| I was 11 years old the first time I saw Elvis Presley. He was making his first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in 1956. Since then, I have seen every TV appearance he made, over 15 live performances, and all his movies. I have been to Graceland numerous times--twice before he died (I actually saw him in the yard on one occasion), again on the day after his death, and a dozen times since then. |
| My most memorable experience concerning Elvis happened in Las Vegas in 1972. I was there to see him perform at the International Hotel (now the Las Vegas Hilton). The performance was almost over, and I had gone to the lobby to "liberate" a large 4' by 5' poster. I rolled it up and was sneaking out of the building by way of the service elevator. Everything was going great until the elevator doors opened, and several large men pushed a laundry hamper into the elevator. I was sure I was caught. I didn't even realize that three of the men were Red West and his brother, Sonny, and Joe Esposito--three of the famous Memphis Mafia. I was totally shocked when the "laundry" started to move, and Elvis rose out of the sheets. One of the men handed him a Pepsi, and he drank it while he asked me if I had enjoyed the show. I was so stunned I could not even open my mouth to speak. I just nodded like a total idiot. Elvis finished the Pepsi, handed me the empty bottle, and sank back into the laundry basket as the doors opened and the men pushed him out of the elevator. I had been so totally paralized by the experience that I had not even asked for an autograph. To this day, I kick myself every time I look at that unsigned poster. Oh, yes, about the Pepsi bottle. my wife of the time did not appreciate anything Elvis--she took the bottle back to the store for the 2 cent deposit! Is there any wonder we are divorced? |
| 09/11/70 | Olympia Stadium Arena | Detroit, MI |
| 11/06/71 | Public Hall | Cleveland, OH |
| 11/11/71 | The Gardens | Cleveland, OH |
| 01/28/72 | International Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 04/06/72 | Olympia Stadium Arena | Detroit, MI |
| 04/12/72 | Fairground Coliseum | Indianapolis, IN |
| 06/12/72 | Memorial Coliseum | Fort Wayne, IN |
| 06/16/72 | Chicago Stadium | Chicago, IL |
| 08/04/72 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 06/27/73 | Cincinnati Gardens | Cincinnati, OH |
| 08/08/73 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 01/26/74 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 03/20/74 | Mid South Coliseum | Memphis, TN |
| 06/21/74 | Convention Center | Cleveland, OH |
| 06/25/74 | St. John Arena | Columbus,OH |
| 08/19/74 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 10/29/74 | Olympia Stadium Arena | Detroit, MI |
| 10/04/74 | Olympia Stadium Arena | Detroit, MI |
| 03/20/75 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 07/10/75 | Cleveland Coliseum | Cleveland,OH |
| 07/18/75 | Cleveland Coliseum | Cleveland, OH |
| 12/31/75 | Pontiac Silverdome | Pontiac, MI |
| 03/21/76 | Riverfront Stadium | Cincinnati, OH |
| 10/14/76 | Chicago Stadium | Chicago, IL |
| 10/21/76 | Wings Stadium Coliseum | Kalamazoo, MI |
| 12/02/76 | Hilton Hotel | Las Vegas, NV |
| 04/22/77 | Olympia Stadium Arena | Detroit, MI |
| 04/25/77 | Saginaw Civic Center | Saginaw, MI |
| 06/25/77 | Riverfront Stadium | Cincinnati, OH |
| 03/13/98 | Palace of Auburm Hills | Auburm Hills, MI |
| I am always looking for more information about The King of Rock and Roll. While surfing the Internet, I have found many sites which say they are about Elvis. These are some of the best. |
| For those who prefer "classic" Elvis, I can offer an autographed photograph which was sent to me by a friend in Germany. Marcus, aka Sir Boozy, purchased this item from a hotel clerk in Germany. The clerk claimed the autograph was personally received by him while Elvis was staying there on a visit during his time in the Army. Sir Boozy would love to hear from other Elvis fans, so drop him a line if you have time. |
| Occasionally, when there is absolutely no way for me to listen to Elvis, I have been known to listen to other musical artists. Among my favorites are the classic rock stars of the 50's and 60's, and an occasional Country Western artist of today. I would strongly recommend a visit to Rockin Blue's Home Page if you also enjoy the classic sounds of the 50's and 60's. He also has some great Blues sounds (hence the name of his page). |
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