Elvis Interview August 1969 by Ray Connolly

Ray Connolly is a British writer. He is best known for his journalism and for writing the screenplays for the films That'll Be the Day and its sequel Stardust, for which he won a Writers Guild of Great Britain Best Screenplay award
In August 1969 he spoke to Elvis between shows in his suite at the International Hotel Las Vegas
He is the author of the best selling book:Being Elvis:A Lonely Life
#ElvisLasVegas #RayConnolly #BeingElvisALonelyLife #Elvis1969

[@Jeri_C11]

I cried during this interview. I’ve always thought the same things about Elvis. I was so touched by the maid singing with him, since those stories we’re truly the real Elvis. It made me so incredibly sad to think of all he missed. I feel his meteoric at such a young age didn’t have the chance to really mature before all this game took place. It’s his vulnerability that seems to make a fan love him. So talented and yet so broken. Great interview Steve.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeri and thanks for the support of this Channel

[@siamesecat4]

What a lovely comment!

[@carolbell8008]

Your guest here says that his movies were rubbish but I can tell you that to myself and friends from that era, we looked forward to seeing those movies and grew up on them!! We loved them! And the theater in our town gave to us the posters of those movies after they were removed for the next week movies! So they were far from rubbish to all of us kids at the time! ❤️🎶

[@carolbell8008]

All of the girls with whom I grew up had only one goal; that was to marry him!! Needless to say, we were all broken-hearted when he married priss!

[@nitasheehan2704]

Agree!

[@teribradshaw-milling3164]

Elvis didn't like them, and making them toke years off his life.

[@myrel543]

@@carolbell8008 Always is better to be girlfrend no wife.

[@badapple65]

I believe that Elvis helped many believe that if they too somehow became famous they would hope to live exactly like Him. Compared to other Big Stars of his time he really was accessible whether at the street front at Graceland’s driveway or in CA. Rented homes. Was truly down to Earth, polite, and friendly smile. Just all that fellow humans look for.

[@gracieg7601]

I just wish he was still with us.

[@heatherlomaxmusic4776]

You are spot on: “he needed a challenge”, and he did rise to it. Great video!

[@HomeAtLast501]

That's one of the biggest cliches about Elvis --- to say he needed a challenge. It's an embarrassment to parrot it.

[@richardeidemiller6739]

I agree 100% He didn't know how fabulous he was. He needed better management, people who could challenge him mentally and a woman who could keep him in line like his mother could. Most talented man to ever walk on a stage.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Very true

[@EdHechtArtist]

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 is Elvis’ “Round Trip” date-on that day, he will have been gone from us as long as he was here with us-42 years, 7 months and 8 days. Gone too soon...RIP, Elvis!

[@ElevateYourExistence8979]

I'm 33 I've been a fan since I was 6 his first ever movie I saw was paradise hawaiian style.l, From there I've been hooked! In all my life I've never seen a celebrity so humble. Elvis was in it for the fans!

[@sharonanne6293]

Well it's Christmas Day evening. I have had a brill day. I was up at 5.40 and at work by 6.50 home by 11am. Cooked a lovely dinner. Had a nap lol. Then I listened to the interview with Alannah Nash and now this interview. What a lovely way to spend the evening while Iv done my cross stitch. Brilliant interviews. Really enjoyed them x

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Glad you are having a nice day

[@lynnalvaro1359]

You guys ere right about Elvis’s decline. He was bored, and I think, extremely depressed, and regretful about his mistakes. But, I for one, who has been a fan since 1956, still love him, and - most- of his music. The sound tracks have some I don’t care for. But Elvis the person, shone through, and we love him. You are also correct in your analysis of the ‘colonel’, his influence, and skullduggery. So incredibly sad for poor Elvis. Rest easy beautiful man.

[@nitasheehan2704]

I've been a fan since 1955! I will always love Elvis!

[@MsRainbows1]

I think 2 shows stand out Elvis come back special wow those black leathers and Aloha from Hawaii so handsome in both . I think he was able to hold an audience in the palm of his hand God bless the King

[@johnclaba1457]

Elvis was an adult. Blame him for the direction of his career. No one else

[@brendacole4816]

He had very serious health issues.

[@amandaserle3343]

RAY CONOLLY THANKYOU VERY MUCH TOO👍🇬🇧VERY MUCH APPRECIATED

[@seandarcy7651]

Wow fabulous interview Steve great work keeping the king alive in my personal option don’t think Elvis looked any better than August 69 with red scarf and dark suit👍👍

[@joycerecupero6559]

Thank you so so much to Steve Francis and Ray Connelly This is So AMAZING AND I REALLY CAN’T ENOUGH ELVIS ❤❤❤ NO ONE WITH ANY INTELLIGENCE OR MUSIC INTEREST CAN GET ENOUGH ELVIS

[@elvispresley5921]

One of the best interviews ive heard in a long time. 2 people , whom obviously care about the man , as many of us do, talking candidly ...I thoroughly enjoyed that , Great Job Steve.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

So glad you enjoyed it. Steve

[@paulandrew6457]

