Who earned their keep?

[MissyM]

Let's face it, Elvis was generous, and he was a "Corporation".

Besides Lisa, who do you think earned what they profitted from being in his life, working for him, ect. (when he was alive and after he died) Who do you think actually earned the highest amount of money and assests overall? Did they earn it?

[KPM]

I guess that depends on what you mean by earn? Lisa did not really earn it, she inherited it. They guys who worked for him while he was alive-earned their keep in Elvis's eyes and were paid with salaries, trips, gifts of cars houses motorcycles etc....After he died the ones who wrote books, made videos, helped write books, screenplays, worked with tribute acts etc......they had the right to tell the story-it was their life also. That said ,
it would seem that a time might come when they have told their story sufficiently and have said all they wanted to say-31 years later that time evidently has yet to come. So money has most assuridly been made by most involved and still is being made.
I would not venture a guess as to who profited most-have no idea. But all have made some cash.
I guess I could rephrase the question and ask
"Who would Elvis feel, after all is said and done over the last 31 years, deserves to have profited the most?"

[Diane]

Lisa only earned her inheritance by right of being Elvis' daughter...and she did and does love him very much. Personally, I think she stays out of the financial side of Graceland not only because she's like her dad in not liking to handle it and because she's not fond of the idea that it had to be turned into a tourist attraction..despite the money it earns her. I think she always wishes there could have been another answer.

As to who earned and deserved what they got from Elvis, my first choice would be Charlie Hodge, Ed Parker for the time he was with him, and then possibly Jerry Shelling and Larry Geller in their own way......all people Elvis was able to talk to to some degree. I feel the rest weren't very honest so didn't deserve what they got nor were they interested in his emotional well-being.

Diane

[ElvisPresleyUK]

Lisa only earned her inheritance by right of being Elvis' daughter...and she did and does love him very much. Personally, I think she stays out of the financial side of Graceland not only because she's like her dad in not liking to handle it and because she's not fond of the idea that it had to be turned into a tourist attraction..despite the money it earns her. I think she always wishes there could have been another answer.

As to who earned and deserved what they got from Elvis, my first choice would be Charlie Hodge, Ed Parker for the time he was with him, and then possibly Jerry Shelling and Larry Geller in their own way......all people Elvis was able to talk to to some degree. I feel the rest weren't very honest so didn't deserve what they got nor were they interested in his emotional well-being.

Diane

couldn't agree more (y)....there were, and still are, many people around Elvis that were there purely for the money it gave them..not for the true friendship of such a great man

[ehollier]

Who earned it???? It is my personal opinion that those who were part of Elvis' circle -- whether it be the MM or Linda or Priscilla -- I think that they have earned what is due. Elvis was fun, generous, spontaneous, but he was also brutal, destructive, and promiscuous. For those who have written books about their times spent with Elvis, whether it be working for him or married to him or nursing him back to health b/c of his terribly destructive lifestyle, I say "They earned it!!!!"

[cameron]

I'd say they all earned their money while they were there .
It should have ended 8/16/77 though, IMO !

[john carpenter]

I think the Memphis Mafia was paid a very low salary. But Elvis gave them cars, houses ect, and they would sometime (i'd have to guess) have to sell things Elvis gave them to supliment their income. Everyone benefited by being Elvis' friends. Of course Lisa inherited her dads' estate. And she deserves more than anyone. Priscilla on the other hand does her part in keeping Graceland going. Even though she seemed to me to be a gold digger.:mad:

[Diane]

You forgot that Elvis paid a lot for their medical and forked over quite a bit of money for loans that were never paid back...so no, I feel they had more than enough from him. If they bought homes that were beyond their financial means to keep up from working for him....tough luck.

Diane

[Donut]

When he was alive all of them earned what they were getting (the ones that worked for him), but after he died not anyone earned anything at all in my opinion because he owned nothing to anybody, with this I mean MM, Priscilla or whatever, not even his daughter because she had a mother to take care of her.

[Broussey]

I'd say they all earned their money while they were there .
It should have ended 8/16/77 though, IMO !



