Colonel Parker's 'Hold'...

[KPM]

Elvis by the late 70's was depressed. I don't think he had any desire to record. He was depressed and struggling with a prescription drug dependency and a fluctuating weight problem as well as ever more increasing visits to hospitals. I don't think he wanted to record anything, so I doubt it was a concious decision to alienate a prospective Gospel album.

Elvis wanted Tom Hulett or Jerry Weintarub to be his manager after the 74' disagreement, and it's a pity he never hired one of them. He should of payed the Colonel his dues, and bid the old money sucker farewell once and for all. As for RCA moving everything into Gracelabd, Elvis really wasnt that bothered to record even when they came. It was difficult for them to get him to come down and record and even when he did he was easily distracted. January 77' in Nashiville shows how little he cared for recording at this stage.

Thats a great point, we are not talking about Elvis of 72 or 73 who still was into his music, we are talking about a man who was tired, depressed and seeing alot of personal things change for the worse. Elvis did not like change, thats why he got into ruts so easily. Its hard to be ELVIS 24 hours a day when you are young and everything is new and exciting try it at 39 where you've seen it all, done it all, and are probably wondering -what now.

[Jungleroom76]

EXCELLENT POINT KPM...

TCB!
Mike

[1100ccRider]

The hold that Colonel had over Elvis stems from an incident involving a trio of little people (a.k.a. midgets), three size small football helmets, several bottles of Crisco, a human-cannonball style of cannon, and severe damage to the roof of Ellis Auditorium. One result of the ensuing coverup was Billy Barty's recurring role in Elvis' '60s movies.

It's true. David Stanley told me.

[KPM]

The hold that Colonel had over Elvis stems from an incident involving a trio of little people (a.k.a. midgets), three size small football helmets, several bottles of Crisco, a human-cannonball style of cannon, and severe damage to the roof of Ellis Auditorium. One result of the ensuing coverup was Billy Barty's recurring role in Elvis' '60s movies.

It's true. David Stanley told me.

I'm sure that will be in his next book," From Memphis to Crisco"(more stories that almost happened.

[KPM]

Heres the text of a telegram Elvis sent to Col Parker after Parker arranged for Presley to sign with RCA Records, Elvis told him, in a telegram,

You are the best, most wonderful person I could ever hope to work with. Believe me when I say I will stick with you through thick and thin and do everything I can to uphold your faith in me.... I love you like a father.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Has anyone heard this? In the book "The boy who would be King", Earl Greenwood (Elvis' cousin and supposed life long friend" says that Elvis confided in him that the reason THe Col. had him " by the balls" was because The Col. had confiscated several video tapes of Elvis "with" underage groupies early in his career and always threatened to release them to the public, or Elvis was scared he would, if he strayed from the Colonel.
Another case of someone in the Elvis chain trying to make a buck, or is there any substance to this story?
thanks

[NEA]

Earl Greenwood...familiar name...which cousin was this...whose side does he stem from?

Nevertheless, if HE hadn't said it then it would have been left for the likes of David Stanley, Sonny West, Dick Grob, etc. to explore...hey-hum...

Next!

[joanne]

I wouldn`t believe a word that comes out of Earl Greenwoods mouth.
The thing thats always bothered me regarding Elvis and the Colonel is why did Elvis sign another film contract in the early sixties when he obviously knew which direction he was going and he was starting to become dissatisfied with the movies he was making.

[0349054]

Earl Greenwood is in no way related to Elvis Presley. He never lived in Tupeol MS and never worked for Elvis. What he did do was read other books and then taking from them constructed his one. No one in the Elvis world takes him seriously or believes his book. He's not related! A bogus!

His claim to fame is he hung around the Graceland gates in the 50's and was allowed to go to some parties.Some of his "made up" stories border on the absolutely laughable. Like the Tupelo Tornado story. Or the double dates with Elvis and Dixie Locke.

I believe it knocked Gail Brewer Girogios book off the No.1 spot for Elvis books in the fiction category.

[THENATUREBOY]

My feelings on the Colonel are mixed. The down side of the Colonel is that he held Elvis back artistically so much that it is sad. But the up side to their relationship, well just look at what level Elvis's star had reached when he died. But the hold the Colonel had on him is I think, is the weirdest thing about Elvis. Elvis always talked about doing these things that Parker wouldnt let him do, and repeatedly would say he hated him and was going to fire him, but for some reason he never did. I think the reason for Elvis staying with the Colonel was the fact that Elvis was a very loyal person, especially to those that had been with him since the beginning. And I think Elvis needed and wanted someone there to guide and tell him what to do, and we all know he needed someone to always motivate him.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Earl Greenwood is in no way related to Elvis Presley. He never lived in Tupeol MS and never worked for Elvis. What he did do was read other books and then taking from them constructed his one. No one in the Elvis world takes him seriously or believes his book. He's not related! A bogus!

His claim to fame is he hung around the Graceland gates in the 50's and was allowed to go to some parties.Some of his "made up" stories border on the absolutely laughable. Like the Tupelo Tornado story. Or the double dates with Elvis and Dixie Locke.

I believe it knocked Gail Brewer Girogios book off the No.1 spot for Elvis books in

he fiction category.

Thanks for setting me straight on that! I felt it was a bit contrived when i read it. It is so hard to seperate all these publications and sort through what is good and what is crap. I'm reading the two Peter Guralnick books right now and enjoy them alot so far. For once it feels as though I'm reading a truly authentic and professional biography, that seems much more objective. What are your thoughts on these books. Thanks again!!!

[0349054]

Hey,

No sweat. The Guarnlick books are a good read, the first is much better than the second - as in the second, he rushed it out and also had taken a payment from EPE to do a book after "Careless Love", so in my opinion and from reading the books and speaking with people who were around Elvis at the time, he has put a very pro-EPE slant on things and is liberal with his interpretation of the truth in parts.

Apart from that, you should read the Alanna Nash books, and also as many books from the guys who were around Elvis - I prefer first hand accounts of his life, as opposed to an authors interpretation. Then, generally after reading all them you come to your own conclusion on what happened, where, how and why.

[Menwithbrokenhearts]

Hey,

No sweat. The Guarnlick books are a good read, the first is much better than the second - as in the second, he rushed it out and also had taken a payment from EPE to do a book after "Careless Love", so in my opinion and from reading the books and speaking with people who were around Elvis at the time, he has put a very pro-EPE slant on things and is liberal with his interpretation of the truth in parts.

Apart from that, you should read the Alanna Nash books, and also as many books from the guys who were around Elvis - I prefer first hand accounts of his life, as opposed to an authors interpretation. Then, generally after reading all them you come to your own conclusion on what happened, where, how and why.

thanks so much for the advice. I will get to those books also. Oh, by the way, I really enjoy your posts here. You almost seem as though you have an inside track on Elvis. I hope you don't get too frustrated with us newbees (with the same questions over and over) but it is a great format to get things off your mind and straight on all things Elvis. Thanks!

[0349054]

thanks so much for the advice. I will get to those books also. Oh, by the way, I really enjoy your posts here. You almost seem as though you have an inside track on Elvis. I hope you don't get too frustrated with us newbees (with the same questions over and over) but it is a great format to get things off your mind and straight on all things Elvis. Thanks!

Not at all, your welcome and thanks for the kind words. I really enjoy it here. As has been said by man before; "Elvis" is our drug of choice.

[KPM]

Theres an old saying trust half of what you see and nothing that you hear(read) because humans are flawed(including your own perception at times)