Good to hear from Ray I enjoyed his book on Elvis - people say he only met him once so what does he know - well he's a writer and does research and he has his own story to tell as someone who met him. He also has an interesting perspective from someone who was impacted by Heartbreak Hotel in 1956. I think it's true that 15 is an impressionable age and music that impacts on us when we were young stays with us and here I would use this to explain why people like him and The Beatles diss later Elvis. It's because Elvis isn't doing what they want him to do and not going in the direction they want him to go. The Colonel is to blame for all that we don't like about Elvis career because in the minds of critics he took Elvis the wrong way. I always say if you want an example of how sticking to the same stuff works out look at the careers of other 50's rockers who didn't diversify. They were famous for maybe two songs and sang those songs and played the same type of music for the rest of their careers without having any cultural impact outside of the 50's or early 60's when they broke through. Now that to me is a sorry career. Elvis grew as a singer as an artist in his own right just as the Beatles grew their way as songwriters and creative artists. I thought the Colonel managed Elvis ok up to Aloha. It wasn't him who wrote bad scripts and songs or wrote prescriptions for Elvis.

[@MsRainbows1]

just miss him he was the king may be he did it his way

[@jrc8640]

He sure did ( unique !!!

[@gracieg7601]

His way was so good when it was good.

[@clifffor1179]

Excellent interview. I think one thing about people who first heard Elvis at an impressionable age..well to me that's any age. When you first hear Elvis that cuts across everything. Age..Racial barriers social barriers national barriers we can all unite behind a love of Elvis even if we like different things about him and his career. One thing Ray reminded me of is the way the films were seen as something that were a negative the Beatles admitted they didn't see the TV shows they saw Love Me Tender, Jailhouse Rock. Blue Hawaii is nothing like those. Thats why it impacted. Wow this the rebel in a light comedy we can't have this. Elvis must be the way we was when we heard him aged 15. He's not allowed to expand or diversify. If you want to see what Elvis would have been if the critics had kept him tied to Rock n Roll look at the careers of Jerry Lee Lewis etc. They kept putting out music but none of it has broken through to the mainstream they are known by the 50's hits and not much else. Elvis was a hit in every decade. He was and is an inspiration to everyone - and will never be bettered.

[@bradhuskers]

Cliff The problem is today's left-wing democrat party. The left is mentally disturbed. They divide the country and the world with leftist bullshit propaganda. They even lie about elvis presley for christ's sakes. That's how twisted and sick the left-wing is.

[@bradhuskers]

All lies and disrespect for elvis presley, comes directly from left-wing democrats. It's a fact. If you actually do your research, you'll quickly discover that today's left wing democrats, lie about anything and everything, including elvis presley.

[@1burnman]

Absolutely

[@a.c.bernardo3527]

So true! Elvis in our hearts forever!🎼🎤🎶💖♥️♥️

[@TM-fu2we]

Absolutely well said. The old rock'n'rollers think Elvis died when he stopped doing rock'n'roll. For me, Elvis started in the 70s with the big ballads then I worked my way backwards. The films allowed us to see Elvis outside grainy old footage. They delivered enough brilliant performances (when Elvis' voice was at his best) to have been worthwhile.

[@debbiecraddock7204]

John Lennon said. BEFORE ELVIS THERE WAS NOTHING....

[@lynnalvaro1359]

Yes, I had the same experience. 1956--14 year old girl. We paid $1.00 per record, my allowance was $0.50 per week = 1/2, 50,cents. Pat Boon had been our hero until,‘Heartbreak Hotel’....on T.V. Elvis was electric. We were mad about him. He came to our town in 1957. I went to the concert. Mass hysteria.

[@nitasheehan2704]

I was 13 in '56 and was crazy about Elvis then and love him now!

[@heikebohne8864]

@@nitasheehan2704 🇩🇪 wonderful. Stay safe. ❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@nitasheehan2704]

@@heikebohne8864 Thank you!

[@heikebohne8864]

That is a tremendous memory to saw Elvis. Sometimes I think, I can and will not believe that He is so long dead, This wonderful face and man. 😓❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😓❤️❤️❤️

[@_CoolHandLuke_]

Awesome interview Steve! Gotta love Elvis history. Thanks Steve!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Tom Ray Connolly was great wasn't he?

[@_CoolHandLuke_]

@@Elvisultimatefanchannel ABSOLUTELY

[@smartlylever9908]

It was. Just one tiny mistake by Steve at the end when he attributed the Elvis smiling at one of the M.M.'s story to Marty. It was Sonny who made that statement, not Marty. Marty was a smart guy and his intelligence has obviously been passed on to his children.

[@gracieg7601]

@@smartlylever9908 Marty was very smart. Elvis recorded several songs that Marty talked to him about that he thought were good. Elvis did it and one I think was in the ghetto. And a few others. Marty was in the music business cause he had a family to support. He wasn’t making much working for Elvis. I saw a check Elvis wrote to Marty and it was for outstanding stuff he did for Elvis. Elvis knew who was really helpful to him and who he really trusted. Elvis liked Marty and trusted him to tell him the truth. Marty was one of the few who would just lay it out to him. Marty also knew when to hush.

