The Good Vs the Evil

[MissyM]

Does anyone else notice that there seems to be this huge line of division (between good and evil) in all people associated with Elvis? What I am talking about it that the people who promote Pricilla stories are on the good side. They get jobs, are not talked badly about by them, and just remain in the good graces of them. (I'm not faulting Lisa because this has been so common for all her life that I don't expect her to think otherwise)
And then there are the bad guys. They are the ones and of course the MM are in that group, who can do nothing right. They are so obviously not in Pricillas good graces.
And with-in that division of sides come the double standard. Pricilla IMO had made mistakes, said and done things that do not promote the dignity of Elvis. And yet, Lisa writes a song about others who she thinks have done so and she gets high fives for it.
The one's who "follow the rules" are welcomed to make money, promote and talk about Elvis and are never questioned about their motives.
The one's who speak the Pricilla language of Elvis are even given more credibility over-all than the one's who don't.
Billy learned early that if you buck the Cilla system, you are an outcast and can be tarred and feathered.
This is not just about the MM, this is about the Cilla movement that started long ago. It started when she moved into Graceland and has grown by leaps and bounds.
Even when it comes to Vernon, Pricilla has no bad words to say about him, and yet Elvis's very own mother she has not used her words wisely. (you'd have to really know Vernon to know how bizarre that is) But wait thats right Vernon was the cash cow link.
Does anyone get the picture here? How valid do you think this is?
And the thing that gets me, is that Elvis did not like division. He himself was so forgiving. He was so generous in accepting people for what they were and loving them anyway. And let me tell you, anyone that helped the one's he loved he thought well of.
So much of what has gone down is contrary to Elvis.
Sorry if I'm ranting but I needed to get this off my chest.

[ksimms2]

I truly believe Elvis is "turning over in his grave" with the way things have been handled after his death. I think he is disappointed in the lot of them.....all of them in some form or another.

[cprimm]

I truly believe Elvis is "turning over in his grave" with the way things have been handled after his death. I think he is disappointed in the lot of them.....all of them in some form or another.

I agree with you. Who else could be an ex-wife and end up with the fortune that she has accumulated when she was left nothing in the will. I agree that he must be "turning over in his grave".

[cameron]

I've never been a Priscilla or a Vernon fan; so, no....I don't "get it."
I'd just like the truth to be told for once instead of all the gossip.
I'm not partial to any of them.

It does seem that some went on with their lives and got a real job instead of riding Elvis' coat tails . Others {on both sides of the Elvis story} have just contributed more gossip.
In which case; I tend to ignore them all and try to find out for myself.

[Getlo]

How valid do you think this is?


I truly believe Elvis is "turning over in his grave" with the way things have been handled after his death. I think he is disappointed in the lot of them.....all of them in some form or another.


You're both spot-on here ...

[ksimms2]

I've never been a Priscilla or a Vernon fan; so, no....I don't "get it."
I'd just like the truth to be told for once instead of all the gossip.
I'm not partial to any of them.

It does seem that some went on with their lives and got a real job instead of riding Elvis' coat tails . Others {on both sides of the Elvis story} have just contributed more gossip.
In which case; I tend to ignore them all and try to find out for myself.

Cameron, I 100% agree with that statement......enough already.....tell the darn truth! Don't they think after 30 years that we can handle it? I don't think it will take away from Elvis' fame not one bit - do you?

[cameron]

Cameron, I 100% agree with that statement......enough already.....tell the darn truth! Don't they think after 30 years that we can handle it? I don't think it will take away from Elvis' fame not one bit - do you?
With all the hateful lies and gossip that's been out here ; no, I don't believe the truth could hurt him any more.

[Getlo]

More lies and mistruths have come from Priscilla than from any of the MM ...

[MissyM]

I don't think so either K- anything not so great can easily be offset by good stuff, by far!!!!!

[Diane]

I agree, there does seem to be a huge division caused by Priscilla. What I could never understand, and never will, is how she got so much power and $$$ from a man she was only married to a few years and jumped ship when the going just started to get rough. I can't feel she deserves all she got.

Good thing she didn't go ahead with that abortion or she would be out in the cold now. No way could things have gone as they did if she wasn't the mother of Elvis' child.

Diane

[MissyM]

And really, is where is the need for all of it. What purpose does it serve? I just don't understand. Opinions are one thing, we all have our way of looking at things. But even the fans here, as different as we can be, somehow always get back on track and find a common bond. Adoration for a man who gave so much. So why the heck can that not be done. Well, too late now, the bad blood has been brewing for 30 years. And it's a dog gone shame if you ask me. It really bothers me when I see this in families and friends. Some people just feel powerful I think in being able to divide and conquer. But there is no way I will think that it is what Elvis would have wanted. He couldn't stand the fussing. And we all know that in the back of our minds, and I think that is why most often people here back off, lighten up, and let things go. That is one thing that I really like about this place.

