Elvis Presley photo montage

By Jeff Schrembs 2014 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

Lets start collecting (of quality) items about Elvis Presley

Congratulations on your desire/intent to start, continue, etc. collecting Elvis Presley Memorabilia!

We have been collecting “all things Elvis” since 1970 and have in excess of 100,000 individual Elvis Presley items. However, the “beauty” of collecting Elvis Presley items is that (a) it is never boring (b) new things are always forthcoming (c) there are so many categories – sub categories to choose from and (d) there are many “resources” to turn to for questions/fun/advice/etc.

Whatever your “passion” is, for Elvis, odds are that you can find it on Online sites including http://www.ElvisCollector.info (which we highly recommend and we THANK Online sites including http://www.ElvisCollector.info for being a part of the “Worldwide Elvis Presley Community”) such as books, photos, DVDs, records, cd’s, etc.

We have always taken the position that “quality trumps quantity”. Now, that may sound “hypocritical” coming from a collection in excess of 100,000 but hey…we have been doing this NOT as a “revenue stream”…but from the heart.

Desiring full disclosure “yes” we do offer, through our Online sites including http://www.ElvisCollector.info Store “ElvisCollectorWorldwide” some wonderful items, but they are offered “from one fan to another” and is a very personal endeavor indeed.

Here are some “guidelines” that may save you some time, money, and minimize any (potential) aggravation:

Photos – Do yourself a favor and check out anything/everything (available on Online sites including http://www.ElvisCollector.info thankfully) by Ed Bonja. Also, check out KingCandids. Both of these sources hand personal, first hand, and ongoing relationships with Elvis during his lifetime. Elvis was the most photographed person…ever so there are so many options in this category but (again) when you have the combination of QUALITY, as you do with Ed Bonja and KingCandids, you are “ahead of the game” (so to speak).

Memorabilia – Paul Litcher is a WONDERFUL source at ElvisUnique. Paul is an ELVIS AUTHORITY and has been for many years now. We are eternally thankful to Paul Litcher as we have used his books, starting in the 70′s, as a “bible” for cross referencing/authenticating Elvis Presley Memorabilia.

Autographs – PLEASE ensure that only after you have “crossed all of your T’s and dotted all of your I’s”, concerning Elvis Presley, before you ever start to TRY to collect/invest in this “category”. There are a few, in our opinion, “legit” sources for “authentication” (including but not limited to the aforementioned Paul Litcher) concerning Elvis’ autographs (excluding any photographs that were issued/imprinted with salutations such as “Sincerely, Elvis Presley – which was very common with RCA, Boxcar, Colonel Parker, etc.).

Records – Our priority would be 78′s followed by 33′s LP (stands for Long Play) followed by 33′s followed by 45′s followed by CD’s followed by cassettes followed by 8-tracks. Our “time frame” priorities would be 1954-1959, then 1969, then 1970-1973, then 1967-1968, then 1960-1962, then 1963-1966, then 1977, then 1976, then 1974, then 1975. But, again, you should “follow your heart” OR in this case “ear” for what YOU like.

Books/DVD’s/CD’s – It may not be “cool”, according to some but there is nothing “wrong” – and everything “right” about going against the grain, but your local Library is a GREAT place to start. Several of our Libraries offer, in addition to books of course, the ability to check out (for weeks at a time) DVD’s and CD’s about Elvis Presley. When you find the items that you “can’t live without”, and we CAUTION you here because it may be that everything you hear/read about Elvis you “can’t live without”, then (a) confirm that you have the monetary means – without harming your financial resources – FIRST and FOREMOST and if so then (b) go to Online sites including http://www.ElvisCollector.info – do a product search – and then buy it! If you find an item you really want, but it is just a bit out of your budget, then see IF the Seller allows you to “make an offer”. If so, then make sure that you review the shipping/handling charges, and disclosures, in addition to the price itself.

 When it comes to Elvis Presley books Alanna Nash, and the great books authored by her, is in a class all by herself. These books are a must for Elvis Presley fans worldwide and tells the (true) story of Elvis, onstage and off, and puts things into context. Sensationalism? What aspect of Elvis’ life wasn’t, whole and or in part, sensational?

Misc. – Anything by Marty Lacker is a MUST! Marty was Elvis’ best friend, co-worker, and just a wonderful asset who we are THANKFUL was in Elvis’ life and continues to share his experiences with Elvis fans. Priscilla Presley wrote an honest, heart-felt, and memorable book entitled “Elvis and Me”. June Juanica, who was Elvis love starting in 1955, also is a big THUMBS UP (both the book and the DVD). There are various books, etc. by the (renowned) “Memphis Mafia” but, in our opinion, the “best of the best” are those by Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West and Sonny West followed by Joe Esposito then Jerry Schilling. Jerry was a friend of Elvis’ from Memphis and worked with Elvis for many years. Sonny West also is a great source as well. Lastly, Charlie Hodge (who has passed away sadly) left us with several “insightful” items as well as Lamar Fike (who also sadly has passed away).

The “hard truth” about collecting Elvis Presley items is that very few of us will ever have the “monetary means” to actually OWN things like Elvis jumpsuits, original jewelry, automobiles, personal effects, etc. But collecting Elvis memorabilia (again) should be “from the heart” and if it makes you happy, and it’s legal, then great. There are so many Elvis items available that one could NEVER own everything (contrary to what others have stated) and it would be (virtually) impossible.

Elvis left us (3) three decades of works (i.e. music, movies, etc.) so you have a lot of things to choose from.

Lastly, THANK YOU for being an Elvis Presley Fan. We have found that some of the best, most sincere and caring, people are proud to be Elvis Presley Fans and share our passion, insight, etc. via this blog and through http://www.ElvisCollector.info.