[@rontrudell3358]

Steve. Now that’s talking deep Elvis Great questions you ask really enjoyed that. Fantastic. Keep them coming. Elvis what happened. We’re waiting. Lol. Wish I could get in that conversation

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Elvis What Happened will be covered soon Ron have no fear . I try and cover all the topics that I as a fan would want to hear covered

[@katgirlblue]

Just listened to this for a second time, great interview, it's one of my favorites!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Thanks Katgirlblue

[@gracethroughfaith2969]

Elvis is making a comeback in Heavenly ways;)

[@taczylotaczylo9495]

Thank you so much for sharing. Love him so much forever, forever and ever .!!!

[@sue7011]

This was (for me) an extremely insightful interview by you both. I had a couple revaluations about his life. You manage to get different people to interview, very cool. Thank You!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Glad you enjoyed it Rene

[@maggieshome]

Good interview my opinion Elvis voice got better in 70s his voice matured. Not sure how can write a book when only met Elvis once

[@jackstevens3935]

Good interview. Only egregious error was his observation that the gigs were getting smaller. Not true. Yes some smaller markets were booked but he still played and sold out large market cities as well.

[@katgirlblue]

This is still one of my all time favourite interviews - good job! I like how you're always more interested in what the guest has to say, rather than interrupting with how much you know, as some do. This is the third time I'm listening, and I'm also reading Being Elvis for the second time. I love the way Mr. Connolly writes. I wish he would be a guest at Elvis Week.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Very kind...thank you

[@amandaserle3343]

Hi Steve thankyou for this very interesting and quite unique😃👍loveley pictures too😘

[@69garyo]

"He never understood what he had".....that statement for me, just sums Parker up to a tee....but what an interesting piece Steve...Blimey Ray has led the life hasn't he!! Brilliant work Steve and Thank you👍

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Yes I like Ray Connolly very much Absolute Gentleman

[@pam510]

I Love listening to your interviews they are So interesting!!! Thanks! Steve I Really think Elvis was just a meal ticket to Col. T. Parker there was Something Very Fishy with him!!!

[@mckennalynn1916]

This was such a great interview. Thank you for talking with Ray Steve! I plan to read and watch the books and movies he made!

[@roshimafair7603]

So sad ,the last concert .still happens today ,look how they dragged Amy winehouse and Whitney Houston through terrible last concerts

[@Kymoon99]

If Gladys didn't like Parker, it should tell you all you need to know about him. TCE ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@Kymoon99]

Vegas in 75 was kryptonite for Elvis. Parker wasn't a Elvis fan's friend because he was way too greedy. Song selections was not top key. His voice never left him 💙⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@michealcurrie8272]

Was it ...Jonnie Ray ...the late great. Ray Connolly you are a an amazing person just understood who you are. Very intriguing and interesting person. Thank you, for this. Many things you said I feel the same especially, about Col. T. Parker.

[@mariadolce951]

Absolutely right about the colonel a monster !!! That destroyed ELVIS

[@edelmccool5851]

I just wished he could have had the chance to be who he wanted to be but he was controlled and it destroyed a beautiful soul lv u always u were a angel xx

[@Vibeagain]

Nonsense. We all make our own decisions and who we choose to surround ourselves with

[@joanne26]

Hello from England Such an informative interview with Ray. We can all look back with hindsight and say WHAT IF or IF ONLY and we can BERATE THE COLONEL for the way he treated ELVIS but SUCH DIFFERENT TIMES and DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I pick out something that "sticks in my mind" about the interview ELVIS gave just before the shows at MSG and the lack of good material, the lack of good HARD ROCK SONGS and it was an issue for everyone else. ELVIS was not a SONGWRITER and there were people like John Denver and James Taylor but they were performing their own material ELVIS was just worn out and had the ailments like Gladys that we all know about. How do i describe ELVIS? HE WAS JUST A BUNDLE OF ENERGY SET TO MUSIC I cannot think of any other words to use.

[@MsBonijoni]

But there is something to be said about the 33 films Elvis made in 8 years- it’s commonly known as royalties on the sound tracks which played in the films. Elvis collected royalties on every 45rpm and 78rpm which sold to millions of adoring fans, this is what the films helped promote. Parker began as a circus barker and the two met up early on at a Louisiana Hayride gig where Elvis was booked to perform, the rest is history. Elvis had confided to a member of his Memphis Mafia squad (I believe his hairdresser) how he intended to fire Parker once he ended his contract in Vegas, he had mapped a plan to regain his health and focus, quit the prescriptions, go back to his original musical roots which was his love for southern black gospel. . .shortly after this he had passed on.

[@pontypresley3711]

He made 31 films in 13 years. 1956-69

[@roshimafair7603]

Elvis The Ultimate,do u like the album's memories of Elvis 1&2 ,the 70s stuff has been a great comfort to me ! Ps you have a cool voice !

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Hi Roshima. They were Ok. It allowed his voice to be heard well. Are you talking about my voice of Rays? I thought he had a great voice 😊

[@roshimafair7603]

@@Elvisultimatefanchannel he does but I meant yours !

