Elvis' Kin Share Their Memories of Elvis...

Many of us knew and loved Elvis. Not all of us were found spending days at Graceland for many lived good distances away and were not able to enjoy such pleasures outside of their own hometown lives. Still, Elvis, somehow, found kinfolk across the miles and kept in touch on a regular basis, whenever he could. While some folks spent alot of time at Graceland, and with Elvis in person, following are some of the stories of distant kin, gladly shared here with you.

So far away, so far apart. Two different worlds; two different worlds. I lived in New York, and Elvis, in Tennessee. Twenty years older than me, it was not long before he became like a big brother. Though we never physically met, we had a spiritual bond and my life has never been the same since having known Elvis Presley. During my life I have known, and/or been friends with, politicians and celebrities such as Georgie Jessel, Marilyn Cantor Baker; both of them introduced to me by a dear friend, Pearl Goldstein Seiben, my mentor and a personal friend to Al Jolson; Jerry Tucker of the Little Rascals, Mickey Rooney, Chris Noel, Leo Gorcey, Jr., and Peggy Sue Gerron (Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue")among others. Sadly, most of them are gone now, and, yet, their presence and station in life had never stunned me nor held me in awe, for, to me, they were/are regular, down-to-earth people, children of God. It was totally different with Elvis.

When Elvis Presley, the greatest entertainer of past and upcoming generations, first got in touch with me, hearing what sounded like his voice on the other end of the phone...was not only stunning and miraculous, the emotions let go and I started to cry, uncontrollably. Why would I have believed that the King of Rock and Roll was contacting me? Witnessing my emotional outburst, no doubt, caught E off guard and he bolted out with: "If you cry, I'm leaving." The tears immediately ceased, and from then on, we spoke about our kinship and the many amazing things we had in common. I made sure to keep alot of notes, and was able to record some of the songs he sang for me, some of our talks, so that my memories of him and our conversations in years to come would never diminish. Like so many others have done, I could write a book with such wonderful recollections. However, I have chosen not to reveal those magical memories at this time. All of those memories will continue to remain in my heart out of respect and loyalty to the man I knew as, simply, Evis. Love and respect from Elvis was earned by those he could trust and who he considered loyal. Elvis Presley was a simple human being, not a god nor a king. He had his faults and crosses, just like the rest of us. Elvis was a very special soul with great compassion and a unique talent. If you were fortunate to have known Elvis Presley, then, you can understand that in knowing him, your life has never been the same. He was one-of-a-kind, a treasure, with a voice from God that no talented tribute artist could ever emulate, even as close as some have come. Elvis loved God and he loved all his family, and would have wanted to be remembered for his humbleness.

You know that Elvis Presley touched your life in a most profound and spiritual way when his death continues to leave a void that has only grown deeper with time. My heart aches for his beloved daughter, Lisa Marie, who had witnessed so much trauma in her young life, including the losses of both her father and her only son. Now, Lisa Marie is with them both, and may God grant them perpetual peace.

There are others who were very close to Elvis, and some of their stories have, also, not yet been told. There are many truths and secrets surrounding Elvis Presley, the legend, whose legacy shall remain a mystery, as will certain information that was entrusted to me.

So, where do you begin to tell the story of a man whom had touched your heart right down to the core, a regular fun-loving guy, a simple human being who shook the world? It is difficult to put into words, and while I will not write a book, I will do my best in the attached link below, to tell some of the more endearing stories and memories of my dear cousin.

The Fond Memories I Have of Elvis...(soon to be revised)

Sadly, I will never forget the last time I spoke to Elvis. He wasn't feeling too well, though he never spoke in detail about his illnesses. He never griped or complained that he was sick; I never heard him complain about himself other than being tired or a bit down, and missing his momma. Before we ended the call that last time, he sang a few lines of the Gospel song that has stayed in my mind most, and I have always wondered if the meaning behind it was a sign that he knew fate was calling him. The song: "I'm Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs." If anyone is graced enough to sing with Angels, it is Elvis Presley.

Evis, I will always love you and forever cherish the memories: the laughter, the jokes, the awesome imitations of Popeye and others, the treasured singing, the advice, our spiritual discussions, political discussions, and your sharing of intimate details of your all-to-brief life. The Lord had blessed me with your friendship, your kinship, and I will remain ever grateful to God that you were sent into my life. You took a piece of my heart with you when you walked them golden stairs to meet Jesus. God Bless you, be at peace "cuz," with all my love...we will meet again!

Some of the Songs Elvis Sang For Me...

He would sing these in accapella. Following are the professional, recorded versions. I have many recorded sessions with Elvis and me, and one or two others, which will remain my private and treasured memories.

Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs

Are You Sincere

I've Got A Thing About You, Baby

more to come...