In the years following Elvis’ death, his producer, Felton Jarvis, recorded remixes of many of Elvis’ songs by adding some kind of 80’s techno mix sound. While I love the idea of Elvis music being re-released, I do not like these updated versions. They take away the pure, magical, unique sound that made Elvis so special. Some say it was a way to breathe new life into his music, and to have ‘new’ releases from Elvis. If that’s what they wanted, then they could simply take some of Elvis’ lesser known, but amazing, songs and remaster and release them.
Felton was a great producer, but actually, Elvis had a huge part in the production of his music. He had an uncanny knack for knowing exactly what a song needed to get it just right. I doubt that he would be thrilled about these new versions. When I hear some of these songs come on Sirrius XM Elvis radio, I can tell, in the first few notes, if it’s one of the new versions, and I usually turn off the radio. Why would I want to listen to that, when the original is so much better? Brings to mind the adage, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’
A few examples:
Blue Suede Shoes:
Now listen to it the way it was meant to sound:
Another, which was a big hit, but still, not as good as the original. A Little Less Conversation:
Now, Elvis singing the original movie version from Live a Little, Love a Little. And, you get to see his gorgeousness while he’s singing. You’re welcome!
Admittedly, these versions are fun, but they’re just not the way the songs were meant to be.
What do you think? Elvis Original or Elvis 2.0?
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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.
**** My short story, End of Lonely Street, is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time ****
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?
I met Darrah Whitaker in April when myself and two of my editor friends, Cindy Davis and Barbara Wilson, presented workshops at the Las Vegas Writer’s Conference. It was a fantastic conference, an awesome group of people, and Darrah did a spectacular job as coordinator. He was also lots of fun! But you know what is even more fun? His book! It’s called My Life as a Sperm. How could I NOT want to read it? I am not very far into the book, but I’m hooked. It’s engaging and very, very funny. I don’t often laugh out loud while reading, but I have while reading his book. Here’s a peek at some of the funny snippets:
From a scene where the protagonist, Buddy Price, goes to see a wealthy TV evangelist at his compound/church.
A waterfall added a melodic refrain as it cascaded over rocks into a shallow pool. Unseen birds chirped. I might have converted then and there, but I caught sight of speakers hidden behind the bushes.
AND
He sat at his desk. “How about I give you the real story. Truth is always better than fiction.”
I nodded, although I bet Oliver stone would likely disagree with that assessment.
Haha, love it! Can’t wait to read more! There are also some funny scenes with his not-so-bright assistant, Stacey.
*** Darrah is offering a free copy of My Life as a Sperm to one lucky winner. Two ways to enter:
Now, it’s Darrah’s turn to tell you about his book. 🙂
Blurb
BUDDY PRICE, a Hollywood agent, dies in a car crash and finds himself in Heaven. There, he discovers God’s had enough with people and will pull the plug if we can’t learn to get along – a ‘love thy neighbor or else’ sort of message. An unlikely hero as there ever was, Buddy convinces God to let him fix things and gets a second chance. From the first few lines of the book, we know that he’s probably the last person we’d want to depend on to save the world, but God’s got his plan. Our fate rests in Buddy’s hands… or, who knows, maybe he’s just crazy and needs lithium or something.
Excerpt
On top of Hedgins’ glass desktop, skinny, white legs belonging to CFO Manor wishboned like a V for victory (or vagina, I suppose) toward the ceiling while Reverend Hedgins, with pants around the ankles, pounded away at her lady bits. Hedgins didn’t see me, his backside conveniently pointed in my direction, and, if their position had been reversed, he still wouldn’t have noticed since his head was kicked up as if looking for an attaboy from on high. CFO Manor let loose with a couple of ‘Thank you, Jesuses’ before she caught sight of me standing in the office doorway.
Interview:
What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?
This thing called “making a living”. It really cramps my style.
What do you want readers to come away with after they read My Life as a Sperm?
A greater sense of self-awareness. Maybe that’s all that matters. Everything else that follows should then fall into place. Oh, and also an overwhelming desire to seek out and purchase the sequel.
What actors would you like in the main roles if your book were made into a movie?
Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, but mostly because I would like to just hang out after a hard day of shooting and share a few beers.
What is your favorite quote?
“I’m a toaster” – Alan Arkin from the movie “Simon”
If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could have 3 (inanimate) objects, what would they be?
A good book, a flashlight, and a time machine (for obvious reasons).