[@stephenodonoghue2210]

Loved the interview Steve keep up the good work TCB⚡👍

[@nickmandis6513]

Watched this after reading Ray Connoly's Elvis book. I really enjoyed this interview, thanks Steve. It was facinating to hear Ray talk about when he met him in Vegas.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Yes facinating and Ray is a great guy too

[@nickmandis6513]

@@Elvisultimatefanchannel yeah defo Steve,, he came across as a really nice bloke. Another thing that I always think about is how different Elvis's life would of panned out if his twin brother Jessie had survived.

[@joylang2800]

Elvis had 2 million back then which was 8 million in today.

[@AnthonyKiyola]

Great interview. Thanks Steve. Like Ray, I had never seen Elvis as good looking, he was just normal looking to me...... until I heard that Jerry Reed comment when I was in my teens and thought ’yeah, he was handsome.’ In regards to Lennon, he made that ’Elvis died in army’ quote when he was in Japan and informed by a reporter about Elvis’ death and wanted his reaction. What I heard was John Lennon then followed up the quote by asking ’what happened?’ and the like and then becoming depressed...... I suppose Elvis was not only a connection to his youth but to his own mother as she would have been still alive at the time.

[@sillysambo1000]

john lennons mother died in 1958

[@AnthonyKiyola]

@@sillysambo1000 I know. That's why I said that. 'That time' was referring to when he was first an Elvis fan in 1956 or 57.

[@melissaweatherford1109]

Heard it. Good interview. His book was good too

[@marktheblue5780]

What a great interview

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Ray Connolly was great wasn't he? A true Gentleman too

[@modernretroradio993]

Connolly's assessment of The Colonel is not an overstatement. True, Parker negotiated unprecedented deals for Elvis, but Parker also represented his own, self-interests FIRST. The $2 million dollar "invoice" that Parker presented to Vernon Presley after the big rift speaks for itself: He'd prepared to use that coercion tactic long before September '73.

[@My3Sons333]

If you watch the cbs special, you can see Charlie Hodge watch Elvis with the concern on his face if Elvis was going to make it through the concert. Before the 1977 tours the band seemed so happy to be on stage with Elvis, but during 1977 it was not the same atmosphere on stage. They were all worried.

[@mildredschulz]

Elvis has made some great movies I have all 31 movies on DVD and now some of them on Blue Ray ❤️❤️❤️

[@terryrolland815]

Great interview... read the book as well! Thanks SF!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Thanks Terry

[@gracieg7601]

Parker didn’t like Elvis to get to far from him. Elvis would get irritated with anyone telling him what to do.

[@SW-Italia2309]

What does Ray Connolly really know?? He only met him once in 1969!

[@heikebohne8864]

🇩🇪👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@heikebohne8864]

Hello All, I understand everything. If that is all true ❓Gladys..... Is all true about Gladys ❓May they all Rest in peace. All We can say Elvis was Elvis, He was a good Man and I love Him. 🌹🌹🌹

[@serenity8145]

I don’t think he was given any credit for the films he made. Yes, some of them may have been ‘feel good’ teeny bopper type, but his acting was funny and showed how good of an actor he was. He was young, fun and good looking and suited to those films. But with the press and media continuously putting them down only served to cause him depression. The Col was just not good for him after 1960.

[@amandaserle3343]

Sorry steve i couldnt listen to it all unfortunately, not many gigabytes left as i pay as i go no internet in my home, but i throughly enjoyed half i did listen to, very interesting thanks again Steve and to the chap you were talking to sorry cant recall his name🇬🇧🤗😎😃😊

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Listen to the other half next month,he was so interesting

[@amandaserle3343]

@@Elvisultimatefanchannel hi steve yes i will thankyou, yes very intetesting so lucky to have met ELVIS😘😮😮BET HES NEVER FORGOTTEN IT EITHER!! 👍😊🇬🇧

[@amandaserle3343]

@@Elvisultimatefanchannel I WILL LISTEN TO THE REST NEXT WEEK AS NEW GIGABYTES IN 2DAYS TIME😃👍

[@My3Sons333]

I’ve heard Barbara Hearn talk about how Gladys always smiled and was very hospitable. She actually had a good personality. Gladys loved music and was a rather good dancer. But, she always looks so sad in her pictures.

[@My3Sons333]

I liked this interview. I’m new to your channel and enjoying your interviews with people that met or knew Elvis.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

So glad you are enjoying them

[@charlenedonovan8948]

Thanks so much for this post~Would you add 'closed caption (cc)' to it for those of us fans who need it? Many thanks!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

You can turn them on and off by using the CC settings for each video

[@Gooneress]

A very interesting interview. I think Connolly's brutal honesty will surprise some people but he's an old school British journalist so it goes with the territory. Yes, Parker was a monster. Yes, his management limitations were brutally exposed - at a great personal and professional price to Elvis - after the army. Yes, most of the movies were McMovies. Yes, it's all such a shame that this huge talent never realised his full potential. Funnily enough (and Connolly/Puttnam couldn't have known it at the time) I've often thought some aspects of Stardust unconsciously reflected Elvis' life: Jim Maclaine's huge fame, the girls, the money-grabbing manager, the fight for artistic freedom, the drugs, the death.

