Marty's Musings

Memphis Mafia member, and co-best man at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding, Marty Lacker, is a frequent contributor to EIN. On this page we catalog Marty's valuable contribution.

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2008

...The Marty Lacker "EIN" Interviews...

2005

....................Marty's Musings in 2010......................

Marty Lacker responds to Desiree story on Thursday 22 April: Thanks to Marty for this amusing response to our item, Happy Birthday Desiree, on Thursday:

I read the story about the new Elvis album for his first born daughter, Desiree's, birthday in Vegas. I think it's wonderful for someone to inform you of that in an email because we always enjoyed Elvis Baumgartner, the famous Vegas Street Corner wino's performances and his imitations of Elvis Presley, they were priceless and humorous.  It is touching that he always thought of his daughter Desiree as he stood on that corner and tried to croak out the lyric's of EP's songs, even though half the time he was drunk as a skunk.  We never knew he had a daughter or a family.  I would guess that he is no longer with us and I hope he's resting in peace. His daughter Desiree should be happy to listen to that album.

Now I have to go call EP's first born son, Lamar, I have to continue to try to talk him into changing his name back to Presley instead of the name he chose to use, Fike. (24 April 2010)

Marty Lacker responds to Elvis and the coal mine tax fraud: Thanks to Marty for his comments on our story from last Tuesday:

The coal mine deal was all Vernon Presley's idea but he used Elvis' money.  That's what happens when you allow someone unsophisticated and unknowledgeable in financial matters to handle your money.
 
The funny thing is that both Alan Fortas and I told Elvis that his money should and could be working for him if he would invest with legitimate and proven successful investment brokers.  He told us both at different times to speak with his father if we knew of good information.  When both of us, again at different times, went to the office to speak with Vernon he told us to mind our own damn business. When Elvis asked us what his father said, he just shrugged as if to say,"That's Daddy", after we told him what Vernon's answer was.
 
The two times Vernon invested Elvis' money they both failed.  The coal mine scam and a used car dealership.
 
However, unfortunately it makes Elvis look like the person scammed. (25 March 2010)

Reads the original article

The Memphis Boys - great new book release!: Thought you might like to let your readers know about a great new book that just became available today that features a very detailed and definitive chapter about Elvis' American Studios '69 sessions.

The book is called The Memphis Boys The Story About American Studios by Roben Jones.
 
In addition to the detail about the sessions, this book is a complete detail of all the years of hits from American Studios and is full of reminisces of each and every session cut there by Chips Moman,Tommy Cogbill, the American Band as well as songwriters. It also has knowledgeable comments by a number of highly successful people from other studios who are in awe of the accomplishments of the American guys.
 
I am also proud that it includes the work I did at American and the contributions I made to it as well as many first hand quotes from me. I would still recommend it even if I was not in it. Everyone who had anything to do with that studio from beginning to end has made contributions to the book and you will learn of many inside anecdotes on the recording of some of the biggest records in the history of the world.  You'll also learn the reasons why Chips turned down producing The Beatles as well as Bob Dylan after Elvis recorded there.
 
Anyone who has any interest in music would be remiss in not reading this book.
 
You can find out more about obtaining the book by going to the publisher, The University of Ole Miss Press at www.upress.state.ms.us (3 March 2010)

The spelling of "Aaron": Following our story yesterday (3 Feb 2010) about documents uncovered by Elvis researcher, Patrick Lacy, we received this message from Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker:

For those who have not read my book Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations of the Memphis Mafia (later re-issued as Elvis and the Memphis Mafia), here is the full story of what Patrick Lacy refers to when he mentions my name in his findings about the true spelling of Elvis' middle name Aaron, not Aron.

In December, 1966 in the basement den with Elvis, his father, Richard Davis and Mike Keaton, we were talking about something that had to have his name on it.  Out of the blue I said to Elvis,"You know with your knowledge of the bible, how come your middle name is spelled with one "A" as opposed to the biblical spelling,  which is normally used, that of Aaron with two "A's?"  He answered while glancing at his father then back to me,"Well you know back then some people didn't know how to spell or spell someone's name."  He was referring to Vernon giving Elvis his middle named to honor Vernon's best friend in Tupelo, Aaron Kennedy. 

So when Vernon went to register his name for the birth certificate he misspelled the name when filling out the form.  What's ironic is that the Dr. who delivered Elvis, when filling out the required birth record that he was legally bound to do, he spelled Aaron with two "A's" on the birth record.  What makes it even more unusual is the Dr. wrote Elvis' first name as Evis because when he asked Vernon the name, Vernon always,for whatever reason, didn't pronounce the "L" in Elvis and called him Evis.  I have a copy of the birth record and it plainly states in the Doctor's handwriting Evis Aaron Presley.

So after Elvis saying that about the spelling, he further turned to his father and said,"Daddy from now on, on any legal document or anything else I want you to spell my middle name with two "A's."  And there you have the reason why the spelling was changed from one "A" to two "A's."

Marty

The story that Marty responded to:

Aaron or Aron?: Elvis researcher, Patrick Lacy, uncovers important new evidence: Patrick Lacy, author of the excellent book, Elvis Decoded, debunking many of the myths and erroneous beliefs in the Elvis history has uncovered new evidence on the controversial issue of the spelling of Elvis' middle name.

As many readers will remember, the mystery surrounding the conflicting spellings is a major part of the 'Is Elvis Alive' conspiracy theory.

Unfair comments made about the Kings Ranson Exhibit and Sonny West: I read with interest your article on Friday (8th) regarding Elvis Matters Review of the Kings Ransom exhibit in Vegas and I think it was totally unfair and a dis-service to the efforts of two super Elvis fans and genuine nice guys, Russ Howe and Bud Glass.

These two guys have collected good Elvis memorabilia over the years even though they have regular jobs just like everyone else and had very little money to pay the exorbitant prices for memorabilia that some have charged.  All they wanted to do is provide fans and the public a regular opportunity to see some of Elvis' stuff but most of all their efforts have really been to help keep Elvis' memory alive.

I would like to recommend that anyone who visits Vegas and has any slight or great interest in Elvis and his life should go see the Exhibit and I'm kind of surprised at Elvis Matters for downing it.

As for their remark that Sonny is a traitor, they need to grow up and get real!  Sonny is not a traitor and he's someone who put his life on the line for Elvis for many years and his great love for Elvis has not diminished one iota since then.  A traitor for telling the truth in hopes that Elvis would stop doing what he was doing to himself?  There should have been more willing to do it. (10 Jan 2010)

EIN Note: Marty's perspective on the Kings Ransom Exhibit is supported by others who have posted on the message boards.

The truth about Elvis at the American Sound Studio: Marty Lacker has told EIN that stories included in George Klein's recently published memoir have more than just stretched the truth. Marty says:

Speaking of books and some of the fiction that has been written in regards to Elvis and his world, I was just sent an excerpt from George Klein's book by a fan in Ireland that was on the Fox News' Fox & friends website and in all my years I have never heard such outright lies.

Basically what George has done has taken part of my description of the night I talked Elvis into recording at American Studios in January, '69 and replaced me with himself plus some unbelievable and totally untrue embellishments. He has even conveniently added a couple of dead people to the scene who cannot contradict him by saying Tom Diskin and Freddy Bienstock was at the Graceland dining room table when he said he told Elvis about Chips Moman and got him to record there. Diskin and Bienstock were not there.

He also said Priscilla and Esposito were at the table and they weren't and he completely leaves out the part that I had talked to Elvis about it in what is known as the Jungle Room before everyone went into the dining room, in which he was silently present along with Sonny,Lamar and Felton Jarvis. He even put himself sitting next to Elvis at the table when it was actually me sitting there after I called Chips at home and talked to him about recording Elvis with Felton standing next to me.

Sadly what Klein forgets that there were witnesses to the whole event who will further make him a liar. If this is a sample of what is in his book, I suggest that if you really want to waste your money on it, look for it in the Fiction section of your favorite bookstore.  My complete description of that entire night was written years ago in my two books, Elvis: Portrait Of A Friend and ELVIS AARON PRESLEY: Revelations From the Memphis Mafia and anyone who is familiar with both books will see that my recollection is word for word in both books. 

I am fortunate to have what is known as a photographic memory, not only do I remember the words spoken at the same time I am experiencing a pictorial rerun in my mind while I'm telling the story.  I remember conversations word for word as well as who is present and where they are standing or sitting.
I have no need to make things up to make myself feel better.  I am just happy and proud that I was a close longtime friend of Elvis' and we both shared each others lives with the other original MM.  I'm equally as proud to have had the opportunity to do things for him that made his life and career more enjoyable for him and better.  I'm also happy that he was aware of things I did and was very verbally appreciative of it.

How sad and miserable George's life must be that he has to constantly lie about things. It's a shame he can't be happy just to have been a good friend of Elvis' instead of coming up with the lies to either make the fans or himself look and feel better about him.

Marty goes on to say: This is exactly how it happened word for word, blow by blow and Sonny and Lamar are my witnesses.  Unfortunately Felton is no longer with us or he'd verify it. Chips has publicly stated a number of times that it was me who did it.

The time was the evening of Thursday January 9, 1969 the day after Elvis' birthday.  We were sitting in what is now known as the Jungle Room although we called it The Den.  Elvis was sitting in the big chair next to the window facing the waterfall stone wall. Felton Jarvis was sitting on an ottoman in front of and facing Elvis.  On the couch next to Elvis' chair sat George Klein, Lamar Fike and Sonny West.  I was sitting in the chair up against the
wall to the left of them.

Much to my chagrin Felton was discussing with Elvis about his session coming up the next Monday in Nashville and Felton was asking Elvis what musicians he wanted. Because I was tired of Elvis continuing to record with those same old tired Nashville musicians who were primarily country and played the same old licks on almost every record I wanted Elvis to record with Chips Moman and his American Studio rhythm section because after becoming part of the Memphis Music Industry a couple of years before then I had quickly realized how creatively great those guys were which is why by that time they had produced over 100 big hits in that tiny studio using the same six man rhythm section.  It's also where I produced Rita Coolidge's,(who I had discovered and signed to my new record label) first couple of hits using those guys.  I felt that Elvis and them would be a perfect match because they all came from the same southern background. I just wanted Elvis to once again have big hit records and be back on top of the charts where he belonged.

So while listening to Felton, I unconsciously was shaking my head back and forth as if to say, "Oh NO not again!"
Elvis saw me and looked over and said,"What the hell's wrong with you?"  I once again, as I had mention Chips to him before said,"I just wish for once you'd try Chips Moman and his rhythm section, they're great Elvis." he gave me his usual answer, "Maybe someday." Not once did George make a peep.  The comment George makes in the book about none of us would speak up to Elvis because he gets mad, is a crock.  That was solely George's mentality because he was scared that if he said something Elvis might not like it and cut George off when it was gift giving time.  Some of the rest of us original guys had no problem suggesting things to Elvis especially if we thought it would benefit him. Most of all we weren't there for gifts or money.