[cameron]

And really, is where is the need for all of it. What purpose does it serve? I just don't understand. Opinions are one thing, we all have our way of looking at things. But even the fans here, as different as we can be, somehow always get back on track and find a common bond. Adoration for a man who gave so much. So why the heck can that not be done. Well, too late now, the bad blood has been brewing for 30 years. And it's a dog gone shame if you ask me. It really bothers me when I see this in families and friends. Some people just feel powerful I think in being able to divide and conquer. But there is no way I will think that it is what Elvis would have wanted. He couldn't stand the fussing. And we all know that in the back of our minds, and I think that is why most often people here back off, lighten up, and let things go. That is one thing that I really like about this place.
I don't "adore" Elvis, but I do admire him.
As to stopping the fussing and fighting....it begins with us and it's never too late, IMO.

[SleepyJack]

I guess in the grand scheme of things nothing can actually harm Elvis anymore,and I think his memory would survive without all that business and enterprise crap that those he left behind have become so obsessive and successful from.To be honest I am sick of the whole soap-opera that is Priscilla,the estate etc.....I just want to relax and enjoy the wonderful music he made,watch him on the screen....all of the happiness and memories he left........Leave those other money grabbers to their own devices.

[Diane]

Loved your comments Cameron and SleepyJack...couldn't agree more. I'm also tired of all the needless bickering between the people Elvis left behind and some fans.

Diane

[utmom2008]

What I could never understand, and never will, is how she got so much power and $$$ from a man she was only married to a few years and jumped ship when the going just started to get rough. I can't feel she deserves all she got.

Good thing she didn't go ahead with that abortion or she would be out in the cold now. No way could things have gone as they did if she wasn't the mother of Elvis' child.

Diane

These are some of the best thoughts I've read in awhile Diane....good job!;)

[KPM]

I truly believe Elvis is "turning over in his grave" with the way things have been handled after his death. I think he is disappointed in the lot of them.....all of them in some form or another.
IMO All who were in the Elvis circle-family, friends, and employees share in this.

[Diane]

I totally agree! (y)(y)(y)

Diane

[Wendy56]

Does anyone get the picture here?... Elvis did not like division. He himself was so forgiving. He was so generous in accepting people for what they were and loving them anyway. And let me tell you, anyone that helped the one's he loved he thought well of.
So much of what has gone down is contrary to Elvis.
Sorry if I'm ranting but I needed to get this off my chest.

I see the point. But like you say, Elvis was so generous with all... I think all (famous) persons have that kind of troubles. I feel sorry for Elvis, because he didn't deserve to be surrounded by that kind of people (like the "betrayers", as I call them... Those ones who wrote the What happened... book, for example). (n)

[Awickedreigndrop]

Wow this is a nice thread you've started Missy!
I agree with everyone on here, you've all made some good points(y)
Usually(well in my family) when death occurs it kinda brings us closer to one another because we never know how long we're going to be here. But it seems in Elvis' death it had the opposite effect and it's sad. I have never been the type to take sides, maybe it's a Libra thing. They should be sticking together not pulling one another apart and taking sides. Maybe there's some truth to the quote "Money is the root to all evil".

[Getlo]

Adoration for a man who gave so much.

Sorry, but I do not adore Elvis ...

[Getlo]

(like the "betrayers", as I call them... Those ones who wrote the What happened... book, for example). (n)

You seem to forget Elvis was a betrayer in that relationship as well. Getting his dad to fire his friends after so long was the wrong thing to do.

And EWH was essentially truthful, albeit couched in some sensationalistic writing ...

[MissyM]

Next time I'll put "except for Getlo" in parenthisis! No, if you see EFG, that will be the short version for it. Oh, wait, no I'm to lazy for that. Just consider I am talking generalities and you may not be included in them.
I just wish it would stop. But I'm not sure even Henry Kissinger could accomplish it. The feud has been going on too long. And we wonder why Elvis was upset!

[cameron]

You seem to forget Elvis was a betrayer in that relationship as well. Getting his dad to fire his friends after so long was the wrong thing to do.

And EWH was essentially truthful, albeit couched in some sensationalistic writing ...

I don't think there's any comparison in firing someone to what "they" did to Elvis.
You can believe what you want; but that book wasn't written to help anyone, except to make money for the ones that wrote it ....and out of spite and vindictiveness .

