THE LEANER, MEANER ELVIS

While I was a Beach Boy’s fan during my early adolescence, in my golden years I am “taken up” with Elvis Presley. So much so that several years ago I took out a subscription to the Sirius Radio Elvis Channel.

Though my subscription runs a couple hundred dollars a year, while I can only pick up the signal in my automobile, and while I can only tune in on short trips to the post office, grocery store, restaurants or movie theaters, I have enjoyed it so much, (especially the interviews and stories) that I have settled for an average access of twenty minutes a day.

Today, I was listening to Elvis Channel 19, my favorite of all radio channels. 82 year old George Klein (DJ and Elvis’ best friend) was engaged in an interview with Larry Geller, Presley’s former barber.

The conversation went roughly as follows:

“Well, Larry, I understand you and Elvis were pretty tight. When you were styling his hair, what did you and Elvis talk about?”

“George, we talked about all sorts of things. Life, religion, rock n roll, movies. I don’t know what we didn’t talk about.”

“I see, Larry. You told me earlier that Elvis shared something especially interesting, (or maybe ‘poignant’ is the word) the year before he passed. That would be 1976.”

“Yes, George. He said he was planning to get some weight off, and step away from a few people who he didn’t think were especially good for him.”

(and)

“He also said that he wanted to get away from those light ‘chick flicks’ he was known for, and make some weightier, more substantial movies.”

Pt. 2

From the moment Elvis Presley sang, “That’s Alright, Mama” at Sam Phillips “Sun Records” recording studio in 1954, his life was irrevocably changed.

The 18 year old Tupelo, Mississippi boy, who was born in a shotgun-style white wooden house, attended church and loved Gospel music, and moved to Memphis with his family at the age of 13.

He worked as an usher at a local theater for a while, and at the age of 19 drove a truck for a living. He and his small gang of musicians did some performances in and around Texas before procuring a short-term gig on “The Grand Ole Opry.” The stage manager there encouraged him to go back to driving a truck; said he was better suited for that particular line of work. (Strangely enough, after Elvis became an integral addition to the American landscape, this same individual showed up at his dressing room door; hoping the King of Rock n’ Roll would give him a job).

During his all-too brief two and a half decade career, Elvis Presley’s star rose higher and brighter than any vocalist or movie icon in the history of the planet, and the erstwhile young Mississippi boy was forced to adopt a persona opposed to anything he once held so near and dear.

And like so many before and after him, among them the late greats, James Dean, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Karen Carpenter, River Phoenix and Whitney Houston, he found himself unable to successfully navigate riches, fame and success.

While serving an overseas stint in the Army, Elvis met the adolescent Priscilla Beaulieu, lived with her for six years, and married her when she was 21. Priscilla claimed it was always about Elvis and his career, and she was forced to mold herself after his image; watching movies he wanted to watch, listening to music he wanted to listen to, and going to restaurants he wanted to go to. And if the foregoing were not enough, in his book, “Elvis, My Best Man” George Klein admits to Elvis’ involvement with a host of women; during the course of his vocal presentations, and Hollywood movies. Priscilla was particularly upset upon discovering Elvis’ involvement with the Swedish actress, Ann Margaret. Ultimately, the dutiful wife retaliated with an affair of her own, and their marriage was irretrievably broken.

Elvis seemed torn between “the straight and narrow” and “the way which leadeth to destruction.” Unlike many, if not most commoners and notable persons who choose the second of the two previous options, Presley continued to foster a relationship with the Almighty; albeit somewhat inconsistent.

Who will ever forget his wonderful Gospel songs? “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace,” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” During his first performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” he sang, “Peace in the Valley” telling the hesitant Sullivan, “I told my mother I was going to do this song, and, by golly, I’m going to do it!”

Although I never had the privilege of knowing Elvis, his friends said he was a loyal, good-natured, empathetic man. So much so that he was known to give exorbitant gifts to friends and family, and even perfect strangers. It was not unusual for him to give them Cadillacs and diamond rings.

Like so many vocalists and actors before and after him, Elvis resorted to the use of prescription drugs. Drugs to sleep. Drugs to wake up. And, much like Michael Jackson, (his eventual son-in-law) Presley’s employment of a private physician allowed him to get whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted it. Of course, the ‘King’s’ chronic dependence on legal (and perhaps illegal) drugs contributed to his premature demise.

Pt. 3

A few years ago, George Klein conducted an interview with Wink and Sandy Martindale. During the interview the couple reported having seen Elvis at a Las Vegas show shortly before his passing. (Sandy had once dated Elvis, and the well-known husband and wife both enjoyed an ongoing friendship with Presley).

What they saw that evening left them mortified. Elvis was obviously in poor health, and had gained a great deal of weight. No doubt, they were aware that the greatest male singer of all time had regularly indulged himself with prescriptions, and possibly other substances. The most disinterested lay person could see it in his eyes. While he seemed to maintain his cognitive abilities, such as his skill with the recall of songs, his countenance and physical condition spoke volumes.

As Wink and Sandy visited in Elvis’ dressing room before the show, they noticed sweat beading on his forehead, and it occurred to both of them that this could well be the last time they would ever lay eyes on the most famous and gifted man on the planet. As the interview neared its conclusion, Wink mentioned that Elvis seemed hesitant to leave them, though his next show was only moments away. Ultimately, the couple said their adieu’s, and departed the premises.

On their way out, they stopped long enough to write a note for Elvis, and left it with the King’s assistant; (whose name escapes me at the moment).

The note read roughly as follows:

Elvis

We would love for you to come visit with us in our home for a few weeks.

This would give you an opportunity to rest, lose weight, and regain your health. People tell me (Sandy) that I am a good cook, and I don’t think you’d regret staying with us a while and dining at our table. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love & Prayers,

Wink & Sandy

Pt. 4

As I have previously alluded, a year before his passing Elvis told his personal barber that he intended to get some weight off, and step away from a few friends whom, in one fashion or another, were bringing him down. Presley was also convinced that his acting capabilities were being under-utilized, told his friend that he was tired of doing ‘fluff’ movies, and felt he was capable of some serious, authentic performances.

They say the saddest words in any language are, “if only.”

If only Elvis had been born without one wit of vocal talent. If only he’d avoided Sam Phillips Sun Records Studio like a plague. If only he had taken the advice of that Grand Ole Opry stage manager, and remained in the driver’s seat of that truck. If only he had avoided the use of prescription drugs. If only he had been more aware of his diet.

If Only

Somehow, I think Elvis was destined to be more than a rough-shod Mississippi farm boy, usher or truck driver.

I think the very hand of Providence chose him for greatness.

In spite of all of his inconsistencies, who can deny that Elvis Presley was, and continues to be the greatest vocalist of this or any other generation?

If only he had disallowed a few of the things he, ultimately allowed. If only he had responded favorably to his friends’ invitation to rest, recoup and rehabilitate. If only he had clothed theory with action, and become the leaner, meaner version of that middle-aged, drug-addicted, overweight, though still exceptionally talented vocalist.

If Only

by William McDonald, PhD. Elvis Stories. Copyright pending

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