Helena Augusta & Jesus (by Jeff Schrembs)

Rome. The story of the Roman Empire has fascinated generations for reasons ranging from; historical perspective, the enslavement of millions, the architecture, philosophy, dictatorship, establishment of the Senate, the , the baths, the Caesars, etc.




The true story of our Lord and Savior Jesus being savagely beaten, scoured, and crucified as a result of the decree by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate (in response to pressure from the Jewish hierarchy who refused to accept God in the living flesh and conspired against him) is a story well known to Christians and people of the Jewish faith (if not the entire World). The magnificence of Jesus, being wrongfully condemned yet knowing he was (literally) born to die for man’s sins, having been tortured beyond measure and painfully crucified looking to the heavens and proclaiming “IT IS FINISHED” (justifiably) resonates to ones very soul.



Jesus’ life story, and his resurrection, and his teachings (first and foremost) and those of his disciples began the spread of truth personified known as Christianity. What isn’t as well known is the story of the Roman Emperor Constantine’s mother Helena Augusta and her devotion to Jesus/Christianity.



Helena Augusta, who had been the consort of Emperor Constantius (i.e. The Roman Emperor was the ruler of the Roman State during the imperial period) and mother to the Emperor Constantine (who was known as the first Christian Emperor of ancient Rome) . was a devout Christian. Helena Augusta had the resources, and passion, to travel from Rome to the places in which Jesus was born – taught – was crucified – and even to the burial places of the (3) three Kings otherwise known as the “three wise men” who followed the guiding light of the star shining down on the manger in which the baby Jesus was born.



Helena Augusta was born (estimated) to be the year 246 A.D. (i.e. after Jesus’ death) and was a native of Drepanum, in the province of Bithynia. Bithynia was an ancient region, kingdom and Roman province in the northwest of Asia Minor.



Helena Augusta had unlimited access to the imperial treasury, compiled over decades by the Roman Emperors/Caesars, and inspired her to seek out the relics (i.e. tangible items that confirmed the birth/life of Jesus) and to (as in the case of the temple dedicated to Venus/Jupiter which was thought to be built over the burial tomb of Jesus) reclaim places/sites deemed Holy by Christians and those in the Jewish Faith.



Her endeavors, to seek out and study relics pertaining to Jesus, were highly successful and include (but are not limited to the following):



* The discovery at the tomb believed to be the burial tomb of Jesus of three crosses. Helena, who wanted to confirm the significance of each relic’s origin and “power”, ordered a woman dying to come and touch each of the tree crosses. Nothing occurred when she touched the first two but upon touching the third cross she recovered. Helena Augusta deemed the third cross to be the “True Cross”.



* On this site she ordered the “Church of the Holy Sepulchre” to be built.



* She found the nails of the crucifixion and used their miraculous power to aid her son. Helena allegedly had one placed within Constantine’s helmet and another in the bridle of his horse.



* As a proclamation of “peace” Helena Augusta was given the burial remains of the three wise men by the Persian King.



* Several of Saint Helena’s treasures are now in Cyprus (i.e. officially the Republic of Cyprus , which is a Eurasian island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island on the Mediterranean Sea and one of its most popular tourist destinations) where she spent some time. These treasures include a part of Jesus Christ’s tunic, pieces of the holy cross, and the world’s only pieces of the rope with which Jesus was tied on the Cross. The latter has been held at the Stavrovouni Monastery, which was also founded by Saint Helena.



* According to one tradition, Helena acquired the Holy Tunic on her trip to Jerusalem and sent it to Trier which is a city in Germany located on the banks of the River Moselle. It is the oldest city in Germany founded on or about 16 BC (i.e. before Christ, before Jesus).



Throughout her travels Helena Augusta established Christian Churches and in 327 AD Helena left Jerusalem and returned to Rome bringing with her the large parts of the True Cross and other relics. These relics were stored in her palace’s private chapel, where they can be still seen today as they have been maintained by Cistercian monks in the monastery.



The story of Helena Augusta remains relevant to this day and I encourage everyone to do their own research on this fascinating individual and her accomplishments pertaining to her Christian Faith.



Take care and may God bless you.