[MissyM]

Ok, I will not argue the intent of the writers. I never like that it was put out there at all. But why didn't Elvis say to the guys, hey, let's put all of this behind us. You guys come back, and we'll drop the whole thing. Unfortunately it played out very negatively. And why in the hell did Vernon not call them and straighten things out for gosh sakes. He dropped it in Elvis's lap to deal with knowing full well that it was a ticking bomb! What was he thinking would happen??? Why not get a court order to stop it??? They had a copy ahead of time. There are so many things surrounding this that I don't understand.

[Getlo]

that book wasn't written to help anyone, except to make money for the ones that wrote it ....and out of spite and vindictiveness .

By Sonny's own admission, it was partly written for revenge ... at first. And the writers had every right to be pissed off. Every right.

The dedication inside the front cover - remember, it was written before Elvis died - is a plea to Elvis to get his you-know-what together, and it was also intended to be a message to the drug culture, and those who supplied the crap to Elvis and other celebrities.

To say it was written only for revenge is inaccurate and somewhat naive.

[cameron]

Ok, I will not argue the intent of the writers. I never like that it was put out there at all. But why didn't Elvis say to the guys, hey, let's put all of this behind us. You guys come back, and we'll drop the whole thing. Unfortunately it played out very negatively. And why in the hell did Vernon not call them and straighten things out for gosh sakes. He dropped it in Elvis's lap to deal with knowing full well that it was a ticking bomb! What was he thinking would happen??? Why not get a court order to stop it??? They had a copy ahead of time. There are so many things surrounding this that I don't understand.

Red: OK, and if, let me say one more thing before you hang up. If everybody is worried about the book, tell them not to. Man, I mean including yourself. Ah, we’re writing the good stuff Elvis, people, the things...

Elvis: Worried about, worried about the book? Well ah, I don’t think so.

Red: OK.

Elvis: Not on, not on my part.

Red: OK. Good. Because I was ah, out, I was broke. I was made an offer to write the book. I said I’ll write the book if I can tell all from day one the good, good days. He said all right, whatever

[Getlo]

But why didn't Elvis say to the guys, hey, let's put all of this behind us. You guys come back, and we'll drop the whole thing.

Elvis offered the boys money ... that's right, a bribe ... to not publish the book. And it was more money than they could have ever hoped to make with the publication of EWH (the total of which turned out to be negligible anyway). They refused the offer.


And why in the hell did Vernon not call them and straighten things out for gosh sakes.

Vernon, although generally dumb as a box of hammers, was also a cheapskate and a manipulator. He was more interested in saving money by not having the boys around anymore.


Why not get a court order to stop it???

What, a court order to stop the truth being written? In a general sense, there is nothing in EWH that is not true. Elvis knew that. He had to have known. It would never have made it to court, but if it had, the whole sorry mess would've been exposed ... and so would Elvis' lifestyle.

[cameron]

What, a court order to stop the truth being written? In a general sense, there is nothing in EWH that is not true. Elvis knew that. He had to have known. It would never have made it to court, but if it had, the whole sorry mess would've been exposed ... and so would Elvis' lifestyle.

It was ..by their book. If they wanted to help Elvis ; why didn't they do it before they were fired?

[presley31]

It was ..by their book. If they wanted to help Elvis ; why didn't they do it before they were fired?

good point cameron:)

[cameron]

By Sonny's own admission, it was partly written for revenge ... at first. And the writers had every right to be pissed off. Every right.

The dedication inside the front cover - remember, it was written before Elvis died - is a plea to Elvis to get his you-know-what together, and it was also intended to be a message to the drug culture, and those who supplied the crap to Elvis and other celebrities.

To say it was written only for revenge is inaccurate and somewhat naive.

Actually, it was written after Elvis died .....and not by any of the MM.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/zorahday/EWH.jpg

[ksimms2]

It was ..by their book. If they wanted to help Elvis ; why didn't they do it before they were fired?

they did try helping him before they were fired - Elvis wanted nobody's help. So I guess once they were fired - to them it was the last straw. I can see why they were upset about the way they were fired - after all those years with no severence pay (maybe a weeks severence?) this was all they knew.....so I can kind of understand why they did what they did. They were probably tired of all the secrecy and cover up surrounding Elvis' lifestyle and drug use. Even when you see them talk about him - you can tell they care - during their press conference on the book - you can tell they care......some things just can't be covered up - their emotions come through.