[@karenfrost2792]

I have nearly finished Rays book. Good reading. Totally think that man Parker held Elvis in his vice like grip because he was his meal ticket and he sold Elvis down the river. Can’t stand him . The more I learn about him the more I loathe him. Elvis could have been so much more without him ruling his life and holding him back. It is so sad. I wish Elvis hadnt lost his beloved mother. I do believe his life would have been different but for the better. RIP ELVIS.👑💔

[@christysmith2908]

I couldn't agree more

[@modernretroradio993]

37:03 ... I tend to think that Elvis could've easily sang swing music if he had more interest in it. One random example is a song from "Double Trouble," called "There's So Much World To See." It's got some jazzy hooks that Elvis handled effortlessly.

[@marisolmercado8679]

What I want to say about this is if he still alive or if he's going just let him be in peace maybe if he did fake his death I don't blame him cuz yll probably drove the man to fake his death or whatever happened leave him alone let him rest let him be in peace. There's only one Elvis Presley if he's here or not you always going to be missed but never forgotten Elvis this is one of your fans I love you rest in peace sing with the angels and sing for God cuz you was the best of the best. Your the 1 👑😘💖🙏😢🎈

[@teribradshaw-milling3164]

Your on this website too- listening -- so don't say "ya'll" - you leave him alone!! Elvis greatest fear was being forgotten--so he would have loved this website dedicated to keeping his memory alive.

[@michaelivey1087]

Hi Steve. Thanks for letting us hear this wonderful interview. I have Mr. Connolly's book. And it is really a very nice book. I urge people to buy it and read it. Great interview tho. Thanks.

[@cliffedward]

Man,many years ago I remember reading that when RCA signed Elvis and got him in the studio they had a job getting him to sing original songs. Seems he wanted to do covers of other's songs. He did this throughout his career.

[@brendafulmernickel1218]

It's about the challenge, and when they took his guitar challenge away, and he knew he could transcend his song into acting! And Elvis could have accomplished this transcending! He didn't want scripts a foot thick.

[@marcelnicolas3247]

hello how are you doing today..

[@badapple65]

I’ve never heard Legends about Connell Parker gifting over 100 cars, or supporting numerous charities, or gifting $100K per year at Christmas to local citizens that were in dire straits. Obviously a guy that could lose hundreds of thousands in one eve gambling would find a way to to recoup at least some of that. I’ll bet he at times skimmed the cream off of the top without Elvis knowing.

[@carolbell8008]

What is horrible is that no matter how good the songs were that Elvis recorded, or how great they sounded, parker ultimately screwed them all up by his greedy habit of speeding them up after that just to squeeze another song in, thereby interfering with all of the talent and efforts of the musicians and engineers of the studio recordings. ❤️🎶⚡️

[@robertryan2542]

Steve l love the channel. I work in a factory and rarely get to watch this on KZbin. Is it possible to get them on SoundCloud or castbox. God bless you and thank you for all the 'off the ball running' you do to get us these videos.

[@burttheman3697]

Finally a good realistic look on Elvis, the Memphis mafia and colonel Parker. I never liked the trash surrounding Elvis, but some channels like the Spa guy seem to idolize colonel and the Memphis mafia. In this interview all the mismanagement is talked about. Congrats!

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Thanks for watching and commenting on my channel it's much appreciated Steve

[@michaelivey1087]

Hey Burt. Cut the Memphis Mafia guys some slack. They were hardly "trash." My attitude about them has certainly softened over the years. Put yourself in their place. You probably would have been the same or worse. Just relax. Elvis and most of his group are now gone. So our opinion means nothing.

[@burttheman3697]

Michael Ivey well I certainly wouldnt have written a book like Elvis what happened. Then youre real trash. You dont do that to someone you call a friend!!!

[@michaelivey1087]

@@burttheman3697 Burt again. Put yourself in their place. After 20 years uour told to leave with 1 weeks pay! You telling me you wouldnt want to try and make some money? Even if it is a tell all book. I am quite sure tgat the Wests and Dave Hebler had many regrets about that book. But, they did what they did and apparently the book was true. So..... I will leave it at that. Elvis is dtill my Idol. Has been since I was 5 yrs old. I am now almost 63.

[@michaelivey1087]

@@burttheman3697 BTW. Be careful who you call trash. Some people dont take to kindly to it. Just sayin.....