God bless and take care.

Your “friend in Elvis”,
Jeffrey Schrembs   2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ElvisCollectorWorldwide
http://www.ElvisCollector.info
http://www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org

Posted just now by Jeff Schrembs

Labels: Elvis Presley Billboard Elvis Presley collecting elvis presley Elvis Prelsey Expert Jeffrey Schrembs elvis presley expert Elvis Presley Collector

Elvis' appearances at the Houston Astrodome (by Jeff Schrembs)

Texas was a state that Elvis often appeared in during his early days with Sun and throughout 1955.

 

When Elvis returned to live concerts, starting in 1969 in Las Vegas, the very first concert he did other than in Las Vegas was at the Houston Astrodome from February 27, 1970 until March 1, 1970. Elvis set a new attendance record of 180,000 (estimated).

 

Four years later, on March 3, 1974, Elvis returned to the Houston Astrodome. Elvis set another attendance record, for a "one day appearance" of 88,000 (estimated).

 

The details of Elvis' 1970 appearances in the Houston Astrodome are as follows:

 

February 27th, 1970 (2:00pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome
Songs Performed at This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Blue Suede Shoes: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: One Night: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes-In the Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 16,708


February 27th, 1970 (7.45pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome(CD-R)
Songs Performed at This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Blue Suede Shoes: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: Kentucky Rain: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes: In the Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 36,299


February 28th, 1970 (2:00pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome
Songs Performed At This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Long Tall Sally: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: Kentucky Rain: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes: In the Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 37,733


February 28th, 1970 (7.45pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome
Songs Performed At This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Blue Suede Shoes: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: Kentucky Rain: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes: In the Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 43,614


March 1st, 1970 (2:00pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome
Songs Performed At This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Blue Suede Shoes: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: Kentucky Rain: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes: In the Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 40,858


March 1st, 1970 (7:00pm). Houston, TX. Houston Astrodome
Songs Performed At This Show: All Shook Up: I Got A Woman: Long Tall Sally: Don't Cry Daddy: Heartbreak Hotel: Hound Dog: Love Me Tender: Kentucky Rain: Release Me: Walk A Mile in My Shoes: In The Ghetto: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Polk Salad Annie: Introduction of Band: Introduction Charlie Pride: Kaw-Liga(excerpt, "The Hardest Part Is living Alone hot damn"): Suspicious Minds: Can't Help Falling In Love: Love Me Tender (Instrumental)
ATTENDANCE: 27,777

 

And now the details of Elvis' 1974 appearance whereby he performed two identical shows:

 

March 3rd, 1974. (8.00pm) Houston, TX. Astrodome
Songs Performed At This Show: See See Rider: I Got A Woman: Love Me: Tryin’ To Get To You: All Shook Up: Steamroller Blues: Teddy Bear-Don't Be Cruel: Love Me Tender: Johnny B. Goode: Hound Dog: Fever: Polk Salad Annie: Why Me Lord(with J.D. Sumner): suspicious Minds: Introduction of Band: I Can't Stop Lovin’ You: Help Me: An American Trilogy: Let Me Be There: Funny How Time Slips Away: Can't Help Falling In Love
ATTENDANCE: 44,175

 

An open letter to Lisa Marie August 17, 2012 by Jeffrey Schrembs

August 17, 2012

Dear Lisa Marie:

35 years ago, and 1 day, you lost your Father and no one will ever know the pains you have had to endure/bear all these years.

Throughout the years I have seen a constant division between certain family members, and members of the Memphis Mafia, and EPE. This was a topic and I routinely discussed with my friend, who (sadly) died before his time, Todd Morgan who rose through the ranks at EPE. I would never disclose the specifics of our conversations but he respected my opinion as I did his.

Over the past few years we have lost so many of those who Elvis; loved, worked with, befriended, trusted, etc. With each passing day the remaining members of the Memphis Mafia, as we all do, grow older and the loss of their friend (i.e. Elvis Presley) never…diminishes. There is no doubt that they, individually and collectively, loved Elvis and carry with them regrets.

I have always believed that events in ones’ life, or a series of events, should ALWAYS be put in context. That people can disagree and yet respect one another. That loving, and caring for, our “fellow man” is not just applicable to those nearby or that we are related to or that ended up on the right side of a position. I have had the utmost respect for Elvis’ charitable endeavors and I am proud to know that you, Lisa Marie, have carried on with giving of your time – your heart – and monetarily.

I ask you now, Lisa Marie and EPE, to please consider that (literally) millions of Elvis Fans Worldwide would like, as would I, to see each member of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, and each member of their immediate family, etc.) formally recognized – appreciated – respected – and embraced by you and EPE. I ask this not because of any “gain” on my part but that time is never guaranteed and that there needs to be true healing between the parties (publicly and privately).

I wish that you never had to grow up without your Father. I wish that God had granted Elvis more time so that he truly knew how much he meant to all of us…and future generations. That he was given time to heal (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.). That he was able to spend more time with you. That he was given the respect, and appreciation, he earned and deserved from the “critics” and “award nominating agencies”.

Some of my most cherished photos, of your Father, is not him onstage but reaching out to hold a child – visiting children in a hospital – bringing a little blind girl onstage – smiling while hugging a child with cancer – and/or kissing an elderly woman and thus bringing an immediate smile to her face. These “acts of kindness” come from the heart and Elvis had, among other things, a huge heart and the world was better off for it. I have always stated that there is honor in kindness – honor in forgiveness – and honor in giving others another chance. In accordance with these genuine gestures I now have authored this open letter to you.

I have lived long enough to know the beauty of a simple gesture and that small steps can lead to honest dialog and communication. This is what I hope, and wish, for…now.

In closing, I will continue to wish you, EPE, and each of your family members nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED