooded market of Elvis Presley memorabilia, items with direct provenance to Presley are most likely to fetch high prices at auction.
Sixty years ago today Elvis Presley recorded one of his many hits – “Heartbreak Hotel.” Many will agree he owns the moniker The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. As Dick Clark once said, “It’s rare when an artist’s talent can touch an entire generation of people. It’s even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Elvis made an imprint on the world of pop music unequaled by any other single performer.”
Elvis sold more than one billion records, had 20 No. 1 singles, earned three Grammy Awards and embedded himself into the hearts of millions of fans. He appeared on TV shows, made movies, performed in Las Vegas and toured the world with his concerts. People have been collecting his records, memorabilia from his shows and pieces left from his life since he entered the world of celebrity in the mid 1950s.
As these things go, members of the generation that first loved this icon are now reaching an age where they need to dispose of their collections. Those ticket stubs, concert programs, movie posters and more are hitting the market at an increased rate. Many who are seeking to sell their collections are now asking that big question – “How much is it worth?”
Sadly those seeking to sell their collections are competing with other seniors also wanting to downsize their lives. So too much competition is the first problem to be encountered. The second problem is that much of the Elvis memorabilia just isn’t worth much, particularly if it is a product that was issued after his death in 1977. Cookie jars, statues, limited-edition rings and other mass produced goods often have very little resale value.
Collectibles that are valuable are those items Elvis actually owned, signed or those that have dual collectible value, such as postage stamps. Those who just collect stamps or just collect signatures might be in the market for just those items. Proven actual ownership by Elvis will usually bring some very hefty returns.
In advertising a collection for sale one might provide the provenance of their items since there are so many reproductions on the market. This is a simple task of writing down how one came to own it and how it can be traced back to Elvis. By doing so, you are verifying its authenticity. Finally when selling a collection, one should always work with a reputable dealer or website.
Jean McClelland writes about antiques for The Herald-Dispatch.
Sixty-six years ago today (Jan. 3, 1950) was an historic day for country music, although no one was aware of it at the time. It was on this day that the famous Sun Studio — home of future recordings from Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, among others — opened in Memphis, Tenn.
Sam Phillips, a radio engineer at Memphis radio station WREC-AM, opened Sun Studio — originally named Memphis Recording Service — at 706 Union Ave., along with his good friend and assistant, Marion Keister. Phillips also opened Phillips Records with his friend DJ Dewey Phillips (no relation), but they failed to produce any hit records.
Following the failure of Phillips Records, Sam Phillips began providing recordings for other labels, including Chess Records and Modern Records. But in 1952, Phillips again launched his own label, this time calling it Sun Records, with much more success. The label recorded then-up-and-coming artists such as B.B. King and Rufus Thomas, who gave the label their first big hit with “Bearcat” (although a copyright infringement lawsuit over the song and its similarity to Presley’s “Hound Dog” took all of the proceeds from the single).
By 1953, the Prisonaires, a group who had received permission to leave prison to record “Just Walkin’ in the Rain,” helped Phillips gain notoriety and led an 18-year-old Presley to head to Sun Studio to record two songs: “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.” The story differs on why Presley recorded the songs — some say that they were a gift for his mother and while others say that he wanted to hear what his voice sounded like when recorded — but either way, he got the attention of Phillips, who invited Presley back to his studio, this time to record “I’ll Never Stand in Your Way” and “It Wouldn’t Be the Same Without You.”
After taping an impromptu jam session with Presley singing “That’s All Right,” Phillips played the tape on his radio show, Red, Hot and Blue, kicking off Presley’s career as one of music’s biggest stars. But as Presley’s popularity soared, Phillips realized that his small record label was insufficient to market the up-and-coming star, and he sold Presley’s contract to RCA Records, where Presley stayed for his entire career.
Although Sun Records lost Presley, the money from the sale of Presley’s contract (reportedly $35,000), helped Phillips launch the careers of several other artists, including Carl Perkins, Lewis, Roy Orbison and Cash, who released more than two dozen albums on Sun Records.
Sun Studio closed in the ’70s but reopened in 1987. Today, it operates as a recording studio and tourist attraction. More information can be found at SunStudio.com.
I saw the following announcement this morning on the CBS Sunday Morning news show. I was happy, as always, to see Elvis still being included in the current news.
Here’s a look at the week ahead on our “Sunday Morning” Calendar:
Thursday is the eve of Elvis Presley’s 81st birthday, and the official kick-off to a four-day-long celebration, with scheduled events both in Hollywood and at his Graceland mansion.
Graceland marks what would have been Elvis Presley’s 81st birthday Friday, Jan. 8, with what has become a tradition – the city and county mayors cutting the Elvis birthday cake in front of the mansion. The birthday celebration comes with a series of events, including the opening of a new “Elvis in Hollywood” exhibit on Thursday as well as an online and in-person auction of authenticated Elvis items at the Graceland Archives Studio that same day. No, none of the items up for auction come from Elvis Presley Enterprises. They are all items owned by private collectors.
January 8th, 1993 – A 29-cent U.S. postage stamp bearing the likeness of a 1950s-era Elvis Presley is issued at a post office near the King’s Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tenn. The U.S. Postal Service held a vote in 1992 in which fans chose the ’50s Elvis 851,200 to 277,723 over an older Elvis.
Right now two Elvis songs are in first and second place in the 2016 poll.
Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley (45%, 89 Votes)
Love Me Tender – Elvis Presley (16%, 32 Votes)
Let’s all remember to vote every single day in 2016 for either of the Elvis songs now leading or any other Elvis song which may be added to the list. Below is the link for voting for the new year.
On the second episode of our new web series, Gates of Graceland, follow host Tom Brown and Graceland’s Director of Archives, Angie Marchese, as we explore “hidden Graceland.” Learn more about Elvis Presley and Graceland in this fascinating look at the king’s castle. We’ll show you Graceland secrets you never knew existed!
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You may view videos of the live-streamed events at Graceland from the past at the following link by scrolling down. Many of the events are marked “watch again”. Some of the events available are past birthday celebrations; lighting ceremony; special new exhibit openings; candle light vigils, etc.
We will be able to watch the live stream of the Birthday Celebration Ceremony this coming Friday morning at the below link. If you do not have a free account with Livestream, you may wish to go ahead and set up your account now so that you will be ready to login and watch when the event begins.
I just hung up from speaking with Jesse. He is doing really well and we had a wonderful visit. He said that he and little Nick had a good Christmas. He, again, asked me to be sure that everyone who sent gifts to him and Nick knows how very much he appreciates them. Nick was just so happy about the gifts which he received. I am so happy that we were able to make a little boy’s Christmas more special. Hearing from Jesse certainly was the highlight of my Christmas and New Year, as always. He has difficulty sometimes finding a private time when he can phone me. Today was one of those times when he had more time to talk. Just knowing that he is well, safe and happy is the best gift I could ever receive.
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My friend on Facebook, David, shared this birthday greeting and I am adding it to my page so that I can include it when I print out my pages for Jesse later this week. My thanks to David.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2016
A number of people have written to me about the below song saying that they are so certain that it is Elvis singing. I have responded “No” and “I have NO reason to believe this is Elvis.” Some people have been less than happy with my responses. So, yesterday, when Jesse called, I told him about this song and the title of the song and asked him if he had recorded a song by that title. He said that he had NOT. He said I could send it to him to hear, though, if I wanted to. So, that is what I am going to do.
I told Jesse what my response has been to those who have asked and that I wanted to be absolutely sure that I am not wrong in my statements that it is not him.
So, here is the video in question. For the record, I have never thought that this is Elvis and I stand firm in that opinion after asking Jesse about it.
There are quite a few different videos of this song on YouTube claiming that it is Elvis. To the best of my research, it appears that the one above may be the FIRST time that it was put out on YouTube claiming that it is Elvis.
Below is one more video of this song as sung live on stage in 2015 by Doug Church. I see that the gentleman who posted the controversial “Elvis Is Alive 2012 (New Song By Elvis) New Song By Elvis or is it!!!! YOU DECIDE?” has quite a few other videos on his YouTube channel which are Doug Church. Therefore, I kind of conclude that the above version on YouTube is quite probably Doug Church.
Here is the home page on YouTube for Mark Kent so you may verify what I have stated. I do not mean to cast aspersions upon Mr. Kent…just stating facts.
This shall be the bottom line about this song. It will only be mentioned again by me if Jesse says something more about it.
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I enjoyed watching the below video so much. It was shared with me on Facebook by my friend, Jeannette. I am copying it onto a DVD for Jesse because I think that Jesse will enjoy looking back at this rehearsal also.