[@gassbaggerwoods5955]

Amazing interview , I have always said that too..... why Elvis did not stand up to Parker, he was the star not Parker, he worked for Elvis , but this has shed a different light . i always thought and i'm sure i'm half right that Elvis was too polite well mannered , i know he respected and trusted Parker , there are thoes who say Elvis loved him but i don't think so there was no sign of that was purely a business relationship all parker was intrested in was the money he got from elvis but i quite agree wat is said here , Elvis knew poverty and was scared to go back , he saw Parker had put him where he is and he could quite easily lose it all and Parker played on that. Elvis loved the money , and wat he could do with it , nearly gave it all away money wasn't important to him but he wanted to share his wealth not only with his family and friends but their partners and strangers on the street. We don't know all that went on , i'm quite inclined to believe Elvis didn't know the half Parker did behind his back , And thoes who called Elvis but never heard back from him shouldn't get upset at him because he most likely never knew they came to see him. he would never turn people away Parker would have put up blocks around him not wanting people to get close to him , he liked to have his complete control over him wanting Elvis to do only wat HE wanted him to do he'd get into his head brow beat him to do things his way thats how controlling he was !! not allowing him to do wat he wanted like go to Europe he dreamed of that he died having never got to London , thank god he went to Germany and Paris while in the army else he would never have gone , all cos he was an illegal immigrant , wasn't even an American some dutch man not even a fekin colonel he took that name from somewhere !!

[@carolbell8008]

Hi, Vernon and esposito were also ones who were on parker’s side. And kept Elvis working for him.

[@Cat-iu3iu]

Good timing as I was already a few chapters into Ray's book. Steve, do you plan to get Priscilla into the conversation about Parker, whether they knew about his alien status back then? Am I correct in understanding that E did not employ the services of any professional financial advisors? I've changed my mind about the Elvis podcast, thanks I appreciate it.

[@carolbell8008]

Priscilla was and still is a bubblehead!! Only wanted money and things for herself! Screw her.

[@marinaalonso89]

@@carolbell8008 what a bitter woman you are & very judgrmental.false accusation. You are just very jealous of her.she is a beauty & wife of Elvis & you are nothing. Of course she will have money because Elvis is her husband but must support her & at present she saved Graceland from being sold she paid Elvis debts.when he died he have so many bills to be paid.Priscilla when they divorced became an actress & business woman she has money from her TV show Dallas & movies.now the money she is getting from Graceland is for Lisa & grandchildren & the rest is for maintenance of graceland & salary of graceland employees.why are you spreading false accusation about Priscilla? Maybe Elvis will be proud seeing his family in good situation & Priscilla keeping his legacy alive & still being remembered by his fans until now.Bitterness is not good for your soul

[@carolbell8008]

@@marinaalonso89 I love her now and agree with everything that you’ve said!

[@elvisonwax]

What if Elvis’ movies weren’t crummy and they actually saved his career? Like many UK kids I grew up glued to the Telly and watched just about every film the BBC ever showed. Being that it was the 70’s/early 80’s the movies from the 50/60s were constantly shown on Saturday afternoons and every evenings after the news. When you watch enough Hollywood product ( and later in life I spent years watching Turner Classic Movies) you begin to realize that Elvis movies are like most movies from the era - colourful factory products geared towards maximum profits over the short term and then forgotten (- though, ironically, back in the day, films would run at the cinema for years on end. I guess people had nothing else to do.) Elvis movies aren’t bad - in fact his magnetism makes them far more enduring than many films of the period. If you level the playing field and compare them to other pop idols’ star vehicles.. who remembers any of those? Last week I rewatched Wild In The Country and made an effort to put aside the preconditioned notion that it was an ‘Elvis Movie’ and it came out pretty decent: a typically thoughtful early 60s melodrama of the type that was so popular then. Well done Elvis, well done the cast and crew; it is utterly engaging. And what if the 60s movies WERE crummy. What if Elvis hadn’t made them, had continued making rock and blues records? Could he have competed with the beat groups, with flower power, with Psychedelia or would he have been swept away like all the other 50s idols? Arguably, the movies were a masterly plan that kept Elvis in the public eye and in the money till he was ready for his moment. Whether this was intended or not, is another matter.

[@joanne26]

Hello from England I was 12 when ELVIS died. I have been a FAN ever since. You are quite right in what you say. I also grew up glued to the TV and watched loads of films on a Saturday afternoon but this was back when in the 70's and early 80's we only had the BBC and ITV and when the BBC were at the "top of their game". Sadly not now. I do remember watching some of his films. By the 60's the films were colourful instead of the black and white films of the 50's in Britain. I did enjoy them and i would guess every other person enjoyed them both here and in America at the cinema or on TV. They made MONEY and that was what it was all about. Some of the films were quite cheesy but who cared. It was ELVIS. There have been a number of documentaries on British TV that i can think of Joanna Lumley: ELVIS and Me aired in 2015 on ITV which i watched then and watched again only a few weeks ago on KZbin There was a documentary aired in 1998 called " A little bit of ELVIS - Frank Skinner about him buying a genuine ELVIS velvet shirt -it was not genuine -Dave Hebler was involved!! but i watched it again on KZbin a few weeks ago There was a documentary called ELVIS: The rebirth of the KING BBC4 another rerun from whenever There was a documentary called: The burger and the KING. BBC Arena episode aired January 1996 again watched it on KZbin I know mainstream media has changed a lot but why don't radio stations now play any of Elvis's songs. Even on Radio 2 and Tony Blackburn on Sounds of the Sixties or any other Radio Stations? If ELVIS had lived and been able to carry on he perhaps would have reinvented himself but as in one interview he gave it was getting good material to sing. Publishing rights and ownership of songs and songwriter rules etc. He did not write any of his own material. Its a case of WHAT IF