[riley]

diane

your quote:

No way could things have gone as they did if she wasn't the mother of Elvis' child.

end quote




you are so right here , women;)

[presley31]

Actually, it was written after Elvis died .....and not by any of the MM.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/zorahday/EWH.jpg


thanks cameron:D interesting

[cameron]

they did try helping him before they were fired - Elvis wanted nobody's help. So I guess once they were fired - to them it was the last straw. I can see why they were upset about the way they were fired - after all those years with no severence pay (maybe a weeks severence?) this was all they knew.....so I can kind of understand why they did what they did. They were probably tired of all the secrecy and cover up surrounding Elvis' lifestyle and drug use. Even when you see them talk about him - you can tell they care - during their press conference on the book - you can tell they care......some things just can't be covered up - their emotions come through.
The only one I saw very upset was Billy Smith.

I also think Red West regrets that book. Not Dunleavy, not Dave Hebler and certainly not Sonny. It was just a CYA , IMO.

[presley31]

The only one I saw very upset was Billy Smith.

I also think Red West regrets that book. Not Dunleavy, not Dave Hebler and certainly not Sonny. It was just a CYA , IMO.

I have to agree there :D

[john carpenter]

I tend to dislike some of the MM.. Red for one,but i like Sonny.I do'nt like Lamar Fike because he seems to be a bitter man. And Lamar loathes Priscilla. I do'nt hate Priscilla, but i wish she would come-off that Widow bullcrap.I do'nt like Larry Geller. I like Joe Esposito and the late Charlie Hodge.And i love Lisa Marie. I also like Jerry Shilling. I had to get that off my chest. Thank you for reading my rants. LOL

[Getlo]

Actually, it was written after Elvis died .....and not by any of the MM.

Er, no.

That may be what it says in your edition of the book, but in my edition - a first-run, US pressing which I am looking at right now - the "maybe just maybe" dedication is written as it was originally intended.

[Getlo]

and certainly not Sonny.

Wrong. So wrong.

Have you read Sonny's latest tome? (I already know the answer to that).

Have you spent any one-on-one time with him? I have. And he does indeed regret the fallout from EWH, and how it was originally handled by Dunleavy and the publishers.

[Getlo]

why didn't they do it before they were fired?

Because it would have exposed Elvis to the world for what he was, and there was still a chance Elvis could've saved himself.

The boys had every right to give their side of the story. The firing was the final straw.

[Alessia]

So I guess once they were fired - to them it was the last straw. I can see why they were upset about the way they were fired - after all those years with no severence pay (maybe a weeks severence?) this was all they knew.....so I can kind of understand why they did what they did.

They were all grown men and should have found jobs with security and benefits. They chose to work for Elvis, and they had to know that wasn't exactly the equivalent of working for IBM. The MM are just as responsible for the choices they made concerning their lives and their employment as Elvis is for his.

But then the entire setup with the MM always has struck me as adolescent and unhealthy for all of them. Elvis should have learned to branch out and deal with new types of people, while the MM (particularly the ones who were married and had children) should have found stable jobs that didn't depend on the whims of a celebrity.

[Getlo]

some things just can't be covered up - their emotions come through.

Exactly.

I have sat this close (imagine my hands about two feet apart here) with Sonny as he teared up telling me his story and his feelings about EWH and the tragedy that wa Elvis.

Believe me, he's not that great an actor to be faking what he's feeling. Nobody could.

[Getlo]

They were all grown men and should have found jobs with security and benefits.

Elvis should have paid them more, and offered them proper job security, benefits etc.

It works both ways ...

[Alessia]

Elvis should have paid them more, and offered them proper job security, benefits etc.

It works both ways ...

He didn't, and they still chose to remain. That's on them, unless the responsibility for all of their decisions is shifted to Elvis.

And personally I don't think Elvis should have had that setup. His choice, but IMO a bad one. The whole thing strikes me as like a bunch of overgrown frat boys -- and as I said, unhealthy for all of them.

It would have been much better for all of them if Elvis had kept a distinction between friends and employees. Blurring the line to me is a mistake.

[cameron]

Wrong. So wrong.

Have you read Sonny's latest tome? (I already know the answer to that).

Have you spent any one-on-one time with him? I have. And he does indeed regret the fallout from EWH, and how it was originally handled by Dunleavy and the publishers.
Actually, I did read Sonny's book. Have I spent time with him? That's something I have no desire to do.
I bet he does "regret the fallout of the book."
He was the "big talker" at that press conference right after Elvis' death.......

[cameron]

Er, no.

That may be what it says in your edition of the book, but in my edition - a first-run, US pressing which I am looking at right now - the "maybe just maybe" dedication is written as it was originally intended.
Mine says August 1977, and this was added .
But, I'd be happy to read what you have.Just scan it and post it.

[cameron]

They were all grown men and should have found jobs with security and benefits. They chose to work for Elvis, and they had to know that wasn't exactly the equivalent of working for IBM. The MM are just as responsible for the choices they made concerning their lives and their employment as Elvis is for his.

