'A Little Bit Of Elvis' - Frank Skinner (1998 Documentary)

In the late 90's, at a pop memorabilia auction in Christie's of London, British comedian Frank Skinner paid out the sizeable sum of £11,200 for a blue velvet shirt, once owned by Elvis Presley, and to have been worn by him during a famous hometown concert back in the 50's. Frank believed his purchase to be genuine; "The picture used to illustrate it was from a concert that Elvis did in 1956. September 26th, 1956,in Tupelo".
A letter authenticating the shirt was also provided, signed by Dave Hebler, who had acted as bodyguard for the singer, back in the 70's; "From 1972 until 1976 I was Elvis Presley's personal bodyguard. During those years I received a number of gifts from Elvis. Among those gifts was a royal blue velvet shirt which he wore on several occasions in 1956. Elvis indicated that he was very fond of this shirt, which was kept in its original condition over the years and was well cared for, as were all of the items Elvis gave to me".
So, is the shirt genuine? Elvis did possess a blue velvet shirt back in 1956, and while the Presley myth insists that it was made by the singers' mother, that is not so. In the summer of '56, while working on his first movie, "Love Me Tender", he was presented with a gift of matching blue and red velvet shirts by Hollywood actress Natalie Wood, which she had made by her own dressmaker.
Elvis wore the blue shirt a few weeks later, during the afternoon show at a concert in Tupelo, which marked the singer's triumphant return to his hometown. (He wore the red one during the evening show.) A photograph from the show was displayed alongside the shirt, at Christie's auction. A second photo was also on display, taken inside his home at around the same time, and showing him wearing the same blue shirt, But is the shirt in the photo's the same one that Frank Skinner paid a substantial amount of money for?

[@Ernest_Thesiger]

For those who don't know: Frank no longer owns the shirt. He donated it to UK Radio Aid, which raised funds for the victims of the Asian tsunami.

[@jimmy7376]

I really enjoyed going on this journey with Frank. It was nice to see those that have passed on and are forever part of the Elvis world.

[@errol-ih4jy]

yeah Frank didnt believe it belonged to Elvis, but no one can take away the performance with the Jordinaires, nice one Frank, that was nailed on.

[@sue7011]

2-9-22. What a nice man, good singer and a great video!! He met some of the original MM guys. And to sing with the Jordanaires. Whoa 😮!!!

[@tomdotson511]

Best part of this is the people he met .

[@scalagreen20]

Same here. So when I saw it was on TV I thought I'd put it straight onto KZbin. Glad you like it..

[@privatesalsa1700]

Amazing thanks so much

[@ianhitman]

What a charming documentary.

[@mrwabbeet]

This is actually also a deep personal journey for Frank...thanks for posting this. I enjoyed looking at it and to realise we are not alone... Got new respect for Frank. God bless you

[@steakmeal74]

Frank and Elvis - both born entertainers

[@jonjo220]

Thanks. This made a lasting impression when I first saw it years ago. Great to see it again. I once met a man who knew elvis and has a large collection of memorobilia. He owned the jacket that elvis sang heartbreak hotel in. Funny how these items hold so much atmosphere

[@dondenver1100]

I found your blue velvet shirt Elvis did where a blue velvet shirt buttoned all the way up.. Elvis sang on the ED SULLIVAN SHOW singing "dont be cruel with the Jordanaiares . It is a blue velet with buttons from top to bottom, you have an authentic Elvis shirt. The video shows the shirt with him wearing a shiny vest. This was 1956.

[@ninaray4479]

Frank if youre still alive and well which i hope you are... if where ever you are, if you look up "Elvis- Return To Tupelo" at the end of the Bio you'll see that shirt of Elvis you think you have of his might give you a clear pic... hes standing still and there's a very good pic of the whole front...

[@Smudgie]

The price of the shirt was surely worth meeting Scotty Moore.

[@joecelozzi305]

This is so awesome and what a story it could of been a movie

[@girthbrooks4730]

I can relate to this. I'm a police officer in the suburb of Memphis where Red West lived. Long story short, I used to talk to him every time I saw him out, so he knew my face even if he didn't know my name. But he was having a yard sale before he moved. So, like the author of this video, I wanted a little bit of Elvis. As I got out of my car, Red walked out and greeted me and asked what I was up to. I told him that I was looking for ANYTHING from Graceland. He told me aww, you don't want any of this junk, it's just a bunch of junk. He said if you want something from Elvis and Graceland hang on just a minute. He walked into the house and came back with a folded up velvet tapestry. After I unfolded it I noticed it was the old picture of dogs playing poker. I asked him what it was and he told me that Elvis had given it to him as a gag gift one year it was either for his birthday or for Christmas. And he told me I could have it. I told him I could not take something that was that valuable from Elvis that was a gift to him. And he said well, do you have $5? So, I bought the tapestry from Red for $5. I would love to have a way to let somebody else, other than Red tell me a story and verify that it was actually from Elvis.

[@jackiewelsh1284]

Girth Brooks Memphis mafia kid on you tube get him to ask his dad Billy Smith, great story

[@girthbrooks4730]

Jackie Welsh I tried. He was going to ask and never got back to me. Hey, I'll take Red at his word. And that will always be my piece of Elvis.

[@jackiewelsh1284]

Girth Brooks you got lucky that's amazing story and your right if red said it don't doubt it

[@girthbrooks4730]

Jackie Welsh It's one of my most prized possessions. :)

[@jackiewelsh1284]

Girth Brooks always wanted a piece of memorabilia myself but never found an affordable one great find for 5dollars

[@tinay9491]

rewatched after Elvis movie - Frank, you are charming

[@Waddabouchi]

He's lovely! ❤☘️

[@sam1mellor]

to be honest, i'd pay that just to sing with the JORDAINAIRES. great doc.

[@pennylayne5436]

Omg! I just watched the BBC Documentary There is only one ELVIS! On there he is talking about buying this shirt. I had no idea he was referring to one of the infamous velvet shirts (red and blue). So I googled it to see if he still had it because the other one was on display at the Tupelo hardware store where Gladys bought Elvis his guitar a few yrs back. So I wondered what happened to the other shirt!? And well here I am .. I can’t believe this poor guy got duped! He was hilarious and cute in the There’s only one Elvis documentary. I loved his answers. Especially the ending when he talks about Elvis in Heaven. He just stood out to me ..I’m a new fan.

[@scalagreen20]

Really love this documentary. Glad you do too

[@beatlejim64]

You've got one of Elvis Presley's shirts!! That's great!!!

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

A superb documentary gently ridiculing our vain ambition to chase (and get hold of) the spectres of a bygone era and the foolishness of mistaking relics for the real essence, which were Elvis Presley's musicality and the unique ability to blend three genres, namely Blues, Country & Western and Gospel music. Long Live Frank Skinner!

[@2011littlejohn1]

I was given a uniform shirt bought and worn by my friend when we were both in the R.A.F. in 1966 in Singapore. It is in pristine condition and it's 48 years old.

[@leonorajustice2733]

Thank you chriskyle! Excellent upload God bless ya 🙏☝️🤴🎤🎵🎵❤️😘

[@frankangel9793]

I don't care it was Elvis shirt or not... It looked like it is good enough for me . Well you met the people who ... There @ the consert great enough . Great show . Cheers !!

[@scalagreen20]

Glad you liked it Frank. Thought it was a great little documentary and was searching for it for years before I found a good copy to put on KZbin. Loved that Frank Skinner made a quirky documentary that differed from all of the usual Elvis docs. Was an interesting 'take' on Elvis's legacy whilst still feeling like an Elvis doc. I agree, the duet with The Jordanaires was a great moment

[@fridgehorse]

If the shirt isn't real it gave Frank the vehicle to go & make this program & meet those people & go to those places. In the end no materialistic price of memorabilia will give you what you really want it to do. i.e. take you back in time to witness that moment & era or meet Elvis.

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

he got to meet some of the MM and sing with the Jordinairs

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

Oh wow , at least he had that much not many would ever have . to stand wearing the shirt he wasn't sure about singing one of Elvis's favourite Gospel songs with the Jordinairs ! i didn't think they would join in but should have realised they would have done. that was really special to watch and frank had not a bad voice either your right that "Experience couldn't have gone into an Auction or a glass case".at least you get to take a piece of genuine wood from the stands that were there that day 👌👌

[@pompeyazza]

The 100th comment... What a delight of a human Frank seems Respect from Aaron Rose RGN

[@thehificlub]

At 43.30 the guy on the left says "Yeah he wore that one a lot'' Then the guy on the right says "The one thing about them is they were always in good condition cos he never wore em much, maybe one time, maybe twice" So who do you believe? Having said that, a great doco and what a surprise at the end to hear such beautiful acapella singing lead by Frank. Was it spontaneous? Who knows and who do you believe?

[@michaleslusher9210]

He said he wore them alot meaning those kind of velvet shirts, & added that he would where them individually once or twice, that's what I got from it anyway☺

[@polygamous1]

Well done Frank great stuff, I also had lots of Elvis Mags but gave them away what i kept was my Elvis singles EPs n LPs except the 10 inch LP Loving you loaned n never returned sadly, my best LP is a 1959 LP in mint condition in Glorious MONO my best source of music playing that Very rarely Elvis is in my room in mint condition cause i forgotten it in my late sister's loft so it was saved from the old heavy weight Garrat T/T of that era thank God n found it after my late sis past away, sorry about your shirt though mate a great try to get to the truth

[@mrbillhicks]

hey thanks for making me aware of this Butterfly, owe you one. saving it for later when I can kick back with a cold one... The moment at 44:00 is a rare one indeed and still sends a tingle up my spine and a tear to my eye.... Postscript to this... I met the Jordanaires in London about 20 years ago while they were doing some work there... Gentlemen each and every one and so damn humble... Good days

[@shirleymuhleisen683]

Charming!🤠😎

[@trynewhardstuffpls9572]

1998 was my favourite year. Everything was brilliant then. I wish I could go back and change so many things, take a few chances...

[@MultiJoe84]

I agree !

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

I’m so glad it’s a real Elvis shirt. Franks a decent guy and deserves it .

[@JepMasta]

wow...he has such a pretty singing voice.

[@richardbruske908]

That is definitely the shirt if you watch the tupelo concert the first song Heartbreak hotel when Scotty plays the riff and Elvis walks over to Scotty after that second riff Elvis turns to come back pause the video and clearly you can see the buttons up to the neck.

[@dougdickason]

Natalie Wood gave Elvis the shirt(s) he wore for the Tupelo concerts. She had them special made from her Hollywood dressmaker and has the tag of the dressmaker in the shirt. So many stories can take over the narrative.

[@DEBORAHAJONES-gv5hu]

I have read that as well

[@youtubeuserthinker]

Yes, I thought that was much written about. That is why it is surprising that Bernard Lansky was so confident Lanskys had made it.

[@dougdickason]

@@youtubeuserthinker yeah, i dont think Lansky knew Elvis history to that degree, and was a salesman above all else, so when someone brought up the shirt(s) he wore at the Tupelo fair, he may have just assumed it was something Elvis bought at Lanskys. The shirts have tags that say where they were made and by who, which is partially how we know its the shirts Natalie gave him.

[@beatlejim64]

Great show...

[@izzigogo]

I enjoyed this very much`! Thanks.

[@magicskyway]

It's not the shirt, it's the people you meet along the way. ;)

[@AlexandraPeters70]

Great upload. Thanks....:)

[@AlexandraPeters70]

Graham Johnston Yea i know.....just like that circle G ranch, all run down.....for shame. That ranch should be special to Priscilla , but she never went back to it, and fixed it back up. I'm sure she got the money......or Lisa could fix it up, or did they forgot about it? They spend their first night there as a married couple.....something i sure won't forget.... And yea, his legend /memory must live on. Of course!!!

[@mirkar3097]

Elvis my lovely idol !!!forever!!!forever 👑 king👑😢

[@frankopaddo9647]

There was actually at least two velvet shirts from the time of the 1956 Mississippi-Alabama Fair & Dairy Show in Tupelo. Elvis wore two different velvet shirts on the day, he sported the blue velvet shirt in the afternoon performance and the red velvet during the evening show (the photos of the concert are B&W). The shirts are rumoured to have either been gifted to him by Natalie Wood or made for him by his mother. Frank Skinner's shirt is neither of these. But, what's to say there wasn't a third shirt gifted to (or made for) him? Hebler's letter of provenance counts for something and Elvis gifted a lot (the red velvet shirt was gifted to his cousins wife in the late 60s). I love this documentary ... it's not, so much, about the shirt but, rather, what it means to be a (Elvis) fan. I'm surprised some people didn't pick up on that ...

