On this day I say to the Presley Family, EPE, Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Sandi Pichon, Billy Smith, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc. and to their family members; THANK YOU and may God bless you in all of your endeavors.

I have always believed that what we do in this life has direct consequences when our life is over. That we are not constrained by our physical presence herein this World. That our essence is defined by our very soul which is our true “compass” to what is right, what is wrong, and what is true.

With that in mind I know that where ever Elvis is that he is surrounded by those who loved him, gave birth to him, were related to him, and befriended him. I have always wished that time could be “rewound” so that Elvis truly knew, in this spirit and in his soul, the impact he made on people’s lives and how much they cared for him and appreciated what he did onstage and off.

Some of my favorite stories, photos, audio files, video’s, etc. about Elvis are the most…simplistic. Elvis bending down to speak to a child, Elvis posing with children sickened by Polio, Elvis willingly participating in supporting Cancer research, Elvis reaching down from the stage to hold a beautiful little blind girl while he Mothers arms reach up.

I have always put great faith in the instinctual ability of children to be aware of other people’s intent and this “aura”. Watching Elvis throughout his life gravitate towards children, stop what he was doing to spend time with them, to pose with pictures with them, and the intensity of the interaction between Elvis and children was – is – and forever will remain….priceless.

It is a sincerity and a purity of heart that sadly is far too lacking in society today. Elvis was not a “perfect person” by any means. That is not a slight against him it is just a fact. The only perfect person ever to walk this Earth ended up crucified on a cross after being beaten beyond recognition 21012 years ago.

I make this point because there should be a balance and a context when we speak about, or in this case write about, individuals and we should never manuever around the facts but embrace them for in doing so gives us an honest accord as well as a place of “agreement” in which to start honest debates.

Inasmuch as I am a diehard fan of Elvis I would trade it all in to spend just one moment with one of my loved ones who has died. I would trade it all in to be able to hold my children and to tell them I love them. For each child, I believe, is a blessing from God and that the day of their birth IS a special day for they, in whole and in part, are special.

To anyone who knew Elvis they would agree that Elvis would have gladly given up his fame, and fortune, if he could have his beloved Mother Gladys with him again. That is one of the reasons why I have been an “Elvis Fan” for these (approximately) six decades now. More important than the cakes, the wraped presents, or the location is the relationship while we are in each others presence and, equally as important, when we are not.

The wisdom of the saying of “the only time mankind can fully comprehend, and therefore manage, is the present”. So, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY # 77 Elvis”!

To Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide this is a bittersweet day but one worthy of celebration. The man was truly “one of a kind” and if the measure of a person is the intensity in which others care about them then Elvis, as he was in life, remains…the greatest.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

http://www.elviscollector.info

Merry Christmas 2011 from http://www.elviscollector.info/ and Jeff Schrembs.

Our Christmas Wish for everyone is; for those who are sick may they be healed, for those who are in need may their needs be fulfilled, for those who mourn by God give you the strength to go on, for those who are happy may this day be long, and for those undergoing trying times please remember that through God all things are possible and may you find peace…through faith.

May God bless you in all of your endeavors now…and always.

Jeff Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info

Merry Christmas 2011 from www.ElvisCollector.info #by Jeff Schrembs#.

via Merry Christmas 2011 from www.ElvisCollector.info (by Jeff Schrembs).

Elvis truly was a man self made and who “surprised” so many who tried to box him into a category whether it was his beautiful rendition of Peace In The Valley on the Ed Sullivan Show or his affinity for Opera to his success that his Christmas Album/Songs achieved initially in 1957 and continuing each and every year thereafter.

It is estimated that over (13) thirteen Elvis’ Christmas records and Elvis’ Christmas Album entitled “The Wonderful World Of Christmas” (released in the 1970s) is the highest selling Christmas Album of all time (i.e. estimated to be over 10 million), and Elvis’ first Christmas Album entitled “Elvis Christmas Album” sold (approximately) (3) three million records and was released in October of 1957. 

 In summary Elvis’ Christmas Albums have sold approximately (13) thirteen million records which needs to be put in context as the US population was a fraction of what it is now.
In spite of these achievements a decision was made a few years ago to take Elvis’ Christmas recordings and turn them into “duets”.