I would say the same thing (y)

[KPM]

When he was alive all of them earned what they were getting (the ones that worked for him), but after he died not anyone earned anything at all in my opinion because he owned nothing to anybody, with this I mean MM, Priscilla or whatever, not even his daughter because she had a mother to take care of her.
Correct he owed nothing to Lisa except what Elvis himself felt he owed her-or just out and out wanted to leave her as far as his money, property, etc.
Some parents as they age make decisions when it comes to adult children-who deserves what the most, who should get what and why, who has been there for us when we have needed a hand...... so for adult kids I think some consideration should be given to who gets what etc....
But when kids are kids-top priority with most parents is to make sure the kids are taken care of and that they get their wealth and worldly possessions.
My wife and I will leave very little compared to this situation but all of it is going to our kids. The house will be left to all 3 with the stipulation that our oldest son (26) who was brain damaged at birth can always live here if he needs to. He in turn will have to pay some form of rent to the other 2 so they are getting something for allowing him to live there. He was in special classes in school and we worked very hard to make him as self sufficient as possible-he drives, works full time, and pays for his own car & health insurance. But he may have to stay here his whole life.
We have talked it over with all 3 kids and they are in 100% agreement. Everything else they will inherit will be divided equally. IMO the smart thing was to get this type thing into the open where everyone is aware of what is coming. That way there should be no second guessing, or questions.

[Donut]

It´s good you all in your family agree on that, there are different circumstances in every family and I think what you are going to do is fair and all your children see it that way.

In the case of Elvis I can´t see how anyone could even think they earned anything for having been close to Elvis, I haven´t heard any of them say that by the way except from Priscilla, you know that "what are we going to do now that he isn´t here, he had almost anything when died..."
Well.... go work and get a life, he didn´t have to take care of anyone after his death if he didn´t want to and I´m glad he burned his money the way he wanted. After all HE EARNED his money.

[nyc]

Besides Lisa, who do you think earned what they profitted from being in his life, working for him, ect. (when he was alive and after he died) Who do you think actually earned the highest amount of money and assests overall? Did they earn it?

I think Colonel Parker made the most out of his association with Elvis, and no, I don't think he earned it. Elvis was a breakout waiting to happen and any decent manager with contacts at major record companies could have managed Elvis well. And probably would have had the sense not to take a movie deal that tied Elvis to a studio without script approval just as the studio system was breaking up.

And that's without getting into the way Parker unethically lined his pockets, which led to the EPE court case against him.


In the case of Elvis I can´t see how anyone could even think they earned anything for having been close to Elvis, I haven´t heard any of them say that by the way except from Priscilla, you know that "what are we going to do now that he isn´t here, he had almost anything when died..."
Well.... go work and get a life, he didn´t have to take care of anyone after his death if he didn´t want to and I´m glad he burned his money the way he wanted. After all HE EARNED his money.

The only thing I think he should have done was have enough money invested so that if he wanted to take time off (or retire) he could have done it. Otherwise, ITA. It was his money and he had a right to do with it as he wanted.

[utmom2008]

In the case of Elvis I can´t see how anyone could even think they earned anything for having been close to Elvis, I haven´t heard any of them say that by the way except from Priscilla, you know that "what are we going to do now that he isn´t here, he had almost anything when died..."
Well.... go work and get a life, he didn´t have to take care of anyone after his death if he didn´t want to and I´m glad he burned his money the way he wanted. After all HE EARNED his money.

(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)(y)

[Diane]

I second that (y)(y)(y)

Diane

[Jungleroom76]

One group that deserved everything they earned during Elvis' life, in my opinion, is the TCB-Band and all of the backup singers and musicians! (y)

There were many shows during the later 70's where Elvis was not up to par, as we have discussed many times before throughout the forum! And during a lot of those sub-par shows, I would have to say that the band and singers helped carry those shows so that Elvis probably came across to the audience better than he would have otherwise. :hmm:

Just my opinion... :blush:

TCB!
Mike

[TotallyInsane]

Well, I like my boss and I defend him when necessary. I don't make a ton of money and he's never bought me one car or a house! Heck, he won't even pay for my gas!!! Soooo, I guess I can either stay and collect the paychecks or I can leave and go find another. Ummmmmm, sounds like the MM might have been in the same position...
I'd be willing to bet they wouldn't trade their jobs with me for one second!!! Frankly, I think they had it pretty good. I think they thought they earned their keep!!!

[Diane]

I hadn't thought of them, but I have to agree with Mike. All Elvis' musician and backup singers earned every penny they got and more. They were all fantastic and never let him down in the capacity they were hired for.

Diane

[utmom2008]

One group that deserved everything they earned during Elvis' life, in my opinion, is the TCB-Band and all of the backup singers and musicians! (y)

There were many shows during the later 70's where Elvis was not up to par, as we have discussed many times before throughout the forum! And during a lot of those sub-par shows, I would have to say that the band and singers helped carry those shows so that Elvis probably came across to the audience better than he would have otherwise. :hmm:

Just my opinion... :blush:

TCB!
Mike

Good points Mighty Mike. I had never really thought of it that way(I think we ALL think MM), but you are right. The TCB Band was fabulous....always.:blush::blush: :notworthy:king::notworthy

[Unchained Melody]

I think the Memphis Mafia was paid a very low salary. But Elvis gave them, houses ect.:mad:

Thought Schilling was the only one who got a house from Elvis in 1974.

Funny all the other members of the MM get ridiculed for being their wanting stuff, and being leeches, but Jerry gets a house etc from Elvis and never gets a bad word said about him. Is it because hes a suck up to Priscilla, or cookie cuttered it in his book making sure not to say anything that would upset her or Lisa.....:hmm:

[ElvisPresleyUK]

Thought Schilling was the only one who got a house from Elvis in 1974.

Funny all the other members of the MM get ridiculed for being their wanting stuff, and being leeches, but Jerry gets a house etc from Elvis and never gets a bad word said about him. Is it because hes a suck up to Priscilla, or cookie cuttered it in his book making sure not to say anything that would upset her or Lisa.....:hmm:

they did all get the trailers to live in on the Circle G though, didn't they? plus cars, trucks etc

[Unchained Melody]

Yes but that wasn't the point i was trying to make.

Was that Jerry Schilling took as much from Elvis as the rest did and yet most fans won't bash him like they did the rest of the guys....:hmm:

[ElvisPresleyUK]

Yes but that wasn't the point i was trying to make.

Was that Jerry Schilling took as much from Elvis as the rest did and yet most fans won't bash him like they did the rest of the guys....:hmm:

yeah i understand what you mean, i think the reason why Jerry doesn't get bashed is because he is the only member of the MM that she really liked so he has always been close and so when Elvis died he was not immediately cut out, sued etc.
So he didn't go have o go out and do everything that the other guys did (book etc) saying stuff about E that just doesn't seem to be true, and that seems to be more bitter than anything else..because he wasn't.
This is also a bad thing as i read his recent book, and it seems like he is scared to say certain things because he is soo close to the estate and knows that if he says a word out of line he coul be gone like that.

[Unchained Melody]

and it seems like he is scared to say certain things because he is soo close to the estate and knows that if he says a word out of line he coul be gone like that.

Agreed ! :notworthy

That really took away from making this a really good book, as we find out nothing new basically..

[presley31]

Jerry is a wonderful person and he is really close to lisa marie. If he did write another book about elvis with all that stuff that has already been written about him than yep he wouldn't be at graceland anymore or events, can't blame jerry for remembering elvis in a good light. wish all people would try to do that once and awhile. There is more to elvis than his downfill IMO

[Unchained Melody]

can't blame jerry for remembering elvis in a good light. wish all people would try to do that once and awhile. There is more to elvis than his downfill IMO

But it does make for a good read though....;)

I just think its funny how he kisses Priscilla's but the way he does.....I don't know, I'm abit moody this morning lol, Just don't like how he plays it off like Elvis was fine and happy in the last years, kind of like Diamond Joe did on his DVD His Bestfriend Remembers....

[presley31]

But it does make for a good read though....;)


Well lets put it this way, jerry book is the ony one that l will keep in my collection.

[TotallyInsane]

Agreed ! :notworthy

That really took away from making this a really good book, as we find out nothing new basically..

I know you are fascinated with the destruction of Elvis but there are some that enjoy reading about the good. He was a wonderful human being and did so much for others in spite of the fact of how it all ended. Personally I was glad Jerry chose not to talk about the positives.

[Unchained Melody]

I know you are fascinated with the destruction of Elvis but there are some that enjoy reading about the good. He was a wonderful human being and did so much for others in spite of the fact of how it all ended. Personally I was glad Jerry chose not to talk about the positives.

You mean the negatives.....

Of coure he was a wonderful human being most of the times, but in the last years, and on alot of different other occasions he could be a flat out mean spirited person. It goes both way's......

[TotallyInsane]

Thanks for the correction. Yeah, he could be mean spirited but you and I both can do that too - at a drop of a hat for me!!!

[ElvisPresleyUK]

Arguably Jerry's book is a good read, as it is one that you can kinda feel happy about after reading..rather than the majority of books about Elvis that you read and just find certain lies or slip ups to be niggling at ya after reding it.....but i also got the feeling that it was more Jerry Schillings autobiography than a book about Elvis, and i think i would have preferred a book about Elvis

[Unchained Melody]

One thing I did get from reading Jerry's book was that he did not like relying on Elvis for everything and really wanted to be independent with things such as financially etc!! (y)

[TotallyInsane]

Arguably Jerry's book is a good read, as it is one that you can kinda feel happy about after reading..rather than the majority of books about Elvis that you read and just find certain lies or slip ups to be niggling at ya after reding it.....but i also got the feeling that it was more Jerry Schillings autobiography than a book about Elvis, and i think i would have preferred a book about Elvis


I guess that means you wouldn't enjoy reading a book about me, huh???:lmfao::lmfao:

[Unchained Melody]

I guess that means you wouldn't enjoy reading a book about me, huh???:lmfao::lmfao:

Theres no doubt in my mind it wouldn't be a bestseller !! :lmfao:(y)

[TotallyInsane]

Theres no doubt in my mind it wouldn't be a bestseller !! :lmfao:(y)


Just goes to show you that you really don't know who TotallyInsane really is!!!! :lmfao::lmfao:

[ehollier]

Thought Schilling was the only one who got a house from Elvis in 1974.

Funny all the other members of the MM get ridiculed for being their wanting stuff, and being leeches, but Jerry gets a house etc from Elvis and never gets a bad word said about him. Is it because hes a suck up to Priscilla, or cookie cuttered it in his book making sure not to say anything that would upset her or Lisa.....:hmm:

I admire Jerry for having the integerity for the way in which he tells his story. I know he's been interveiwed as part of many of the books published by other members of the MM and also by some professional writers. If you've ever read any of the other books by members of the MM, his story is always consistent, it never changes with the landscape, so to speak.

Each member of Elvis' close group says that they lived in a bubble. I believe that until you get completely away from that bubble, put time between the whole Elvis thing and real life, you have to give yourself time to fully consider everything that you experienced when with Elvis, can you full tell you story. Yes, its true that time does soften the story, but it also helps the storyteller see the entire story, not just from his point of view but from every point of view.

Jerry told his story as if he were speaking of a friend. He didn't set out to tell all of the drug induced, gun toting, womanizing story that all of the other members of the MM told. I believe that he was a true friend to Elvis although they didn't always see eye-to-eye. Others of the MM have alluded to Jerry in more of a negative way that have left me thinking that they were jealous of the relationship that Elvis and Jerry shared.

I also think that Elvis had a genuine respect for Jerry, as Jerry had enormous respect for Elvis. He allowed Jerry to come and and go in his employ as he Jerry grew and searched -- remember Jerry was the one that he called when he left Graceland and flew cross country ALONE. Maybe Jerry did leave out some things in his book that maybe would have portrayed them in a negative light. But do we really need another book with all of that crap???

I think his book is great. He wrote about his friend. Not a superstar, not a legend, but simply a friend.

[Unchained Melody]

But do we really need another book with all of that crap???

If it's true, and not lies, then yes, you have to have it if you want the complete story....which we will never have because we don't have the main man's side...Elvis'...

[ehollier]

If it's true, and not lies, then yes, you have to have it if you want the complete story....which we will never have because we don't have the main man's side...Elvis'...


I will say that he had far more integrity than any of the other members of the MM, with the exception of Billy Smith.