…himself with his band and old friends. Beautifully done song!!
Rare Elvis Rare video of Elvis listening to his own song ‘Bridge over troubled water’ during the TTWII rehearsals
Jeannette also shared this beautiful photo of Elvis on stage…one which I have never seen before.
And our dear friend, Lucilia, shared this lovely birthday greeting for Jesse which will certainly be sent to him.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Jeannette and Lucilia for the beautiful things they shared with me.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2016
Below is a beautiful birthday greeting which was shared on Facebook by my friend, Jeannette. I want to include this in my print out for Jesse this week.
Friday, January 8 marks Elvis Presley’s birthday! SiriusXM is celebrating with a party at Graceland in Memphis, but if you can’t join in person, you’re invited to partake in the festivities with Elvis Radio LIVE from Graceland on Ch. 19, including the Elvis Presley Birthday Proclamation Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. ET, which features the annual birthday cake cutting.
You’ll be in the thick of all the exciting activity for the King of Rock and Roll’s birthday with daily coverage, live reports, guest DJ shows, and birthday-themed music specials from our Elvis Radio archives as we celebrate with Elvis fans from around the world who travel to Graceland in January to celebrate the King’s birthday.
Throughout 2016, Elvis Radio will also provide extensive programs focusing on the 60th Anniversary of Elvis’ breakout year in music, film and television. In January 1956, Elvis’ first gold record, Heartbreak Hotel, was released and by April had sold one million copies. He ended the year with two million-selling albums. That same year he made his national television debut on The Dorsey Brothers’ Stage Show on CBS and went on to appear on network television 11 times in 1956, including his legendary performances on The Ed Sullivan Show. He also starred in his first movie, Love Me Tender, and signed a seven-year film contract with Paramount Pictures.
Elvis Radio will also provide an insider’s behind-the-scenes perspective into the fourth Graceland-Authenticated “The Auction at Graceland.” On Thursday, January 7 collectors, fans and pop culture enthusiasts from around the world will raise their paddles to bid on pieces of Elvis history. Last year, the iconic Jack White took home the most collectible record of all time, Elvis’ first acetate, with his winning bid of $300,000!
This year’s featured auction highlight is the 1969 Custom Gibson Ebony Dove guitar Elvis played at the legendary Aloha From Hawaii concert televised worldwide via satellite in 1973, as well dozens of other concerts from 1971 to 1975, including the documentary concert film Elvis on Tour. The guitar, with an estimate of $300,000 to $500,000, is one of the most culturally-significant and celebrated guitars in music history
A fan favorite tradition for Elvis Radio’s Birthday Week is George Klein’s LIVE Friday afternoon “Birthday” show that starts at 3 pm ET. GK was Elvis’ close personal pal, whom he met all the way back in 1948 just after the Presleys moved from Tupelo to Memphis.
Additionally, frequent Elvis Radio contributor and musician/performing artist/band leader Terry Mike Jeffrey will guest DJ on the channel at noon ET on Friday, January 8 before headlining the Elvis Birthday Pops Concert for the 12th consecutive year with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, January 9 at the Cannon Center in downtown Memphis.
Elvis Radio will also feature birthday-themed music specials starting on Tuesday, January 5, including Graceland Birthday Memories with TV personalities Wink and Sandy Martindale, actor Lance LeGault, and 1956 “love interest” June Juanico.
Elvis super fan Chris Isaak’s Guest DJ show airs at 7 am and 7 pm ET on Elvis’ Birthday. Elvis Radio will also present the global world premiere of the Follow That Dream collector’s label live concert — Elvis In West Texas Odessa, May 30, 1976 — at 8 pm ET on Friday, January 8.
TO A VERY, VERY SPECIAL MAN, SINGER, ACTOR, AND HUMAN BEING YOU LIGHT UP MY WORLD!
Below is another yummy cake greeting for Jesse’s birthday from a friend, Ilona.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JESSE (AND ELVIS TOO)!!!
I did watch the live stream of the birthday celebration at Graceland this morning and I am so happy to tell everyone that I was able to record the entire event. I have already burned it onto a DVD for Jesse and will be sending it out to him later this afternoon. At least he will get to see his own birthday party even though he didn’t get a piece of that beautiful cake.
I was able to post several very brief comments on the live chat during the event and attempted to invite people to my web site.