I believe that if they decided to release Elvis’ Original Christmas Album(s), in their entirety, and then as an “additional CD” of the “duets” that it would have been more appropriate and tasteful. At the time I shared my (personal) disdain for the “Elvis Christmas Duets” not because I didn’t like/respect/appreciate the talents of the “duet singers” but because if Elvis had wanted to record duets during his lifetime….he would have.

Secondly, the recordings of Elvis during his lifetime (with some exceptions which angered Elvis to no end) were (a) just like Elvis wanted them to be and (b) were beautiful and wonderful as “stand alone songs”.
I equate it to, with no disrespect to each of the artists who contributed to the “duet”, taking the worlds greatest artwork (i.e. painting, sculpture, drawings, etc.) and asking other “artists” to add to what is already a masterpiece. No one would support that and yet by attempting to change Elvis’ versions of these songs actually (in my opinion) diluted their brillance.

Now that the Thanksgiving feast is over (is anyone else still full?) it is time to bring out the Christmas Tunes which include, of course, those by Elvis. Whether it is the bluesy “”Merry Merry Christmas Baby” to the heartfelt “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” to the Elvis standard “Blue Christmas”. Elvis left his mark on Christmas Classics such as “The First Noel” and “White Christmas”.

Here are the details from Elvis’ Christmas Albums:

ELVIS CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Side One

Track  Date Recorded   Song Title                                        Song Writer(s)                             Run Time
1.              9/7/57               Santa Claus Is Back In Town          Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller                 2:22
2.             9/6/57               White Christmas                               Irving Berlin                                               2:23
3.             9/6/57               Here Comes Santa Claus Gene        Autry and Oakley Haldeman                   1:54
4.             9/7/57               I’ll Be Home for Christmas               Buck Ram, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent    1:53
5.             9/5/57               Blue Christmas                                  Bill Hayes and Jay Johnson                          2:07
6.             9/7/57            Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)   Aaron Schroeder and Claude Demetrius    1:54

Side Two

Track       Date Recorded       Song Title                                Song Writer(s)                          Run   Time 

 1.       9/7/57        O Little Town of Bethlehem                          Phillips Brooks and Lewis H. Redner        2:35
2.        9/6/57         Silent Night                                                       Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber              2:23
3.        1/13/57       (There’ll Be) Peace in the Valley (For Me)     Thomas A. Dorsey                                 3:22      
4.        1/12/57       I Believe                   Ervin Drake, Irvin Graham, Jimmy Shirl, Al Stillman          2:05
5.       1/13/57       Take My Hand, Precious Lord                       Thomas A. Dorsey                                     3:16
6.      1/19/57        It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)               Stuart Hamblen                                       3:53

 THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS – Camden/Pickwick Reissue

Side One

Track       Date Recorded       Song Title                        Song Writer(s)                          Run   Time 
 
1.          9/5/57                       Blue Christmas                      Bill Hayes and Jay Johnson                    2:07
2.          9/6/57                       Silent Night                           Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber             2:23
3.          9/6/57                       White Christmas                   Irving Berlin                                             2:23
4.          9/7/57          Santa Claus Is Back In Town       Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller                    2:22
5.          9/7/57         I’ll Be Home for Christmas           Buck Ram, Kim Gannon, Walter Kent       1:53

Side Two

Track       Date Recorded       Song Title                                Song Writer(s)                          Run   Time 
1.            6/10/66       *If Every Day Was Like Christmas         Red West                                                    2:42
2.            9/6/57           Here Comes Santa Claus          Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman                        1:54
3.            9/7/57          O Little Town of Bethlehem      Phillips Brooks and Lewis H. Redner                    2:35
4.         9/7/57          Santa Bring My Baby Back (to Me)      Aaron Schroeder and Claude DeMetruis    1:54
5.           1/15/69       *Mama Liked the Roses                         John Christopher                                           2:47

* Denotes that “If Every Day Was Like Christmas” was recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, and “Mama Liked The Roses” at American Studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

From me, and www.ElvisCollector.info, we want to wish you and your loved ones a; healthy, blessed, happy, memorable, wonderful, joyful Christmas. For in this season it is not the number of presents under the tree, or the lack of, but sharing the details of the birth of Jesus and giving (i.e. time, of self, from our heart, wisdom, etc.) of ourselves.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info

I received an email recently that was “unassigned” but asked my opinion in response to a simple question of “Why do we remember Elvis (Presley)”? At first glance I thought….terrible question….waste of time to respond…far too…simple. But then I thought a little more and not only sent a written response but thanked the anonymous e mailer for their pertinent question.

The answer to “Why do we remember Elvis Presley” is oxymoronic in the sense of being both easy to answer and yet, on many levels, much more complex. Let me explain by giving just a few reasons.

The story of Elvis Presley, shared by word of mouth or by those who knew him (i.e. Charlie Hodge, Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Sandi Pichon, Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, etc.) or by some wonderful authors such as Alanna Nash or by fans Worldwide, is one of great; poverty, inspiration, human frailties, wealth, loss, faith in God, belief in helping our fellow man, talent, blessings, love, pain(s), turmoil, and even life lessons.

Elvis Aron Presley, yes I use the spelling of his middle name as it was listed on his birth certificate, was a man who walked among us – who dreamed – who worked extremely hard – who was a loyal friend – who was quick to temper yet even quicker to reach out to help – who gave of his time and of his heart – and whose story I could spend the rest of my life writing about and never do his story or his life or his accomplishments…justice.

I have always believed so many things my Grandfather taught/told me. One of the “words of wisdom”, which I cherish to this day, was in response to my being “sad” that Elvis died (i.e. circa 1977) on August 16, 1977 when I was a teenager. Part of the dialog I still recall was “if more than 1 person remembers your name, or your passions, a year after your death you are a blessed man indeed”. He also shared that “a man can be measured, in part, by the quality of the company he keeps in public but more so in private”. These words, I believe, are part of the reasons why we remember Elvis Presley.

The quality of those who knew Elvis best were among the most talented, most loyal, most passionate, and most giving people one could ever have the honor of meeting. From Charlie Hodge to Marty Lacker to Sonny and Red West to Joe Esposito to Gladys Presley to Lisa Marie to Jerry Schilling to Sandi Pichon each of these people agree that Elvis had qualities (and faults) that rendered him; the greatest entertainer who ever lived, an original in style/actions/mannerisms, unbelievably talented, and a truly unique person who they love – think of – and miss every moment of everyday. Though Elvis “fans” may try to divide this group of individuals I remain steadfast in my resolve that context matters and if “it was good enough for Elvis to spend a minute of his time, let alone decades, then it is good enough for me”.

I also believe that another reason of why we remember Elvis is that he used his God given talents not only to (initially) enhance his Mother and Fathers standard of living but to help others he knew firsthand and so many more he learned about (i.e. on the TV, in the newspaper, or who were deemed to be in need and Elvis agreed to help monetarily) who were facing hardships (i.e. widowed family of a slain police officer, disabled persons, charity organizations, people who lost their possessions in a tornado, etc.). I have always said, and believed, that the greatest gift one can give is; from their heart and of their time. In the case of Elvis Presley he did both and he did so with…grace.

At the height of his fame Elvis was drafted into the US Army (note: he received his draft notice by hand delivery during the week of Christmas 1957) and opted to forgo the comfort of doing “promotions for the US Military” and stood fast in this desire to be treated “like every other solider”. Through great hardships (i.e. being away from his family for the first time, losing millions in earnings, losing his beloved Mother Gladys on August 14, 1958, etc.) Elvis spent (approximately) two years in the US Army and earned the respect of his fellow military personnel but also from critics who had (falsely) believed that Elvis was contributing to juvenile delinquency and/or was not a Christian.

Another of the reasons we should remember Elvis is that he wore his heart on his sleeve (caution metaphor) and when he loved…he loved. When he was angry….the nickname “crazy” was applicable. When he cared tears were sure to come followed by grace, words of comfort, and so many times monetary contributions. Elvis shocked the World when he married Priscilla on May 1, 1967 and when the marriage deteriorated (note: I have written before about how Elvis and Priscilla both contributed to the marriage ending BUT I am biased towards Elvis “side” admit tingly) he faced the cameras walking down the corridor/steps on October 9, 1973 and for months prior/during/afterward he recorded songs that reflected his hurt…his pain…his love. Among the applicable songs were; Always On My Mind, Separate Ways, It’s Over, I’ve Lost You, My Boy, Don’t Cry Daddy, You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me, etc.).

Part of what made Elvis “great” was that he never gave up and he had, including but not limited to, at least (four) MAJOR COMEBACKS that would have been career ending for 99.9% of the general population. The first was when he was turned down by the Grand Ole Opry, which Elvis had “grown up on” and respected artist who performed there, and told to “go back to driving a truck”. The second was when he went into the Army (i.e. from 1958 through 1960) unsure if he would even have a career to return to either in music or in the movies. The third was during the 1960′s after he had completed his contractual obligations for movies and regained his rightful place as a great singer/entertainer by the incomparable and exceptional ’68 Singer Special entitled “Elvis” (aka: 1968 Special, ’68 Special, Comeback Special, Elvis Comeback Special, etc.). The last “comeback” was after America, the World, and his fans first learned that Elvis was…human. That Elvis had marital problems. That Elvis had health issues. That Elvis took prescription medications. That Elvis was sad and he wrote notes/letters during the mid to late 1970s that were heartfelt and…moving. And yet in many ways learning that Elvis was “human” not only further endeared him to his fans, and I among them, but made us appreciate Elvis more for not giving up and for sharing his wonderful voice and stage presence throughout the United States via his live performances/concerts.

A more subtle part of “why we should remember Elvis” is that he loved, respected, admired, and appreciated performers of quality. Elvis listened to, collected, and played over and over musical styles ranging from Gospel to Opera to Rhythm and Blues to County to Folk and even to Rock and Roll. Elvis, through his life and through his actions, looked past the color of the person (which was how the press and far too many focused on during the 1950s-1970s and in some cases – sadly – even today) and surrounded himself professionally with the “best of the best” onstage. If anyone questions this set of facts one only needs to “Google” Myrna Smith and watch the videos of her talking about her relationship with Elvis personally and professionally. Sadly, like Gladys Presley, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, etc. before her Myrna Smith passed away and this World lost a person of quality who, like Elvis himself, remains…irreplaceable.

Elvis left us three decades of quality work products. From TV appearances to music recordings to movies to live appearances to hundreds of thousands of photographs Elvis is seen through the prism of truth and that being of him doing his best, many times through trials and tribulations, and reaching heights deemed “unattainable” and he even had public “stumbles” along the way. Throughout it all Elvis stayed true to himself and true to his faith in God.

Each of these examples is a small part of the “puzzle of Elvis Aron Presley”. He left us with his beloved daughter, Lisa Marie, and many friends/loved ones who remain (in my opinion) priceless living breathing parts of Elvis life who should be supported in each of their endeavors and “officially recognized” for their part(s) in the life of the man – the performer – and the legend that is Elvis Aron Presley.

Throughout our grief, that began on August 16, 1977 and remains to this day, Elvis taught us that life is…short. That in the (literal) “blink of the eye” Elvis left his World taking away from us a man of innumerable talents and who even these (approximately) four decades later is admired and respected Worldwide.

On a personal note I remember Elvis for these reasons and so many many…more. I can recall the day I first heard Elvis’ latest release. I can recall times when the mailbox brought a new collectible, a new letter, or some cool promotional material. I played time and time and time again certain songs when I was happy and equally as impressionable when I was sad. I listened to Elvis’ vocal chords reach octaves of beauty and somehow/someway knowing Elvis sang words relevant to what I was going through I was left with the distinct acceptance that is would be…all right.

We share our memories, insights, thoughts, and words about Elvis online – in private – and in public forums. Some take the approach that they can recall obscure facts about Elvis life. Some use their positions to solely make money off the name “Elvis” and, as far as I am concerned, nothing is wrong with that as long as it is honest/disclosed. Some try to minimize the expertise of other Elvis Fans and hide behind fake names/websites. Some try to advance the lie that Elvis is still alive. While others spend their life rebuilding while never letting go of their relationship with Elvis…nor should they.

Elvis is part of millions of people Worldwide. Elvis is also “regional” (I..e the South, Memphis, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc.). Elvis is also universal. Elvis can’t be categorized and yet…in some ways he can. Elvis will never be “copied”, and his talents done justice, but that doesn’t stop thousands from trying. So much of this World will never fully comprehend what the World was like with Elvis was in it or what it was like when a “new generation” put their efforts into the Beatles or the “Beach sounds” or the “English Invasion” and in the 1970′s sounds from hard rock to disco to “tech”. They can never know what it was like to be an Elvis fan when so many thought it was…”uncool”. Those same nay sayers were among the first to cry when word came to them that Elvis had passed away. In some ways Elvis was taken for granted and we, individually and collectively, should have let him know exactly what he meant to us. We are, and were, left with the burdens of the “what if(s)”.

Honestly, Elvis can never be explained, in totality and even to those who were there discrepancies exist. In a World where hand-held computers/phones take the place of social interaction, and company’s are built making billions of dollars but don’t create anything “tangible”, there is a tendency to try to put Elvis into certain “boxes”. Elvis is far too complex to neatly fit into anything but his story is one of the American Dream and one of decades of excellence. Nonetheless, Elvis Aron Presley “boy my boy” is a fascinating subject matter (in every conceivable aspect) warranting questions from all over the World to be answered even if they, at first glance, seem….simplistic.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info

2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

2011, which still has another 3 months before years’ end, has been a RECORD YEAR for both unique and “return” visitors/guests and we just wanted to say THANK YOU to Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide! With our www.YouTube.com link, and our www.Facebook.com link, and with the continued thanks to www.Wordpress.com we look forward to continuing to put forth quality Elvis Presley articles/audio/video/etc.

Additionally, there are some really great Elvis Websites which we have listed on our site www.ElvisCollector.info so please check them out.

Take care and may God bless you.

www.ElvisCollector.info

Many of the singers, and bands, that were in the top 20 deserved to be there. However, for every “reason” given for artists/bands to be in the top 100 or top 10 or even number 1 Elvis met/exceeded these artist/bands in the same category (i.e. influence, record sales, number of hits, etc.). Any rational person, using the FACTS versus the hype and/or political correctness, would have to agree that Elvis Presley is/was/forever will be the greatest entertainer/artist who ever lived…period.

To add “salt to the wound” when the Beatles were awarded “number 1″ they allowed a comment, while attempting to justify the Beatles being number 1, of: “Everyone before and after the Beatles were influenced by the Beatles”. I am sure that (sadly) far too many VH1 viewers would just nod their heads and believe that what was said was true and yet nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone of the Beatles, from the time they first played to long after they broke up, credited Elvis Presley with being the greatest influence to them. In fact, John Lennon said it perfectly when he said “before Elvis there was nothing”.

Elvis sold more records, had more number 1 hits, had more top ten hits, and had a much longer career than the Beatles. Even after Elvis’ passing, sadly on August 16 1977, Elvis has “outsold” the Beatles every year since his passing (in record sales) except one year when the Beatles “re-released” their catalog.. These facts (apparently) mean nothing to VH1 and it seemed like VH1 structured their “poll”, and the episode(s) that aired on VH1, to not only minimize Elvis’ accomplishments but also wanted to gloss over Elvis’ influence. Inasmuch as Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide continue to support the life, and legacy, of Elvis Presley when it comes to ‘standing up” for Elvis publicly and demanding that the facts about Elvis be told Elvis Presley Fans have “fallen short” in this aspect. It is long past time when Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide started to DEMAND that the facts about Elvis, and thus the proper respect/appreciation/accolades/etc., be presented….accurately…every time.

Watching this VH1 charade reminded me that during Elvis’ lifetime he was never given the amount of respect, by the press and by his own peers, for his talents. In fact Elvis’ only Grammy Awards were for his Gospel Album/performances. This was not an “oversight” by the Grammys, or every other member of the press/award shows, never to give Elvis the awards that he earned and that he deserved.

99.9% of the “artists” (note: I want to exclude Country Music and Gospel Music from this statement) today use digital enhancements because they can’t sing or they can’t sing well. If they were required to sing LIVE, as Elvis Presley did from 1969 until 1977 and every concert venue was SOLD OUT, and move around (and Elvis moved like no one before or after) they would sound like…sub par amateurs. These “artists” rely on tricks to entertain their audience. From having background dancers, to light shows, to special effects, etc. they do everything but sing and they do this because they CAN’T sing and if the audience heard them really sing it would be a debacle.

Elvis Presley sounded EXCELLENT in Concert with no enhancements. Elvis kept his lights, manned by his long time friend Lamar Fike who (sadly) recently passed away, to a handful of colors. Elvis had a great band, great backup singers, and a great orchestra and each of these TRUE artists have said that “Elvis’ musical/vocal abilities were the best they ever heard”. They also make note of Elvis concert appearances as being “out of this World”. I happen to agree with them not because I am an Elvis Presley Fan, and I am, but because it is a FACT and facts do matter regardless of if it is a conversation “one on one” or a written blog or even if it is on TV and that includes VH1.