Just then Lottie the maid came out of the kitchen and said dinner was ready. Everyone got up to go in the dining room but me because I did not want to go in there and listen to them discuss the Nashville session.  Elvis said to me,"C'mon, let's go eat." I told him I wasn't hungry and he knew I was lying because he knew I never saw a meal I didn't like, especially steak which was being served that night.  So I kept sitting in the chair talking to myself about that session.

It wasn't more than thirty seconds when Felton came out and said, "Elvis wants to see you in the dining room." I told him,"With all due respect Felton I have no desire to sit there and hear any more about your Nashville session." He then said,"No, Elvis wants to cut in Memphis." I asked if he was kidding me and he said no. With that I was out of that chair in a flash and in the dining room. With Felton standing next to me I said to Elvis,"Is he kidding me, you want to cut in Memphis?" he said,"Yes, but I have to start Monday night." He then said,"You and Felton set it up with Chips Moman."

Felton and I went to the front hallway to the phone and I called the studio,they told me Chips was at home so I called him there.  I said, "Lincoln,(his real name), do you still want to cut Elvis", he said, "Hell yes."  I then said,"Well you got him but you have a problem. He has to start Monday night and you already have Neil Diamond booked." Chips said,"Screw Neil, he'll just have to be postponed." I then told him the session had to be a closed one and nobody who does not have anything to do with it cannot be invited.  He said,"No problem, you can handle that." He said that even though I was not working for him at that time I didn't become General Manager of the studio until a few months later when he asked me to.  I then handed the phone to Felton who made the financial deal with Chips on behalf of RCA.

When he got through with that we went and sat at the table where I sat next to Elvis on the right. The chair that George now says Elvis told him to sit in.  I waited until he finished eating and then I said, "Elvis would you do me a favor?" He asked what. I then said, " With this session you're gonna have a great and talented producer and some of the most creative and talented musicians, the sound of the studio is fantastic and we all know you can sing, would you please get some good songs this time?"He looked at me and said, "Well I was waiting to finish eating and then I wanted you to come upstairs and listen to some new songs by this new songwriter, Scott Davis."that was Mac Davis' real first name.  We went upstairs to his room and he played a tape of songs to me and the guys including, "In The Ghetto" and "Don't Cry Daddy." I was happy because they sounded like hits to me.  there was also another song I liked called,"Home" but he didn't do that one, I wish he did.

That is the full and complete story of how Elvis got to record at American Studios in 1969. (10 Jan 2010)

Marty Lacker talks about Elvis and The Grammys: Elvis' close friend Marty Lacker responded to our story (see yesterday news below) about the Wertheimer exhibition at the Grammy's museum. The lack of respect that Elvis received in his lifetime from this institution still upsets Marty Lacker to this day.

Marty Lacker > "Reading your story about the Elvis Grammys exhibit in a way makes my stomach turn because of the way the Grammys treated Elvis while he was alive and now they're acting like they have been/are his champion.

To begin with other than the Living Legend Award, the only Grammys Elvis ever won was for 2 or 3 of his Gospel Records.  None of his records from the 50's or 60's, the ones that changed the world's music was ever awarded a Grammy.  Even though they were some of the most important and biggest records in music history and if he hadn't come along there might not be any Grammys or much of today's music.

However the biggest injustice done by the Grammys happened in the early 70's.  This story was told to us by Colonel Parker.  He received a call from Pierre Cossette the longtime producer of the Annual Grammys Award Shows he told Parker that the
Grammys would like to present to Elvis A Lifetime Legend Award. Parker told them that was nice of them.  Pierre then said,"We'd like Elvis to do one song on the show after we present him the award." Parker asked him how much they were paying. Cossette told him the Grammys (NARAS), which stands for The National Academy Of Recording Arts and Sciences, does not pay performers for performing on the Awards Shows.  Parker then told him, Elvis does not perform without being paid and he couldn't guarantee that Elvis would be at the show either.  Parker said Pierre then coughed and said he'd get back to him.

A week later, Parker got a call, this time from Pierre's assistant telling him that since Elvis wouldn't sing they no longer were going to give him the award.  How petty and chickenshit was that?

During the 70's I had made a name for myself in the national music industry and in addition to that I was the co-founder of the Memphis NARAS Chapter, (Grammys) and I was on the National Board Of Governors of NARAS representing Memphis.  One of my good friends, Ron Alexburg who at the time was VP of Columbia/Epic Records in NY, came to Memphis for a meeting with me and my partner as our company represented his records in the south.  I told him the story and he got mad and he and I went on a tirade to NARAS about the shabby treatment to Elvis and that of all people he should get a Living Legend Award. 

Two weeks later, on a Monday, when I received the big music magazine issues for the week, I open Cash Box magazine and lo and behold there's a picture of Bobby Vinton and national promotion man, Pete Bennett presenting Elvis The Living Legend Award on behalf of the Grammys in his Vegas dressing room.  They didn't even have the decency to give it to him on the next awards show.  I never told Elvis about what I did. 
- -- I just wanted to set the record straight with the truth of the matter. (4 Jan 2010) EIN thanks Marty for his ongoing contribution.

....................Marty's Musings in 2009......................

Why Cybill Shepherd dumped Elvis!: Actress Cybill Shepherd has revealed that she dumped her one-time boyfriend Elvis Presley after he tried to make her take prescription drugs. She said in a TV interview: "He once said to me, 'Take these pills' and he had these pills in his hand. I flushed them down the toilet." Moonlighting star Cybill, 59, who dated Elvis in 1973, said after that she returned his emerald and diamond ring.

She also compared Michael Jackson to Elvis, saying: "That level of fame is unsurvivable". (News, Source: mirror.co.uk, 7 Sep 2009)

Marty says:

Cybill is continuously using Elvis for publicity because of the fact that she's basically over the hill in Hollywood and she can't get any on her own. The fact is, she was the dumpee not the dumper.

The Colonel and song publishing royalties - a "black mark": Marty Lacker sent us this message:

Here's an interesting tidbit you might want to share with your readers.

In the 70's, mainly because Colonel Parker and Freddy Bienstock didn't want me to bring any good songs to Elvis, as I had been doing, because they didn't have the publishing on them, they told people like Esposito and Felton Jarvis not to tell me when a recording session was coming up.  That resulted in Elvis not being the first to hear the demo of a great song that turned out to be a big hit by someone else.
 
In my Memphis Music business,Mempro Inc., I represented a number of national music publishing companies as well as record labels.  Elvis of course knew all about this because I never kept anything from him, including the fact that when I got a song recorded I made money from it as that was part of my business.  He also knew that when I played a song for him sometimes but not always, I would earn money from him doing that and he had no problems with it.  He also knew I played songs for him that I did not make money from, I just thought they'd be good for him. 
 

The demo I was the first to have as it was given to me by my good friend Alan Ryder of Irving/Almo music, the publishing company owned by A&M Records, was,"I Honestly Love You", written by Peter Allen who sang the demo.  As most know, Olivia Newton John had her biggest hit with that beautiful song.  Elvis never got to hear it.  If he had, Olivia might not have had as big of a career. (24 Aug 2009)

 

Elvis designed ring on eBay: A ring designed by Elvis and Marty Lacker is being sold on eBay. The ring became the possession of Patsy Lacker, Marty's former wife. From the eBay listing:

'One night in the 70's when he and Elvis were in Elvis' upstairs Graceland office, they began talking about marriages including the fact that Marty served as Elvis' co-Best Man at his wedding to Priscilla.  The conversation got around to things they did for their wives and Marty told Elvis about his promise to Patsy regarding the wedding ring.  Much to Marty's surprise Elvis said,"That's great, let's design one for her and have it made." Marty thought Elvis was kidding at first but Elvis made it clear he was serious.  So for about an hour Marty would sketch the suggestions Elvis made as well as including some ideas of his own.  They came up with a beautiful wide, white gold thick ring with stones on the top left and the bottom right.  It is an unusual wide ring for a wedding band but then Elvis liked unuusal things.'

Marty Lacker on the American Studio Sessions/RNR Hall of Fame:

"I read with interest the piece by Trevalian you are running today about the release of the American Sessions and I take note of his mentioning that the Rock Hall of Fame will be making their 25th Anniversary selections for the Hall.  I would like to suggest that this is the perfect time for Chips Moman and the six American Studio rhythm section musicians be inducted into the Hall this coming year.

 
I would like to urge all your readers and all Elvis fans to write the RNR Hall Of Fame Selection Committee and nominate Chips and the musicians for induction.  Not only should they be in there because of Elvis but also because of the 120 plus hits they have recorded at American using the same six musicians as well as Chips producing 95% of those hits.
 
Write the selection committee at:
 
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation
1290 Avenue of the Americas
Second Floor
New York, NY 10104
 

The Foundation is the one who makes the selections not the actual Hall which is in Cleveland, Ohio." (23 June 2009)

 

Marty Lacker's strong feedback to The American Spectator: Further to our news item on Sat 14 March, Marty has provided EIN with his letter to The American Spectator about its cover article, Osama bin Elvis:

I have just seen the cover of your latest issue where you compare Osama Bin Laden with Elvis and your drawing of Elvis looking like a clown.

You have a self proclaimed reputation of being a Patriotic American publication primarily because you mainly represent the narrow minded rightwing and this is the way you treat an Amarican Icon like Elvis?

I'm not some Elvis fanatic, I am someone who was with and close to him for twenty years and I and others take your the cover on your rightwing rag as an insult to Elvis' memory and legacy.

I would not be surprised by learning your illustrator and editors had a good laugh when doing that cover, thinking how amusing and clever you are.  I hate to break it to you but you all are the clowns and you should all be ashamed of yourself as well as apologize in your next issue to Elvis, his family, friends and fans.

Thank you,
Marty Lacker
Memphis,Tn.

"Osama bin Elvis" right wing propaganda: Marty comments on EIN's lead story on 14 March 2009:

"The American Spectator is a staunch rightwing magazine in the US and I think it's disgusting that they use Elvis, an American Icon, in this manner on the cover of their rag publication.  The only good use for that magazine is to start a fire in your fireplace." (March 14, 2009)

Become an Honorary member of the Memphis Mafia!!!:

EIN received this message from Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker:

"For many years since Elvis passed away, we, as original members of the Memphis Mafia, have marveled at the way millions of you worldwide Elvis fans have stayed with him and in many ways have made him into the cultural icon that he deserved to be. We greatly have appreciated the way you have diligently kept his memory alive. Over time we have discussed ways we could show you our appreciation and honor your efforts. 

In that light, we have decided to honor your efforts and fandom by offering you the opportunity to become honorary members of the Memphis Mafia organization, you've earned it. We have many exciting things we are planning for the organization in the near future months and years and as a member you will have the exclusitivity of being able to participate in these exciting events and offerings.

This a first, a never before offered opportunity for you the faithful Elvis fan. (6 Mar 2009)

You can learn more by clicking on this link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260372620850

Elvis' Tour Bus and Cadillac coming to Tupelo - not quite what it seems!: Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, contacted EIN after our story on 2 March about our story on the Elvis Tour Bus. Marty says:

"I read your story today about the Kinards supposedly having Elvis' bus and Cadillac.