Your most prized material possession? Why?
I thought long and hard on this one and finally realized I don’t really have a most prized material possession. I tried to imagine a fire where I lost everything and what I would miss most. Honestly, there was nothing. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have a prized possession. It just so happens that those possessions are digital in nature. From the software systems I’ve developed over the past twenty years to the books and stories I’ve written and the photographs I’ve saved of loved ones and past experiences. Funny, huh? Maybe I’m simply a creature of these times.
Your favorite…
Movie –Blade Runner, hands down.
Music –70’s R & B
Place you’ve visited –actually, it’s not the place, but the journey. Caribbean cruise!
Place you’d like to visit – I want to say the Moon, but given the current state of NASA, I’ll settle for Antarctica.
TV show from childhood – Gilligan’s Island (I had a huge crush on Mary Ann)
TV show from adulthood –X-Files (I had a huge crush on Agent Scully)
Food –Lasagna and ice cream, not necessarily in that order.
Sports team –War Eagle!
Which do you prefer: Board games/card games or television?The way I see it, it’s not as important what you’re doing, but who you’re doing it with.
Thank you, Darrah. I enjoyed getting to know you better. I also loved Gilligan’s Island, and I agree, Mary Ann was hot! 🙂
For those who have read My Life as a Sperm, what was your favorite part?
Darrah Whitaker is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a B.A. in Foreign Affairs and holds two Master degrees (MA-Film/MBA) from the University of Texas. He has written five screenplays, one which was produced and another optioned. His short stories have been published in the Writers Bloc III, IV, and V anthologies. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers as well as the Henderson Writers Group in Las Vegas, Nevada serving as Conference Coordinator on their Board of Directors. His first novel, My Life as a Sperm, takes on notions of God and destiny in a most unusual way. He lives in Las Vegas where, despite the myriad temptations, he still finds time to write.
Today is random day. Thought I’d share some Elvis facts and some personal Elvis memories.
Elvis didn’t like to wear jeans, because they reminded him of when he was poor. He mostly only wore them for movie roles.
In the 1957 movie, Loving You
My dad used to tease my sisters and I unmercifully about Elvis, but after Elvis passed away, he said he’d never tease us again. My oldest brother, Eddie, also gave us a hard time about Elvis. I remember one particular remark that, while I probably didn’t think it was very amusing at the time, is actually pretty funny. Referring to the below album cover, he said “It looks like his face caught on fire and someone tried to put it out with an ice pick.” Ha! It totally does not, right? 🙂
Elvis wanted to perform in Europe but he never toured outside the United States. Supposedly, it was because Colonel Parker, his manager, was an illegal immigrant, and he was afraid he would not be allowed back in the U.S. Isn’t that crazy to think something like that prevented fans all over the world from seeing Elvis in concert?
In January, 1974, when I was 12, Elvis released a single, “There’s a Honky Tonk Angel,” which received a lot of airplay on country radio stations. Each morning before school, my sisters and I called a local Oklahoma City station, I think it was KEBC, but I’m ashamed to say I can’t recall specifically, and requested the song. The DJ would always play it for us before it was time to leave for school, and that started our day off perfectly.
Lisa Marie once worked for Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis’ closest lifelong friends and a manager/producer. They kept it a secret, and no one knew when they called, that she was the one answering phones. Jerry said that sometimes she would come into his office and say, “There’s a call from someone wanting to talk with you about Lisa Marie.” She got a kick out of them not knowing it was her. Somehow, word leaked and the media converged on the office. Lisa had to quit after that, and she was very disappointed. It was her first job, and she loved being able to live like a regular person. Side note: Jerry’s nickname for Lisa was “Memphis.”
My sister, Ruth, and my brother-in-law, Tom, took me to Memphis for my fortieth birthday (we won’t say how many years ago that was…), and we took a riverboat ride on the Mississippi. Unfortunately, there was no air-conditioning in the boat, and this was July. In Memphis. Yes, July. Anyway… We went to the outside top of the boat to get some air, although I will say, it wasn’t really ‘cool’ air, it was more like thick, sticky, humid air. And, the worse part was, while outside, we were being eaten alive by mosquitoes as big as our heads. For some reason, they especially attacked Ruth. We got back to the hotel and were riding the elevator up to our room. Ruth (who loves Elvis every bit as much as I do) was sweat-soaked and riddled with huge, itchy mosquito bites. She said, “I can’t wait to get out of this hell-hole of a town.” (or something to that effect). I said, “But, Ruth, Elvis LOVED Memphis!” And she said, “That son of a bitch had air-conditioning everywhere he went!” My mouth dropped open and I said, “You just called Elvis a son of a bitch.” She was immediately horrified and apologetic. And, of course, being the loving sister that I am, I have not let her forget it.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston’s mother, was an original, founding member of the Sweet Inspirations and sang back up for Elvis.
