January 8, 2015 will be the 80th birthday of Elvis Presley (by Jeff Schrembs)

I know it is summer.
I know we are all busy.
I know that you are tired of me typing the word "know".

But, on January 8, 2015 the 80th birthday of Elvis Aron Presley will occur.

Besides all of the fanfare, specials, etc. I encourage everyone to please; remember, support, seek out, etc. those who are (thank God) still alive and were integral parts of the life (onstage and off) of Elvis.

This list includes, but are not limited to, the following; Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, and Jerry Schilling. Each of these men are living breathing witnesses to the history that Elvis made and they, and their families, made sacrifices (personally and professionally) for (in some cases) three decades.

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge those who have shared their talents, memories, and efforts about Elvis online and in wonderful books. These individuals include, but are not limited to, the following: Alanna Nash, Sandi Pichon, Russ Howe, Betty Harper, Sandi Stevens, and Paul Litcher. If you really want to know about Elvis, inasmuch as one can, it is essential that you read these written works.

I have been an Elvis Presley fan, and collector, these six decades now and  I have; read, watched, listened to, etc. (literally) tens of thousands of hours pertaining to Elvis. The individuals I have included herein I have the utmost respect for.

As I have advocated for decades now I would hope that EPE, Lisa Marie, and/or Priscilla begins to HONOR Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, and Sonny West.

The reason(s) being is that Elvis cared about, loved, poured his hopes and dreams into, trusted, employed, etc. each of these men throughout his life. I believe it is a tragedy that this hasn't occured sooner but even though time is fleeting there should be a concentrated effort to do what is right.

Elvis I wish you a happy 75th birthday in advance.

Take care and may God bless you.

Jeff Schrembs

Prayer request for Sonny West, Red West and their family members

As Sonny West, and his brother Red West individually and collectively, continue to  recover from serious medical issues I just wanted to encourage Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide, and everyone, to pray for; Sonny, Red and their respected family members.

 

 

Getting older is not fun. Having life threatening medical issues take their toll on immeasurable ways. The combination of both is almost too much to bear.

 

 

I pray for these men, and their families, not because of their name(s) but because of my faith. I hope you join me.

 

 

Take care and may God bless you.

 

 

Jeff Schrembs

 

www.ElvisCollector.info

35th year anniversary of Elvis' death (August 16, 2012) by Jeff Schrembs (All Rights Reserved)

In a few weeks (i.e. August 16, 2012) Elvis fans worldwide will pay their respects in remembrance of Elvis death of August 16, 1977. The events of August 16, 1977 and the weeks following were a plethora of emotions; depression, uncontrollably crying, denial, hurt, despondent, angry, and most of all the questions of..."why".

Since Elvis' mother died on August 14, 1958, and Elvis believed that she was 42 years old when in fact she was 46, Elvis was devastated. He had been haunted by dreams, and steadfast belief that he would never "outlive momma". Thus the first two weeks of August 1977 were days of self reflection and the realization that his health had deteriorated consistently since mid 1972. The health issues of his dad, the mourning of his mothers loss and the belief that he was going to be the same age she was when she died, the monetary stress, the federal investigation into the plane he purchased, and Elvis complained about "feeling bad to my very bones".

Far too many people have taken sides about Elvis and his death. Some people blame Ginger Alden who was in Elvis' bedroom and was the last person to see Elvis alive. There have been reports that Ginger had taken medications as it was her "time of the month".

Others blame the authors of the book "Elvis What Happened" for Elvis' death.

In both cases those who reach these conclusions omit fact after fact without ever realizing that our time on this earth is NOT determined by us...but by our maker. So the reality is that it was Elvis time to die.

Through the years I have seen hate speech levied at Ginger Alden and her family and also to Red West, Sonny West, and others who wrote parts of the book "Elvis What Happened"? I have always responded and stood up to each and every person spewing these untruths.

Elvis loved Ginger. Did he love her enough to marry her? I don't know. Would they have stayed together had he of lived? Who knows?

Elvis loved Red and Sonny West. Red and Sonny West loved Elvis.

I believe that Ginger Alden, as any human would, and her family have (at times) been subjected to terrible comments/threats/name calling about her relationship with Elvis and that is sad.

Equally as sad are the vitriol hatred blaming Red and Sonny West for Elvis death.

Ginger Alden and her family did not deserve to have to be under attack all these years. Neither does Red and Sonny West and their family members.

I know making this statement will "offend some" but as a man of God I never expound on the "whys and ifs" but instead on the  life the person lead - their accomplishments - their dreams - their circle of family/friends, etc.

I believe that if Elvis was in the room, with Ginger Alden and Red and Sonny West, that there would be reconciliation - heartfelt discussion - and perhaps even healing of the pains/hurts and a commitment to focus on what was really important and that was the real - loving - caring  role that each of these people paid in the life of Elvis Presley.

August 16, 1977 was a sad day for me yet as I type these words I am saddened when I learn that people who loved Elvis, and Elvis loved them, are under attack in stead of being acknowledged, supported, respected, and having a consistent presence within EPE. I hope that other Elvis Presley Fans will support the sentiments specified herein and join me in celebrating the life of Elvis Presley...and those who were integral parts of his life.

Jeff Schrembs
www.ElvisCollector.info
www.ElvisCollectorWorldwide.freeforums.org