Monthly Archives: July 2018

Elvis’ Fabulous Wardrobe – Part 7

Elvis' Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket - Back

Sadly, only one of the last four Graceland Auctions offered more than a minimal selection of Elvis’ wardrobe. Here are the two items offered on Jan 6, 2018 during the Elvis Birthday Week celebration.

.

1970s Leather Jacket:

Elvis' Leather Jacket He Gave to Bodyguard Dave Hebler

 

The auction website says, “Leather jackets have always been synonymous with the kind of cool of which Elvis Presley certainly had no shortage.”

This light brown leather coat with three-button front closure and two side pockets was one of several that Elvis owned in various colors. A manufacturer’s tag at the back collar states, “Genuine Leather / by Grais / Made in U.S.A.” Rubin Grais was an immigrant shoe maker from Russia who came to the U.S. and adapted his skills to create one of the iconic leather manufacturers of the ’40s and ’50s.

Grais Label

Elvis gave this coat to his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, who worked for him from 1972 to 1976. A Letter of Authenticity from Hebler states,

“One day Elvis invited me upstairs to his bedroom at Graceland and offered me all of his jumpsuits. He complained that they no longer fit him and that he wanted them out of his closet. I told him I had no use for his jumpsuits nor did I have the ability to store them at my apartment. I then moved a majority of the jumpsuits to the shed at the back of Graceland. I did receive several jackets including this brown leather jacket. Elvis had several of these.”

Perhaps because there was no accompanying photo of Elvis wearing the coat, the auction had an estimate of $3 – 4,000, which seemed pretty cheap to me. Somebody picked up a good deal at $2,875 including the auction surcharge.

.

Signed Shirt from Elvis’ Personal Wardrobe:

Signed Shirt from Elvis' Personal Wardrobe Provided as the Grand Prize in a 1973 Boy Scout Raffle

 

Besides being a typically cool Elvis shirt, this one has an interesting history. The green shirt has gold buttons down the front and gold stars across the chest and on the collar and cuffs.

Elvis was well-known for his generosity and philanthropy, which became a long-standing tradition. A good example is Elvis donating this shirt to Memphis Boy Scout Troop #225 to raise money for their Jamboree Trip Fund. Tickets were printed for the raffle and each sold for a donation of 50 cents.

Announcement on Elvis' Donated Shirt

 

Harold A. Smith purchased this ticket in 1973 and was the lucky winner. Harold’s wife Shirley, who was a part-time nurse at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, took the shirt to work when Elvis was there as a patient and was able to get his autograph on the lower left front side.

Elvis' Signed Shirt

 

Smith had the shirt framed, and it hung in his KOA campground office as a big attraction until he sold the campground in 1984.

Although there is no picture of Elvis wearing the shirt, it is stamped “Elvis” in the collar, and the lot includes the winning ticket and a Memphis Press-Semiter newspaper article about Elvis’ donation to the Boy Scout troop. However, it is the autograph that made it a highly prized Elvis double collectible. The minimum starting price was $8,000, and the winning bid was $11,250.

.

.

Now, I would like to take a look at Elvis’ clothing items from the Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction held earlier this month.

.

Paisley Shirt:

Elvis Presley's Paisley Shirt 1

 

Elvis purchased a lot of clothing from IC Costume Co. including this orange and blue paisley long sleeved, button down shirt. Elvis gave the shirt to his Aunt Delta in the 1970’s. There is no accompanying photo of Elvis wearing the shirt, but it does come with a letter of provenance from Aunt Delta. The estimate was $4 – 6,000, and it went for $3,993.

 

Green Suede Pullover Top:

Elvis' Pullover Top

 

Elvis’ personally owned and worn custom green suede pullover top with the Anton, Beverly Hills label and his initials “EP” sewn on as labels. Elvis gifted this shirt and many other articles of clothing to his close friend Charlie Hodge. Like the preceding shirt, the estimate was $4 – 6,000, and it went for $3,993.

.