But then the entire setup with the MM always has struck me as adolescent and unhealthy for all of them. Elvis should have learned to branch out and deal with new types of people, while the MM (particularly the ones who were married and had children) should have found stable jobs that didn't depend on the whims of a celebrity.

I agree . I haven't liked everything I've discovered about Elvis. But, these were also grown men; they should have been able to take care of themselves .

[Diane]

Wonderful post Countdown! They acted like spiteful spoiled children instead of "taking care of business" for themselves like other grown men.

Diane

[Getlo]

They acted like spiteful spoiled children instead of "taking care of business" for themselves like other grown men.

Elvis included ...

[utmom2008]

Er, no.

That may be what it says in your edition of the book, but in my edition - a first-run, US pressing which I am looking at right now - the "maybe just maybe" dedication is written as it was originally intended.
Can you scan what yours says? Mine was bought in early August 77 and it says the same thing as what's posted above...

[Getlo]

Can you scan what yours says? Mine was bought in early August 77 and it says the same thing as what's posted above...

No scanner ... way too high-tech for me!

[cameron]

Can't you feel the love and friendship? All of a sudden they weren't getting paid enough? Yes, he's a friend and we are so concerned, let's write a book that we know won't be good for his image and millions of people, including his daughter can read. Oh, it's not the drugs, the MM would be dead if that was the case. They partied and had quite the share of drug intake themselves. And now, it's "oh we loved him so, we were just trying to help him". What about the friendship bond and no leaks of information? Remember that guys? You knew you would be hired back. Just let everything cool down , that's all that had to happen. No, you had to write the book and now everybody and his brother is speculating and blowing everything out of proportion. And you wonder how anyone could doubt you. You ruined the trust and after that you can't be trusted any longer.

(y)(y) You "got it" Countdown. :P

The press conference :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkWds8YuCAU

[MissyM]

Oh heavens, they partied, the did drugs, they messed with women! How many men in that situation at that age do people think would resist that?? And especially when your boss is doing it too. Nope not an excuse for their actions at all. But mercy you would have thought that they were lighting cats on fire or something. I just wonder how many men/women can honestly say they would not have done so or haven't done some of the above. And that takes me back to the original topic: guess it was ok for some and not others. What did Joe do? What did Schilling do? Nothing? How about Linda? And yet they remain in the inner circle still reaping the benefits Pricilla allows. This does not have a thing to do with books written after Elvis's death/or things said about him because they all did it. This is about what they get blamed for when he was alive. Look at Ginger. She is allowed to be visible but only to a point. Why? Well we all know in the back of everone's mind the blame she gets. I guess if you (on your own) were smart enough to abandon the man, walk away when he needed you most, you receive a "get out of jail free card."
The only exceptions we have here are Joe and Jerry. So someone tell me why they remained in Pricilla's good graces all these years. Then you will know the standard by which the double standard is applied.

[Diane]

I agree that Elvis also acted immature in the way he let Red, Sonny and Dave go but he didn't write a book about all their personal private moments and tell the whole world about it.....that might have been a heck of a lot more interesting read than EWH by a long shot!!! :)

Diane

[presley31]

Can't you feel the love and friendship? All of a sudden they weren't getting paid enough? Yes, he's a friend and we are so concerned, let's write a book that we know won't be good for his image and millions of people, including his daughter can read. Oh, it's not the drugs, the MM would be dead if that was the case. They partied and had quite the share of drug intake themselves. And now, it's "oh we loved him so, we were just trying to help him". What about the friendship bond and no leaks of information? Remember that guys? You knew you would be hired back. Just let everything cool down , that's all that had to happen. No, you had to write the book and now everybody and his brother is speculating and blowing everything out of proportion. And you wonder how anyone could doubt you. You ruined the trust and after that you can't be trusted any longer.

agree with the others, wonderful post.:D

[cameron]

I've no idea, Missy. You'd have to ask Priscilla that .
I guess like all of us, some people you like, some you don't.

As to any family members; I wouldn't want or expect a thing. When my mother died; I left everything to my sister.She was still in college, I figured she needed it more than I did.

[presley31]

I agree that Elvis also acted immature in the way he let Red, Sonny and Dave go but he didn't write a book about all their personal private moments and tell the whole world about it.....that might have been a heck of a lot more interesting read than EWH by a long shot!!! :)

Diane

Too right diane, now that would be a book that l would love to have read:D

[cameron]

Too right diane, now that would be a book that l would love to have read:D

:hmm: Maybe I should be researching their lives so I could write a book.
{just to help them, of course :P }

[presley31]

:hmm: Maybe I should be researching their lives so I could write a book.
{just to help them, of course :P }

well that would be exciting to see what there privates lives are all about:lol:

[KPM]

Elvis should have paid them more, and offered them proper job security, benefits etc.

It works both ways ...
They made about the same as my step-dad during the same years he was a service manager for a large car dealership-he made about $100 a week before taxes.
That seemed like a lot in the mid-70's. He had health insurance through the company-with a large deductable for major medical claim. If I recall anyone who was sick in the group-Elvis took care of. As far as a pension, my step dad had a deduction of $5 a week which the company matched-and Social Security taken out like all workers.
My step dad was with this dealership from about 62 till 69 then he went to work at a larger one with better money-partly because the money&benefits were better. I never got to see how much better because my mom divorced him in 70.

[KPM]

Oh heavens, they partied, the did drugs, they messed with women! How many men in that situation at that age do people think would resist that?? And especially when your boss is doing it too. Nope not an excuse for their actions at all. But mercy you would have thought that they were lighting cats on fire or something. I just wonder how many men/women can honestly say they would not have done so or haven't done some of the above. And that takes me back to the original topic: guess it was ok for some and not others. What did Joe do? What did Schilling do? Nothing? How about Linda? And yet they remain in the inner circle still reaping the benefits Pricilla allows. This does not have a thing to do with books written after Elvis's death/or things said about him because they all did it. This is about what they get blamed for when he was alive. Look at Ginger. She is allowed to be visible but only to a point. Why? Well we all know in the back of everone's mind the blame she gets. I guess if you (on your own) were smart enough to abandon the man, walk away when he needed you most, you receive a "get out of jail free card."
The only exceptions we have here are Joe and Jerry. So someone tell me why they remained in Pricilla's good graces all these years. Then you will know the standard by which the double standard is applied.
Let me be the devils advocate-perhaps they just had a better personal relationship in the years she was with Elvis.
Its no secret from what I have read many family member and friends of Elvis did not like Priscilla (resented her) when she moved in to Graceland- and she felt a lot of them were not needed and resented them always around. (From what I've read even Vernon thought Elvis kept too many around) They all tolerated each other because Elvis wanted Priscilla there and he wanted the guys around. So now with Elvis gone- why would most of them want to be around her or expect to be around her? IMO There is no love lost on either side.

[MissyM]

Well there ya go, KPM. Cilla always liked Joe and wanted Joe, Joannie, Elvis and her to be best Hollywood friends. And she always like Schilling because she thought he had more control of Elvis. And Linda, well Lisa loved her. (I'm personally glad Lisa had Linda to turn to) But the fact remains Cilla thought Jerry and Joe were the smart ones.
I guess it is natural in a way. You stay friends with those who you feel will be the loyalist to you. But to say any of them is better, than the other is nonsense to me.
I give all of them credit for being Elvis's friends. That I value because Elvis did too. In my mind, they all made mistakes at one time or another. But they were all his friends and apparently people he needed. Maybe I am able to cut some a bit of slack because the one's who stuck it out to the very end, well that means something because I wouldn't have wanted Elvis to go through that at that point in his life. (losing friends)

[utmom2008]

No scanner ... way too high-tech for me!
:lol: I understand....I can't do it either!! :D

[utmom2008]

When my mother died; I left everything to my sister.

Cameron...did you mean that when your Mother died she left everything to your sister??:hmm::doh:

[Miss Clawdy]

Actually, it was written after Elvis died .....and not by any of the MM.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/zorahday/EWH.jpg

'The original publication date of this book was August 1, 1977....'
doesn't that mean this book is a second edition because the first and
original publication was 2 weeks prior to his death..... anyone gets my point? :doh:

[KPM]

thanks cameron:D interesting
EWH was written before Elvis died and it was in stores before Elvis died.
Red, Sonny and Dave did not write it out right-STAR tabloid writer Steve Dunleavy did the actual writing but not after many interviews with Red, Sonny and Dave. The negative tone of the book was because Dunleavy wrote it like he was writing a STAR tabloid article.
The article you posted shows it was published on August 1, 1977-15 days before Elvis died.
I got my copy of this book on Monday August 15, 1977 and read it all night long.

[cameron]

Cameron...did you mean that when your Mother died she left everything to your sister??:hmm::doh:

No, my mom died unexpectedly. She was at work, had a heart attack and was gone at 56. I went and helped my sister get everything straightened out. Bank, insurance, funeral etc. But, I wanted nothing really. I wanted my sister to have it.

[cameron]

'The original publication date of this book was August 1, 1977....'
doesn't that mean this book is a second edition because the first and
original publication was 2 weeks prior to his death..... anyone gets my point? :doh:
I get it. My book says August 1, 1977.