Jerry Schilling was once married to Myrna Smith, another member of the Sweet Inspirations.
My son, Presley, is a server in a restaurant. Recently, a couple came in and sat in his section. When he introduced himself, they said, “Oh my God, your name is Presley?” My son said it was, and they told him that, two years ago, their baby girl was born, and they named her Presley. This day was the two year anniversary of her death. Presley was very moved and a bit emotional. They felt there was a reason for them to connect with him that day. It was a sad, but special moment for the couple and for my son.
My kids and niece (the tall blonde in the back) in front of Graceland. My son, Presley is wearing the yellow Elvis shirt.
Thank you for stopping by. Any Elvis memories or facts you’d like to share?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
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.
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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About the books…
Deadly Offerings by Alexa Grace
Anne Mason thinks she’ll be safe living in the Midwest building a wind farm. She may be dead wrong. Someone is dumping bodies in her corn field and telling Anne they are gifts—for her! Michael Brandt, the new County Prosecutor is the last person Anne can trust, but he may offer her only chance of survival from a psychopathic killer. But will she survive the passion that rages between them?
Stolen in Paradise by Toby Neal
One betta fish, two dead biologists, three trysts, four suspects and thirty-five pairs of shoes add up to complicated days in paradise for Special Agent Marcella Scott.
Marcella gets into deep sand investigating the death of a prominent scientist washed up on a Waikiki beach with a bullet hole between the eyes. She also has a secret vice, more dangerous than expensive shoes—and it leads her into arms that are too close for comfort.
Revenge by Dana Delamar
Mafia don Enrico Lucchesi struggles to preserve a fragile truce with the Andretti family. But when Kate Andretti flees from her abusive husband, Enrico won’t leave her in jeopardy. Can he save her without reigniting the bloody feud between the families?
Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne
Nic Lamoureux’s perfect movie star life is shattered by a stalker who threatens any woman close to him. When he meets photographer Lauren James, the attraction is instant–and mutual. She’s exactly the sort of woman he craves, but the stalker makes deadly clear Lauren is the competition. And the competition must be eliminated.
The Dream Jumper’s Promise by Kim Hornsby
Tina Green’s missing husband is presumed dead on Maui and now she’s being haunted by strange dreams. When former boyfriend, Jamey Dunn, turns up at her Lahaina dive shop and offers help, she can’t believe his preposterous claim to enter dreams. As they piece together clues to her husband’s disappearance, secrets and lies rise to the ugly surface.
Soul Seducer by Alicia Dean – Sizzling Paranormal Thriller Romance
She spent her entire life fighting death. Now she’s falling in love with him…
When her loved ones are threatened, Nurse Audra Grayson will risk her life…even her soul to save them. But can she risk her heart to a Grim Reaper?
Love on the Ropes by Pat White
An undercover assignment as pro wrestler Jack the Stripper exposes more than Jason McBain’s six-pack abs. Will the DEA agent lose his heart to the woman who becomes his prime suspect in a drug smuggling ring?
The Good Daughter by Diana Layne
Most good daughters would say they owe their fathers everything. Marisa Peruzzo, Mafia princess, would.
She owed him for killing her fiancé.
She owed him for destroying her mother.
She owed him for chaining her to the ‘family business’.
And she owed him for taking away her lifelong friend.
Payback’s a bitch.
Someday Somebody by Lori Leger
Two men want her, only one wants her dead.
Carrie has her hands full with three teens, a new career in road design, and a budding relationship with a sexy land surveyor named Sam. When a series of harmless phone calls take a terrifying turn, Carrie’s small town life gets dangerous.
An Eye for Danger by Christine Fairchild
One’s lying to protect her, the other’s lying to betray her.
When Jules Larson, a war photographer with PTSD, stumbles onto a murder scene, she finds herself trapped between a dangerously seductive detective, Stone McCarthy, and his nemesis, Sam Wainwright, the sexy undercover cop who’ll capture her heart at any cost. As their sole witness, Jules is targeted by a secret organization of corrupt cops. But which man can she trust to save her life?