Elvis did not own a '57 Pink and Black Cadillac, the only pink car he had was the famous '56 Caddy that he bought for his mother and that stayed at Graceland and as far as I know is still there.
 
Secondly, his bus was not an MCI it was a Flex.
 
My question to is:WHAT THE HELL WAS ELVIS' SUPPOSED VEHICLES AND MEMORABILIA DOING IN A SPORTS HALL OF FAME?  He wasn't an athlete, he was a entertainer.

Just to be sure of my memory, I checked with some of the other guys.

Bill Kinard clarified for us that in fact it is the bus that Elvis bought for JD and The Stamps. It was not the bus Elvis owned that we used back in the 60's. Elvis did not use this bus at any time." (4 March 2009)

Memphis Mafia immortalised.......thanks to the (very rich) 'Memphis Mafia, Choc and PB with Choc Sauce Donut': Following an enquiry we received for Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, Marty responded to us with the following interesting item:

"I called the guy the other night after I saw a show here called Man Vs. Food. The hosts travels the country and eats humongous amounts of food at different restaurants and bakeries I to see if he can eat it all. He did a segment from this guy's doughnut shop in Portland, Oregon where the guy makes 70 different kinds of doughnuts and he names them all.

He named one,"The Memphis Mafia" and that surprised and shocked me when I heard it while watching the show, so I decided to call him after the show and say thanks. It always amazes me when I hear people recognize us, especially when it's about unusual things.

Elvis would be laughing his ass off and loving it." (13 Feb 2009)

EIN Note: We managed to track down the above photo of the donut (Source: Kelly H.) which is fully titled:

The Memphis Mafia, Choc and PB  with Choc sauce over an apple fritter

....................Marty's Musings in 2008......................

Marty Lacker responds to Kanye West: Marty Lacker responded to our link story yesterday saying:

"Kanye West's mouth is a joke as is his estimation of himself.

Tell him to come back after he's sold over a Billion records and we might take him serious.  What Kanye does not understand, primarily because he was not born back when Elvis started, is that Elvis did not just cut hit records and become a sex symbol to millions of girls and women, more importantly, he changed the culture of the world.

If there had been no Elvis there's a possibility that we would not have known or enjoyed the many years of Rock N' Roll and the artists who sing it and there might not be such a thing as hip hop or rap.  That's not a hollow statement because I was close to Elvis, it is based on how music evolves and one style leads to another through the influences of those who come before you.

West has a huge ego and one of these days nobody's gonna want to listen to him anymore and he's the kind who will go into a great depression because of it." (30 Nov 2008)

Elvis & Vernon - DNA issues - a Memphis Mafia view: Following our recent news items about Eliza Presley and possible illegitimate offspring of Elvis', prominent Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, has told EIN:

"I have read the stories by Eliza What's hername and by the fan wondering about any illegitimate children fathered by Elvis and I felt it was time for us to come clean. 

I am writing this for myself and on behalf of Lamar Fike and we'd like to inform you that Elvis was not really just our friend, he was really our birth father.  Because he was so special and worked miracles he fathered me when he was two years old and he fathered Lamar when he, Elvis, was only 11 months old.

The chances of that being true are about as good as Eliza being Elvis' half sister or that there are any illegitimate Elvis children out there.  I can assure you if there had been any children outside of Lisa Marie, the mother would have immediately come forward for big bucks. Just as Eliza's mother said she would have if it was true that Vernon fathered Eliza or whatever her real name is.  Her mother effusively stated Vernon is not her father.

In other words, STOP THIS NONSENSE. Most of you claim to be good Elvis fans but those of you who believe or foster this nonsense don't prove that by your actions. This nonsense besmirches Elvis' memory and those of us who were close to him are tired of reading this crap.

The above is not directed at EIN because they do a wonderful job of keeping his memory alive as many fans do.

As Nigel and Piers have always told me, all they do is try to be fair by printing almost everything about Elvis people send them and let the fans make up their own mind about it."

EIN Comment: Thanks Marty! Marty does not always agree with what EIN publishes, for as he says, we publish a very broad cross-section of what is happening in the Elvis world. Despite assertions (from time to time) to the contrary, EIN does not support, nor endorse, a number of views we publish. For instance....EIN has always maintained Elvis died on 16 August, 1977. We stand by that belief today! (23 Nov 2008)

Marty Lacker Memphis Mafia jacket sells on eBay for US$500.00: Earlier this week we reported Memphis Mafia memnber and co-best man at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding, Marty Lacker, had advised EIN:

Since 1999, I have been asked if I have any more Memphis Mafia items for sale that we had made in '97.  They were all gone by '99 and all I had left was my own personal items of Memphis Mafia clothing which I wasn't wanting to part with.

EIN is pleased to report Marty's jacket has sold for $500.00. (16 Nov 2008)

Marty Lacker Memphis Mafia jacket for sale: Earlier this week we reported Memphis Mafia memnber and co-best man at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding, Marty Lacker, had advised EIN:

Since 1999, I have been asked if I have any more Memphis Mafia items for sale that we had made in '97.  They were all gone by '99 and all I had left was my own personal items of Memphis Mafia clothing which I wasn't wanting to part with.

 
 We stopped making the items in '99, almost ten years ago and there is no plans to make anymore in the future.
 
I am willing to sell this jacket and I want to do it quickly so it's first come, first gets it. Marty Lacker

Marty has now listed the jacket on eBay.

Click here to view listing

(12 Nov 2008)

Strong response to the Rabbi's view on an Elvis stamp!: Yesterday we published Rabbi Ben Kamin's opinion on why an Elvis stamp should not have been released in the US.

Your response was overwhelming, as epitomised by the following comments:

"It seems the Rabbi is willing to toss aside all the millions of hours of enjoyment and happiness  Elvis brought to hundreds of millions worldwide over his twenty plus years of his career.  There have been pronouncements by many individuals that his music pulled them out of depression or that it helped them get well when they were sick.

He overlooks or maybe doesn't know about, all the charitable work Elvis did in all those years to many groups regardless of race, religion or whatever.

He also makes a mistake in including alchohol as one substance of Elvis' over indulging.  In the over twenty years I was close to him I probably saw, at the most, Elvis take ten drinks, if that much, of alchohol.

I'm happy that the Rabbi is an ardent Elvis fan and like all fans, he ought to just enjoy the music and leave the uninformed rhetoric out of it.

Elvis was worthy of the stamp.  That honor should not be relegated to just self serving politicians." Marty Lacker

(20 Oct 2008)
Marty Lacker adds more to 'The story behind the Meditation Garden':
EIN thanks Marty Lacker who tells us some more fascinating facts to add to yesterday's story...  
" As many fans know Bernard Grenadier was my brother in law and he and my sister, Anne, designed and built the Meditation Garden when Elvis requested he build something beautiful and peaceful for him to go to, to just think and meditate when he needed to.
That area had originally been a broken down birdbath and the columns that were there were all rotted and peeling.  The grass was weed ridden.
My Brother in law got the stain glass from Spain, the curved wall that held them was made of bricks made in Mexico and the small statues that were in the Garden came from Italy. He turned that small bird bath into that huge fountain that featured fourteen different sprays as well as the colored lights and the torch pots placed around the fountain.
The first night Elvis saw it when we had just returned from Hollywood he wanted to see it by himself, when he came back into the house he had tears in his eyes.  He hugged my brother in law and sister and told them he had never seen anything as beautiful.
The first night Elvis saw it when we had just returned from Hollywood he wanted to see it by himself, when he came back into the house he had tears in his eyes.  He hugged my brother in law and sister and told them he had never seen anything as beautiful.
The following Christmas I had a custom statue made of Jesus to give to Elvis from the MM which also had great meaning to him in his religious beliefs.
After that Elvis asked my brother in law and sister to completely redo his bedroom upstairs.
Thought your readers would like to know the whole inside story.
- Marty.
As noted yesterday: The Meditation Garden was designed and built by Memphian Bernard Grenadier (who also built the waterfall in the Jungle Room) in the mid 1960’s. One of the most beautiful and mysterious features of the Garden are the four nineteenth-century stained glass windows in the curved brick wall overlooking the graves. Moorish in nature and religious in their imagery, their meaning has been the source of much speculation over the years. Go here for images. (4 Sep 2008)

The story behind the Mediation Garden!!

 

The Elvis Glass tells EIN:

 

We would like to invite you to go to www.theelvisglass.com for details on an incredibly interesting discovery concerning the Meditation Garden at Graceland.  

 

Please use the link on the site to view the report on NBC Memphis affiliate, WMC-TV on 8/9/2008. (3 Sep 2008)

Marty Lacker answers your questions: There has been a strong and very positive response to our interview with Marty Lacker. We have added a lot of your feedback with more to be added in the next few days.

Marty has also sent us a note thanking everyone for their feedback and also clarifying an important issue about Elvis.

The interview covers a lot of ground, including how Marty and Elvis became friends at high school to Elvis' marriage to Priscilla, the role of the Colonel, a world tour, the reality of Elvis' relationship with the Memphis Mafia and Marty's campaigning to have Chips Moman and the American Studio Band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (21 Aug 2008)

Marty Lacker answers your questions: EIN's last interview with Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, was in 2005, so we thought it long overdue to catch up with him again.

This time, apart from introductory and closing questions from EIN, we asked you, our readers, to nominate questions for Marty.

EIN thanks Marty for taking the time to answer what turned out to be a diverse and interesting set of questions. We also thank you for providing questions for Marty.

The interview that follows covers a lot of ground, including how Marty and Elvis became friends at high school to Elvis' marriage to Priscilla, the role of the Colonel, a world tour, the reality of Elvis' relationship with the Memphis Mafia and Marty's campaigning to have Chips Moman and the American Studio Band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Read Marty's 2008 Interview

Marty Lacker offering VHS copies of "All The King's Men" AUTOGRAPHED by five members of the Memphis Mafia: Marty Lacker has been doing some spring cleaning and come across something special he wishes to now part with. Marty tells EIN:

I have been cleaning my closet out this past weekend and found a box containing eight copies of a special volume one of the video series that was signed by all five of us. Only a limited amount of autographed copies were made for a special video signing the company we did it for set up at one of The Movie Gallery Video stores in Nashville.  We did it in 1997 shortly after the videos were released to the public.  After these are sold there will be no more autographed copies.  The autographs are Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Lamar Fike and me.

To be one of the lucky eight who can obtain an AUTOGRAPHED copy of "All The King's Men" email Marty for full information (26 July 2008)

Strong 'negative' reaction to claim about secret Elvis diary!: To say there was a strong negative reaction to our story on Friday about a secret Elvis diary being found is an understatement. Here is a cross-section of your our reader's views:

Marty Lacker: Just read the story about the professor and Elvis' secret diaries.  They were so secret even Elvis didn't know about them.
 
What a crock.
 