[@anastasia10017]

I really enjoyed this video.

[@futurez12]

Thanks for the upload, really good. Love Frank.

[@dennydeckerful]

The backstage shirt (3 buttons) looks like a shirt he wore backstage while filming "Love Me Tender." I have a color pic of E on stage and has buttons going down front.

[@TheeReturn]

Thanks very much for sharing. I've been Googling this for years!

[@tomoirish1]

Frank that was brilliant!!!!

[@rodkarate]

Great. Do it all again Frank

[@keithglimmer4505]

23:20 "...I'm gonna die in America , at the hands of Dave Hebler..." LOL. I don't think he meant that to be funny but it really made me laugh, I almost choked on my fried P-nut butter & banana sandwich. whether or not the shirt is genuine, he got to hang out with Scotty Moore & the Jordanaires! IMO thats better than the shirt. Maybe Elvis had the buttons changed sometime after the Tupelo show.

[@coxhoe789]

fried p-nut butter and banana sandwich. you americans will eat anything LOL

[@freetob1]

Maybe Natalie Wood gave him two velvet shirts that had slightly different style, one with only a few buttons and the other a button up. I know they said that he wore it in day then he wore it at night. I would think the blue in daylight and the red at night but everyone says a different story.

[@joecelozzi9280]

That was unbelievable video a great video

[@sasunshine5866]

I've read in many places that Natalie Wood had that shirt and a red one just like it made for Elvis ... ??? And, he performed in it more than once. I believe he wore it on one of his early tv performances too... So sorry if you got "taken"! But it looks like you had an exciting journey... Check out some of the videos of his early tv performances.

[@RedXplorer1]

very refreshing

[@JoeyXSmith]

Who would have thought that someone could make a 47-minute documentary over a used shirt, but here we are.

[@randallanthony1794]

Good show

[@DS-rb1su]

44:00 amazing moment for frank

[@alexcarter8807]

That's funny about Hawaii. When I was a kid living in Pupukea which is the hills behind Waimea Bay and Shark's Cove, there was a big colorful mansion on the hillside with tons of colorful flowers, and I'd ask my mom who owned it, and she said "Elvis Presley" and I asked if he was a musician or a movie star and she said "Both".

[@tomdotson6053]

lamar was just so great

[@willyjhopuky1]

lamar seemed very real

[@FrankieParadiso4evah]

Lamar Fike was the only Memphis Mafioso who could be trusted, shedding light on Elvis Presley's reason to marry Priscilla Beaulieu and his remarkable lifestyle. Two entertainers who never met each other (Singer-songwriter Wally Tax of The Outsiders and Tura Satana) told me that the King of Rock made his great escape, and here's my musical reconstruction: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZrFXoClhcuVrsk [non-monetized video, no spam].

[@garrieleepeck8753]

Love the South of America my dream

[@mariannealba118]

i liked the last part when he sang with J & the part whre he said he took a wood from the benches from trupelo. nice vid!

[@nina1823]

Pete Hernandez is the father of Bruno Mars, he sells Elvis memorabilia in Hawaii.

[@martinreynolds6027]

Dave Hebler was one of 3 body guards who wrote a 'tell all' book called Elvis What Happened? It was published just before Elvis died. And it devastated him that these so called loyal friends could do such a thing. Given his history of back stabbing Elvis I don't think I'd trust Dave Hebler. And he became very defensive when Frank confronted him. Think about it. He trashed Elvis's name and then he is making money from shirts he claims Elvis gave him. I'm calling BS. So great to see Frank get to meet Scotty Moore, and sing with the jordenaires. Superb Frank. Great entertainment.

[@kathydgray]

The is a video came out 7 months ago, Elvis:summer of 56 (2002) full documentary by king of docs that has video of the Tupelo concert. In this video you can see the buttons go all the way down to just above his belt buckle. My opinion for what it’s worth, the shirt shown in this video that was purchased is the shirt Elvis wore in the Tupelo concert.

