Elvis’ life and career was marked by many fascinating, funny, and mildly interesting facts. 🙂 I thought I would share some with you today…

When Elvis’ mother, Gladys, became pregnant with him and his twin brother, she was working at a garment factory and Vernon, his father, was doing odd jobs. One of the jobs was at a dairy farm, and his boss loaned him $180 to build a home. Vernon, his brother, Vester, and his father, Jessie (Elvis’ twin, Jessie Garon, who died at birth, was named after him), built the two-room house where Elvis would be born, which had no electricity or indoor plumbing. The family lost the house in 1938 when Vernon was sent to prison for altering a four-dollar check. Gladys and Elvis lived with her family during that time. Crazy as it sounds, I have never visited his birthplace (which is still standing and is a tourist attraction. I plan to, some day soon…)

In April of 1956, a young female reporter interviewed Elvis and wrote an article about it. Here is a brief excerpt. This shows Elvis’ insecurity about his fame. Funny, but even more than twenty years later, with all his success, he still worried: (I think this is sooo cute. But, she might have exaggerated the number of times he said ‘honey’:)) 

“Elvis, have you any idea at all about just what it was that started the girls going crazy over you?”

“No, I don’t. I guess it’s just something God gave me. I believe that, you know. Know what I mean, honey? And I am grateful. Only I’m afraid. I’m afraid I’ll go out like a light, just like I came on. Know what I mean, honey?”

Presley has a way with that “honey” business. When he talks, he looks straight ahead, or sort of dreamy like in no direction at all. Then he turns with that “know what I mean, honey?” His face is close, real close. Right in your face—almost.

In March of 1956, Elvis purchased a home in Memphis at 1034 Audubon Drive. There are conflicting reports about the amount he paid, but it was either 29,000 or 40,000, and he bought it with proceeds from Heartbreak Hotel. He lived there a little over a year before purchasing Graceland for $100,000.

April 5,1936, Elvis and his family survived a tornado in Tupelo that killed 216 people and was one of the deadliest in US history.

After Elvis’ first TV appearance in 1956, Jackie Gleason said, “The kid has no right behaving like a sex maniac on a national show.” Ha! Actually, he turned girls into sex maniacs. Since Jackie couldn’t do the same, he was probably a little jealous.

In the early 70s, Elvis used to drive around impersonating a police officer. He used a blue light and would pull people over, but instead of giving tickets, he gave autographs. OMG…can you imagine? I would have died, I’m sure.

One of Elvis’ nicknames for Lisa Marie was ‘Buttonhead’

That’s all I have for today…thank you for joining me. Any fun facts you’ve heard about Elvis you’d like to share? Happy Friday!

I am hosting a contest through my blog where, each month, I will give away a $10 gift card from Amazon or Barnes and Noble, plus winner’s choice of any of my published stories. All you have to do to enter is comment. On or around the 10th of each month. I will draw one name from all the commenters.

Elvis question of the week:

The next three Elvis movies coming up on my schedule are Girl Happy, Tickle Me, and Harum Scarum. Which of these movies is this picture from?

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EOLS Charity

Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!

On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.

All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.

Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.

What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?

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