I am so pleased to share that we had 20 visitors in 38 minutes during this morning…from all over the world. So, this website was part of the celebration this morning in that our site was very busy also. The visitors on this site were from all over the world. Below is a screen capture of the list of visitors:
I thank every person who thought to visit this website on this special morning. I feel very honored and I know that Jesse will be so pleased to see this also.
FOOTNOTE: Update to the above list of visitors: I just glanced at the visitors map again and was even more amazed to see that now we have had 20 visitors in only 22 minutes! How can I ever thank everyone for this wonderful turnout on Jesse’s birthday! See screen capture below…
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016
My friend, Jeannette, shared this with me on Facebook. Such a significant quote from Elvis. I am certain that he does this for his little friend, Nick. He also did it for alot of us who grew up listening to his voice, loving him and watching him live his life.
My very good friend, Lucilia, posted the below video to my Facebook timeline today. I cannot thank Lucilia enough because of the content of this video which is taken from my own website. I love this video and am so very happy to see it on Youtube. My heartfelt thanks to the owner of this video.
I would love to visit this wonderful restaurant in Israel. People all over the world love and honor Elvis.
TUESDAY, 23 AUGUST 2011
Elvis Remains King~In Israel…
Here I am With The King!
Take the the Neve Ilan exit off the highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv , and there, situated between the Arab village of Abu Ghosh, and the Christian moshav of Yad Hashmona, is a very unique place.
That place is The Elvis Inn. You can’t miss it because in front of it stands a five meter tall golden statue of the King, that was erected in 1997. This is in addition to the 1989 statue that, at the time, was the worlds tallest at four meters.
Recently I took my brother, Daniel to pay a visit to this unique cafe. In addition to the video below, we sampled a good old fashioned Elvis Burger.
As a point of interest, our (other) brother Joshua, helped make the feet of Elvis!
1,728 Picture of The King Cover Every Surface
I was able to sit down with Amir, son of the owner, Yuri Yoeli to learn more about the beginnings of the Elvis Inn.
Together with his brother Amnon, Yuri purchased what was then a truck stop called the Mountain Inn (Pundak Haharim)in 1974.
Uri Yoeli had always been an Elvis Presleyfan. However, when he married, he found his wife did not share his love for the King!
There were two Elvis portraits in his house and his wife declared she would not have them and they must go. Uri took his pictures to his cafe and mounted them by the cash register.
As the story goes, when Uri was in Tel Aviv one day he overheard two cab drivers planning to meet up at “Elvis”. Curious he asked for the location and was surprised to find it was his own cafe they were talking about!
You Can Sit With Elvis at His Table
From that point on, the cafe became known as the Elvis Inn and the transformation back to the days of rock-n-roll began in earnest.
When you enter the restaurant it is like being transported to the 50’s. Four life-sized Elvis statues are scattered around the premises in various poses, sitting at a table, strumming a guitar, and, in general watching over the place.
The juke box plays non-stop Elvis tunes and as one gazes about you see approximately 1,728 picturesmounted on every available surface~more than half of the photos are gifts from fans and friends around the world. The food is a mixture of Israeli and American with something for everyone.
Everything in the place is Elvis~from the menus to the souvenirs that you can buy on the way out.
Sugar Packets boast the profile of the Great One~it is very hard to deface one by opening it!
Life Size!
Even the coffee mugs have a picture of…you guessed it! To this day if you order a hot drink you keep the mug.
…And we made sure to get ours!
The Elvis Inn is a pilgrimage site for many people including some very famous names.
The list of past visitors includes the American 6th fleet, Michael Jackson, Sylvester Stallone, Joe Cocker, Sting and of course, a host of Elvis impersonators.
Elvis Watching Over the Booths
On the anniversary of his birthday (08 January 1935) and his yahrzeit (16 August 1977) Elvislovers and impersonators from across Israel and abroad, make a pilgrimage to the Elvis Inn to celebrate.
The Inn receives more than 5,000 letters and queries a year from around the world and there are traditions and legends galore!
One such tradition tells of the massive fire of 03 July 1995. When the flames raged through the Jerusalem Corridor, destroying everything in its path, the Elvis Inn was spared~many fans considered this to be a miracle.
Yes, He Even Monitors the WC!
It has become a tradition for many newlyweds to come to the Elvis Inn to be photographed standing (or sitting) next to the King,
Rumour even has it that Elvis was a“Shabbos Goy” for his Jewish neighbours when he was young man. He was supportive of Israel, and it is said that his ties remained strong throughout his life.