[@stephenhopkins9541]

I believe it’s an Elvis owned shirt just not the shirt wore on stage.

[@jamesadcock5235]

Dave is the guy that wrote the book about elvis's drug taking. I think it's an elvis shirt he wouldn't make that up just tried to make out it was the 56 shirt to get more cash. Frank sang pretty good

[@exenx2995]

Frank should have kept and not have had those doubts because this is in fact the shirt Elvis Presley had worn January 6th, 1957 on his final Ed Sullivan show he wore a gold vest over the top of this shirt and it is the shirt that has the buttons full length as opposed to the Tupelo shirt. This shirt was given to Dave Hebler December 1972 as well as two other as gifts from Elvis the other two shirts were also Sullivan Show worn articles as well.

[@yourfortunecookie9764]

Not the shirt Frank Dave Hebbler lied for sure. And Natalie Wood's dressmaker made the shirt he wore in Tupelo and on one of the Tv appearances with the gold Lame vest that Barbara Hearn gave to him for Xmas in 1956. Seems to me that when Elvis gave the shirt to Hebler that he would have mentioned that Natalie Wood had made the shirt for him and gave to him as a gift.....He did not know Dave long enough to give him a shirt that had such sentimental value. . Sounds like everyone you talked to sort of made things up.

[@JoeyXSmith]

At best, if we play devils advocate here. I think it might have been something Elivs might have worn and indeed given a bunch of clothes to Hebbler. Spare ones he had or copies of other ones he worn. Just a bunch of clothes that Elvis wore out and about sort of thing. Nothing for stage or anything. However, this isn't the one that Woods made for him to wear on stage, that's for damn sure. Do feel a little bit sorry for Frank here. He got mugged bit he should of done his research beforehand.

[@exenx2995]

Frank should have kept and not have had those doubts because this is in fact the shirt Elvis Presley had worn January 6th, 1957 on his final Ed Sullivan show he wore a gold vest over the top of this shirt and it is the shirt that has the buttons full length as opposed to the Tupelo shirt. This shirt was given to Dave Hebler December 1972 as well as two other as gifts from Elvis the other two shirts were also Sullivan Show worn articles as well. TCB

[@Manfred.Druschowitz]

God love you

[@randallanthony1794]

The jordanairs are a good group of folks

[@angelviscarrara7426]

c'è un altro video che non trovo più dove Frank Skinner parla dell'amore di Elvis per sua madre, uguale a quello di tuti gli altri ragazzi del Sud. Niente di male. Normale per loro. POTETE AIUTARMI A RITROVARLO? grazie

[@ElvisPress]

The real shirt is available this week Frank! Check my channel and look at the Elvis Presley News of November 2018 for all the info. Regards!

[@LimerickElvis]

goood shooow peace

[@konradbenz7110]

💕👍🇫🇷

[@shannonlee3671]

All the pictures I've seen of the infamous Tupelo blue velvet shirt did not have buttons all the way down and the stitching is all wrong as well. I feel bad for this guy. That's messed up!

[@katgirlblue]

So what's the answer? Is it authentic or not? Dave Hebler seemed like a real jerk. He admitted that he wasn't sure about the details he wrote in the letter.

[@jjb653]

Is it possible that it is the original shirt but was altered by a seamstress as per Elvis request to change it from a 3 button pull over to full button down?

[@JoeyXSmith]

No, the real one went on sale in 2018. So this isn't the one Elvis worn in 1956 at Tupelo, Mississippi.

[@joanne26]

Hello from England OMG i remember watching this documentary the first time round with Frank. And then it was 21 years since Elvis had "left the building" so to speak and a lot of the guys are no longer with us like Lamar Fike and would they have known if this was the shirt that Elvis wore in 56 Looking back now 23 years now Elvis is still adorned by the world. The saying "let the buyer beware"!!!!!!!!