Why we remember Elvis Presley by Jeff Schrembs

Why we remember Elvis Presley (by Jeff Schrembs


2011 All Rights Reserved)



I received an email recently that was "unassigned" but asked my opinion in response to a simple question of "Why do we remember Elvis (Presley)"? At first glance I thought....terrible question....waste of time to respond...far too...simple. But then I thought a little more and not only sent a written response but thanked the anonymous e mailer for their pertinent question.

The answer to "Why do we remember Elvis Presley" is oxymoronic in the sense of being both easy to answer and yet, on many levels, much more complex. Let me explain by giving just a few reasons.

The story of Elvis Presley, shared by word of mouth or by those who knew him (i.e. Charlie Hodge, Marty Lacker, Sonny West, Red West, Sandi Pichon, Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, etc.) or by some wonderful authors such as Alanna Nash or by fans Worldwide, is one of great; poverty, inspiration, human frailties, wealth, loss, faith in God, belief in helping our fellow man, talent, blessings, love, pain(s), turmoil, and even life lessons.

Elvis Aron Presley, yes I use the spelling of his middle name as it was listed on his birth certificate, was a man who walked among us - who dreamed - who worked extremely hard - who was a loyal friend - who was quick to temper yet even quicker to reach out to help - who gave of his time and of his heart - and whose story I could spend the rest of my life writing about and never do his story or his life or his accomplishments...justice.

I have always believed so many things my Grandfather taught/told me. One of the "words of wisdom", which I cherish to this day, was in response to my being "sad" that Elvis died (i.e. circa 1977) on August 16, 1977 when I was a teenager. Part of the dialog I still recall was "if more than 1 person remembers your name, or your passions, a year after your death you are a blessed man indeed". He also shared that "a man can be measured, in part, by the quality of the company he keeps in public but more so in private". These words, I believe, are part of the reasons why we remember Elvis Presley.

The quality of those who knew Elvis best were among the most talented, most loyal, most passionate, and most giving people one could ever have the honor of meeting. From Charlie Hodge to Marty Lacker to Sonny and Red West to Joe Esposito to Gladys Presley to Lisa Marie to Jerry Schilling to Sandi Pichon each of these people agree that Elvis had qualities (and faults) that rendered him; the greatest entertainer who ever lived, an original in style/actions/mannerisms, unbelievably talented, and a truly unique person who they love - think of - and miss every moment of everyday. Though Elvis "fans" may try to divide this group of individuals I remain steadfast in my resolve that context matters and if "it was good enough for Elvis to spend a minute of his time, let alone decades, then it is good enough for me".

I also believe that another reason of why we remember Elvis is that he used his God given talents not only to (initially) enhance his Mother and Fathers standard of living but to help others he knew firsthand and so many more he learned about (i.e. on the TV, in the newspaper, or who were deemed to be in need and Elvis agreed to help monetarily) who were facing hardships (i.e. widowed family of a slain police officer, disabled persons, charity organizations, people who lost their possessions in a tornado, etc.). I have always said, and believed, that the greatest gift one can give is; from their heart and of their time. In the case of Elvis Presley he did both and he did so with...grace.

At the height of his fame Elvis was drafted into the US Army (note: he received his draft notice by hand delivery during the week of Christmas 1957) and opted to forgo the comfort of doing "promotions for the US Military" and stood fast in this desire to be treated “like every other solider”. Through great hardships (i.e. being away from his family for the first time, losing millions in earnings, losing his beloved Mother Gladys on August 14, 1958, etc.) Elvis spent (approximately) two years in the US Army and earned the respect of his fellow military personnel but also from critics who had (falsely) believed that Elvis was contributing to juvenile delinquency and/or was not a Christian.

Another of the reasons we should remember Elvis is that he wore his heart on his sleeve (caution metaphor) and when he loved...he loved. When he was angry....the nickname “crazy” was applicable. When he cared tears were sure to come followed by grace, words of comfort, and so many times monetary contributions. Elvis shocked the World when he married Priscilla on May 1, 1967 and when the marriage deteriorated (note: I have written before about how Elvis and Priscilla both contributed to the marriage ending BUT I am biased towards Elvis “side” admit tingly) he faced the cameras walking down the corridor/steps on October 9, 1973 and for months prior/during/afterward he recorded songs that reflected his hurt...his pain...his love. Among the applicable songs were; Always On My Mind, Separate Ways, It's Over, I've Lost You, My Boy, Don't Cry Daddy, You Don't Have To Say You Love Me, etc.).