Next time you are in the area, be sure to drop in for a burger and a bit of nostalgia!
Here is a video of this location from a different person…not the author of the above article:
I was just made aware, tonight, of a petition which I immediately signed and contributed to. I hope that everyone who reads this will do so as well. This is so long overdue. Please do share this everywhere that you can and with everyone you can.
Come on, everybody! LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!
Please do sign this petition to have Elvis’ birthday, Jan. 8, proclaimed a national holiday. This is long overdue. Elvis is an American icon and treasure. More people the world over recognize him only by the sound of his voice; his face; and his first name than any other American in history.
The following is very sad news to share….I am so sorry to learn of this.
Gospel singer Joe Moscheo of The Imperials dies at 78
3:44 p.m. CST January 12, 2016
(Photo: Submitted)
Gospel Music Hall of Famer and music executive Joe Moscheo — who sang with Elvis Presley as a member of gospel group The Imperials — died Monday at age 78.
Mr. Moscheo had been battling a degenerative neurological disease for several years and had been hospitalized after emergency surgery Dec. 30.
Mr. Moscheo’s career with The Imperials began in 1964 as a singer, keyboard player and arranger. The group first worked with Presley in the recording studio on several sessions in the mid-’60s. In 1969, Presley invited them to be his backup vocal group at his residency in Las Vegas. That gig lasted until 1971, and their association with “The King” forever changed Mr. Moscheo and his bandmates’ careers.
“There’s only about 50 of us that ever had the opportunity to perform with him onstage,” Mr. Moscheo told The Tennessean in 2007. “It’s an honor and such a memory that is uniquely (mine). It certainly has changed my life; I am grateful for it.”
His career had many more notable chapters after his time with Presley and The Imperials. In 1978 he joined BMI and served as vice president of special projects, staying with the company for 16 years. His career also included time as president/board member of the Gospel Music Association, the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the W.O. Smith/Nashville Community Music School.
Mr. Moscheo was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and had previously been inducted as a member of The Imperials.
Joe Moscheo, a former member of the gospel group The Imperials, here in his office July 8, 1996, was hired to head First Union Bank’s new entertainment/music division. (Photo: P. Casey Daley / The Tennessean)
In 1998, Mr. Moscheo toured with “Elvis The Concert,” which combined live musicians with video of Presley. He also wrote the book “The Gospel Side of Elvis,” drawing on his time with the rock legend.
“I think (Presley) is the greatest gospel singer who ever lived because of the work he left behind. His Grammys are only for gospel,” he told The Tennessean in 2007. “I think he would have been a gospel singer at age 72. Rock ‘n’ roll would have probably passed him by, but he would still be singing ‘How Great Thou Art.’ “
Funeral arrangements have not been announced. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Moscheo’s family requests that donations be made to the Music Health Alliance, the Opry Trust Fund, MusiCares and the Gospel Music Association Trust.
During the intermission of the screening of “Elvis That’s the Way It Is”, a farewell performance by Elvis’ Imperials for Joe Moscheo as they sing “He Touched Me” one more time. Elvis won a Grammy for this album.
I just heard the official response from the family and their representative, Gary Terashita. There will be NO FUNERAL for Joe. I lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to donate to: Music Health Alliance, Opry Trust Fund, MusiCares, or the GMA Trust Fund. Joe’s final wishes were for the immediate family to come together, enjoy a meal, share stories of Joe’s life, and celebrate this amazing man who touched so many people. Your prayers for the family are so appreciated. Terry Blackwood
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SENT TO JESSE THROUGH THIS POINT ON
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016
My friend, Wanda D. F., shared the below video with me on Facebook and because it is new to me, I want to share it here with my visitors. I will also be making a copy of this on DVD for Jesse as I think he will enjoy seeing it also. My thanks to Wanda for bringing this to my attention.
A tour of the city that helped shape the king of rock n roll.mike freeman is your host mike owns and runs http://www.memphisroadtours daily trips around memphis and down to elvis birthplace in tupelo he has wrote several books about elvis and was once the proud owner of Audubon drive the first house elvis bought in memphis:
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My good friend, Lisa, shared this photo with me.
Wow, I love this street name!!! Wish I could change our street name to that!!!