The entries are just generalized short comments that anybody would know about.  For one thing it has a comment in '65 about blowing out a TV screen.  Elvis didn't do that until years later.
 
This story has to win the Doozy Of The Year Award! (22 June 2008)

Secret Elvis diary found???: Presley kept a private journal for more than 20 years - and never told anyone about it. A college professor claims to have found Elvis Presley’s secret diaries in a box of used books that he purchased in Memphis, Tennessee just weeks ago. The volumes allegedly span the years 1956 to 1977, with the last comments having been entered just hours before The King died.

“They’re authentic, I guarantee it,” the scholar told derekclontz.com in a taped, world-exclusive interview. “There are seven volumes containing entries that begin November 16, 1956 and end August 16, 1977.

“The diaries appear to reveal Mr. Presley’s innermost thoughts and feelings about life, friends and his career. To the best of my knowledge nobody, not even the people closest to Elvis, knew these diaries existed. At least they didn’t know, until now.”

The professor revealed that he was in possession of The King’s secret diaries in an e-mail to derekclontz.com editor-in-chief Derek Clontz on Monday, June 16. He refused to identify himself or name the city he was calling from. He did say that he teaches English literature in Mississippi. He also confirmed that he found the diaries at the bottom of a box of old novels he bought on April 15 of this year.

“It isn’t clear how to diaries got into the box, and without seeing them there is no way for me to verify their authenticity,” says Clontz, who has written over 200 articles on Presley since 1982 and is considered to be an expert on his death or, as fans who believe him to be alive would say, “his faked death.”

“But the academic who claims to have them in his possession says two handwriting experts, both from the Mississippi’s state university system, studied the diaries and concluded that they were, in fact, written by Elvis Presley’s own hand. True - or false? I’m keeping an open mind. Our readers can judge for themselves.”

The professor agreed to read portions of the diaries to derekclontz.com so he can gauge public reaction prior to publishing them in their entirety next Christmas.

“I can’t put a price on the diaries until I see how the public responds to them,” he said, “and that’s why I’m giving portions of them to you for publication on the Internet. I invite your readers to respond through you. I want to know what they think.”

The professor read 20 entries from The King’s alleged diaries over the phone. They were taped and printed below - verbatim, with no corrections or changes - just as we received them.

1950s - November 16, 1956

Met Liberace today and that man is funny. I mean real funny. He’s a showman but I don’t know what I could learn from him. He’s nice but he’s prissy. And the woman who like him are old.

March 30, 1957

Graceland is perfect. Thirteen rooms and we’re going to make it bigger and better. I knew Mama would find the right place. She loves it and so do I. Look out the windows and it just seems to spread out forever. The whole family is here and there’s room for all of us.

We’re going to fix it up just like we want. I wish I could see their faces now. They said I was nobody. Now nobody is somebody and they’re going to know it.

August 14, 1958

Where are you, Mama? I know you’re here. You’re not dead. You can’t be dead. You can’t leave me, Mama. You said you’d never leave me. You promised. I’m not ready. Mama, I’m scared.

June 28, 1959

I slipped and almost killed myself in the shower this morning. Now wouldn’t it be hell to die in a bathroom? Ha, Ha.

1960s - February 17, 1960

I wonder what the girls would think if I did marry them, even for a day? What would they think about Elvis Presley. They might not like who I really am. I’m not sure that I do. Elvis knows who he is. So who is Elvis? Mama know, don’t you, Mama? Damn it. Damn it. Why did you leave me? Don’t you know what I feel like? Don’t you? I do and it stinks. One of these days something’s going to give. I just wish I knew when.

June 15, 1961

Wild in the Country premiered today and it’s worse than I thought. It stinks and I’m embarrassed to say it’s my movie. When are they going to let me make a real movie? The Colonel [Editor: Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager] and Mr. Wallis [Hal Wallis, producer of numerous Elvis films] must know what they’re doing because people pay to see me no matter how bad the movies are.

I’m as good as James Dean. I know I am. Maybe The Colonel and Mr. Wallis will let me make a karate movie. It couldn’t be any worse than what I’m doing now. It might be fun. Maybe I could talk them into getting Debra Paget [Elvis’ costar in the 1956 movie Love Me Tender] to be in with me. I’d like to work with her again.

May 14, 1962

I miss you, Mama, but we’ll be together again. I promise.

August 28, 1965

The Beatles are O.K. I don’t know why John [Lennon] was so nervous [when Elvis and the Beatle met]. What did he think I was going to do, bite him? He said I inspired him. We played and sang some but we’d never make it on one stage. I’m a show. The Beatles are just a band.

[The Beatles - John, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - considered Elvis to be a pioneer of rock music and finally met him face-to-face at his home in Bel-Air, in California, in 1965. Rumors that they recorded a few songs during the meeting are often heard but have never been confirmed.]

September 3, 1965

I don’t care what they say. I like guns. And there ain’t nothing like blowing the screen out of a TV.

February 1, 1968

Lisa Marie is so beautiful I’m afraid to touch her. But when I hold her I can’t describe it. I feel like a king.

January 21, 1969

In the Ghetto is a beautiful song but I wonder if it will make a difference? There’s so much pain and misery in the world. I hope it does.

1970s - December 21, 1970

President Nixon has got to let me help the country. Damn drugs. Damn hippies and traitors. They’re killing us. They’re killing our country. The President has got to listen. I don’t have enemies. Nobody would know what I was doing if he made me a federal agent. I hope he does something before it’s too late.

November 15, 1971

I realized I was daydreaming on stage. Daydreaming … I started singing and the next thing I knew I was taking a bow. I must be getting old. I don’t know … maybe I’m getting bored.

November 16, 1971

Day after day, city after city, show after show. The fans are all over me. I can’t go anywhere or do anything without a screaming mob on my heels. Right now I don’t know if I love them or hate them. If I had control it would be easy but I don’t and it seems like I’d get used to it. My like isn’t mine anymore. It never will be. And it’s too late to turn back now.

April 27, 1973

Should I cut my sideburns? I wonder what the girls would say? I wonder what The Colonel would say? I wonder what I’d say after they went down the drain?

March 26, 1973

I wouldn’t know what to do with the answers, if I had them. Sometimes I think I’d be a lot better off driving a truck.

August 27, 1974

If I have to kiss one more fat girl I’ll puke. Where the hell are my pills?

June 20, 1977

Why do I bother to go on? I’m not a kid anymore. Nothing’s the same. What the hell am I supposed to do? I’m tired and I’m fat. I make myself sick. Fat pig Elvis. I know God’s testing me. My life is in His hands. I wish you were here, Mama. No, I don’t, I wish I was there. I don’t want these damn pills, but I’ve got to have them. I’ve got to get some sleep.

August 15, 1977

It won’t be long now, Mama. I’m coming home.

August 16, 1977

I can’t go on. (News, Source: Derek Klontz/ EP Gold, 20 June 2008 )

So who was the stranger in the photo with Elvis?: EIN had plenty of suggestions from fans and friends of Elvis as to who was the unknown character in the photo taken at the end of 1957, in Elvis' early days at Graceland. These included from Elvis collector Paul Lichter who believed it was a young Alan Fortas. There is a resemblance, however Fortas' close friends Marty Lacker &  Lamar Fike do not agree. They think it was most likely "someone who worked on the house when it was being decorated".

Marty said, "He resembles someone who went to Humes High with us but I don't think it's the same guy. There could be a very simple explanation. He could be someone who worked on the house when it was being decorated when Elvis moved in there in '57. Let me put it this way, that picture is the first and last time we ever saw this guy's face. He had no real importance in Elvis' life. - Marty"

Other interesting suggestions were performer Bob Luman, or even Tommy Devito from 'The Four Seasons'.
EIN also discovered that one of our favourite Elvis publications, the UK magazine 'Essential Elvis' had run this same query in the past and that the strongest lead was from Elvis super-fan Tony Stuchbury. While in Memphis Stuchbury saw the photo on display with the information that the man was in fact a car salesman from downtown Memphis, probably from one of the dealerships on Union Aves. He hopes to re-confirm his facts when he visits Memphis later this year. Coincidentaly EEUK Editor Andrew Hearn also informs us that he has an immaculate colour version of the same photo which will be featured in the forthcoming MRS 'Graceland' book.

 

 

 

 

(23 May 2008)

 

 

EIN says to please note that yesterday's 'President Nixon taped Elvis' story was a joke. As we noted in our article below "this story has been circulated by the website TheSpoof.com!" Other sites however did not run this byline.

Marty Lacker sent out the succinct clarification that . . ."The clue to whether the Nixon & Elvis story on various websites is true or not, lies in the website in comes from--SPOOF.com. Graceland was not bugged by the CIA, Billy Miller, or any other fool that claims so. Marty" (15 May 2008)

President Nixon taped Elvis: Former President Richard Nixon secretly had Elvis Presley's Graceland home taped, but not for any criminal reasons.
A former aide to the white house during Nixon's term has just released an autobiography of the Nixon years and tells the story that Nixon had aspirations of becoming a crooner after his time in office.
"He ordered the CIA to tape Presley's home so that he could try and decipher what makes a hit record, but all the tapes came out with were Elvis and his buddy's goofing around. He did manage to get some great recordings of Elvis alone at the piano, in fact he got Elvis on tape going through every hit by the Beatles as Elvis seemed obsessed by their succession to his throne."
The tapes have come to light and are gonna be offered to an auction house next month.
Nixon only ever performed once at a secret gig in a small bar off Times Square under the name of Jimmy the Sneak, there were three people in the audience and no one clapped. EIN says please note this story has been circulated by the website TheSpoof.com! (14 May 2008)

 

....................2007......................

Marty Lacker comments on Jimmy Velvet interview: Marty Lacker commented to EIN:

"I listened to Jimmy Velvet's interview with Shelley Powers.  During the interview he was asked who made the Tree Of Life design and he said he didn't know. 

Just for Powers edification you might want to let her know that it was an idea I had one night at Christmas '64 while sitting up one night at Graceland where my family and I lived for awhile.  I designed it and drew it up.  Then for Christmas I got the guys to chip in for the beautiful big white bible Jimmy talks about and I had the tree inscribed in gold inside the cover and we gave it to him for Christmas from all the guys.
 
Then a few weeks later for his birthday I had Harry Levitch, our jeweler, make a medallion necklace with the tree engraved and we gave that to him for his birthday on Jan. 8, '65.  He wore it for many years". (28 Dec 2007)

Read Elvis International's Shelly Powers interview with Jimmy Velvet

Marty Lacker clarifies the issue of Elvis & Robert Goulet: On 24 October we ran the following story about singer/actor Robert Goulet who sadly died a few days later.

Why Elvis really shot the TV set: The myth persists that Elvis shot the TV set after seeing Goulet because he felt the singer lacked emotional connection with the song. This was discounted when it was revealed Elvis was annoyed (really annoyed) at Goulet who tried to woo Elvis' girlfriend, Anita Wood, when Elvis was in the Army.