[@elvisonwax]

There are quite a few negative comments here about Ray Connolly, including the allegation that you can’t (= shouldn’t!) write a book about someone after only meeting them once. What nonsense. Did Peter Guralnick meet Elvis? Did he meet Sam Cooke? No, he is a rock journalist, researcher and a writer. Ray Connolly is a rock journalist and writer. Any one of us could write a book about Elvis if we put in the work, and why not? The reason that Ray is interesting is that he is connected to US, the fans, and yet crossed the dividing line and stepped into Elvis’ world. He is very Frank about Elvis’ faults and insecurities, so a lot of people are sensitive about what he says. For my part, I love hearing about how hearing Elvis sent him on a life long journey, as it has for so many of us. A great interview, so interesting to hear these two discussing Elvis in an uninhibited way. No words will diminish how I feel about Elvis.

[@user-yz3fe6qj2l]

I unfortunately come to realize that everybody, but really everybody took advantage of Elvis. They exploited him in an unspoken way, which makes me furious and mad of them, but of Elvis himself as well. How does a pure talent like him allow others to make the rules he obeyed unconditionally!!! Why did no one of all the people he supported and formost Priscilla, ever tried to shake him up and make him realize who indeed the star was and who should have the saying. It is outrageous how unfair a megastar, an individual so unique, an artist the world has never seen before and I doubt it if it will see again, was so shamelessly bled by all these jackals around him....

[@tanyadahl]

'PLEDGING MY LOVE' (Forever My Darling') by JOHNNY ACE.

[@user-rr2eo7gb7z]

I bought Ray's book and was sooo disappointed !!!!! He"s a lightweight and a nobody in Elvis world....trying to make $$$$$ - milking the cow....

[@heikebohne8864]

Oh oh. Stay safe. 🇩🇪🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@fionafinch348]

Thanks to Col. Parker, Elvis never got to play in Europe, Asia, or any other place outside the US.

[@gracieg7601]

He told off directors a couple of times. Walked out that day then came back the next and did it. But he told directors a couple times when it ceases to be fun I will not do it any longer.

[@shaunbeare4183]

A brilliant interview again Steve.. I think Parker and elvis were both flawed personallys.. I also sgree with you elvis was electric from 68 to 72.. I read somewhere that elvis had to get of what he was taking get in shape and the star is born gig was hes. But elvis told Parker to get him out of the gig..??? Elvis was so good.. The king....... Shaun

[@farmeraaron505]

A great insight into Tom Parker how he artistically isolated Elvis. Pure cruelty on a human being.

[@jrc8640]

According to Marty lacker from the very beginning Parker said to elvis if you don't do what the movie executives tell you the'll kill your career he drummed that in to him in 55 when he was young n innocent n he never forgot it ... n remembered his dirt poor life growing up ... I really don't agree that ray said most of his films where rubbish ... he made some great films ( king creole .. flaming star ( follow that dream to name a few . Elvis didn't like meeting new people he was comfortable with the guys he knew ! That's what I have heard plenty of time !! Thank go gor Marion keisker who knows what would of happened if she didn't keep on at Sam !! Elvis surely didn't let anyone down he helped sooo many people in his life ... ( unforgettable for sur!! Great interview tho Steve ... you are becoming a bit of a celeb yourself now 🤣😝

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

😂

[@annettehughes1102]

The Colonel lived is life in denial. His denial of who he actually was, his entire life, is a man who is narsassitic, manipulative and dangerous. Their relationship became one of mutual enabling. Ultimately it was I believe the slow death of Elvis's career.

[@garyhiggins9148]

Your wrong about Elvis movies and Elvis was wrong about his movies also why? Elvis had no clue how he made young people think about his movies what I mean about this Elvis set a huge standard how to act with woman to be cool happy joking silly in these movies but always the happy ending as Elvis sang, when boy and girl again they never part again they only live together happily like you and me, like you and me.. His movies created idealism in the youth and they never forgot it.

[@mikegraham1555]

The Colonel didn't do much for Elvis after the Army, but make him alot of money...Lol. I like the way these 3rd basemen talk bad about Priscilla and Tom Parker. But, do not have a clue about either real life relationships. One thing about Both Priscilla and the Colonel is that they beside his Parents had the longest and most prefound relationship with him

[@kathy-t5q]

Elvis said himself in an interview, that there were movie contracts for years and years and that he didn’t have any say so in the matter with the movies. Elvis did not have a choice

[@katgirlblue]

He did have a choice when he signed each contract. He could have refused to sign until he was given better material, but he was passive and just signed what Parker told him to. Once the contracts were signed, he had no choice. Even so, he could have insisted on having script approval before he signed, but he didn't do that either.

[@amandaserle3343]

I wasnt keem on Tom parker, he came across as very arragant to me but thats just my opinion, as for the Memphis mafia i think Joe esposito was a good friend to elvis? Or maybe he wasnt, sad they have now all gone except Larry geller and Ronnie Tutt, i think they are the only 2left oh and cissy housten and anither backing singer are still here, cant recall her name at the momment, but Tom took him for a bit of a fool, and overworked him in the last few years, very sad, elvis should have stood up to him more but hey ho too late now, 😞

[@exdus235]

Billy and Jo Smith are also still around. March 2020 Go to KZbin channel MEMPHIS MAFIA KID.