Black Faux Fur Pants:

Elvis' Black Faux Fur Pants

 

These unusual pants also came from the IC Costume Company. Elvis seemingly gave away his clothing to everybody, this time to his uncle Vester Presley (Vernon’s brother) one day when he was cleaning out his closets. For some reason, the minimum bid was only $2,000, but six bids pushed the winning number up to $4,290. Too bad they didn’t come up with a photo of Elvis wearing faux fur pants.

 

Paisley Shirt:

 

The facts are the same on this red and blue paisley long sleeved shirt as the previous one – made by IC Costume Co, given to his Aunt Delta, and an estimate of $4 – 6,000. However, it sold for $3,300, which is $693 less. I can’t figure out why they weren’t valued the same.

 

 

From this point on, we will look at something I’ve never seen before at auctions of Elvis’ wardrobe – six NO BIDS.

.

Pale Blue Balloon-Sleeved Shirt:

Elvis' Pale Blue Balloon-Sleeved Shirt

 

First we have another Elvis owned and worn IC Costume Co. shirt with pale blue balloon-sleeves and large pointed collar. Elvis gave the shirt to his close friend and valet Richard Davis. It seems like stuff Elvis gave to Davis has been showing up at auctions for a decade. I wonder when the supply will run out. The minimum bid was only $2,000, but nobody cared to pony up that much. Maybe the shirt was too plain.

 

Stay Away Joe Red Wine Denim Jacket:

Elvis' Red Wine Denim Jacket from Stay Away Joe

 

Elvis wore this red wine colored denim jacket in his film “Stay Away Joe.” It is one of several denim jackets made for Elvis to wear in the film. Elvis gave the jacket to Charlie Hodge who was an extra on the movie. Hodge apparently accumulated a ton of Elvis’ clothing over the years. Also offered were three photographs of Elvis wearing the jacket during filming, such as in the shotgun wedding scene.

Elvis in Stay Away Joe Shotgun Wedding Scene

 

I have always maintained that photos of Elvis wearing an article of clothing enhanced its value to collectors. That must have been the thinking when the minimum bid was set at $8,000 and the estimate at $9 – 12,000. Pretty strong, and it must have scared off potential bidders. Also, this is movie wardrobe, not clothing that Elvis purchased and wore in his personal life.

 

Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket:

Elvis' Suzy Cream Cheese Two-Tone Brown Suede Fringed Jacket

 

The back of this stunning two-toned brown suede fringed jacket is shown in the first photo of this post. Elvis gave it to his friend Shaun Nielsen, who first met Elvis when he was a back-up singer on his gospel album “How Great Thou Art.” Shaun sang with Elvis until his final show, and one day when they were recording in the Jungle Room at Graceland, Elvis took the members of his band and vocalists upstairs and told them each to pick out something that they liked. This jacket was just one of many items he gave to Nielson. The minimum bid of $7,000 seemed reasonable to me, but not to the bidders.

 

Suede Shearling Coat:

 

Elvis’ personally owned and worn tan suede coat that he purchased from one of his favorite stores, Goldsmith’s in Memphis. Goldsmiths would often open late at night for Elvis so that he could shop privately.

 

Suede Shearling Coat- Elvis Wearing 2

These are two of the three supplied photos of Elvis wearing the coat.

Suede Shearling Coat - Elvis Wearing

Elvis gave this coat to Richard Davis who took care of his wardrobe and eventually became Elvis’ wardrobe manager. With three supporting photos, I thought the minimum bid of $6,000 was reasonable. Shows how much I know. Nobody bid.

 

Blue Track Suit with Red and White Stripes:

Elvis' Blue Track Suit with Red and White Stripes - Both Views

 

Elvis owned and wore this blue track suit with red and white stripes. He wore it at Graceland and when traveling on his plane. Elvis gave the track suit to Aunt Delta.

It does come with a photo, but the auction website says “Comes with a photo of the same track suit, or one virtually the same (I added the italics).” That might have tampered the enthusiasm of the bidders, and surely the minimum bid of $5,000 did.