My condolences to the family of B.B. King, who passed away last night at 89 years old. B.B. was a supremely talented singer and musician, and a wonderful person with a big heart. B.B. and Elvis had a great deal of respect for one another. I’d like to believe they are singing together in Heaven today.
Million Dollar Quartet:
On December 4, 1956, Carl Perkins, who had already had a hit with Blue Suede Shoes, was in Sun Studios for a recording session…
Sam Phillips, the owner of the studio who discovered Elvis, had brought in Jerry Lee Lewis, a talented but barely known singer and piano player. Johnny Cash stopped by, as did Elvis, with his girlfriend, Marilyn Evans, whom Elvis had met in Vegas where she was dancing in the chorus line at the Frontier. Elvis was now with RCA, but he loved Sun Records and Sun, and missed recording there. The four soon-to-be legendary stars launched into a jam session, and Jack Clement, an engineer with Sun, recorded it. A Memphis newspaper wrote an article about the session the next day and titled it “Million Dollar Quartet.” The article carried the below picture. The now famous version has Marilyn cropped out:
I was fortunate to have the opportunity attend the musical portrayal of this historic event with my friends, Kathy L Wheeler, Krysta Scott, her daughter Taylor, and my sister, Christi Perryman last Friday night at The Civic Center in Oklahoma City. (Coincidentally, I ran into my daughter, Lana Clary, and her friend, Sara Kitchell, at the play. Lana claims she told me months earlier that she was going, but I don’t believe her. I wouldn’t have forgotten something like that…would I?) 🙂
The show was phenomenal! It was much better than I expected, although I did expect to like it. Not only was it funny…Jerry Lee was quite a character…the music was incredible. I was blown away by the talent of the four actors; Jacob Rowley as Elvis, Gabe Bowling as Carl Perkins, Scott Moreau as Johnny Cash, and Colte Julian (a graduate of Oklahoma State University who grew up in Fletcher, Oklahoma) as Jerry Lee Lewis. Not only did they play their parts to near perfection, they did their own singing and actually played the instruments. It was amazing, seriously amazing. Bryan Langlitz as Sam Phillips did an excellent job as well.
Check out the trailer (this is not with the cast I saw. I believe it is the original New York cast):
As everyone who knows me probably knows, I do not like Elvis impersonators, but this was different. This was a young, talented actor portraying Elvis. And Jacob did a marvelous job. He didn’t sound ‘just like Elvis’ but his singing was great, and when he did a beautiful rendition of Peace in the Valley, he sounded similar to Elvis. One thing I will say, he had Elvis’ 50’s moves down. His dancing was adorable and so exciting to watch.
Colte as Jerry Lee was hilarious and supremely talented. The way he beat the hell out of the piano, kicked over his stool, and generally Jerry Lee’d it up, was one of the highlights of the show. Scott and Gabe, who played Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins respectively, were excellent as well. I had to laugh when Carl whined about Elvis stealing his song and people thinking “Blue Suede Shoes” was Elvis’ song. 🙂 I loved the glimpses into the realism of their history. For the female part, I believe for legal reasons of some kind, they used a character named Dyanne to represent Elvis’ girlfriend. The actress, Laura Obenauf, was talented as well and sang a few songs too, although I don’t believe Marilyn actually sang in the session.
The show provided a little snippet of how each of the four came to be with Sam Phillips, which I loved. The end was a dazzling, rocking, spectacular performance where the four actors donned glitzy jackets and sang and played their hearts out. By the end of the production, my sister and I were in tears. It was so much fun, so moving and so poignant at the same time. SPOILER ALERT: Toward the end, Sam grabs his camera and says he wants to get a picture of ‘his boys’ and tells them to gather around the piano. He said something to the effect of “This would be the first time and the last time these guys played together…I just wish they could have lived happier lives.” The actors were all in the pose of the original MDQ photo. The stage went dark and bright white camera flashes went off. Lights came back on and suspended above the stage was the actual famous MDQ photo while the original 1956 recording of them singing “Down by the Riverside” plays. They were all so young and talented and full of dreams. Elvis’ beautiful face held so much happiness and hope. Itwas very emotional.
Immediately when it was over, myself, my sister, my daughter and her friend all wanted to watch it again. It was that good. If you get a chance, do yourself a favor and go see the show. You won’t regret it.
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.
**** My short story, End of Lonely Street will be on sale for 99 cents beginning Friday, May 29th****
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?