Goulet once claimed he and Elvis were friends. We asked Memphis Mafia member Marty Lacker for his view on the friendship. Marty told EIN:

"No, not really.  If Goulet came back stage once or twice in Vegas, Elvis was always civil to him as he was with just about everyone who did.  He never came back while I was there. Elvis had a dislike for Goulet from the very early years while he was in Germany when Goulet wrote something on the bottom of a letter that Anita Wood had mailed him, as I talk about in the book "Elvis Revelations of the Memphis Mafia" (written with Alanna Nash)." (1 November 2007)

Read EIN's archival news/interview item from 2004 about "Elvis and Robert Goulet"

Elvis' footbutler to release shocking tell-all book: Elvis Presley is likely turning over in his grave from the shockwaves that are about to be felt by the release of a new jaw dropping book. On the 30th Anniversary of his death, Elvis’ personal footbutler has decided to take the foot out of his mouth and tell the world his story in the book Hunka Hunka Burning Feet: The Footastic Story of Wilsie Butters, the Footbutler of Elvis Presley. Wilsie Butters was hired to be a footbutler by Elvis in the mid 1960’s and continued working with the Elvis estate until 2007. The book chronicles his life with Elvis from his hiring to his death and the

subsequent relationship with Priscilla and Lisa Marie.  Butters broke his silence to the What The? Morning Show on CFUV 101.9 FM in Victoria, Canada. “I know stories that will make your toes curl.” Butters told host Craig Richardson, “I held Elvis’ feet when he died. The King valued me so much he put in his Will that I was to stay with the estate forever.” When asked if this book was revenge because he was fired for allegedly putting steroids on Lisa Marie’s feet, Butter’s responded, “Definitely. When I was terminated it voided the confidentiality clause I signed with Elvis. This book will kick Lisa-Marie in the Dutes – if she had any”

Butters was not formally trained as a footbutler as he spent two years as the drummer for Elvis’ band. Elvis was known to have foot problems, and one day before a show in Dallas, Butters noticed Elvis was having trouble walking. He offered his assistance as his mother was a foot masseuse. After half an hour of massaging, lancing a boil and some Chinese toe physiotherapy, Elvis got on stage and performed the show of a lifetime. Butters claims that “After the show Elvis came up to me and said, ‘You are my footbutler’ but I am the drummer, ‘Your drumming days are over boy, you are my footbutler’ It was at that point I gave up my life to a higher calling – Elvis’ Feet. I have not regretted it one bit.” 

Although he developed a “close” relationship with Priscilla, he originally told Elvis to stop the relationship because her feet stunk. “They were like a pair rotten mustard covered halibut. It took years of diet and therapy before they were acceptable to the King” Butters had numerous encounters with celebrities although he only remembers them by their feet.

“Elvis told me to look him in the feet not the eye because I was paid as a footbutler not an eye butler.”

The most frightening experience he had was with O.J. Simpson. “He was jealous that I was looking at his girlfriend’s feet and told me to stare at her breasts because ‘that’s what I paid for’”.

While Butters searches for a publisher, he is planning to perform a dramatic reading from the book as part of an Elvis tribute show he is organizing with lounge singer Tommy Carson at Rick’s Lounge in Laughlin, Nevada on October 9th, the 34th anniversary of Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla. (News, Source: Businessportal24.com/ Charmaine Voisine)

EIN Note: EIN wasn't sure what to make of this story so we decided to ask Marty Lacker for his comments.

Marty's Response: Another bullshit story.  I got his "Footbutler" up his ass. Elvis had no need for any such thing nor did he ever hire this guy or anyone else to take care of his feet except a podiatrist whose office was next door to Graceland when he had a foot problem a couple of times. Anybody who believes this guy or buys his book really needs to see a "Headbutler!"  Commonly known as a psyhciatrist. (25 Sep 2007)

Marty Lacker slams "Britney - The New Elvis?" article: After reading our news report yesterday Memphis Mafia member Marty Lacker had this to say:

"In regards to Tony Sach's article in The Huffington Post ridiculously comparing Brittney Spears to Elvis, what a crock of crap.

The so-called journalists keep trying to compare these manufactured,choreographed artists like Britney and try to intimate that she is in the same league as Elvis as an entertainer,--NOT ON HER BEST DAY!
 
They did the same thing with Ricky Martin putting the onus on him as "The Next Elvis!"  NOT ON HIS BEST DAY EITHER!
 
It's nice that some use Elvis as a standard but they are dreaming when they mention today's artists.
 
Most of these writers were not even born when Elvis was alive or at least in his prime and they know not from where they speak. They think Elvis was only the way he was in that G-d awful CBS Special that should have never been shown. 
 
They need to give it a rest.  Elvis in his last year was sick and bloated.  But in his worst days on stage he was miles above any of these manufactured and choreographed artists today". (15 Sep 2007)

Marty Lacker: I read the article regarding Elvis as a racist and it is my intention to reach Mary J. Blige and give her the real story about Elvis' supposed racism.

This rumor was started years ago by someone and has been picked up mainly by young black artists most of whom were not even born when Elvis started and they believe the crap about him stealing the black man's music and that he was a racist. That's nonsense.
 
I intend to tell her some things that Elvis did for black people that like everything else he did was done without publicity because he just liked to see the joy on people's faces when he did it for them.
 
It's getting tiresome reading this false accussation about Elvis who had a great affinity for black people.
 

As for stealing the black man's music, I quote the great Ray Charles, "MUSIC HAS NO COLOR!' (13 Aug 2007)

Read EIN's article on Elvis and Racism

Lucille Ball confronted Elvis about his drug use: We found this message on the alt.elvis.king board interesting:

lolajo: Marty, In Sonny West's new book, he says that even Lucille Ball confronted Elvis about his drug use and she was summarily shown the door. Were you there when this happened? If so, how did this go down?

Marty (Lacker): No, I wasn't there but that's the way she was.  She was pretty brassy and said what was on her mind, she felt she was around showbiz long enough to allow her to do that.

It doesn't surprise me that she was shown the door but I'm sure it was done in a nice way.  The door that is.  Elvis didn't care who you were if you confronted him that way, he would be nice to your face but he'd tell one of us to get rid of the person. Sometimes when someone did something like that in a challenging way he would tell them to mind their own business and get the hell out.

That's why it amuses us when some uninformed, unrealistic fan makes a negative comment about us or how we handled things, as in the case of Red and Sonny hitting that guy in Tahoe, you all don't really know everything that went on and what was done to protect Elvis and most time at his bidding. (News, Source: alt.elvis.king) (25 July 2007)

Rapper says Eminem is the new Elvis: Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has labelled controversial star Eminem as the new Elvis Presley. The outspoken rap star says there are a lot of similarities between the rapper and the King.He explains, "People say the same thing about Eminem that they said 40 years ago about another white kid whose name began with an 'E' and who had a lot of talent and style.""Elvis was legit, and I think Eminem is legit. Eminem is accepted by the black audience."But although Chuck D is impressed with Eminem, he admits his comparison to Elvis doesn't necessarily mean he likes him. He says, "Elvis never meant s**t to me, but still he was legit. He was a talent. He never meant s**t to me because he used a long line of black cats, like Little Richard and Chuck Berry, that, to me, had more talent than he did." (News, Source: dotmusic.com)

Marty Lacker responds to "Eminem is new Elvis": I read the remarks by Emeinem and Chuck D and it's a shame this rumor started a few years ago mainly by young black artists who have no idea what Elvis was about.  The overwhelming majority of them weren't even born when Elvis started out in '54, some were not even born when he died.

Elvis did not use Little Richard, Chuck Berry or any other black artist back then.  The fact is he knocked down the barriors for those artists to be accepted by white people, especially in the south.
 
Was Elvis influenced by black artists---absolutely.  Just as he was also influenced by the country artists he listened to as a kid in Mississippi along with the black blues artists that he heard on the radio back then.  He had no television.  Elvis blended both influences and that's what formed his own singing style.
 
In an interview Ray Charles gave a year or so before he died, when he was doing a TV special with Travis Tritt.  he was asked what he thought about Travis singing his (Ray's) music and singing it like Ray.  Ray's answer was profound.  he said, "Music has no color."
 
The people that make those statements about Elvis are uninformed and they think it makes them sound good to the black community.  All it does is make them look foolish. (24 June 2007)
Marty Lacker responds to Billy Miller #2 (see stories 5, 6 & 9 June): A message to Billy Miller.  I saw your answer to me on EIN. This will be the last time I answer you because giving you more exposure is exactly what you want and you don't deserve it, neither does Elvis.
 
First of all, why did you back away from Sonny West when he confronted you in Vegas two weeks ago?  He was face to face with you and told you to your face you're a liar and you're trying to scam the fans with your cock n' bull claims as to your relationship with Elvis.
 
I know who the people you speak of that can supposedly back up your story and those people are well known to the fans to be scam artists too.
 
As for your documents, we await them but be forewarned we have two documents in our possession that will show how phony you are with your claims about Elvis. You never worked for Elvis, you were never a private investigator for him or anything else.

You also show your ignorance about Elvis and the guys.  There isn't a thing he did that at least one or two of us didn't know about.  Although some of us come close in knowing it all, at least one or two knows everything about different actions by Elvis.

Be careful Miller, what you're doing might come back to bite you in the ass. Marty (10 June 2007)

Elvis Bolero jacket for sale: Velvet bolero style jacket owned by Elvis and given to his personal hairdresser, Homer M. Gilleland, known as Mr. Gill. The wine colored, four-buttoned short jacket bears a "Mr./Ray's/Palm Springs" label.

Accompanied by a Typewritten Statement signed: "Homer M Gilleland/8-14-91". In full: "To whom this may concern. My name is Homer M. Gilleland. For over 20 years preceding his death, I Was the personal hairdresser of Elvis Aaron Presley. During my employment as Elvis' hairdresser, he gave me as gifts numerous Items of clothing and personal property. This wine colored velvet bolero jacket was owned by Elvis. The jacket has the Label, Mr. Rays Palm Springs. This was a favorite men's store that Elvis frequently Shopped at in the 1960's while he stayed in Palm Springs. This jacket is authentic as given to me by Elvis Aaron Presley during my employment as his personal hairdresser."

Homer M. Gilleland, known as "Mr. Gill", cut Gladys Presley's hair in the 1950's at Goldsmiths Department Store in Memphis, Tennessee. When Elvis became famous he asked his mother's hairdresser to cut his hair. Mr. Gilleland cut Elvis' hair until Presley's death in 1977. In April, 2004, a home in Palm Springs, California, bought in 1970 for $85,000 by Elvis and Priscilla Presley was sold for $1.25 million. They had honeymooned in Palm Springs in 1967. Elvis still owned this home at the time of his death. A RARE CHANCE TO OWN AN AUTHENTIC ELVIS JACKET WITH UNQUESTIONABLE PROVENANCE! In fine condition, with one button a bit loose. Two items. (News, Source: It's Elvis Time)

Bolero shirt update: Following yesterday's news item about a Bolero shirt we asked Marty Lacker about Homer Gilleland. Marty told EIN that Mr Gilleland was indeed Elvis' barber and although he didn't recognise the shirt that wasn't to say it wasn't the real deal. (10 June 2007)

Elvis wanted the Beatles to stay at Graceland: From the limousines the Beatles sent to meet the Stax-Volt Revue at Heathrow Airport in March 1967 to Booker T. & the MGs' McLemore Avenue album, released three years later as a homage to the Fab Four's Abbey Road, there was plenty of mutual appreciation flowing between England's biggest export and Memphis' homegrown heroes.