 

Burgundy Patent Leather Boots:

Elvis' Burgundy Patent Leather Boots

Burgundy patent leather boots that Elvis wore off-stage for his casual every day wear. They ended up with Charlie Hodge who make a surprising statement in his letter of provenance: “Elvis’ shoe size varied from size 10 to 12.5 depending on the make of the shoes or boots.”

Here’s an included photo which the website says shows Elvis wearing the same, or very similar boots. There’s not even much of the boots showing. The estimate was $5 – 7,000, but again no bids.

 

 

Gotta Have Rock and Roll

So, a total of six items of Elvis’ wardrobe drew no bids. I’ve mentioned several possible reasons for this unheard of occurrence. But I think the big problem was that this Gotta Have Rock & Roll auction featured memorabilia from dozens of singers and bands. It probably attracted many bidders with no interest in Elvis.

On the other hand, the Graceland Auctions are 100% Elvis items, and they are scheduled to be part of big events like Elvis Week. My suggestion to the owners of the no-bid items here is to try again at the Graceland Auction in January 2019. With slightly lower minimum bids on the Stay Away Joe jacket and the track suit, I think every one of six items will draw multiple bidders and sell.

 

 

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

 

ElvisBlog Logo

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

 

Graceland Promotes Christmas in July Again

Christmas in July

I did an article back in 2010 about Graceland’s 12 Days of Christmas in July promotion. They offered two Elvis items each day. I praised the items I liked, and here’s one of my favorites

Sun Records Black Cap

Clean and simple – just the SUN Records logo and young Elvis.

 

But I wasn’t shy about knocking the items I hated.

Jailhouse Rock Replica T-shirt

This is one of the lamest T-shirt designs I have ever seen. Usually they put Elvis’ name in letters or signature on the T-shirts, but I’m glad they didn’t on this one.

Elvis and Dale Earnhardt Fantasy Race Car Cap

This is anything but clean and simple. It’s got six different things on it: Elvis, Welcome to Las Vegas, and Dale Earnhardt’s picture, signature, and his number 3. I think the blur on the left side of the bill is Elvis’ signature. Too much.

Elvis Blue Suede Shoes Lamp

This is my all-time least favorite Elvis product foisted on his adoring fans. It would be hard to design a more stupid-looking lamp than this one.

 

I really haven’t been keeping track of whether Graceland has been doing Christmas in July promotions in any of the years since 2010, but when I scrolled through the offers this year, a couple of things caught my eye.

Elvis Christmas Drop Ornaments

First, Christmas tree ornaments. There are several dozen different designs offered, but these two are the best of the bunch. They are five inches tall and made of shatter resistant plastic. They are called the Blue Peacock Drop Ornament and Red Drop Ornament, respectively. There is also a Gold Lamé one, but that image is so overused. All three options are $6.99.

 

Second, Christmas wrapping paper. Maybe this has been available before, but it is new to me. I think they came up with a great idea. Here are the six designs with brief comments.

ELVIS GROOVY TREE WRAPPING PAPER

This design is called Groovy Tree. If you look real close, you can see the repetition of pyramids that sort-of look like Christmas trees. Some of the other selections don’t have any connection with Christmas, but they are still pretty cool.

 

ELVIS PROFILE SIGNATURE WRAPPING PAPER

Here we have Elvis Profile Signature. This design could be used to wrap presents for birthday, anniversary, baby shower, etc., so it probably ought to be offered year-round.

 

GRACELAND METALLIC WRAPPING PAPER

This is Graceland Metallic wrapping paper. Maybe those are snowflakes mixed with musical notes in the design, so there is a tenuous connection to Christmas. I wonder if the actual paper has the same blurred spot in the middle of the Graceland logo and name.

 

ELVIS GROOVY WAVE WRAPPING PAPER

This is the second one with an Elvis silhouette in the design. Also a similar name – Groovy Wave.

 

I LOVE ELVIS WRAPPING PAPER

Bet you can figure out what they named this one – I Love Elvis.

 

ELVIS PRESLEY SILHOUETTE SNOW WRAPPING PAPER

And finally, a third Elvis silhouette design, cleverly titled Silhouette Snow. I like Elvis framed by large snowflakes. There’s green and red in the design, so this works best for me as a Christmas wrapping paper.

Each roll is 30 inches wide and nine feet long. The price is $6.99, but as it says in the blog’s first picture, there is 20% off, which brings it down to $5.59. NOTE: The sale ends Sunday July 22. That is this coming Sunday, so get moving if you like any of these.

These wide rolls cost more in postage if you buy just one – $6.89 to my zip code. An order of two or three rolls has the same postage of $7.18. The best deal is to buy four or five. The $8.22 postage isn’t too bad spread over several rolls.

 

Graceland covered all the bases by also offering two designs of Elvis tissue paper.

ELVIS PRESLEY SIGNATURE TCB TISSUE PAPER

ELVIS PRESLEY SIGNATURE TCB TISSUE PAPER

The sheets are 20” by 26”, and you get three sheets of each for $5.99, or $4.80 with the discount. Up to four packs ship for $6.89 postage.

There are also three designs of gift bags available for $4.99 each, or $4.00 with discount. They are in the TCB design above, and the Graceland Metallic design, plus one with Elvis wearing the turtle-neck sweater from the pool scene in Jailhouse Rock.

 

So, you can tell I’m pleased overall with Graceland’s Christmas In July promotion. The only things I’m not crazy about are the eleven Graceland ornaments, most of which don’t even mention Elvis. Like this 4½” L x 3″ H x 2¾” D hand-crafted glass ornament that costs $48.00.

Graceland Christmas Tree Ornament

Not for me. I’d break it for sure. The shatter resistant plastic Blue Peacock Drop Ornament will suit me just fine.

 

Happy Christmas in July

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

 

ElvisBlog Logo

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

 

 

How To Be a VIP at Elvis Week 2018

Elvis Week 2018 Logo

I’ve been to Elvis Week four times, but the last was in 2007. I would like to get back one more time because there have been so many changes and additions to the Graceland complex. But I’m retired and on a fixed income, so some of the Elvis Week options now offered by EPE are beyond my reach. Here is an extreme example.

“Elvis Week Elite” Ticket Package:

This one costs $1500 per person and allows you to feel like a VIP for the whole week. Information on the Elite Package is not found on Graceland.com. There are references to it, but when you click on them, it just takes you to the lesser packages.

Hollywood News Daily

I found out about Elite Ticket Package on hollywoodnewsdaily.com, and the article says these tickets can only be ordered over the phone. Maybe Graceland has a special contact list of deep-pocketed fans and sends them email invitations urging them to snap up some of these exclusive tickets.

Elvis Presley's Memphis SoundStage

If you buy the Elvis Week Elite Package you will get to see eleven concerts and events over eight days at the Graceland Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.

Special Event with Lisa Marie Presley (8/11)
Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents’ Event (8/12)
Darlene Love in Concert (8/13)
Conversations on Elvis: Co-stars (8/14)
The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Concert (8/14)
Conversations on Elvis: Gospel (8/15)
A Musical Salute to Elvis (8/15)
Conversations on Elvis: ’68 Special (8/16)
’68 Special 50th Anniversary Celebration (8/16)
Conversations on Elvis: Elvis Connections (8/17)
Elvis Live in Concert (8/18)

As a bonus you get reserved, assigned front-of-the house seating to all these events, and you get early access to the Soundstage ten minutes before the general public.

 

Lisa Marie Presley at table

After the Lisa Marie special event, package ticket holders have admission to an “Exclusive Photo and Autograph Opportunity” with her.

On Monday August 13 you get to attend two events at the Grand Ballroom at the Graceland Guesthouse.

Guesthouse at Graceland Grand Ballroom

Elvis Fan Reunion – 1pm
Elvis Week Dance Party – 9pm

These are general admission events. The Elite Package ticket holders can really have a big day on the 13th, because they also have the Darlene Love concert that night at 7pm. However, they might be a little late getting to the dance party if they stay after the concert to get a selfie with Darlene or to buy an autographed photo of her.

 

Elvis Presley's Memphis

On Friday, August 17, the package includes admission to the Party at Elvis Presley’s Memphis. There’s going to be live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and cash bars. The Graceland calendar of events does not state the party is in any building, so I guess it’s outside.

There is one additional event for the Elite ticket holders at Grand Ballroom at the Guesthouse. At 5pm on August 16, they get to attend a “Private VIP Reception.” Although no details are given on the website, it sounds like it is tied in with the ’68 Special event at 7pm across the street. But they will not have to walk there. They can take the dedicated shuttle service.

Guesthouse Shuttle Bus

Actually, the Elite Package includes unlimited use of this shuttle service between Guesthouse and Graceland from 8am to 11pm all week. It says nothing about Elvis’ Presley’s Memphis being on the route, but you have to think that it is.

 

Elvis Presley's Graceland

Of course, the Elvis Week Elite Ticket Package includes a tour of the Graceland mansion, and, as you would expect, it is the top-of-the-line Ultimate VIP Tour. Regular prices on these tickets are $169 per person.

Ultimate VIP Tour of Graceland

 

Are you starting to get tired just thinking about doing all this stuff?

 

Here are a few extra perks the Elite Ticket Package offers.

$150 in food vouchers for Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex
Elvis Week Parking Pass good for Graceland parking on August 10-18
Elvis Week Collectibles Pack (with exclusive merchandise valued at $50)
Commemorative Elvis Week Elite laminate (your badge to show you’re a VIP)
Reserved line placement for Candlelight Vigil
Elvis Week Property Pass

 

I must admit, if I had $3,000, I might consider buying two Elite Package tickets for one final Elvis Week blast. However, there would be lots of other expenses to cover. Air fare to Memphis, food costs above the $150 voucher, and six nights at the Graceland Guesthouse (I would skip the Lisa Marie event on the 11th and the fan club presidents’ event on the 12th and pick-up the schedule on the 13th).

Guesthouse at Graceland

Of course, lodging for six nights at the Guesthouse is much higher during Elvis Week than at other times. Let’s see what the cheapest room for two people with a king bed would be for six nights from August 13 through August 19:

 

Guesthouse Room Rate

 

Wow! Let’s see, there’s $3,000 for the Elite Package Tickets, about $600 for air fare, $2,540 for lodging, about $500 for meals, and probably another $250 for incidentals. That totals $6,900.

 

If I ever win the lottery, I’ll definitely go for it. Otherwise, I’m gonna stay home.

 

 

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

 

 

ElvisBlog Logo

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

 

Some Elvis Pictures I’ve Never Seen Before — Part 6

Young Elvis is Cool jacket

This is a shot of young Elvis that’s new to me. I was tickled with the caption for it on Pinterest describing what Elvis is wearing:

A jacket given to John W. Heath by one of hiHumes High Scteachers who was the son of a man who got the jacket from a girlfriend who got it from Elvis after a concert.

I’ve complained before about incorrect tags on some Elvis photos, but this one is just plain confusing. Here’s another look at the jacket.

a jacket given to John W. Heath by a Humes High School teacher who was the son of a man who got the jacket from a girlfriend who got it from Elvis after a concert.

 

How about a little quiz? This picture was tagged “Only photo that shows the entire wedding party at the Presley Wedding in Las Vegas, May 1, 1967.” I had fun trying to figure out who everybody is.

Only photo that supposedly shows the entire wedding party at the Presley Wedding in Las Vegas, May 1, 1967

I missed the first guy on the left. He is Harry Levitch, Elvis’ jeweler. Then, Richard Davis. Jerry Schilling, and Joe Esposito’s wife Joan. I needed help on the next two: Jerry Schilling’s girlfriend Sandy Kawelo, and Priscilla’s sister Michelle Beaulieu. Next, Vernon’s wife Dee, Priscilla’s mother Ann, Priscilla, Elvis, and Vernon. I needed help on the two fellows on the bottom left: Priscilla’s brother Donny and her father Paul. Then Joe Esposito and Charlie Hodge.

However, the caption on this picture is wrong. Although the reception had a lot of folks, only four Elvis buddies were in the very limited wedding party at the actual ceremony.

Marty Lacker, Elvis, George Kline at Elvis' Wedding

Marty Lacker and George Kline made the cut, but they are not part of the above group picture, so it shouldn’t be labeled the “entire Elvis wedding party.”

Billy Smith

Elvis’ cousin Billy Smith was also at the exclusive wedding ceremony, and he is missing from the group picture.

 

Elvis at June 5 1955 Watermelon Party, Hope Arkansas

I’m pretty confident the caption on this one is correct: “June 5 1955 Watermelon Party, Hope Arkansas.” See the watermelons back there?

 

Priscilla Sticking Out her Tongue

How do you like this shot of Priscilla sticking out her tongue? I cropped it from a photo of her at the top of the stairs leading to her and Elvis’s bedroom at Graceland.

Priscilla at top of stairs leading to Elvis's bedroom at Graceland

To be completely honest, when I first found this picture, I never even noticed the stair railings until I read the caption. Cropping was an improvement

 

casual Hair Elvis

I really like this picture of young Elvis. Apparently, he was doing the low open-shirt thing way back in his teens. But the casual hair style is so different from what we think of as typically Elvis. Does anybody have any idea when and where this was taken? If you do, please put it into Comments.

 

Elvis - Interesting Outfit

Here we have a totally different spectrum of style on older Elvis. That’s not just a regular white shirt. It’s got ruffles on the sleeve cuff, elastic bands around the upper arm, and a big fancy collar. How about the blue scarf with the neckerchief slide half – way down. You don’t see scarves in many Elvis photos. The big attraction for me is the humongous belt. This is like a jumpsuit belt worn over regular pants, not a jumpsuit. It even has chains on the side. Nice wardrobe, Elvis.

 

Elvis Presley AND THE GIRL THAT FAINTS - Copy

I may have seen this one before, but it is nice to look at it again. The tag on the photo said “Elvis Presley AND THE GIRL THAT FAINTS.” Elvis was holding her hand with his. How lucky she was. She’s gonna come out of it with Elvis’ face just inches away from hers.

 

Elvis Presley and Eric Clapton

The caption said, “Backstage with Clapton before his opening night performance in Las Vegas. January 26th 1974.” I can kind of see this as Eric Clapton.

Elvis backstage with Eric Clapton before his opening night performance in Las Vegas. January 26th 1974

Then there’s this profile, and I don’t know. Looks more like another Eric — Eric Burdon (lead singer of The Animals and War).

Eric Burdon

What do you think?

 

Editor’s note:  Alert reader Paul made a convincing argument about why the person with Elvis is neither Eric Clapton nor Eric Burdon.  Alert reader Sandy said it was Sean Shaver, a photographer.  Here’s a different photo of him with Elvis

Elvis and Sean Shaver

I think Sandy is right.  Sean Shaver has published numerous photo books about Elvis:

1979 – The Life Of Elvis Presley
1981 – Photographing The King
1983 – Portrait Portfolio
1984 – Our Memories Of Elvis
1987 – The Elvis Book, vol II
1987 – The Elvis Book, vol III
1991 – The Elvis Book, vol IV : The Candid Elvis
1992 – Elvis In focus

 

Elvis with Badge on

There was no information with this one. Elvis almost looks like a real law officer with the badge and the jacket passants (shoulder-straps). How do you like that huge TCB ring?  I wish the photographer had snapped Elvis with his head up and smiling.

 

Elvis Gtrating on Stage Floor, New Orleans 1956

No wonder Elvis’ early concerts drove the teenage girls bananas. The tag said this photo was taken at a New Orleans concert in 1956. Just for kicks I cropped and blew up the crowd watching Elvis.

Fan Close-up at Elvis Concert ,New Orleans 1956

Not many guys in attendance, and I think I see a couple of dads.  See the two kids on the front left that are leaning?  Scroll back and you will see why.

 

Elvis and Priscilla Caricature

I have a file with 124 caricatures of Elvis in it, but this is the first time I’ve seen an artist do Priscilla, too.  I think he did a good job. Maybe someday I should do a post of my winners and losers in the Elvis Caricatures file.

 

Gladys, Dodger, and Barbara Hearn at Elvis concert, Russwood Park Memphis, TN July 4, 1956

There are many photos out there of Elvis’ July 4, 1956 concert at Russwood Park in Memphis. Al Wertheimer had his camera clicking all night, but I don’t know if this one of his. It’s interesting because of the three women in it. I’m sure you recognize Gladys. Next to her is Elvis’ paternal grandmother Minnie Mae, whom Elvis called Dodger. Do you think she was freaked out when she saw what her grandson did for a living?

And the young lady is Barbara Hearn who was Elvis’ girlfriend at the time.

Barbara Hearn and Elvis' Grandmother Dodger

Here are Barbara and Dodger at Elvis’ home on Audubon Drive prior to the concert.

 

I believe this was taken on the day he graduated high school....1953. Gladys looked so young & pretty here.

Let’s do one more family picture. I like this one especially because of the sentiment of the person who posted it

“I believe this was taken on the day he graduated high school….1953. Gladys looked so young & pretty here.”

 

 

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

 

 

ElvisBlog Logo

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

 

Elvis T-Shirt Review — Summer 2018

Tailor-made Elvis T-Shirts

It’s the weekend before the 4th of July, time to do my ninth annual review of Elvis T-shirts. Before we get into the latest designs from ShopGraceland.com, I just want to point out the above photo and say that someone has come up with a great idea for a custom-made Elvis T-shirt. These women are wearing shirts that show themselves hugging Elvis and about to be kissed. How cool is that! Does anybody know if this is something done at Elvis Presley’s Memphis at Graceland or maybe at an Elvis convention? Please let me know on Comments and I’ll share with everybody. Now for the review.

.

68 Comeback Joe Petruccio:

JOE PETRUCCIO 68 STANDUP Elvis T-shirt

Hopefully you all are familiar with Joe Pertruccio’s fabulous Elvis artwork. I have featured T-shirts with his Elvis drawings on them before, and praised them highly. I also like black T-shirts. From a distance, it’s probably hard for someone to get what’s going on with this shirt. You have to move up closer and focus on the image to see it’s Elvis in his famous black leather outfit playing guitar. It doesn’t even need to have his name on it. Very subtle, and yet, probably the edgiest Elvis T-shirt ever made. $30

.

Guitarman Joe Petruccio:

JOE PETRUCCIO GUITARMAN ELVIS T-SHIRT

Now that I have praised Joe Petruccio, let’s talk about one of his miss-fires. Even close-up you might need a while to figure what this design is all about. Let’s blow it up and look for anything Elvis in it.

JOE PETRUCCIO GUITARMAN T-SHIRT Blow-up

Did you find the name Elvis Presley spelled out vertically in the guitar’s neck? I wish it had been left off this one, too. As subtle as the first one was, this one is over-kill — just too much stuff. It’s almost psychedelic, not the type of thing most Elvis fans are looking for. $30

 

Just Pretend Joe Petruccio Raglan:

JOE PETRUCCIO JUST PRETEND RAGLAN Elvis T-shirt

I feel kind of guilty for knocking any Joe Petruccio design, so I’ll try to make up for that by praising this one. I love the simplicity, and it’s so effective it also doesn’t need Elvis’ name on it. The raglan cut is a nice variation, too. It costs $30, but I’d pay more to have the image on the back of the shirt and something like this on the front.

Elvis Presley in Sundial Jumpsuit.

 

Elvis Presley Made America Great:

ELVIS PRESLEY MADE AMERICA GREAT 24.99

Okay, that’s enough on the shirts with Joe Petruccio designs. Here’s a good one for the 4th of July. I like Elvis Presley done in red, white and blue, but I can’t keep from picking at it a bit. They should have made the capital P for Presley all blue with white stars. It looks more like a D the way it is.

ELVIS PRESLEY MADE AMERICA GREAT Silhouette Blow-up

And the little Elvis silhouette distracts from the clarity of both words.

I do like the theme Elvis Made America Great, but I hope no wingnut finds it offensive because it’s derived from another phrase that disturbs them. I sure wouldn’t want an Elvis fan hassled at a restaurant because they were wearing this shirt. $25

 

Elvis Shades TCB Collage:

ELVIS SHADES COLLAGE TCB T-shirt

There have been lots of TCB T-shirts and lot of shirts with Elvis wearing his signature sunglasses. Now we have one with both. I especially like the bright sunburst radiating out from behind the TCB. It enhances both photos. The website says.” Take Care of Business in this hip 70’s collage Elvis T-shirt.” $25

 

68 Special Rhinestone Woman’s:

ELVIS PRESLEY 68 SPECIAL RHINESTONE WOMEN'S T-SHIRT

This woman’s T-shirt appeals to me for its simplicity. The image looks a little different because it is done by a process the website calls, “a tonal dark rhinestone graphic of Elvis.” I don’t know what that means, but it’s not real rhinestones as have been featured on other shirts over the years. They cost big bucks, but this one can be yours for $60.

.

Ambition is a Dream with a V8 Engine:

ELVIS PRESLEY AMBITION IS A DREAM WITH A V8 ENGINE RAGLAN

This is a good concept that started well but finished poorly. The overlapping V and red-colored 8 draw the eye to the wrong thing. Elvis’ picture is the only thing that should be prominent in the center. Then the bottom text could read, “with a V8 Engine.” Much more balanced and easier to read. Raglan style shirts seem to be very popular these days, and the black sleeves on a white shirt is a nice touch. $30

 

Graceland Microphone Raglan:

GRACELAND MICROPHONE RAGLAN T-shirt

This is my least favorite. I have fussed before about T-shirts that say Graceland with no mention of Elvis. I am an Elvis fan, not a Graceland fan. But somebody must like Graceland shirts, because they keep coming up with new designs. This shirt really bugs me because it says Graceland: Home to Rock ‘n’ Roll. Why not “Home of Elvis Presley”? $30

 

I feel like this review has not presented enough designs I like, so here are a few from a source you might not think of: AllPosters.com.

.

Elvis – Peacock:

allposters.com Peacock Jumpsuit Design Elvis T-shirt

I like it when they come up with Elvis designs that are new and different. Using elements from Elvis’ fabulous Peacock jumpsuit is a great idea. And Elvis’ blue face is kind of interesting, too. Only $20. AllPosters.com has lots of Elvis T-shirts priced at $18 and $20.

.

Circle G Ranch:

allposters.com Circle G Ranch Elvis T-shirt

They don’t get much more original than this. I wonder if the folks who are campaigning for Elvis’ Circle G Ranch to be preserved and open to the public are aware that this shirt exists. $24

 

Elvis Presley – Long Live the King:

Allposters.com Long Live the King Elvis T-shirt

This is a wonderful woman’s T-shirt. I wish they had it in men’s. A great profile picture of Elvis with strong gold text saying. “Long Live the King.” What more do you need? And just $20.

 

I hope you enjoyed ElvisBlog’s 2018 Elvis T-shirt review.  You can read the previous eight reviews by typing T-Shirt Review in the search box.

 

As I did my research for this post, I noticed there are a great many products celebrating the 50th anniversary of Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special. Some are great, some not so much. I’ll probably do a review of them sometime soon.

 

Have a cool 4th of July

 

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

 

 

ElvisBlog Logo

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