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?

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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/

**** My short story, End of Lonely Street is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time ****

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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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