Part of what made Elvis “great” was that he never gave up and he had, including but not limited to, at least (four) MAJOR COMEBACKS that would have been career ending for 99.9% of the general population. The first was when he was turned down by the Grand Ole Opry, which Elvis had “grown up on” and respected artist who performed there, and told to “go back to driving a truck”. The second was when he went into the Army (i.e. from 1958 through 1960) unsure if he would even have a career to return to either in music or in the movies. The third was during the 1960's after he had completed his contractual obligations for movies and regained his rightful place as a great singer/entertainer by the incomparable and exceptional '68 Singer Special entitled “Elvis” (aka: 1968 Special, '68 Special, Comeback Special, Elvis Comeback Special, etc.). The last “comeback” was after America, the World, and his fans first learned that Elvis was...human. That Elvis had marital problems. That Elvis had health issues. That Elvis took prescription medications. That Elvis was sad and he wrote notes/letters during the mid to late 1970s that were heartfelt and...moving. And yet in many ways learning that Elvis was “human” not only further endeared him to his fans, and I among them, but made us appreciate Elvis more for not giving up and for sharing his wonderful voice and stage presence throughout the United States via his live performances/concerts.

A more subtle part of “why we should remember Elvis” is that he loved, respected, admired, and appreciated performers of quality. Elvis listened to, collected, and played over and over musical styles ranging from Gospel to Opera to Rhythm and Blues to County to Folk and even to Rock and Roll. Elvis, through his life and through his actions, looked past the color of the person (which was how the press and far too many focused on during the 1950s-1970s and in some cases – sadly – even today) and surrounded himself professionally with the “best of the best” onstage. If anyone questions this set of facts one only needs to “Google” Myrna Smith and watch the videos of her talking about her relationship with Elvis personally and professionally. Sadly, like Gladys Presley, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, etc. before her Myrna Smith passed away and this World lost a person of quality who, like Elvis himself, remains...irreplaceable.

Elvis left us three decades of quality work products. From TV appearances to music recordings to movies to live appearances to hundreds of thousands of photographs Elvis is seen through the prism of truth and that being of him doing his best, many times through trials and tribulations, and reaching heights deemed “unattainable” and he even had public “stumbles” along the way. Throughout it all Elvis stayed true to himself and true to his faith in God.

Each of these examples is a small part of the “puzzle of Elvis Aron Presley”. He left us with his beloved daughter, Lisa Marie, and many friends/loved ones who remain (in my opinion) priceless living breathing parts of Elvis life who should be supported in each of their endeavors and “officially recognized” for their part(s) in the life of the man – the performer – and the legend that is Elvis Aron Presley.

Throughout our grief, that began on August 16, 1977 and remains to this day, Elvis taught us that life is...short. That in the (literal) “blink of the eye” Elvis left his World taking away from us a man of innumerable talents and who even these (approximately) four decades later is admired and respected Worldwide.

On a personal note I remember Elvis for these reasons and so many many...more. I can recall the day I first heard Elvis' latest release. I can recall times when the mailbox brought a new collectible, a new letter, or some cool promotional material. I played time and time and time again certain songs when I was happy and equally as impressionable when I was sad. I listened to Elvis' vocal chords reach octaves of beauty and somehow/someway knowing Elvis sang words relevant to what I was going through I was left with the distinct acceptance that is would be...all right.

We share our memories, insights, thoughts, and words about Elvis online – in private – and in public forums. Some take the approach that they can recall obscure facts about Elvis life. Some use their positions to solely make money off the name “Elvis” and, as far as I am concerned, nothing is wrong with that as long as it is honest/disclosed. Some try to minimize the expertise of other Elvis Fans and hide behind fake names/websites. Some try to advance the lie that Elvis is still alive. While others spend their life rebuilding while never letting go of their relationship with Elvis...nor should they.

Elvis is part of millions of people Worldwide. Elvis is also “regional” (I..e the South, Memphis, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc.). Elvis is also universal. Elvis can't be categorized and yet...in some ways he can. Elvis will never be “copied”, and his talents done justice, but that doesn't stop thousands from trying. So much of this World will never fully comprehend what the World was like with Elvis was in it or what it was like when a “new generation” put their efforts into the Beatles or the “Beach sounds” or the “English Invasion” and in the 1970's sounds from hard rock to disco to “tech”. They can never know what it was like to be an Elvis fan when so many thought it was...”uncool”. Those same nay sayers were among the first to cry when word came to them that Elvis had passed away. In some ways Elvis was taken for granted and we, individually and collectively, should have let him know exactly what he meant to us. We are, and were, left with the burdens of the “what if(s)”.