I thank my friend, Jeannette, for sharing this wonderful video with me on Facebook. I think Jesse will enjoy looking back in time too. I did not see a lengthy film the day he came home, but I do remember being so happy about the news that he was back.
I received a news alert this morning stating that Linda Thompson is planning to publish an autobiography of her life which will be released on May 3rd of this year.
Below is an interview which Linda did with Alanna Nash for Ladies Home Journal magazine. I enjoyed reading it and I think my visitors will as well.
Interview with Linda Thompson by Alanna Nash
Elvis was a very tender soul. He had such a good heart. We literally bought out a pet shop one night. Elvis paid for about 20 dogs, just gave them out to his friends. And we kept this chow, little Getlow. He was a beautiful dog, but Elvis was going to get rid of him because we read an article that said chows turn on their masters 80 percent of the time. Elvis said, ‘I don’t want to have to be worried about leaving this dog with you, or come home and find you have to have plastic surgery’. But I said, ‘Oh, give the little fella a chance. He may turn out all right’. So I raised him, and he turned out to be as gentle as a kitten. He was our sweetheart. But he had a congenital kidney ailment. I don’t know if that made him so lethargic he didn’t feel like being mean, but he had a wonderful disposition. About three o’clock one morning, Getlow was acting really strange, so we had a doctor come over. He said, ‘I don’t think the dog will make it through the night’. So Elvis leased a Learjet and flew Getlow, my girlfriend, Jeannie LeMay and me, and the doctor up to Boston to a special clinic for kidney dialysis. We left him up there for about three months. But he didn’t live long after that. He was only about a year old. We were on tour when he died, and we were coming home on his plane when they told us. Elvis just cried.
Linda Thompson and Getlow.
August 7, 1975 : Arrangements are made for Linda Thompson and her friend, Jeannie LeMay, to fly with Elvis’ chow, Getlow, to Boston, so that the dog can receive treatment for a kidney ailment. When the dog is too ill to travel on to the West Boylston veterinary hospital where it is scheduled to be treated, the whole party remains at the Ritz for two days before continuing.
October 21, 1975 : Milo High flies Elvis’ aunt, Delta Biggs, and Mike McGregor to Boston to pick up Elvis’ chow, Getlow, who has been recuperating at the New England Institute for Comparative Medicine veterinary hospital in West Boylston for almost three months.
Getlow at the Animal Medical Center.
I was with him for four and a half years, from 1972 to 1976. He surrounded himself with people whom he loved and trusted, because he was so secluded from the world, and so sheltered. But a lot of people got very greedy. I think that’s one reason Elvis felt lonely at times, he realized that even if they cared about him, they still lost sight of him as a human being. He would get depressed because he felt people didn’t love him for being the simple person he was. They forgot about him as just a regular person with feelings like all of us.
I think it’s a terrible thing for people to say they couldn’t imagine Elvis growing old. Everybody has that right, even if they’re a sex symbol. He wanted to live to be an old man. He wanted to see Lisa have children, and he wanted to see his grandchildren. He had no idea he would die so young.
Elvis and Getlow on stage.
One morning at about seven we were lying in bed, and I felt something wasn’t right. His breathing was strange. I shook him, and I said, ‘Honey, are you okay?’ And he said, ‘I can’t get my breath!’ He had pneumonia. I called for the nurse, and she brought some oxygen over, and we had to rush him to the hospital. I stayed with him for two and a half weeks. Whenever he went to the hospital, I went to the hospital.
So it was ‘we’ went to the hospital. Elvis needed more love and care than anybody I’ve ever met. Probably more than anybody in this world ever has. Because he was who he was, and what he was, and yet he had come from obscurity, from Tupelo, Mississippi, and poor parents. And he did enjoy having a mother image around him. But I think it’s wonderful if you can be all things to each other. And he and I were. He called me ‘Mommy’. And he was like my father at times. And we were like brother and sister at times, and we were like lovers at times. It was a full, rich relationship. For a long time, we didn’t need anybody else, really. I truly, truly loved him, and I wouldn’t have cared if he were John Doe. I loved him as a human soul. He was really a wonderful person. We often thought it would be fun to just go away and live in a little shack on a farm and just forget fame and fortune and all the craziness that goes with it.
I HAVE JUST CREATED A NEW PAGE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS MONTH, JANUARY, 2016. BELOW IS THE LINK TO THE NEW PAGE. I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO VISIT OFTEN FOR MORE NEWS.
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