 
"The Beatles came to the club we were playing in, the Bag O'Nails in London, and bowed to us," MGs bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn remembers with a chuckle. "It made me feel like a million dollars, I guess. To tell you the truth, when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, the Dave Clark Five appeared the following week, and I turned to my wife and said, 'Now there's a good band.' She was going crazy over the Beatles, and I didn't want to like them."

"Of course, George [Harrison] wasn't there," MGs guitarist Steve Cropper laments. "It was an honor. It was really great. But the guitar player wanted to meet the guitar player. Later on in the '70s, I met him in Beverly Hills, and we got to hang out some, which was a big thrill for me." Yet few classic-rock fans know that exactly a year before the London meeting, the Beatles were slated to cut an album at Stax Records. On March 31, 1966, the Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper reported that the Beatles were due at 926 East McLemore on April 9th, spending two weeks working a new album before embarking on an extensive U.S. tour. "There was a close relationship between England and what we were doing down here," Cropper explains.

"Otis [Redding] enjoyed playing for English audiences, because he was so respected over there. And the Beatles started out as a cover band, listening to a lot of Sun material like Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis." "The thing that was interesting to me was the fact that the Beatles' tunes were rhythm-and-blues tunes," says Johnny Keyes, a staff songwriter at Stax in the '60s. "The same thing with the [Rolling] Stones. All of these British artists had more respect for our music, especially the blues, than the people who lived in Memphis."

Brian Epstein, the Beatles' manager, arrived in town in early April to suss out the studio and security situation, and everything seemed ready to go. "All the secretaries were saying, 'You have to promise not to repeat this, but the Beatles are coming!'" Keyes recalls. "We had a songwriters' meeting, because we thought they were looking for rhythm-and-blues material. Ronnie [Gorden, the Bar-Kays' keyboardist] happened to be around, so he and I worked on a tune called 'Out of Control,' which had lyrics like, 'Without you pretty baby, I'm like a dog without a tail/Like a church without a bell.' "In the meantime," says Keyes, "the information leaked out. Girls were coming into the Satellite Record Shop about to cry, saying, 'If you talk to Paul McCartney, please, please let me know.' Word spread, and WHBQ came in and asked [Stax co-owner] Ms. [Estelle] Axton about it, but she played coy with them." "I was so excited about it," says Deanie Parker, the former Stax publicist who went on to serve as the CEO and president of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

"I was seeing dollar signs. I talked to Jim Stewart and said, 'If the Beatles do come here, will you give me permission to take the carpet up, cut it into squares, and sell it?' Honey, I was gonna make me some money." "Everyone else was worrying about the logistics — how were we gonna get them from the airport," Keyes says. "We were gonna put them up at the Holiday Inn Rivermont, but Elvis Presley said it would be better if they stayed at Graceland. It went back and forth, and Epstein ultimately left town because he didn't want to get in the middle of it. The session never happened." Instead, the Beatles stayed home, cutting Revolver, which featured the Stax-inspired "Got To Get You Into My Life," at Abbey Road, before showing up in Memphis for a one-night concert at the Mid-South Coliseum on August 19th.

"I was very disappointed," Parker admits, "mostly because it blew my little enterprise." "I remember getting the call," Cropper says. "Who knows what might've happened? 'Tax Man' could've been 'Stax Man.'" But in July and December 1973, the Stax studios were taken over by another pop giant: Elvis Presley, who recorded several sides, including "If You Talk in Your Sleep," "I've Got a Thing About You Baby," "My Boy," and a cover of Chuck Berry's "Promised Land" at 926 East McLemore. "The staff was notified that after-hours the building wouldn't be available to us because Elvis' production crew asked for privacy," says Parker.

"It was off-limits to us for a week. I didn't even go into the studio, because I could see Elvis around Memphis. Anytime I'd drive down Bellevue, he might be out on his motorcycle. Having Elvis at Stax was just matter-of-fact, just another session." "By the time Elvis showed up, I had already left to start my own studio, Trans-Maximus," Cropper says. "But I think George Klein influenced him and made him aware of what was going on at Stax. George called me one day when I was still over there and said, 'Elvis would like you to write him a song.' We never really came up with anything, but Elvis had some gospel chops, and he knew his soul."

Dunn, who was present for Presley's sessions, says, "When Otis [Redding] sang, he projected. When Sam and Dave sang, they projected. With Elvis, he didn't bellow it out, but it came out big. To end up so forceful, he was the softest singer I ever heard.

"He'd have an imitator come in and lay down the track with the band," Dunn says, "and then they'd overdub his voice. I was actually a little nervous. He was Elvis: You didn't just walk up and talk to him. As far as being buddy-buddy with him, you didn't do it." (News, Memphis Flyer)

The Beatles at Graceland update: Yesterday (see above) we published a news report from the Memphis Flyer that Elvis invited the Beatles to stay at Graceland. Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker subsequently told EIN:

"Just to set the record straight. I read your story about The Beatles and Stax, etc. Elvis never offered for The Beatles to stay at Graceland. He would never turn his house over to anyone like that.  I don't know where Johnny Keyes ever got that idea. 
As for Steve Cropper, who is a very good friend of mine, he's mistaken about how Elvis came to record at Stax, George Klein was not resposnible for it, he had nothing to do with it.   As I have written in my book, I was the one who chose Stax and set the session up after Elvis asked me to find a Memphis Studio for him to record because he didn't want to go back to American Studios.  He really didn't want to record , he was just doing it to appease Parker and RCA.  When he asked me to find the studio we were out by the pool at Graceland and he said that the session really didn't mean anything to him.  It was like a throwaway to him.  I chose Stax because of my working relationship with them as one of the leaders of the Memphis Music Industry at the time and because they had good security." (6 May 2007)

Marty Lacker responds to Wanda June Hill book: Yesterday, EIN published Susan MacDougall's review of the revised edition of Wanda June Hill's controversial book, We Remember, Elvis. Marty Lacker has provided EIN with a hard hitting response on the incredible claims made by Ms Hill. Read the review and Marty's response (28 Jan 2007)

"Is this really Elvis' last song?" update: On 23 January 2007 we published a story about the rights to a song allegedly co-written by Elvis and songwriter, Paul Terry King. Subsequent to our report we received a variety of correspondence, for and against, Mr King's claim. This included a number of email messages from Mr King, prominent Memehis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, and Patrick Lacy, author of the recently published book debunking various Elvis conpspiracies and myths, Elvis Decoded.

Paul Terry King also alleges that Screen Gems/EMI lost 3 reels of 69 published songs by Elvis and American writers.

While EIN seriously doubts the claims by Mr King we have updated our original story to include several of the responses we have received. We also include EPE's official response regarding an earlier song allegedly written by Elvis and Mr King. View updated story (26 Jan 2007)

 

....................2006......................

In response to a controversial interview (September 2006) with Billy Miller, EIN received two responses from Marty:

Marty: To AJ, John, & Blue, how sad but not unexpected. The same old rhetoric about the MM.  The same false accusations and statements. 

Not around after '68,? How long did it take you to think that one up Blue.  I said WE were around 24/7, there was always at least one but usually a few of us guys with him every day.  Designed his jumpsuits?  I'm glad he admired it but I didn't design his jumpsuits.  I did design his wardrobe for two movies along with him but that happened when Miller said he was a little kid. 

The fact is I have never met nor talked to Billy Miller in my life and neither have any of the guys except one or two of the Stanleys and that was long after Elvis died. 

AJ I'm shocked, you don't like the MM, I would have never guessed.  Why I was not at his funeral has been answered ad nauseum over the years and there's something about your attitude that compels me not to explain it again to you. It's amusing that you think any of us owe you an explanation about anything pertaining to our lives with Elvis. 

As for our proof that he's bogus, that will be shown in due time.  Stay tuned. 

Well paid servants John?  That's hilarious.  Interesting how your mind works, that's why it doesn't surprise me that you could never fathom the concept of not being there for the money.  How about the ten years after I left the payroll when I was with him every day in Memphis, went on tours with him,The Aloha Special & Vegas, all at his request.  How 'bout me talking him into doing the '69 American Studios session in Memphis and the fact that I was also resposnible for HWY 51N being named Elvis Presley Blvd. 

How 'bout many other things I did for him while I was on the payroll and made a whopping salary of $45 to $205 per week over the span of years. The year I left I was the highest paid guy in the group along with Joe, that's when I made $205 per week, that was just for the last year and I had three children and a mortgage. The year after I left I made ten times that amount in the music business and Elvis had nothing to do with that. Then again, like I said, you wouldn't understand that within your envious mind. 

Sandra you're probably a nice lady and it seems you have common sense.  The difference is the truth is the truth and fiction does a dis-service to Elvis. One of Miller's many pieces of fiction is that he had something to do with Elvis meeting Nixon and going to the FBI HQ in Washington.  As for Nixon's meeting, not even Bud Krogh, Nixon's assistant made any mention of Miller being there or having anything to do with it but he does mention that it was just Sonny and Jerry. 

As for the FBI Tour, that was set up by former Shelby County Sheriff Bill Morris, who later became County Mayor.  Bill is a very good friend of ours and he's still around to verify that. 

However AJ, Blue and John, be sure you get back to Miller and let him know my message and get your instructions on how to answer. I hope you three buy the book if it ever comes out, you deserve it.  I think Marshall Terrell's feedback above hit the nail on the head. "Look for it in the FICTION section of your book store!" Buying it is tantamount to throwing your money down a sewer, you've earned it. I wish you three a good life and that's all you'll get from me. Bye, Bye.

Marty Lacker: I have read some of the feedback on EIN to Billy Miller's story.

First to answer AJ.  Like Elvis we do things for charities without publicity.  I do realize your comment might have been made because you generally don't care for us in the MM and that's your problem not ours.
 
I am writing the following comment about Miller's claims in capital letters to emphasize my point.  You all have the prerogative to believe what you want  but what I am about to write is 100% truth.  I have also consulted with the other guys and they say the same thing!
 
BILLY MILLER HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONNECTION TO ELVIS.  THE MAJORITY OF HIS CLAIMS ARE BOGUS AND NOT TRUE.
 
JUST AS AN ASIDE, HE CLAIMS AS A KID HE HID BEHIND TREES IN THE BACKYARD WHILE WE PLAYED FOOTBALL.  THERE IS ONLY ONE FIG TREE IN THE BACK YARD AND THAT IS AT THE END OF THE CARPORT.
 
I find it hilarious the comments by Cory Cooper in regards to his conversation with Miller.  We beat him up?  The guy's got a great imagination and possibly a screw loose, quite frankly none of us would cross the street to talk with the guy. 
 