Honestly, Elvis can never be explained, in totality and even to those who were there discrepancies exist. In a World where hand-held computers/phones take the place of social interaction, and company’s are built making billions of dollars but don't create anything “tangible”, there is a tendency to try to put Elvis into certain “boxes”. Elvis is far too complex to neatly fit into anything but his story is one of the American Dream and one of decades of excellence. Nonetheless, Elvis Aron Presley “boy my boy” is a fascinating subject matter (in every conceivable aspect) warranting questions from all over the World to be answered even if they, at first glance, seem....simplistic.

Take care and may God bless you.



Jeff Schrembs

www.ElvisCollector.info

2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Happy Thanksgiving 2011 by Jeff Schrembs All Rights Reserved Jeff

Happy Thanksgiving 2011 by Jeff Schrembs All Rights Reserved Jeff

Is VH1 biased against Elvis Presley? by Jeff Schrembs 2011 All Rights Reserved

I recently watched a "re-run" on VH1 about the "100 Greatest Artists of all time". Having never heard of this program before, but knowing the history of VH1 and MTV and others in the "mindless minion media", I watched it hoping that it would be based upon facts. When I saw that they had Elvis Presley ranked as "eighth" I reminded myself about the inherit bias against Elvis that (sadly) remains. However, the same media who try to "re-write" history about Elvis and/or try to minimize his influence and thus his success always find a way to make money off of his name. Such is the case with VH1.

Many of the singers, and bands, that were in the top 20 deserved to be there. However, for every "reason" given for artists/bands to be in the top 100 or top 10 or even number 1 Elvis met/exceeded these artist/bands in the same category (i.e. influence, record sales, number of hits, etc.). Any rational person, using the FACTS versus the hype and/or political correctness, would have to agree that Elvis Presley is/was/forever will be the greatest entertainer/artist who ever lived...period.

To add "salt to the wound" when the Beatles were awarded "number 1" they allowed a comment, while attempting to justify the Beatles being number 1, of: "Everyone before and after the Beatles were influenced by the Beatles". I am sure that (sadly) far too many VH1 viewers would just nod their heads and believe that what was said was true and yet nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone of the Beatles, from the time they first played to long after they broke up, credited Elvis Presley with being the greatest influence to them. In fact, John Lennon said it perfectly when he said "before Elvis there was nothing".

Elvis sold more records, had more number 1 hits, had more top ten hits, and had a much longer career than the Beatles. Even after Elvis' passing, sadly on August 16 1977, Elvis has "outsold" the Beatles every year since his passing (in record sales) except one year when the Beatles "re-released" their catalog.. These facts (apparently) mean nothing to VH1 and it seemed like VH1 structured their "poll", and the episode(s) that aired on VH1, to not only minimize Elvis' accomplishments but also wanted to gloss over Elvis' influence. Inasmuch as Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide continue to support the life, and legacy, of Elvis Presley when it comes to 'standing up" for Elvis publicly and demanding that the facts about Elvis be told Elvis Presley Fans have "fallen short" in this aspect. It is long past time when Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide started to DEMAND that the facts about Elvis, and thus the proper respect/appreciation/accolades/etc., be presented....accurately...every time.

Watching this VH1 charade reminded me that during Elvis' lifetime he was never given the amount of respect, by the press and by his own peers, for his talents. In fact Elvis' only Grammy Awards were for his Gospel Album/performances. This was not an "oversight" by the Grammys, or every other member of the press/award shows, never to give Elvis the awards that he earned and that he deserved.

99.9% of the "artists" (note: I want to exclude Country Music and Gospel Music from this statement) today use digital enhancements because they can't sing or they can't sing well. If they were required to sing LIVE, as Elvis Presley did from 1969 until 1977 and every concert venue was SOLD OUT, and move around (and Elvis moved like no one before or after) they would sound like...sub par amateurs. These "artists" rely on tricks to entertain their audience. From having background dancers, to light shows, to special effects, etc. they do everything but sing and they do this because they CAN'T sing and if the audience heard them really sing it would be a debacle.

Elvis Presley sounded EXCELLENT in Concert with no enhancements. Elvis kept his lights, manned by his long time friend Lamar Fike who (sadly) recently passed away, to a handful of colors. Elvis had a great band, great backup singers, and a great orchestra and each of these TRUE artists have said that "Elvis' musical/vocal abilities were the best they ever heard". They also make note of Elvis concert appearances as being "out of this World". I happen to agree with them not because I am an Elvis Presley Fan, and I am, but because it is a FACT and facts do matter regardless of if it is a conversation "one on one" or a written blog or even if it is on TV and that includes VH1.

I guess that asking VH1, and much of the media/press/music business, to state the facts is asking too much. I realize that VH1 doesn't care about the facts, and they are entitled to their opinion, but to be a "music channel" and to dismiss/minimize the talents and accomplishments of the greatest musician/singer/artist/performer ever (whether it is in this "poll" or 24/7) in the case of Elvis Presley? VH1, the Grammys, and many other members of the press and the music "industry" facts are not important. Perhaps when they are held accountable, by Elvis Presley Fans or just individuals who want the truth, then they will put as much emphasis into the truth as they do into hyping other "artists" who are (wholly) inferior to the many talents of Elvis Presley. This isn't to disrespect other "artists" but simply to state the facts and facts should matter even when it comes to VH1.

"Nuff said".



Take care and may God bless you.



Jeff Schrembs



www.ElvisCollector.info

Elvis Presley's "real name" by Jeffrey Schrembs (2011 All Rights Reserved)

Many people believe that Elvis Presley's' full name is "Elvis Aaron Presley" and they would be correct. Other people believe that Elvis Presley's full name given to him at birth was "Elvis Aron Presley" and they would be correct. When looking at all of the paperwork for Elvis' birth, and comparing it to the (sadly) paperwork surrounding Elvis' death including Elvis' headstone at Graceland, it is clear that at some point Elvis' middle name changed from "Aron" to "Aaron". How and why this occurred is summarized herein.




Perhaps the confusion exists because on the day of Elvis' birth, January 8, 1935, Gladys and Vernon (Elvis' parents) had only been expecting one child and the named they picked out, if it was a boy, was NOT Elvis Aaron Presley or Elvis Aron Presley but...Jesse Garon Presley (note: as was common in the South they chose the name "Jesse" out of respect to Vernon's' Father who was named Jesse). The reason being is that Gladys was not aware that she was having twins although having twins does run in their bloodline/family.



On January 8, 1935 Gladys gave birth to a son, Jesse Garon Presley, who (sadly) was born "stillborn" meaning that he had died. During the emotional torment of just giving birth, and knowing that her child had died, Gladys (to summarize) called out to the attending Doctor that "I think there is another one". The Doctor checked and yes there was another one - a son - and now Vernon and Gladys had to come up with a name and they choose "Elvis" as that was Vernon's' middle name (i.e. Vernon Elvis Presley) and "Aron". The official paperwork for Elvis birth/delivery confirms the name "Elvis Aron Presley".



Whether this was the Doctors typographical error, to spell it Aron, or not remains a mystery to this day but it is safe to say that January 8, 1935 was not a day for Gladys or Vernon to be "spell checking" but to celebrate the birth of their son - be thankful that Gladys was doing all right - and to mourn the loss of their first child...Jesse Garon Presley as well as to make burial arrangements.



One fact that has escaped the majority of Elvis Presley Fans, and the applicable "Press", is that Gladys was pregnant during the years 1942 and 1943 but (sadly) miscarried and this was her final pregnancy. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking for Gladys and Vernon to (again) suffer the loss of a child. Fate, and God, had determined that Elvis would be "an only child".



Worth noting is that on the Marriage Certificate, of Elvis and Priscilla, dated May 1, 1967 Elvis name continued to be spelled as "Elvis Aron Presley".



During the 1970's Elvis assigned Vernon the task of checking with the State of Tennessee, and the Federal Government, about changing the legal spelling of "Aron" to "Aaron" which is the biblical spelling.



Vernon made the calls and to his surprise was told that "somehow it was in the records as already being Aaron". Vernon shared this with Elvis who was also surprised and used, more and more, the spelling of "Aaron" on documents/signature pages both legal and otherwise.