[poormansgold]

I think That Sonny West was one work for Elvis long Time . another two work for Elvis about two years. That's get me upset about the book.
tOm

[cameron]

EWH was written before Elvis died and it was in stores before Elvis died.
Red, Sonny and Dave did not write it out right-STAR tabloid writer Steve Dunleavy did the actual writing but not after many interviews with Red, Sonny and Dave. The negative tone of the book was because Dunleavy wrote it like he was writing a STAR tabloid article.
The article you posted shows it was published on August 1, 1977-15 days before Elvis died.
I got my copy of this book on Monday August 15, 1977 and read it all night long.
I agree...it says in the front: First Edition Aug.1, 1977 and Fourth Printing August 1977. So, I'm guessing ..the publisher put it in there after the death??

[rickb]

I think Elvis' nervous state about `the book' clearly caused him to take more medication to calm himself for the tour - just like he did before the Omaha show when he was in view of the cameras.
When it comes to villains in the Elvis world, Priscilla is up there for portraying the `grieving widow' (she wasn't - she was divorced) and capitalising by keeping the Presley name.
But the ol' money-grabbing Colonel must head the most wanted list
rick

[utmom2008]

I think That Sonny West was one work for Elvis long Time . another two work for Elvis about two years. That's get me upset about the book.
tOm
No, Tom.....Dave Hebler was the only newcomer to the group.

[SweetCaroline]

Can't you feel the love and friendship? All of a sudden they weren't getting paid enough? Yes, he's a friend and we are so concerned, let's write a book that we know won't be good for his image and millions of people, including his daughter can read. Oh, it's not the drugs, the MM would be dead if that was the case. They partied and had quite the share of drug intake themselves. And now, it's "oh we loved him so, we were just trying to help him". What about the friendship bond and no leaks of information? Remember that guys? You knew you would be hired back. Just let everything cool down , that's all that had to happen. No, you had to write the book and now everybody and his brother is speculating and blowing everything out of proportion. And you wonder how anyone could doubt you. You ruined the trust and after that you can't be trusted any longer.

Perfect post! :notworthy:notworthy:notworthy
and so were Cameron's. Could not have said it better myself.

Let's think about this. We can talk about Priscilla dividing everyone in the close circle (and the fans)...but what if that book EWH had not been written? There would be so much LESS division among the fans....and a whole lot more support for the players that feel so disenfranchised. There would still be division and rancor I suppose, but the ones feeling so left out would have had a whole lot more fan support than they do!

[TCBnAflash]

I don't get how she's been, Priscilla "Presley" after all theses years. When ever I see that name, It just sends chills up my spine. Talk about obvious gold digger traits.
And that was her families motives from day one.

[TCBnAflash]

Sometimes I think if, Elvis What Happened, was never written, would Elvis still be alive today?

[cameron]

I don't get how she's been, Priscilla "Presley" after all theses years. When ever I see that name, It just sends chills up my spine. Talk about obvious gold digger traits.
And that was her families motives from day one.

My ex-wife still goes by my last name . Most do unless they get married again. Especially when they have children. There's nothing unusual or bad about it. It's just a fact.

[cameron]

Well there ya go, KPM. Cilla always liked Joe and wanted Joe, Joannie, Elvis and her to be best Hollywood friends. And she always like Schilling because she thought he had more control of Elvis. And Linda, well Lisa loved her. (I'm personally glad Lisa had Linda to turn to) But the fact remains Cilla thought Jerry and Joe were the smart ones.
I guess it is natural in a way. You stay friends with those who you feel will be the loyalist to you. But to say any of them is better, than the other is nonsense to me.
I give all of them credit for being Elvis's friends. That I value because Elvis did too. In my mind, they all made mistakes at one time or another. But they were all his friends and apparently people he needed. Maybe I am able to cut some a bit of slack because the one's who stuck it out to the very end, well that means something because I wouldn't have wanted Elvis to go through that at that point in his life. (losing friends)

Priscilla didn't always get along with Joe.

://www.elvisinfonet.com/vcdreview_homevideos_esposito.html

A video fondly remembered from the late 1980s is Joe Esposito's Home Movies of Elvis.

Available for a short time principally through fan clubs, the video became the subject of legal action by EPE and resulted in a settlement where ownership of the hime movies lay with EPE. One enterprising person has now transferred the video to VCD format.

[utmom2008]

Sometimes I think if, Elvis What Happened, was never written, would Elvis still be alive today?
No...he would not be alive. The book did not literally kill him.

[Wendy56]

I don't think there's any comparison in firing someone to what "they" did to Elvis.
You can believe what you want; but that book wasn't written to help anyone, except to make money for the ones that wrote it ....and out of spite and vindictiveness .
I agree ABSOLUTELY with you, cameron. (y) I saw (in a E! tv-show) that the firing was gonna be temporary only. Don't remember the exact motive, but I don't think Elvis did it for a bad reason. Also, I remember Sonny talking about the book: he said that he and the others wrote it because they were mad to Elvis at that time. That's SO BAD. (n) You cannot do something like it to a friend. :'(

[MissyM]

Priscilla didn't always get along with Joe.

://www.elvisinfonet.com/vcdreview_homevideos_esposito.html

A video fondly remembered from the late 1980s is Joe Esposito's Home Movies of Elvis.

Available for a short time principally through fan clubs, the video became the subject of legal action by EPE and resulted in a settlement where ownership of the hime movies lay with EPE. One enterprising person has now transferred the video to VCD format.
------------------------------------------------------------
Just because EPE sued for the rights of the video doesn't mean that they don't have an amnicable relationship. Joe was paid (and probably a nice price) for that footage in the end. And BTW what ever happened to all that footage??? My understanding, through reading Elvisly Yours, is that much of the footage has never been released. Don't know if that is correct or not.
But for the sake of arguement let's speculate for a moment: Had it been one of the guys on the poop list, what do you think would have happened. I'd bet a good penny that they would have been sued, the video confiscated and they would not have recieved a red cent.
And it sure seems to me that once Joe was willing to settle with EPE, all was well once again. If not you wouldn't see his face on many things EPE produces. I'm not knocking Joe, make no mistake about that. He does what he has to do.

[cameron]

------------------------------------------------------------
Just because EPE sued for the rights of the video doesn't mean that they don't have an amnicable relationship. Joe was paid (and probably a nice price) for that footage in the end. And BTW what ever happened to all that footage??? My understanding, through reading Elvisly Yours, is that much of the footage has never been released. Don't know if that is correct or not.
But for the sake of arguement let's speculate for a moment: Had it been one of the guys on the poop list, what do you think would have happened. I'd bet a good penny that they would have been sued, the video confiscated and they would not have recieved a red cent.
And it sure seems to me that once Joe was willing to settle with EPE, all was well once again. If not you wouldn't see his face on many things EPE produces. I'm not knocking Joe, make no mistake about that. He does what he has to do.
I hope you don't take this wrong.
I sorta remember when all that occured between EPE and Joe. I never did like Joe, but this stuff never bothered me one way or another. It never stopped any of us from going to Memphis; didn't stop us seeing and buying EP's movies, music or anything like that.

I guess I'm not sure why anyone cares about any of this to let it upset them. As an outsider ,I'm just glad we still have what's out here that they share. Some may be related by blood in some fashion; but any anger IMO, just hurts themselves. I have no quarrel with any of them.
They do as they see fit; whether we like it or not the name of ELVIS is a commodity they sell. It's big business and I don't share nor do I want to, in any income they make off of him. I loved Elvis the man, the rest is all BS to me and even if I was related in any way.....Elvis and Vernon had the right to do what they wanted .

[KPM]

I hope you don't take this wrong.
I sorta remember when all that occured between EPE and Joe. I never did like Joe, but this stuff never bothered me one way or another. It never stopped any of us from going to Memphis; didn't stop us seeing and buying EP's movies, music or anything like that.

I guess I'm not sure why anyone cares about any of this to let it upset them. As an outsider ,I'm just glad we still have what's out here that they share. Some may be related by blood in some fashion; but any anger IMO, just hurts themselves. I have no quarrel with any of them.
They do as they see fit; whether we like it or not the name of ELVIS is a commodity they sell. It's big business and I don't share nor do I want to, in any income they make off of him. I loved Elvis the man, the rest is all BS to me and even if I was related in any way.....Elvis and Vernon had the right to do what they wanted .
I believe the reason the videos were awarded to EPE is that Joe was taking the movies at Elvis's instruction, with equipment Elvis presumably owned or bought for that purpose-so the films would have been Elvis's.

[cameron]

http://www.elvisspecialties.com/catalog/joe_esposito_s_my_home_movies_of_elvis_presley_vid eo_3332427.htm
Here is a link that says you can buy this tape for $40.00 .
It says it was updated Jan.2008.
No idea as I don't think I'll be buying it.

[MissyM]

No, I didn't take it badly at all Cameron. How you feel is how you feel and I can understand it.

[MissyM]

Oh, who is Ace Anderson and how can he sell that footage???? Now I am confused!

[Princesspixie]

Evil is not worth speaking of.
It is a waste of time.
Remember the good times.
Forget the haters for what they say is pointless now.