I guess that asking VH1, and much of the media/press/music business, to state the facts is asking too much. I realize that VH1 doesn’t care about the facts, and they are entitled to their opinion, but to be a “music channel” and to dismiss/minimize the talents and accomplishments of the greatest musician/singer/artist/performer ever (whether it is in this “poll” or 24/7) in the case of Elvis Presley? VH1, the Grammys, and many other members of the press and the music “industry” facts are not important. Perhaps when they are held accountable, by Elvis Presley Fans or just individuals who want the truth, then they will put as much emphasis into the truth as they do into hyping other “artists” who are (wholly) inferior to the many talents of Elvis Presley. This isn’t to disrespect other “artists” but simply to state the facts and facts should matter even when it comes to VH1.

“Nuff said”.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info

Perhaps the confusion exists because on the day of Elvis’ birth, January 8, 1935, Gladys and Vernon (Elvis’ parents) had only been expecting one child and the named they picked out, if it was a boy, was NOT Elvis Aaron Presley or Elvis Aron Presley but…Jesse Garon Presley (note: as was common in the South they chose the name “Jesse” out of respect to Vernon’s’ Father who was named Jesse). The reason being is that Gladys was not aware that she was having twins although having twins does run in their bloodline/family.

On January 8, 1935 Gladys gave birth to a son, Jesse Garon Presley, who (sadly) was born “stillborn” meaning that he had died. During the emotional torment of just giving birth, and knowing that her child had died, Gladys (to summarize) called out to the attending Doctor that “I think there is another one”. The Doctor checked and yes there was another one – a son – and now Vernon and Gladys had to come up with a name and they choose “Elvis” as that was Vernon’s’ middle name (i.e. Vernon Elvis Presley) and “Aron”. The official paperwork for Elvis birth/delivery confirms the name “Elvis Aron Presley”.

Whether this was the Doctors typographical error, to spell it Aron, or not remains a mystery to this day but it is safe to say that January 8, 1935 was not a day for Gladys or Vernon to be “spell checking” but to celebrate the birth of their son – be thankful that Gladys was doing all right – and to mourn the loss of their first child…Jesse Garon Presley as well as to make burial arrangements.

One fact that has escaped the majority of Elvis Presley Fans, and the applicable “Press”, is that Gladys was pregnant during the years 1942 and 1943 but (sadly) miscarried and this was her final pregnancy. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking for Gladys and Vernon to (again) suffer the loss of a child. Fate, and God, had determined that Elvis would be “an only child”.

Worth noting is that on the Marriage Certificate, of Elvis and Priscilla, dated May 1, 1967 Elvis name continued to be spelled as “Elvis Aron Presley”.

During the 1970′s Elvis assigned Vernon the task of checking with the State of Tennessee, and the Federal Government, about changing the legal spelling of “Aron” to “Aaron” which is the biblical spelling.

Vernon made the calls and to his surprise was told that “somehow it was in the records as already being Aaron”. Vernon shared this with Elvis who was also surprised and used, more and more, the spelling of “Aaron” on documents/signature pages both legal and otherwise.

The fact that Vernon personally confirmed that Elvis’ name was “legally” Elvis Aaron Presley came into consideration (sadly) when Elvis died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. Thus Vernon ordered the engraving, on Elvis’ tombstone/headstone, to reflect the full legal name of “Elvis Aaron Presley”. Many Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide have questioned if this was a “mistake” or some “sign” of Elvis not really being dead. Nothing more could be further from the truth as in spite of enduring spiritual/soulful/painful feelings of loss, of his beloved son Elvis that adversely affected Vernon every remaining day of his life, Vernon simply made sure the engraving appeared correctly.

Interestingly, Elvis was not the first member of his family to change the spelling of his name but it was Vernon’s Father (i.e. Jesse). Jesse was not only Vernon’s Father but also the “ex-husband” of Elvis’ beloved GrandMother who he called “Dodger” (i.e. Minnie Mae Presley).

Jesse, Elvis’ GrandFather, was legally named Jesse D.McDowell Pressley otherwise known as “JD”. During the mid 1800′s the family of “Pressley” first began to use the spelling of “Presley”. This was evident when Vernon was born as and once Elvis became famous Jesse opted to use the same spelling as “Presley”.

Elvis Aron Presley, and Elvis Aaron Presley, were “one and the same” and was – is – and forever will be as unique a man/entertainer/son/grandson/friend/father/etc. regardless of how one spells his middle name.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeffrey Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info