[Diane]

Agreed Brad....that's the crucial missing point....Elvis' side of the stories.

Diane

[Unchained Melody]

I will say that he had far more integrity than any of the other members of the MM, with the exception of Billy Smith.

Agreed (y)

[Diane]

Yes for sure Liz. (y)

Diane

[cameron]

ehollier
I also think that Elvis had a genuine respect for Jerry, as Jerry had enormous respect for Elvis. He allowed Jerry to come and and go in his employ as he Jerry grew and searched -- remember Jerry was the one that he called when he left Graceland and flew cross country ALONE. Maybe Jerry did leave out some things in his book that maybe would have portrayed them in a negative light. But do we really need another book with all of that crap???

I think his book is great. He wrote about his friend. Not a superstar, not a legend, but simply a friend.

I agree with this. Jerry did not take advantage of Elvis' generosity as so many others did.
As far as Priscilla; they were friends besides knowing Elvis. I'd choose Jerry over and above any of the others too.

[utmom2008]

When I think back on the summers at the Hilton, hanging around the lobby like a groupie of some sort, it was ALWAYS Jerry and Charlie that were sweet and kind. I have a pic that I need to scan and put on here of Daddy and Charlie standing outside by the Stutz talking. Jerry was very nice...every time. Joe was nice too..in a different way. Joe always let you know, in a subtle way, that he was the "key" man when it came to Elvis.

Yes....I enjoyed Jerry's book. It's not all white-washed, but it is told as a man that loved his friend dearly.

[KPM]

Yes but that wasn't the point i was trying to make.

Was that Jerry Schilling took as much from Elvis as the rest did and yet most fans won't bash him like they did the rest of the guys....:hmm:
IMO Jerry has always used a little tact, and some discretion in how he describes his association with Elvis. You can describe a bad situation without having to draw upon the worst adjectives in the English language to do so. Also I think he just sees the "degree and severity of some things said" as a little over the top. Perhaps its the tact-a little more descretion in telling the story which some are drawn to and appreciate.:blush:

[Jungleroom76]

Jerry is a wonderful person and he is really close to lisa marie. If he did write another book about elvis with all that stuff that has already been written about him than yep he wouldn't be at graceland anymore or events, can't blame jerry for remembering elvis in a good light. wish all people would try to do that once and awhile. There is more to elvis than his downfill IMO

ABSOLUTELY JEN!!! (y)

Right next to the TCB-Band and the other musicians and singers, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I have to agree that Jerry Schilling is probably the next person I would say definitely earned his keep while working with Elvis!!! :D

TCB!
Mike

[KPM]

If it's true, and not lies, then yes, you have to have it if you want the complete story....which we will never have because we don't have the main man's side...Elvis'...
I made this comment before-certainly after 31 years others have told pretty much their version it would seem to me. How can much new really be forth coming after 31 years. I recall interviews with Lamar, Billy and a couple others in the late 80s or early 90s when they were promoting one of their projects. The hype was "shocking new details about Elvis behind closed doors" I can honestly say I heard nothing new in the interviews which I had not read or heard one of them say before. That was 20 years back? How much more can surface 31 years later which has not? We all agree the human memory is less than perfect-yet 31 years later new books and projects keep coming. The story is told. But as you point out and I have been pointing our for quite a while-Elvis will never get his 2 cents in on any of this. Any new book which Lamar, or Joe, etc....puts out will shed no light on Elvis's side. IMO

[Jungleroom76]

I made this comment before-certainly after 31 years others have told pretty much their version it would seem to me. How can much new really be forth coming after 31 years. I recall interviews with Lamar, Billy and a couple others in the late 80s or early 90s when they were promoting one of their projects. The hype was "shocking new details about Elvis behind closed doors" I can honestly say I heard nothing new in the interviews which I had not read or heard one of them say before. That was 20 years back? How much more can surface 31 years later which has not? We all agree the human memory is less than perfect-yet 31 years later new books and projects keep coming. The story is told. But as you point out and I have been pointing our for quite a while-Elvis will never get his 2 cents in on any of this. Any new book which Lamar, or Joe, etc....puts out will shed no light on Elvis's side. IMO

WELL SAID KEN!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike