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.
Sadly, 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 abuse of prescription drugs. If only he had been more aware of his
diet.
If Only
by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending
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