Monthly Archives: January 2018

Some Elvis Pictures I’ve Never Seen Before (and you probably haven’t either)

Elvis on Typewriter

When I come up with an idea for an ElvisBlog post, I often go to Google Images to find some new pictures to supplement what I’ve already got in my files. As I scroll down through all the choices, sometimes I see one that I know I had created by modifying an original photo slightly to get rid of extraneous stuff. (For example, the rest of the couch on either side of Elvis above.)

So, I saw one of mine on Google and clicked on it. But that didn’t’ take me to ElvisBlog. It took me to Pinterest. Somebody had liked the picture and pinned it there. To my utter delight, I discovered there are dozens of categories of Elvis photos to browse through.

Pinterest Elvis Tabs

I found many, many pictures that were worthy of saving to my files, and in no time I had enough for this post. Let’s take a look at some.

 

Two-toned Wine Glass Leather Two-piece - One of the four similar leather suits Elvis wore during his 1974

How do you like this outfit? The tag under it on Pinterest said, “Two-toned Wine Glass Leather Two-piece – One of four similar leather suits Elvis wore during 1974.” I’ve never seen Elvis in this before. At first glance, this almost looks like George Harrison.

 

Elvis Making a Face in G.I. Blues

This is tagged as a screen grab from G.I. Blues, and the Army insignia seems to verify that. Next time I watch the movie, I’ll be on the lookout for Elvis making this face.

 

Elvis and Priscilla

Some of the pics on Pinterest are obviously Photoshopped, and some make you wonder if they are. I’m guessing this is Photoshopped for two reasons. Look at the uncropped stuff beside Priscilla’s arm. But the big red flag is her huge right hand – big enough to palm a basketball.

 

Elvis and Priscilla 2

This one looks legit.

 

Elvis with Panties from the Audience

They don’t make panties like this anymore, do they? I wish I had created a category for “Stuff Thrown on Stage as Elvis Performs.” You wouldn’t believe all the different items fans have showered Elvis with.

 

Elvis in Uncle Sam Hat 1976 Atlanta

The tag said simply “Atlanta, 1976.” So, did somebody toss the hat on stage, or did Elvis bring it out from backstage to wear and celebrate the Bi-centennial?

 

Elvis March 26, 1976 Memphis,

The tag on this one was very informative. “March 26, 1976, Memphis, Elvis spots a traffic accident, pulls over, gets out of his car, walks to the scene of the accident and offers the stunned participants any help they need.”

I looked for more information on this, and found that Elvis pulled out his police badge to justify his presence on the scene. He sure did love those law-enforcement badges.

 

The Monkey orchid. Iskele, Famagusta, Cyprus. That Looks Like and Elvis Jumpsuit

This is so cool. Somebody recognized that this orchid looks like an Elvis jumpsuit. For the record, it is a Monkey orchid found in Famagusta, Cyprus.

 

Elvis Showing off His moves

How about Elvis showing off his moves in those baggy Zoot Suit pants.

 

Elvis and Sonny West on the beach Blue Hawaii 1961

Have you ever seen Elvis wearing a bathrobe? This shot is identified as Elvis and Sonny West on the beach while Blue Hawaii was being filmed in 1961. I’m guessing the third guy with his back to us is Red West.

 

Elvis with a Rod Stewart Hairdo

There was no tag on this, so I’ll label it “Elvis with a Rod Stewart hairdo.”

 

 

Gladys' Father and Mother

I guess this is legit. Does anybody know what a Grit button is?

 

Elvis and Dog

This is just adorable. I hope it’s not Photoshopped, but I’m guessing it is.

 

Linda Thompson at Elvis' funeral She wore THAT

This is a shot of Linda Thompson at Elvis’ funeral. I’m sorry, Linda, but that was not the right wardrobe choice for mourning Elvis.

 

Playing Football with Glasses on

I’ve collected many photos of Elvis playing football, but this is the first time I’ve seen him doing it while wearing glasses.

 

Back of Elvis' Head at Concert

Study this photo for a minute. Did you figure out that this is the back of Elvis’ head while he is performing on stage?

 

Elvis and Carolyn Jones King Creole

You might think this was a publicity photo for King Creole. However, before I cropped off a lot of extraneous stuff off the right side, you could see it was a casual moment backstage.

 

Hands on Elvis' Butt

We’ll end with this incredible shot. I certainly hope it’s a real photo. Does anybody know?

 

I thought this was a lot of fun. There are many more photos, so we’ll do it again.

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

ElvisBlog Mini-Nuggets # 20

Hanging Elvis

I can’t believe it’s been three years since I last posted Elvis Mini-Nuggets. These are always kind of fun. Someday when I retire from ElvisBlog, I might get a Facebook page and do nothing but Elvis Mini-Nuggets. Maybe a new picture every day with comments. I’ve got like a million of them in my files. Anyway, here’s an extra-long mini-nugget post to make up for not having one last weekend.

 

Expressions of Sympathy and Encouragement for My Wife:

Get well wishes from Sweden

After posting a short message about my wife’s lung surgery, twenty-two kind comments came in from ElvisBlog readers. In addition to the one above from Maggie in Sweden, there were also messages from France, England and Canada. My wife and I appreciate all the concern and encouragement from you readers. She is doing okay in a long, slow recovery.

 

International Readers of ElvisBlog:

Top Ten ElvisBlog Countries

Speaking of ElvisBlog readers from different countries, here is the Top Ten. It still freaks me out to realize that only 57% of you readers are from the U.S. If you compare the relative populations of some of these other countries versus the U.S., ElvisBlog is doing really good there.

 

Where’s Elvis?

 

Elvis Army Haircut on Wall in George Jones' Home Barbershop

If you study this picture, you will probably recognize George Jones in the photo top right. This is the room in his Franklin, Tennessee home where he got his haircuts. Look closely at the framed photo to the right of the window. It is Elvis getting his Army haircut. Here’s a bigger view of it.

Elvis Getting His Army haircut.

Alert ElvisBlog reader Chris Iroler spotted the Elvis Army haircut picture while watching a uTube video on Jones’ house: (Click here to see). Chris told me about it in a blog Comment, and he advised to go to 5:56 on the video if I didn’t want to read the whole thing. When George Jones died five years ago, I did a post about the connection between him and Elvis. Click here to read it.

 

More Info on Elvis Birthday Cake Photos:

Elvis Birthday Cake During King Creole 1958

Two weeks ago, I posted six photos of Elvis eating cake. Alert ElvisBlog readers commented with more information on several of them. Like the one above where Diana from Long Island wrote:

“I enjoyed the birthday scrapbook! Re: the one with Dolores Hart- I too always thought it was a birthday cake but recently learned from an authority that it was a movie wrap party after King Creole to say goodbye to Elvis before the army, and the cake had a guitar and soldier peeling potatoes and said We Love Elvis on it.”

 

Elvis Cutting Cake at his 27th Birthday 1962

Sharys Wheeler wrote:

“The picture at the Sahara was of Elvis and Milton Prell, owner of the Sahara and a friend of the Colonel.”

 

Feeding Birthday cake to Priscilla in 1960

Sandy Van Horn wrote:

“About the picture of Elvis giving Priscilla a bite of birthday cake. If the year was 1960, and it was a birthday cake, think it had to be Elvis’ Jan. 8th birthday as he left active duty at Fort Dix, New Jersey, on March 5, 1960. Believe Priscilla’s birthday is May 24th.”

 

So, How Did the Elvis Auction Go?

You might remember that we looked at a dozen Elvis items that failed to sell in a 1999 auction and seemingly got stuck in storage until the January 6, 2018 Auction at Graceland. I compared the expected prices then and now, and made comments on several of the items. Here’s a look at how things went.

16mm Film and Acetates of Movie Songs from Love Me Tender:

Elvis Presley 16mm Film of Love Me Tender and Acetate

1999 estimate was $5,000-7,000; current was $1,500-2,500. It sold for $5,000. I wonder why it didn’t go the first time.

 

Original Screen Door from Graceland:

Original Screen Door from Gracelsnd

The 2018 estimate was $1,500 – $2,500, and I said, “Sorry, if I had that kind of money to spend on Elvis collectibles, I’d get something besides a screen door.” But my friend Troy Yeary from the eclectic blog pastimescapes.com had this comment:

“Interesting piece, Phil. Thanks! I don’t know, if I had money to blow, I would seriously consider buying something like a screen door from Graceland. Just think how many times Elvis walked through or slammed that door? He probably interacted with it more than just about any other item in the auction.

Well, lots of folks must have agreed with Troy. Elvis’ screen door had 18 bids and sold for $2,500. Good call, Troy.”

 

Elvis’ Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Massive Wooden Desk from His Home Office in Palm Springs

1999 estimate was $40-50,000, no bidders. 2018 estimate was $10-20,000, and I said I thought they would get it. Well, not really, just $7,500.

 

Elvis’ Portable Sauna:

Elvis Presley’s “Scandinavian Products” Portable Sauna - Open

1999 estimate was $8-10,000. 2018 estimate was $3-5000. I said I thought it was weird. Bidders agreed, nobody would spring for the minimum bid of $1,500.

 

Elvis’ Globe-Shaped Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home:

Elvis Presley’s Personal Globe-Shaped Free-Standing Wooden Bar from His Beverly Hills Home - Closed

1999 estimate was $4-5,000. 2018 estimate was $1,500 to $2,500. I predicted it would sell for a good bit more than that. Good call, Phil. It had 38 bids and went for $22,500. Wow.

 

Elvis’ Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room:

Elvis Presley’s Leather Rocking Chair from the Jungle Room

999 estimate was $20-30,000. 2018 estimate was $10-15,000. I said I didn’t think it would sell. Bad call, Phil. It went for $17,500.

 

Original Acetate of Elvis Singing Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”:

Elvis Presley Original Acetate of Beatles Songs “Hey Jude” and “Something”

1999 estimate was $650-750. 2018 estimate was $1-2,000. I predicted it would sell for that much or more. Another good call as it had 34 bids and went for $4,000.

 

Signed Title to Elvis’ Circle G Ranch:

Elvis Presley Signed Title to His Circle G Ranch

1999 estimate was $13-15,000. 2018 estimate was $10-20,000. I didn’t make a prediction, but hoped it would go high. It didn’t excite folks drawing just 2 bids and a final price of $6,250.

So, I blew it on the screen door, the desk, and the Jungle Room rocking chair. I had it right on the desk, the sauna, the globe-shaped bar, and the acetate of Beatles songs. I’ll take that.

 

Sincere Thanks for Your Support:

 

Big E and the SANTA MAN Part 2

This was the third year I’ve done pre-Christmas promotion of my book BIG E and the SANTA MAN. It was the best year yet, and I really thank you.

My one disappointment was that I didn’t get Part 2 ready to promote until late November. Next fall I will push it hard, just like the original. As a preview, here is a review by Memphis Music on Amazon:

“I enjoyed this book as it can be read by itself, or as the continuation of the first book. As a lifetime dog lover, I also enjoyed the addition of a good ole hound dog! Kids and adults will enjoy this tale of two beloved icons; Elvis and Santa and their group of special friends. Phil Arnold’s descriptive writing make you feel a part of this adventure where good versus evil comes alive again to save Christmas. At this great price go ahead and get the first book too!

The review gave the book five stars. Every review on both books has been five stars. I’ll be reminding of you about that again later in the year.

 

 

©  2018    Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister    All Rights Reserved    www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

 

Sorry, No Post This Weekend

My wonderful wife Beverly had lung cancer surgery last weekend.  It was successful, but the recuperation is slow.  So, it’s been a hectic, stressful time for me, and I didn’t get a new post written.   Please come back next week and enjoy ElvisBlog as usual.

Phil Arnold, Original ElvisBlogmeister

An Elvis Birthday Scrapbook

Elvis Happy Birthday

It’s a challenge to come up with a different way to celebrate Elvis’ birthday every year. One thing I haven’t tried is a scrapbook – an album of photos marking the event. So, I gave it a try with the pictures arranged in different categories.

 

Elvis Enjoying His Birthday Cake:

Elvis Cutting Cake with Sam Phillips Easter Weekend 1957

If you recognized Sam Phillips in this shot, you’ve got a good eye. The website where I found it says it was taken in 1957. If anyone has more accurate information on the dates of these photos, please post it on Comments.

Elvis Eating Cake while in the Army 1959

This is obviously an Army shot, taken in the barracks by the look of the cot nearby. I believe this was taken in 1959.

Elvis Cutting Cake at his 27th Birthday 1962

Elvis never performed at the Las Vegas Sahara Hotel, so I’m not sure why he had this cake on his 27th birthday in 1962.

Elvis Birthday Cake During Wild in The Country 1961

Elvis’ 26th birthday in 1961 took place while he was filming Wild In the Country.

Feeding Birthday cake to Priscilla in 1960

The website where I found this says it is Elvis feeding birthday cake to Priscilla in 1960. I don’t know if it was for her birthday or his. Anybody Know?

Elvis Birthday Cake During King Creole 1958

That’s Delores Hart on the left, so it looks like Elvis celebrated his 23rd birthday while filming King Creole in 1958 or his 24th during Loving You in 1957.

 

Elvis With His Birthday Presents:

1958 Elvis Birthday with Priscilla

It looks like Elvis is having a great time opening this big box.

Elvis Receiving Presents at Graceland Gate

This present is smaller, and Elvis is older and snappily dressed.

 

Elvis Cake Designs:

Elvis Presley Sun Record Cake

I’ve seen several round cakes designed to look like a record, but this is particularly well done.

Elvis Presley Love me Tender Cake

It looks like this icing Elvis is about to slide off the cake. I can’t imagined that it was planned to look like this.

Three Tier Elvis Cake

Somebody went all-out to create this three-tier cake with Elvis and a hula dancer on top.

Elvis Presley Guitar Cake

I wonder how many sections of cake had to be held together with icing to give this guitar cake a seamless look. There’s a round cake below it, but the glare makes it impossible to see what it says.

 

Birthday Greetings Creations:

Elvis and Baloons Happy Birthday

Nicely done. Not so busy as most.

Three Elvis Happy Birthday

Triple Elvis. I like it, but one of them should have been a 50s Elvis.

Elvis Cake Cartoon

Enjoy that hunk-a hunk-a birthday cake.

Elvis Birthday with Northern Lights

Nice use of the Northern Lights to frame Elvis’ face.

 

Elvis Presley I Need a Birthday Kiss

I hope you enjoyed our Elvis Birthday Scrapbook.

 

Elvis Presley Birthday Greetings

 

 

© 2018 Philip R Arnold, Original Elvis Blogmeister All Rights Reserved www.ElvisBlog.net

 

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Elvis, Elvis Presley, and Graceland are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.