HOPE by Jessica Jayne-Josephine “Joey” Lockhart escapes her past, herself and her home town of Pearl, Ohio to Florida after high school. Years later, she meets a man that refuses to let her hide behind her camera lens and encourages her out of her shell. Will he be the one to push her to feel for the first time?
LIVEbyLeaBronsen-After seven years in drug hell, detoxing Juliette “Juls” Carrington returns to her hometown Pearl to attend her grandmother’s burial. Once more rejected by her family, she has a swim in a pond nearby when a mysterious camper, an ex-drunk, coaxes her to come to his hut in the woods. Together they must fight their inner demons for a chance to love…and live.
FAITH by Cait Jarrod-Selena Bodine escaped into the United States Air Force to leave behind a painful past and the one man who she refused to let herself love. Years later, an urgent call from her father brings her back to Pearl, Ohio and face to face with the man she still loves. But will the secret that Cullen is investigating her threaten their second chance?
PERSISTENCEbyDCStone-Laydi Michaels has been running away from her past and bad memories for years. Finding herself wasn’t an easy task, but she’s managed to finally get to a point to where she wants to be. Only to wake up married to her boss….who fired her the night before. Wrapped in a case that puts her life in danger, and dealing with a grave situation back home in Pearl, Laydi figures out she wasn’t close to finding herself, and now, she’s risked everything.
From writing ‘every girl’s dream heroes’ to ‘strong, down-to-earth heroines,’ Cait Jarrod twists ‘cliff hanging plots’ and ‘clever, unpredictable sub-plots’. She loves diving into a good book as much as she loves writing one. Mother of three gorgeous daughters, she’s married to her best friend, hangs out with a great group of women—the WWC, and loves a good glass of wine.
DC Stone has over sixteen years of investigative experience, including working as a criminal investigator in the United States military and a private investigator. Currently, she works as an internal affairs investigator by day and a romantic suspense author by night. She has her Master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is dubbed, “The Investigative Whisper.” Commonly called upon to act as an expert witness, she also trains with local, state, and federal law enforcement officers. She provides numerous workshops that help authors gain insight into “digging” into a character’s mind to better understand motives, create suspense, and help maintain conflict.
When she isn’t trying to solve a new puzzle in the world of fraud, she is engulfed with coffee, her laptop, and all those crazy characters in her head. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Hudson Valley Romance Writers, Rom Vets, RWA Kiss of Death, and the Liberty State Fiction Writers. She served as the 2014 Vice President and Conference Chair for NJRW. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, or her at www.authordcstone.com.
“My writing interests very much like my reading interests. Though I mainly write romance type novels with a spicy twist, I have lived what some might call a suspenseful life. As a survivor of stalking and sexual assault, I learned the ins and outs of the legal system pretty quickly. It helped to precipitate my interest in getting my law degree… that and the fact that I grew up around attorneys. So adding suspense to my writing is no big surprise to me or anyone that knows me.”
I am a born and raised small town Ohio girl, who moved to the Sunshine State after graduating from college. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English because I could not imagine doing anything else but reading and writing. It is such a pleasure to be able to share all the stories in my head!
Lea Bronsen likes her reads fast, hot, and edgy, and strives to give her own stories the same intensity. After venturing into dirty inner-city crime drama with her debut novel Wild Hearted, she divides her writing time between psychological thriller, romantic suspense, and erotic contemporary romance.
I have seen all of Elvis’ movies over the years, multiple times, but I am watching them again (I have them all on DVD) and blog about them from time to time. I am up to Elvis’ 12th and 13th movies.
It Happened at the World’s Fair
I like this movie more than I remembered liking it. I’d always counted it as one of my lesser favorites, but it was actually wonderful. Very sweet, some funny moments, great songs. What’s not to love? And, oh yeah, ELVIS!!
About: Elvis plays Mike Edwards, a playboy crop duster pilot whose partner has a gambling problem and causes them to lose their airplane. They head to Seattle, where Elvis’ friend ‘knows a guy.’ They meet up with an adorable Chinese girl and her grandfather, who are on their way to Seattle for the World Fair, and they give Elvis and his friend a ride. Upon arrival, the grandfather is called to work, and he convinces Elvis to take the little girl to the fair. Throughout the day, he and the child bond, and he meets and falls for a beautiful nurse. Elvis runs across the little girl later, crying. He learns that her grandfather has gone missing. Elvis takes her home to care for her. Cuteness and music and misunderstandings and romance ensue. In the end, grandfather is found, Elvis gets the girl.