However someone should beat the hell out of him for trying to scam the fans.  I can tell you that while Elvis was alive had he written the bogus claim that Elvis' parents abused him as a child he really would have been hurt bad.  What a low life to write something false  like that but I shouldn't expect anything different from someone who is in cahoots with that other liar, Dee Stanley.
 
The unfortunate part about it is that since Elvis has died people who had nothing to do with his life have come out of the woodwork with their phony claims.  I realize that many fans who were not with Elvis don't know what to believe.  Whether you like the MM or not, be mature and realize that we were with him almost 24/7, some of us for over 20 years, we know what went on and with who it went on with.  Most of us have no reason to lie about anything pertaining to those years.
 
I know there are a couple of guys who exaggerate what they have done and one or two take credit for things they had nothing to do with, that's human nature.  It's sad that they do that but they do it because they think that makes them something special to the fans.  They should just be happy and content that they were close to Elvis, they don't need to say those things.
 
As for the remark about Miller having written proof, we have documented proof that what he says is not true and if push comes to shove we will make it public.

I was not going to comment on Miller's bogus claims because I did not want to give him any further exposure but I changed my mind when I read above that some of you are buying into his crap.  I also realize that some of you might have been prompted by Miller to write what you did. Thank you.

EIN Comment: Marty (and a number of other members of the Memphis Mafia) contacted EIN shortly after we published the interview putting their position that the Billy Miller story was a fabrication. They asked that we keep their comments confidential, which we respected. EIN thanks Marty for now providing the above comments.

Update - So how much for Elvis' THIRD house?: Following our story yesterday about the house Elvis bought on Lehr St, Memphis Mafia mamber, Marty Lacker, sent us this message:

"I might be mistaken because it's been a longtime ago but I believe the house on Lehr is the house that Elvis bought for Linda Thompson's parents. They lived in it and they and Linda thought it was theirs but it seems that Elvis' father kept it in Elvis' name instead, unbeknownst to them, and when Elvis died Vernon made them leave the house and Vester and Clettes presley moved into it.  When Elvis bought it he told me that he bought it and gave it to the Thompsons and he was proud of doing so. Linda and her parents sued Vernon to get it back to no avail."

So how much for Elvis' THIRD house?: Psychic/showman Uri Geller recently purchased Elvis Presley’s first home, at 1034 Audubon Drive, for more than $900,000. Two years ago, entrepreneur Robert F.X. Sillerman bought the Graceland estate, and a good portion of Elvis Presley Enterprise as well, for $125 million.So, how much would Elvis’ third house go for?We recently turned up a 1974 Commercial Appeal article which mentions that Elvis had purchased a home at 1576 Lehr, just behind Graceland. On September 20, 1974, he paid precisely $33,925 for the one-story 1,500-square-foot property, and the newspaper story noted the homeowner had been told that the King of Rock-and-Roll never planned to live there but had purchased it for an investment.

We’re not sure how much this investment has paid off over the years, but if the present owner ever considers selling it, may we suggest eBay? (News, Source: The Memphis Flyer/ Sanja Meegin, June 2006)

Marty Lacker (Memphis Mafia member and co-best man at Elvis and Priscilla's wedding) #1: I have just read your report on the Beeny Elvis DNA crap.

To begin with, as you know, I have called Beeny either a nutcase or he's a con man.  Elvis died on August 16,1977 and for anyone to suggest otherwise or that Elvis would fake his death, they're either that--a nutcase or con man. All those people you mention, Brewer-Girogio,Chances et al: are just that.

Secondly if any doctor showed the sealed autopsy or gave tissues of Elvis to anyone not authorized, their license to practice medicine would be taken away from them.  Once again, Beeny is full of crap.

As for the spelling of Aaron, anyone who has read my books Portrait Of A Friend or Elvis & The Memphis Mafia knows I am responsible for it being changed in 1966 from Aron to Aaron.

To make a long story short, after the one and only disagreement Elvis and I ever had, Elvis apologized to me.  In a conversation we had that moment with his father, Richard Davis and Mike Keaton in attendance in the Graceland basement den, I asked Elvis how come it was spelled Aron when in the bible, as he had often stated, it was Aaron.  He then said while looking at his father, "back then in East Tupelo some family members had trouble spelling." Then he looked at his father and said, " from now on anytime my middle name is used I want it to be Aaron with two A's the way it is supposed to be." That's how and when it became Aaron with two A's. 11 years before he died. No big mystery.

All of those people named in your story claimed to be Elvis fans yet they have done a great dis-service to him with their bullshit story. Although in our memory's and hearts Elvis is alive, he physically died on
August 16,1977 and everyone needs to stop all this Elvis Is Alive nonsense.

EIN Response: Marty, thanks for sharing the story of the spelling of "Aaron/Aron". Many fans will not be faniliar with this.

Marty Lacker #2: I just read some of the comments made in response to Beeny's story and my comments especially about Aaron.

The response of a couple of them is a perfect example of why some of us who were close to Elvis really don't explain how it was all those years and what truthfully transpired. I have no reason to lie about the recounting of that story in 1966, anyone who knows me knows that I am not in need of pats on the back or to make myself look special to anyone.

As for the guy who asked my comments on Operation Fountain Pen and if Elvis was in danger, that too is a myth.  Nobody was after Elvis, no mafia, nobody.  The crap that he went into hiding and is alive today is not only ludicrous it's a total disservice to Elvis to think that he would do something like that. If he was tired of the spotlight he'd just retire and quit being in it.

However, after saying that someone will probably dispute that in those comments.

Everyone needs to stop buying into all the crap about Elvis is alive from Beeny or anyone else.  Unfortunately ELVIS IS DEAD, he physically died on August 16,1977 and anyone who listens to and believes these con artists or nutcases that say differently is pathetic. (May 2006)

Marty Lacker selling VHS signed VHS copies of "All The King's Men" - great pre ebay offer: Prominent Memphis Mafia member and co-best man at Elvis' wedding, Marty Lacker sent EIN this message:

"I have been cleaning out my closet and I have come across a box containing copies of the first volume of our video series  All The King's men.  These copies are special because they are signed by all 5 of us, Billy Smith, Red West, Lamar Fike, Sonny West and me, Marty Lacker. They initally were sold at a premium price by the distribution company but they sent each of us a number of copies.
These are the last signed ones left by all 5 of us. One of the other guys sold his on ebay for over $200 each.

I am about to put mine on ebay but since some of you here and I have enjoyed our conversations over the years I thought I would give you the first opportunity at them before I place them on ebay this evening.

The starting bid on ebay will be $100.00.  I am offering to anyone interested on EIN first shot at them for $100 each.

Anyone interested email me at moon7332@bellsouth.net (April 2006)

Charlie Hodge has died: Following several unconfirmed reports during the day, Charmaine Voisine has sent us this sad message, subsequently confirmed by Marty Lacker: It is with a very sad heart that I have to pass on to all Elvis fans around the world that a very close friend and confidante, Charlie Hodge passed away earlier on this evening as a result of lung cancer that was inoperable.  He had a couple of treatments of radiation therapy in between December and January.

Charlie Hodge first met Elvis Presley on a transport ship enroute to Germany from New York back in September 1958 and they served in the Army together and this is where their very close friendship developed and continued until  Elvis passed away in 1977.

Charlie Hodge was the guy that sang back up for Elvis, played guitar and also handed Elvis water and scarf's during his shows in the 1970's.
 Charlie has been performing nightly at the Memories Theatre for the past few years and he was only diagnosed in December 2005 that he had lung cancer and continued to perform despite that he had cancer, like Elvis, he was a true and dedicated performer for the love of his fans. We have designed a forum where fans of Elvis Presley and Charlie Hodge can come together to post up messages of condolences for the family of Charlie Hodge and also to post up messages they can share with the the Elvis community of friends and fans ~ their own experiences of meeting Charlie Hodge , spending time with him ~ or seeing him perform LIVE ~ 
This forum is in Memory of a wonderful person and great friend and confidante to our beloved Elvis Presley We would like to welcome you all to join this forum and post your messages - we will be making sure that his family and friends see this forum To join:- http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Charlie-Hodge or :- 
(March 2006)

Marty Lacker takes on Paul Terry King: We recently received a message (for Marty Lacker) from songwriter, Paul King. Marty has asked us to publish his response:

Paul Terry King's original message:

Marty , I already heard in Vegas what you said about Roses the song I wrote with Elvis in 73. Face it you don't know everything!!!  You go on to say  Red wrote Seperate Ways  in it's entirety and rightfully is credited as songwriter!!!   Bullshit!   Richard Mainegra and myself were there too. Red pushed the pencil  while  You were in donald crews old office taking over/  I could tell more about that day but wont for now as it seems my daughter Leslie Faith King has been abducted from a locked hospital ward in Oklahoma City. She was born in 1977 just months before Elvis died. A beautiful green eyed vivacious red head that loved Elvis music more than most fans! An acct. is set up at Mid First Bank OKC, OKLA. # 2828110986 routing # 303087995 for those who would like to help.   Her 11 yr old son is with me and asks every day when is mommy coming home?  Lee Dawson with elvis-express.com  in England has this sad story and will appeal for help from British fans also. 

Marty Lacker's response:

1.  King claims he wrote the song with Elvis at American Studios, Elvis was only there in 1969 and I was with him every second while he was at the studio except the couple of times he went to the bathroom and I can assure you that King never wrote any song with Elvis nor did he go to the bathroom with him.  The other guys who were at the sessions, that I have talked to, agree with me. The only song Elvis contributed to was one with Johnny Horton the country singer who sang Batlle of New Orleans but he wanted no credit for that.  He did change a couple of words in Separate Ways.
 
2.  Secondly, Separate Ways was written mainly by Red West but in conjunction with Richard Mainegra, King had no part in it.  I just spoke with Red West and told him what Paul King said and this comes from Red.  "This guy needs to halt his phoney claims in particular about Separate Ways or he is going to have a load of trouble come down on his head including a heavy lawsuit.  Mainegra and I will come down heavy on him"
 
3.  I asked Chips Moman about King because I don't remember him at American.  Chips said King, who he barely remembered his name, and his writing partner who's name escapes me at the moment, were worthless as songwriters. They never brought Chips a song worth a crap.  He said he made a mistake when he signed them as writer's.
 
4. In 1973 I had already left running American and had been running my own company and being one of the leader's of the Memphis Music Industry so King's little tale about me taking over Chip's former partner Don Crew's office is about a nuttier a story as his tale about writing a song with Elvis and writing Separate Ways.
 
5. If King knows what's good for him, he'll stay clear of being anywhere near Red.

6. As for his sad story about his daughter, I'm sorry for that.

PS.  What fools that come out of the woodwork with these phoney stories since Elvis died don't understand is that while he may be gone and can't dispute their stories, there are a number of us who were close to him still here and we were with him virtually everyday. We will set the record straight and refute their bullshit. (Jan 2006)

Handwritten lyrics...Marty Lacker comments: Marty Lacker contacted EIN about the handwritten lyrics for a song allegedly written by Elvis. Marty says:

"Never happened.  The only time Elvis contributed to a song is when he made a few suggestions to Red West when Red wrote Separate Ways.  Red wrote the song in it's entirety and rightfully is credited as songwriter.  Elvis just made one or two changes when he recorded it."

EIN's original news items:

Mystery of handwritten lyrics by Elvis solved?: Our report yesterday resulted in numerous messages and discussion on the various Elvis messageboards. On the FECC board, Tits McGhee wrote:

"The full story of this was told way back in issue 37 of Elvis The Man & His Music. Terry Fell wrote and first recorded 'Mississippi River Shuffle' (note the proper title) in the early '50s. Elvis probably had the record with him in Germany and wrote out the lyrics, that's all."

Others saw the presence of words like "Mommy, "Mississippi" and "Mystery Train" as an indication Elvis could have written the lyrics, while yet others viewed them as another example of forged Elvis notes. (News, Source: FECC/Various)

"The Mississippi River" (The Tupelo Song) handwritten lyric by Elvis?: Browsing through the book 'Elvis Presley Words The Complete Lyrics Volume 8 SU-THEV', we noticed the lyrics to this song allegedly written by Elvis and Jerry Fell (a Google search could not find information about Fell). The book states: "Elvis' own handwritten song lyric.....Could this song possibly be a genuine Presley composition? At the bottom of the sheet of paper he writes: Words by Elvis Presley and Jerry Fell. The original title of the song was The Tupelo Song. This title has been stroke out and given way to The Mississippi River." Click to read the song lyrics (News, Source: Elvis Presley Words The Complete Lyrics Volume 8 SU-THEV) (Jan 2006)

 

....................2005......................

Marty Lacker on the mend: EIN is pleased to report that after a congestive heart condition which required hospitalization, Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, is now home and tells us he is doing fine. (News, Source: Marty Lacker, 19 Dec 2005)

Marty Lacker talks to EIN (Part 2): In the second part of our candid interview with Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, Marty talks about the Memphis Mafia, the women in Elvis' life, Lisa Presley and the idea that Elvis faked his death. As usual, Marty is very open about his views and pulls no punches. (late Nov 2005)

Marty Lacker slams "Elvis is alive" author: In part 2 of our interview with noted Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, one of the issues discussed is the idea Elvis that faked his death. Marty takes a very strong stance about the idea and one author claiming Marty and Billy Smith admitted Elvis faked his death. From the 2nd part of our interview (to be published tomorrow):

EIN: In his book "Elvis' DNA Proves He Is Alive", Bill Beeny claims (page 62) that in an article in People magazine (September 1996), you and Billy Smith finally "...admitted...that Elvis faked his death by using a donor body".  What is your response to Mr Beeny's claim?
 
Marty: Bill Beeny is a nutcase and I told him that to his face years ago.  The story Billy and I wrote was FICTION and it was presented to the London newspaper it appeared in as FICTION.  Fools like Beeny like to use that for their own ludicrous agenda.  He's really not worth the effort talking about.
 
EIN: What is your view on the idea that Elvis did not die on August 16, 1977?
 
Marty: Elvis died on August 16, 1977.  It was witnessed and documented and an autopsy was performed on his body by reputable doctors in Memphis.  The lead Dr., Dr. Muirhead is beyond reproach and enjoys a great reputation in the medical field.  The people who foster the idiocy that Elvis faked his death are idiots or con men.

Marty Lacker opens up to EIN: In Part 1 of our two part interview with Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker, Marty tells us about the famous celebrities, the pills, marriage and the Memphis Mafia, the $10m concert offer for Elvis to play in front of the Pyramids in Egypt and the real reason Elvis shot out his TV set when Robert Goulet appeared on the screen. Part 2 of our fascinating talk with Marty will be published next week. (Nov 2005)

Influences on a Legend - Mario Lanza: "Elvis loved opera, and he especially liked Mario Lanza. He would watch The Student Prince which was set in Heidelberg, over and over again. He loved the power of the big voices. And he loved big orchestras. He liked real dramatic things." Marty Lacker's observation nicely captures the essence of this article where we look closely at how Mario Lanza influenced Elvis' music style. (Spotlight Article, Oct 2005)
Did Memphis Mafia cost Elvis date with Marilyn Monroe?: The issue of whether Elvis and Marilyn Monroe ever met has fascinated many fans for a long time. For this reason the following claim published in the November (USA) edition of Playboy, is being read with great interest:
Marilyn Monroe once snubbed a date with ELVIS PRESLEY because she didn't like the company he kept. Presley's longtime confidante BYRON RAPHAEL, who was hired to wrangle beautiful one-night stands for the king of rock 'n' roll, reveals his boss met with Monroe on a film set at 20th Century Fox studios in Hollywood.

But, he tells men's magazine Playboy, the encounter never hit the headlines because Presley was keen to play down the fact the actress had turned down his advances. However, Raphael insists Monroe was initially interested - until she spotted Elvis' entourage and quickly learned how dumb they were.

Raphael recalls the actress was particularly put off by Elvis' "dim-witted cousin" GENE SMITH and his pal CLIFF GLEAVES, "a hooligan". Of the brief meeting, he says, "Monroe smiled in a way that said she liked how Elvis filled out his Oxford trousers, but then her face fell as she took in his companions.

"Monroe, forever insecure, had been searching for class in her choices of husband and lover and the sight of Elvis' barely civilised friends launched an unmistakable look of fear and disgust."

Smitten Presley continued to woo Monroe until she became one of the only women ever to turn down a date with the King - when she cried off with a headache excuse. Raphael says, "It was one of the rare times Elvis was refused."

EIN Note: Despite Byron Raphael's claims, his name appears in few Elvis publications, although he features extensively in Alanna Nash's excellent book, The Colonel. Bill Burk informs us that both Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker have come forward to paint Raphael's claims as ridiculous, though Lacker admits he was away in the Army at the time. (News, Source: AP/Sanja Meegin/Bill E. Burk, Oct 2005)

Elvis remixes - a good or bad thing?: We found these interesting postings about the relative merits of Elvis remixes on the alt.elvis.king messageboard:

The case against: These so called "remixes" of Elvis's classic songs are bullsh*t.  Who wants to hear Heartbreak Hotel with a hip hop beat?   Even if people do, these remixes take a great and original piece of art and distort the idea to something Elvis never wanted. Marty, can you help?   Remi

Memphis Mafia response: Nothing I can do about it except agree with you. If the fans don't buy it they won't continue to do it.  Otherwise BMG is constantly devising ways to get y'all to pay for the same crap in a different package over and over again. Marty (Lacker)

The case for: I understand where you're coming from, because I too love the originals. But I think remixing is a way to keep Elvis' legacy alive with the younger generation.  Some of those remixes stirred interest in Elvis among the teens, and that intest lead many of them to his movies and original recordings.  And they love Elvis.  You have to move along with the times if you want to get radio play.  Elvis was always ahead of his time and changed as he grew.  As his career moved on, Elvis did too. Maybe if Elvis was alive they wouldn't be remixing his old hits, but I think if he was still recording he would be putting out more modern music, maybe even with a hiphop-type or modern day R&B beat -- but the bottom would always remain rock & roll.  He paid respect to the songs that made him famous, but did not spend a whole of time doing it.  He was more focused on new music and new sounds, always pushing the music to the limit.  He was the ultimate entertainer, and would never have accepted pumping out repeat performances of the same material, performed the same way, year after year.  He needed to move forward. Cher is another example of  how to keep a career alive for decades -- always changing with the times but never losing her essence.  As the greatest entertainer ever, I think Elvis would be able to do just about anything and it would sell, but he would always essentially be Elvis. Yvonne (News, Source: alt.elvis.king, Aug 2005)

Marty Lacker critical of Lisa Presley as a singer: On the alt.elvis.king messageboard we found an interesting statement by Marty Lacker about Lisa Presley's singing ability: "What Lisa does attempt is a phony southern accent and pronounciation of words with that accent.  Cher does the same thing.  Although Lisa was born in Memphis she lived most of her life in California and does not have a southern accent.  She thinks it makes her cool to sing that way--it doesn't. It comes off phony." In a separate post Marty said Lisa cannot sing. (News, Source: alt.elvis.king, May 2005)

Was Elvis forced to marry Priscilla?: Marty Lacker has taken issue with comments made by Priscilla Presley in Elvis by the Presleys dispelling the rumor that The Colonel and Vernon Presley pressured Elvis into marrying her. Marty Lacker stated on the alt.elvis.king messageboard: "I'm surprised she even addresses that. Let me put it this way and I normally don't do this but if she wants to face me, I will swear on the lives of my children and grandchildren that is exactly what Elvis told me in '66 on the day he apologized for his yelling during the only arguement we ever had and then asked me to be the Best Man at the wedding. Something had made him agitated the day after we came home from LA and the night before he was overjoyed and in a great mood when he saw his newly redecorated bedroom by my brother in law.  He said the reason for the argument was that her father pressured and threatened him if he didn't marry her. Therefore either Elvis or Priscilla and her parents are lying.  Guess who I believe.  It's easy to cover your ass 39 years later. I'm glad she is aware of what I have written and said." (News, Source: Marty Lacker, alt.elvis.king, May 2005)

Comment on Marty's Musings

FEEDBACK

Ernie: Hey Marty, Nice to read more comment's in EIN. The last time I talk to you I used the word hate regarding Sonny West. What I really ment to say is that I think that Priscilla, Lisa, and EPI [ Jack Soden] hate it when you few members are still here to set the story straight, and far as Sonny when I do happen to listen to George Klein's shows any stories he is telling regarding Elvis, and Sonny he seams to hate
to mention Sonny's name. Lisa said all the terrible thing's you and rest of the member's did as far as cheating on your wife's and what not. I don't know what she would remember at 9 years old, if Priscilla had not been feeding her this all these years. There is so many thing's I would like to ask you about, like the Stanley's. I read some place that Priscilla wanted to go skinny dipping in the pool the day of Elvis's funeral, are these people credible?

When I was at Elvis Week in 97 I saw Larry Geller with his wife, and I don't think anybody knew who he was. I introduced myself to him and he ask me  if I was going EP's to see Johnny Rivers, and I told him was, and he started to tell me johnny Rivers real name, and that Johnny stole the idea for the song Memphis, TN. from Elvis, I know couple of months later johnny Rivers heard a rumor going around that he stole music from Elvis, and Larry denied it all. I think this guy is really full of BS.and Joe he had poor old Richard Davis working as his secret bodyguard. Boy has the table's sure turned, Jack Soden what's the deal with this guy? is this the guy Priscilla got the money from to open Graceland? When it's nice out I like to go too Graceland and talk with the fans and they say the same thing you do with Elvis face and name all over the garbage they are putting out. Well thanks for talking with me, I' am  not to computer smart and my wife of thirty years next month said I have been on the computer long enough. Just kidding. Regard, Ernie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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