The fact that Vernon personally confirmed that Elvis' name was "legally" Elvis Aaron Presley came into consideration (sadly) when Elvis died on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42. Thus Vernon ordered the engraving, on Elvis' tombstone/headstone, to reflect the full legal name of "Elvis Aaron Presley". Many Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide have questioned if this was a "mistake" or some "sign" of Elvis not really being dead. Nothing more could be further from the truth as in spite of enduring spiritual/soulful/painful feelings of loss, of his beloved son Elvis that adversely affected Vernon every remaining day of his life, Vernon simply made sure the engraving appeared correctly.



Interestingly, Elvis was not the first member of his family to change the spelling of his name but it was Vernon's Father (i.e. Jesse). Jesse was not only Vernon's Father but also the "ex-husband" of Elvis' beloved GrandMother who he called "Dodger" (i.e. Minnie Mae Presley).



Jesse, Elvis' GrandFather, was legally named Jesse D.McDowell Pressley otherwise known as "JD". During the mid 1800's the family of "Pressley" first began to use the spelling of "Presley". This was evident when Vernon was born as and once Elvis became famous Jesse opted to use the same spelling as "Presley".



Elvis Aron Presley, and Elvis Aaron Presley, were "one and the same" and was - is - and forever will be as unique a man/entertainer/son/grandson/friend/father/etc. regardless of how one spells his middle name.



Take care and may God bless you.



Jeffrey Schrembs



www.ElvisCollector.info

Happy 4th of July 2011 (by Jeffrey Schrembs All Rights Reserved)

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Residents of the United States of America have much to be thankful for this 4th of July 2011. First and foremost is that we are a free nation and that our freedom is assured by the brave members of our Military who as I type this article, and hopefully you are reading it, sacrifice their very…lives.



Besides the current military members there are those to served previously in Vietnam who sadly remain underappreciated as their sacrifice was equal to, or maybe even greater, than others who came before them and after.



During these Holidays, like I do everyday, I think of each of my children. I recall the very moment I found out I would be a Father. I think about all the trips to the OBGYN and all of the scans and the hopes and the dreams. I think about preparing the space for the baby and the prayers each parent makes. I think about the anticipation of the birth and I think about the blessing of being there to see them enter into this World. I so love each of them and I, like many parents, want only the best for them. The mistakes I made, both as parent and as a man and as a husband and an son and an in-law, I take ownership of and I am now and forever…truly sorry. I cherish the memories made with each of my children and I pray to God for many more memories with each of them and most of all just being a positive part of their lives.



Somedays I see the love of a parent in the grocery store or by seeing a Grandparent holding their hand just taking a walk. Other days I have seen the worried faces of parents whose children, from newborns to adults, are undergoing life saving treatment in the Hospital. Recently I have also seen the tears streaming down the faces of parents whose children died. At the time I was in the midst of feeling “sorry” for myself and then I saw those tears and the sounds coming from the very soul of the parent struggling to be heard from their broken heart via their throat. Though I could do nothing I thanked God that I was not the one having to deal with the nightmare that became, for whatever reason(s), a…reality. I also thought about how precious life is and how short and most of all how it truly is a gift derrived from God and all the Darwin minions can never deflect these facts.



I often think about the hardships of parents, including single mothers and/or single fathers, who are away from their children either by their work – their legal situation – or other reasons. For every smiling face, that each of us see online or on TV or in person there are just as many faces that are worried about; their children, paying the mortgage, paying the rent, finding a job, losing a job, putting food on the table, their children’s education, illness, having to help a family member or a friend, and other obstacles that jump around in ones psyche.



It is my solemn hope, and prayer, that on this special day of July 4th 2011 that we pause to be thankful for what we have regardless of if it is physically right before us or not. God does not make mistakes and we are each apart of one another’s lives for a reason. And, if you think that things cannot get worse then you are (with all due respect) mistaken because it can and it does. The good news is that we are alive and we love and we hurt and we mourn and that each day brings new opportunities. All the worry in the World never altered what is meant to be. A confirming point of this was made clear by one of the Founding Fathers who learned of the passing of George Washington and their response, after hearing the words of “how can we ever go on without him”, immediately responded with “the cemeteries are filled with men who were thought to be irreplaceable”. Those founding Fathers were not only wise but, in this case, were not apt to mince words.



I wish everyone near, far, and otherwise a; wonderful, healthy, happy, memorable, blessed, and joy filled 4th of July 2011. Most of all I wish everyone, for each day hereafter, good health and happiness and peace. May God bless us all and may our gaze, and our thoughts, not be limited to the explosion of fireworks but in accepting that the heavens lie far above the reach of man and that those standing next to us and/or residing in our hearts are what is truly special about the Holidays (and everyday) and not the pageantry of the moment.



Jeff Schrembs

Elvis Presleys' TV appearance on the Steve Allen Show

On Saturday, January 28, 1956 Elvis appeared on the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Brothers Show entitled “Stage Show” on CBS (note: this was a weekly variety show which routinely booked new acts and/or up and coming performers and was produced by Jackie Gleason the infamous actor/comedian). Elvis' appearance garnered an 18.4% TV viewership rating. This was Elvis' first network television debut and was the first of six appearances Elvis would perform on "Stage Show".

On April 3, 1956 Elvis then appeared two times on the "The Milton Berle Show" on ABC. The show was a “live show” with Elvis appearing on the deck of the USS Hancock in San Diego California.

During the second appearance Elvis sang "Hound Dog". It was during Elvis' performance, of Elvis “rocking and rolling and moving all around”, that caused a “national uproar” from the Press and by many “leaders” in communities throughout the Nation. A national debate occurred between the teenage (i.e. younger crowd who loved Rock N Roll music) and the “establishment” which preferred Jazz, Opera, and Orchestra music. Elvis Presley, and his appearances on TV, became the lightning rod for everyone who disliked Rock N Roll and feared that it was contributing to the corruption of Americas youth.

Elvis next TV appearance would be on the “Steve Allen Show” on NBC. Steve Allen, Host of the “Steve Allen” show, purposely undermined the talent and stage show presence of Elvis Presley during Elvis' appearance on the Steve Allen Show (July 1, 1956) by having Elvis appear wearing a black tuxedo outfit (complete with a top hat, white tie, and tails) and singing “Hound Dog” to a Basset Hound. After the show Elvis was FURIOUS at Steve Allen and swore to never do his show again. In later years, when asked about this appearance, Elvis said “it was the most ridiculous appearance I ever did and I regret ever doing it”.

Through the years Steve Allen has tried to minimize his blatant disrespect of Elvis and even included his version of the events in his book entitled “Hi-Ho Steverino”. Here is what Steve Allen said occurred:

"While Elvis Appeared on my program, before he performed on Ed's (Sullivan), I had seen him a few months earlier on Jackie Gleason's summer replacement Stage Show, which featured bandleaders Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. I didn't catch his name that night and have no recollection now as to what he sang, but I found his strange, gangly, country-boy charisma, his hard-to-define cuteness, and his charming eccentricity intriguing. The next day I typed a memo to my staff people to find out who he was, and to book him for our new Sunday night show.

"Between the date of the memo and when he appeared--July 1, 1956--his recently released recordings had made him an important attraction, as a result of which our program that evening far surpassed Sullivan's in the ratings race.

"When I booked Elvis, I naturally had no interest in just presenting him vaudeville-style and letting him do his spot as he might in concert. Instead we worked him into the comedy fabric of our program. I asked him to sing "Hound Dog" (which he had recorded just the day before) dressed in a classy Fred Astaire wardrobe--white tie and tails--and surrounded him with graceful Greek columns and hanging draperies that would have been suitable for Sir Laurence Olivier reciting Shakespeare.

For added laughs, I had him sing the number to a sad-faced basset hound that sat on a low column and also wore a little top hat. (I learned not long ago that small ceramic statues of the dog-and-top-hat are now among the more popular items of Presley memorabilia. I think somebody owes me royalties.) We certainly didn't inhibit Elvis' then-notorious pelvic gyrations, but I think the fact that he had on formal evening attire made him, purely on his own, slightly alter his presentation.

"For his other spot, I wrote a spoof of a typical country-and-western TV or radio show. Presley played my sidekick and the two of us were well supported by Andy Griffith, who in those days was a comedian, and the always delightful Imogene Coca.

"Inasmuch as Elvis later made appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, I've often been asked why I didn't make the same arrangements with him myself. Here's the reason: Before we even left the studio the night Elvis appeared on our show, Ed telephoned Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker, backstage at our own theater So desperate was he to make the booking, in fact, that he broke what had until that moment been a $7,500 price ceiling on star-guests, offering the Colonel $10,000 per shot.

Parker told Sullivan he'd get back to him, walked over to us, shared the news of Sullivan's offer, and said, 'I feel a sense a loyalty to you fellows because you booked Elvis first, when we needed the booking; so if you'll meet Sullivan's terms we'll be happy to continue to work on your program.'

"I thanked him for his frankness but told him I thought he should accept Ed's offer. The reason, primarily, was that I didn't think it reasonable to continue to have to construct sketches and comic gimmicks in which Presley, a non-comic, could appear. Ed's program, having a vaudeville-variety format, was a more appropriate showcase for Elvis' type of performance.

"For his own part, Elvis had a terrific time with us and lent himself willingly to our brand of craziness. He was an easy-going, likeable, and accommodating performer. He quickly become the biggest star in the country; but when I ran into him from time-to-time over the years it was clear that he had never let his enormous success go to his head."

The reality is that Steve Allen disliked Rock N Roll music and believed that the songs themselves, and the performers of the songs and the fans who liked the songs, were “beneath” real music such as Jazz and Opera.

But it was clear that Steve Allen s' dislike for Rock N Roll music was not going to stop him from having Elvis appear on his show after seeing the huge TV audience that Elvis' appearances on the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey Stage Show and on the Milton Berle shows had brought.

When news leaked out about Elvis Presley appearing on his show Steve Allen tried to “spin” the appearance by saying that “he would not do allow Elvis to do anything that would offend anyone”. The truth is that by having Elvis appear this way, and sing to a dog, Steve Allen not only offended Elvis but the majority of Elvis' Fans.

Persons who worked with, and knew, Steve Allen on a personal basis have stated that “Steve Allen believed that Elvis Presley was talentless and absurd” and “that is why Steve Allen dressed Elvis up like a clown singing to an animal”.

When watching the entire Steve Allen Show, in which Elvis Presley appeared, it seems obvious that the “smirk” that stays on Steve Allen s' face is not one of respect or appreciation but one of...”gotcha”.

Steve Allen took it a step further when he had Elvis appear in a “dumb-ed down cowboy sketch”, with Steve Allen and Andy Griffith and Imogene Coca, and giving Elvis the name of “Tumbleweed Presley”.

During the skit Steve Allen, in the corny contemptuous manner he had shown towards Elvis, said “I'm warning you galoots don't step on my blue suede boots”.

Throughout the entire show, including when singing and in the cowboy skit, Elvis handled it like a pro and worked the audience as best he could under the circumstances. It is clear, while watching the skit, that Elvis enjoyed the banter with Andy Griffith and Imogene Cocoa.

In an interview Steve Allen gave in later years (i.e. 1996) Allen, when asked about Elvis' appearance and the concerns of the NBC executives, said “I read a lot of nonsense about it and a lot of the reports were wrong and the wrong reports have gotten into the public”. Allen denied having any pressure from the NBC executives and stated that he had watched Elvis' appearances on the Dorsey Brothers and Milton Berle shows and “I did not object to Elvis' movements at all”.

This response defies logic for if Steve Allen had no objection to Elvis' movements when WHY would he have purposely changed Elvis' look and movements during Elvis' appearance on his show? Steve Allen tried to justify his restraints on Elvis by saying “I was just trying to work Elvis' style into the fabric of our show”. Well, Elvis' style was (wholly) opposite of the style of the Steve Allen Show and no other musical act, such as Jazz musicians or Opera singers, were asked to “change their style and/or their movements”.

In a 1996 interview Allen was asked about the show. Asked if NBC executives expressed any concerns about Elvis's planned appearance, Allen replied that he'd "read more nonsense about " it, and "a lot of wrong reports have gotten into the public -". "If there ever was, I never heard about it. And since it was my show, I think it would have brought to my attention. " Regarding Elvis's movements he stated "No! I took no objection to the movements I'd seen him make on the Dorsey Brothers show. I didn't see a problem. Of course, I had read about some of the controversy, much of it generated by Ed Sullivan, who was opposite of our show on CBS. It didn't matter to me. I was using good production sense in booking him."

Elvis' next TV appearances would be on the “Ed Sullivan Show” and Elvis, justifiably so, was able to perform with minor restrictions (note: at one point Elvis was filmed from the waist up) and set TV audience records for TV viewership. The rest, as they say, is...history.