Side notes: Kurt Russell made his movie debut in an uncredited role, playing a boy at the Fair who Elvis pays a quarter to kick him in the shin so he’ll have an excuse to go see the pretty nurse again. Kurt would later play Elvis in a tv movie.
I was curious about the little girl, because she looked a lot like the little girl from Girls, Girls, Girls. Also, she was adorable. And, Elvis (in the movie) was so sweet to her, their scenes were heartwarming.
I researched and learned that her name is Vicky Tiu (who later became the First Lady of Hawaii :)). She was the sister of the little girl in Girls, Girls, Girls, who was first picked to play in this movie, but was unavailable because she was playing piano for President Kennedy at the White House (two of her other siblings also appeared in Girls, Girls, Girls) Vicky was only 6 1/2 at the time, it was the only movie she would ever make, and she was incredibly homesick. She told about a time when she was having trouble nailing a scene. They’d done about 30 takes, and she was crying, and the director was getting frustrated. Elvis stepped in and said, “That’s it, it’s a wrap. The little lady and I are going tohave something to eat.” He took her to dinner that evening, and the next day, she nailed the scene. How precious is that? A huge superstar like him doing something like that? He was indeed a very special man.
My favorite songs from the movie: Relax, One Broken Heart for Sale or They Remind Me Too Much of You
Favorite scenes:
I don’t know that I had a particular favorite scene, but there were lots of favorite moments. Early in the movie, Elvis was putting the moves on a girl (Yvonne Craig who played Batgirl on the Batman TV show and would be Elvis’ love interest in Kissin’ Cousins), and she was resisting (yeah, right!), and her parents came home, her dad chased him with a shotgun, etc. That scene had some funny moments. Something that occurred to me, though, was how Elvis had this sizzling charisma with literally every woman he did a scene with. Youcould actually feel it oozing from the screen.
The movie had some funny one-liners. In one scene with Elvis, the little girl, and his love interest, Elvis makes some kind of joke, and the little girls asks him a question about it, and the nurse says, “No, dear, he was merely being funny.” Elvis says, “Did you say merely or nearly?”
When he first meets the nurse, he is being a ‘wolf’ and making advances. She tries to kick him out of the exam room, but he won’t leave. She says, “Do you want me to to call the guard?” He says, “I like it better with just the two of us.”
The scenes with Kurt Russell are also sooo cute. When Elvis first comes across him and asks him to kick him in the shin, Kurt says, “Are you drunk, Mister?” Later, after Elvis has reeled the nurse in and she’s falling for him, they run into Kurt again. He says, “Hey, Mister, want me to kick you in the shin again?” Elvis knows he’ll be busted, since the nurse is right there with him. He is trying to shoo Kurt away and be discreet. He says he’s never seen the kid before, and finally, says “Here’s 50 cents, go away.” Kurt says, “Thanks, Mister!” And kicks him in the (very sore) shin again. PLUS, the girls is onto him and angrily storms away.
Fun in Acapulco
I’m afraid I would have to classify this as one of my lesser favorites. While I did enjoy watching it again, it wasn’t one that surprised me by being better than I remembered. It was about the same as I remembered. However, I will have to say that I have a different appreciation for the many shots of a shirtless Elvis. 🙂
About: Elvis plays Mike Windgren, who is fired, because of a girl, from his job on a boat. He runs into a little boy, who insists on becoming Elvis’ manager, and gets him singing gigs. The gorgeous Ursula Andress plays his love interest. Elvis is afraid of heights, due to a tragedy in his past. He was part of a family circus act, and he dropped his brother on the high wire, causing his death. Elvis ends up overcoming his fear, and getting the girl.
Side notes: None of the scenes were actually filmed in Mexico. Teri Garr has an uncredited part as a dancer. She was an uncredited dancer in seven of his movies.
My favorite song from the movie: Bossa Nova (I’ve gained a new appreciation for this song, and especially love that it’s in a Heineken commercial)
Favorite scenes:
I mostly had some favorite ‘moments.’ The scene where the little boy is on the phone, wheeling and dealing, and Elvis is sitting on the bed, watching. He’s wearing blue pajamas that bring out the gorgeous color of his eyes.
And, when Elvis comes out of the pool, wet, wearing a black bathing suit.
Also, the obligatory fight scenes, which I always love. In this one, Elvis does this cute little movement with his shoulder. He had some signature gestures in many of his movies, that you can see if you watch closely (which, of course, I do), and this is one of them. Loved it! (Yes, I know it’s minor, but it’s ELVIS!) – Check it out:
See what I mean? 🙂
Thank you for joining me. Have you seen these movies? What did you think?
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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.
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?
I was in Vegas last weekend for a writer’s conference, and it happened to be the weekend of the opening for The Elvis Experience, a new venture between Westgate Hotels and Graceland Enterprises. The project includes a live production and an Elvis exhibit. I did not attend the live production. I was free to go on a Sunday, and there are no shows on Sundays. Also, even though I’m sure it’s spectacular, I’m not sure I care to see someone recreate Elvis’ phenomenal run in Las Vegas. As always, if I can’t have the real thing, I’m not all that interested.
The exhibit was fabulous. The people who work there were friendly and informative, and didn’t make fun of me when I got a little emotional. 🙂 One girl in particular, Chloe, was very sweet. She was probably 19 or 20, but she discovered an appreciation for Elvis while taking a music course in college. She was kind enough to listen to me ramble on about what Elvis means to me and pretended to be interested. 🙂
There is something surreal and awe-inspiring about being surrounded by things Elvis owned, things he wore, things he drove, and even some notes written in his own hand. Not to mention the larger than life photos lining the walls. And, to top it all off, Elvis music and concert clips are playing throughout. The exhibit also includes a thirty minute film showing concert clips and snippets of interviews—an excellent way to end the tour and a definite heart string puller.
I’ll share the remainder of my experience in photos…
A letter to Elvis from Johnny Cash. How cool that he kept it.
One of Elvis’ favorite coats. I’ve seen many pics of him wearing it.
Presley family bible
A shirt he wore in Jailhouse Rock
The last car Elvis ever drove. ’73 Stutz Blackhawk
Lisa Marie’s baby things
One of many gorgeous pics lining the walls
Holding script for Love Me Tender
Jumpsuit he wore in Viva Las Vegas
Gun box with note written by Elvis
Me, happy to be there. The guy working the exhibit insisted on taking a pic of me with Elvis 😊
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.
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?
Hi all, I am away at a conference in Vegas, so I am reposting my first weekly Elvis blog post. I will have a new post up next Friday. Have a great weekend!
Elvis Presley has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always loved him—I don’t even recall the first time I discovered him. It just seems as though he was always there. My sister, Ruth, however, does remember when she discovered him, and I’m a little jealous of that memory, since I don’t have my own. (Nor do I remember the incident, so I’m telling her version, which is very short :)). She was five and I was seven (but, it’s really odd how, all these years later, she’s somehow older than me…hmmm…) 😉 Anyway, I digress. She said that I called her into the living room where Elvis’s movie, Harum Scarum, was playing (on our black and white television. This was around 1967, but we didn’t yet have a color tv), and I pointed Elvis out to her and said, “Look, isn’t he…
J.M. is giving away THREE signed copies of SEEKING LOVE. To enter, sign up for her newsletter through her website and drop her a quick ‘hello.’ http://jmmaurer.com
Now available:
Seeking Love (Emerging From Darkness Book 1) ~ J.M. Maurer
Blurb:
Every day, Jessica Winters does what she does best—bury herself in patient care within the walls of the neuro intensive care unit, keeping herself busy to escape the dark sadness that controls her life. But the day she sees Matthew Moi, the intriguing man seated at her new patient’s bedside, her shattered heart begins to frantically beat once again.
As Matthew pins his mesmerizing gaze upon her, trying to distract her with his humorous and playful banter, she does her best to ignore him. Somehow he already knows a great deal about her, breaking down Jessica’s barriers and awakening her soul, drawing her out of the darkness and into his arms.
When her painful past resurfaces, revealing truths that threaten her future, Jessica struggles through her issues and fights to stay on a healing path . . . seeking love.
Excerpt:
One thing I knew: I wasn’t that woman anymore. I wouldn’t be her anymore.
My heart was racing at the thought of being separated from Matthew by only the door, and I watched as it opened, knowing he stood mere feet away. I drew in a deep breath to calm my frantic nerves and steady my racing heart. It was the moment my eyes would see him again, and the same moment I knew all involuntary muscle movements would cease.
As Matthew stepped in and around the door, his alluring eyes captured me. The feeling was nothing new. I’d been imprisoned by his gaze before. And locked in it again, I watched as he drifted to me, the indisputable chemistry between us palpable and absolute. His mesmerizing eyes had hypnotized my burning soul, completely bewitching me.
“Hello, Jessica,” he murmured, pointing to an open area of the bed. “Mind if I sit?”
I gave a slight shake of my head, having difficulty forming the simple word “no,” and watched as he made himself comfortable facing me. His crisp charcoal-colored trousers bunched as he scooted on the bed. My sight roamed along his classic plum-colored dress shirt and stopped searching once I focused on his face.
Seeking Redemption (Emerging From Darkness Book 2) ~ J.M. Maurer
Blurb:
After surviving a bitter divorce and emerging from a darkness that became all too familiar, Jessica finds herself on top of the world, her soulful awakening allowing her to feel again, trust again, and even love again. Her painful past, however, is relentless, both physically and emotionally, bombarding her daily and not allowing her to overcome the lingering demons that ultimately control her life.
As Matthew lovingly guides her toward a healthy future, his own secrets become known, threatening to destroy the trusting relationship that had quickly grown between them. But despite what life throws her way, Jessica pledges to put the past in the past, accepting that events are often out of her control. She fights for a future with the man who drew her out of the darkness, steering her onto a healing path . . . seeking redemption.
Excerpt:
Grandma O flipped the light switch to what she called my office and stood just inside the door, her soft features and gentle smile inviting me in. I shivered, poised one step away, with a strange yet familiar emotion rushing through me—an awareness that the instant I entered, my life would be forever changed. Again.
Was this Matthew’s plan all along? They all seemed in on it, the thought making me feel railroaded and agitated, yet oddly aroused and enchanted too. Unsure how to deal with such conflicting emotions, I moved forward, looking to Grandma O for answers as I walked through.
The office was spacious, slightly smaller than Matthew’s, with a mahogany desk in the far corner and in front of an expansive bank of floor-to-ceiling windows. I ran my fingertips along the colorful wall of psychology books and periodicals as I walked along, passing a leather couch on my way to the desk, my desk, and paused in front of an empty nook within the bookcase.
It struck me as odd, the cold wooden surface needing something to spruce it up, make it mine. I had to think about that, my anxiety making it difficult to ponder the issue, my restlessness preventing me from staying in one place.
I moved to the windows and stared out the tiny cracks between the blinds, the world outside just as complicated as the one I had chosen to live in.
“We all read your master’s thesis,” Grandma O said, her voice pulling me out of my thoughts. “It’s obvious you have a natural gift for research and writing.”
I turned and looked at her, questioning how they’d gotten their hands on a copy.
Sedation in the ICU: Patient Accounts of Their Dreams, Their Pain, Their Fears; I hadn’t published it. As it was, after countless hours revisiting old charts and conducting hundreds of interviews, I’d never been more nervous or scared the instant it was pulled from my tight grip to be placed into the hands of someone who would actually read it. There was no way I’d ever publish it, opening myself up to a world filled with critics.
“If you’re wondering, Dr. Moi is a personal friend of Professor Marienetti. The sexual fantasies accounted for and described within your research were fascinating, probably more so than Dr. Marienetti could digest. We’re baffled as to whyyou chose not to publish. The results, Jess, are far reaching, from ICUs to dentists’ offices. You have a special gift; embrace it.”
She walked toward me and leaned her back against the wall, her gaze drinking in the room.
“This office has been vacant, just waiting for you. You could do great things here.” She patted my arm, her grandmotherly smile telling me it would all be okay. “I’m next door if you need anything.”
Embrace it, I thought, watching as she walked out the door. I’d heard that advice before—from Matthew. I sighed and looked down upon the desk, the one I knew would take me a while to start calling my own.
My desk, my office, my couch, it all sounded quite foreign. I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not.
J.M. Maurer lives with her family in Chicago. She makes it a point to never work on a full moon and cringes when a coworker uses the “Q” word—never, ever say, “It’s a quiet day today,” at her day job.
Known for being overly superstitious, she can usually be found scraping at the remnants of a Nutella container, screaming at a hockey game, or putting pen to paper, allowing the “real” crazy voices in her head to come alive. And after all this, it’s no wonder she’s an incurable romantic and loves escaping the rat race of life to immerse herself inside the world of a really good romance book . . . because, after all, what’s better than a happily-ever-after?
Author Alicia Dean 