[@AngeliquesLOVE]

so this is all about a shirt... hrmm

[@w1lf1ewoo]

Good on Dave Hebler, he could easily have refused to show up, but he was in the end ...a bit of a bullshitter

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

Dave Hebler was one of the co - authors of, "Elvis - What Happened ?" ( Along with Red and Sonny West ). A book that I think shall not likely ever be published again - rightly or wrongly. I bought that book, a paperback, in 1977 / 8 for £0:90 - brand new. I don`t know how I lost it, but as likely as not as a result of not caring one way or the other as to keeping possession of it. It now turns up on eBay, occasionally, as a tatty old paperback and the asking price is normally in the order of about £70:00. But, as I say, I don`t think the book will ever be re-published. So the only way to get to read the book is to pay £70:00 for a 43 year old worn out paperback. Damn - I wish I`d kept that book. I remember `snippets` from it, only. But would love to read it again, notwithstanding those bodyguards had recently ( before publication of the book ) been fired by Elvis and so had some things to say that didn`t pour much praise on Elvis.

[@katgirlblue]

Not true. You can read the book free on The Internet Archive.

[@michaelclarck6290]

If i had doubts i would just sell it on.with the letter

[@tomdotson6053]

scotty had bars on his widows

[@cadetmouse]

It's not the 56 shirt, thats for sure. That gives Elvis a few more live shows before he leaves before his Army training which would end his live 50s shows. So maybe he didn't wear it on a show on stage. Heblers a liar, his eyes tell it when Frank got him there at the end. If Elvis did make another shirt which was easier to put on (unlike the 56 Tupelo shirt which was a pull-over) then he certainly never wore Franks one live on stage and he certainly was never spotted in any photos wearing it. Was it the Kings? 80/20, which is closer than No to Yes...

[@dejr81]

I think there is a picture of him with Priscilla wearing that shirt

[@cards1985]

I wouldn't believe anything Dave Hebler says.

[@GClooney17]

Dave had no class sorry my friend he played you

[@beautifulinsideout5258]

I feel sorry for this guy, he was duped. You can clearly see from the pictures it's not the same shirt by the buttons and sleeves alone. How can those people closed to Elvis be sure it's the same shirt when it was 40 years ago when he wore that shirt, when we can't even remember what we wore yesterday. They're old and may have senior moments. Maybe they're just saying it's the same shirt to make him feel better after spending a lot of money on that fake shirt.

[@tomdotson6053]

So was it really the shirt

[@tomdotson511]

Truth is who's going to argue with lamar he was there from day one

[@MultiJoe84]

Frank loves to remind us he’s a Roman Catholic !

[@ohsheelamakeme]

So his mum didn't make the shirt like i always thought:/

[@nuovamargot]

sappiamo tutti che orribile è Hebler Ti sarei grata e non smetterò di chiedertelo se tu volessi pubblicare di nuovo il tuo discorso sull'amore di Elvis per sua madre dove ogni ragazzo del sud amava così la propria madre.. Puoi farlo?!? on lo trovo più. Cancellato?!?! NO: Perchè. ? Grazie mille Frank SKINNER.

[@tomdotson6053]

elvis hated hebler listen to his talk with his talk with red on the phone about dave

[@moviestarmemories630]

Christie's does not sell junk ,lol.

[@tomdotson6053]

Dave obviously lied

[@WibblyPigNZ]

I like Frank, but this has to be the most boring concept for a documentary ever created...

[@w1lf1ewoo]

+WibblyPigNZ not really, I've seen worse

[@dennydeckerful]

WibblyPigNZ Just seeing the Tupelo fairgrounds was worth it to me.

[@beatlejim64]

These things get altered over the years...buttons are added....removed...etc.

[@rebjmitche]

Enjoyed your journey! Don't think this is the shirt, but you took it pretty good around Dave Hebler! He was one of the idiots that wrote the book just before Elvis's Death that helped put him in the grave! He probably duped you big time! That all those guys were after is the money!

[@dogwithwigwamz.7320]

Ps, I wrote what I did ( below ) before I saw the meeting between Frank and Dave. What a nasty arsehole Dave Hebler appeared to be, assaulting a man half his size/ weight and not a fighter within a minute of meeting him. How ( not ) Classy, Dave !

[@tomdotson6053]

umm dude its a known fact his mom made that shirt he wore at fair in tupelo

[@scotthall8850]

Ho cares not me