[@amandaserle3343]

@@exdus235 oh thankyou for lettinv me know that i didnt know🇬🇧🤗👍😃

[@amandaserle3343]

@@exdus235 thankyou fir that info the memphis mafia kid im checking it out 🤗🇬🇧👍😃

[@jeanmariebonsavage7384]

Jerry Schilling is still around also....

[@lorrainepollock7333]

Elvis is like a bible.it never changes It's still the same now as when he came on the scene.the cover was nice and clean but it got dog eared because it was opened,thrown around,stuff spilled on him,abused.but still a great read.my bible sits on a shelf or on my bed. Just like Elvis. .

[@risacalcagno6072]

In ripetibile .

[@conniesimon6305]

Col. Parker took 50% of all that Elvis made. That is unbelievable.

[@soniaevans-ty7gz]

The Brit couldn’t have been more rude to our Elvis.

[@annettehughes1102]

I believe his self destructive spiral began with the end of his marriage. I strongly believe he knew how he contributed to the end of his marriage but he just couldn't do what he had to in order to safe the marriage.

[@minkahed6724]

Again with the marriage ... Sorry, but no

[@gracethroughfaith2969]

The Colonel was trash. He was a sideshow. A possible murderer. Elvis IS still a King of Heaven. In ways we know not. One day we will ALL witness Elvis as we should. My King. My beloved.

[@timcarr6401]

The only King of Heaven is Christ Himself.

[@timcarr6401]

You are not a Christian. You won't enter Heaven with your blasphemies.

[@timcarr6401]

@Tamara Smith GTF

[@kazsouder90]

He cousin Billy Smith has mentioned in one of his videos that Elvis did know Tom Parker was an illegal immigrant.

[@sophiasue1827]

😊

[@jacquelineloveselvis]

Nice interview, though I disagree with most of Ray's comments. Elvis knew exactly who he was and the talent he had. Nobody told Elvis what to do. He was not interested in all the Hollywood fakery. Elvis was seriously ill at the end of his life and I blame the doctors, Elvis' personal doctors as well as those at the Baptist Memorial. Also, considering Ray is supposed to be a great fan, he didn't go into very much detail about his meeting with Elvis in 1969. Sorry Steve, I think Ray just didn't get Elvis.

[@hallsjuju2400]

An image was created for Elvis.

[@zucan100]

Great interview, something I find sad is Ginger Alden's version that Elvis was not unhealthy, was carrying a bit too much weight but had too much makeup on in the CBS special. How ridiculous these statements are and being gobbled up by Elvis fanatics who follow her Facebook group. I believe he did ask her to marry him as there is too much evidence of this by those closest. I doubt though he had that same intention when he passed. Introduced her as his girlfriend in the June concert to the crowd, 7 months after the engagement. There was a reason most of the MM didn't maintain any relationship there.

[@vitomarziliano5799]

I have all throuout the Interviews nothing has been said about Elvis and Priscilla spending time on their honeymoon in Niagara Falls Canada. I remember being a secret escape.

[@katarina1852]

After watching the movie “Elvis” I became aware just how the colonel ripped Elvis off. He took 25% of his earnings and 50% of licensing and merchandise. He kept Elvis from making movies with more serious roles and kept him from touring Europe. Elvis wasn’t able to grow as an artist because of the colonel’s controlling every aspect of Elvis’ career like a dictator. Elvis was too nice and sadly out up with his crap. I was a young girl when Elvis died so I don’t remember him back then. Of course I learned about him later on. I have sought out interviews, books, movies, etc. and envy the the generation who grew up with his music.

[@collinwadham6582]

Oh Steve, your coming out with such brilliant stuff. Much here is a bit of an eye opener to me. Opinions I didn't know. Elvis's slide IN HIMSELF (in my opinion remember) was Priscilla marrying another.

[@Elvisultimatefanchannel]

Thanks Colin More to come

[@collinwadham6582]

@Tamara Smith In a REAL marriage, a child is born which joins the flesh of one with the flesh of another. The marriage you refer to, is for government records.

[@collinwadham6582]

@Tamara Smith I'm afraid it's true. But you can have a loving union and so many have. And that can often become the spiritual "soul mate" union. You become each half of the SAME coin. The whole ONE. That doesn't happen often these days IN natural body marriages. As you know. Marriage of the flesh is described as "the flesh becoming one". And only when a child born does this happen. Man with woman. Their fresh blends to one IN the child. Elvis...knew this.

[@collinwadham6582]

@Tamara Smith Oh beautiful lady, there IS a natural body "marriage." Then there is a spiritual togetherness. Which can carry beyond the grave. Earthly marriage is only as far AS the grave. It is for the reproduction of natural bodies for tomorrow's occupants. Maybe for you and your chosen hubby. The spiritual union is far stronger and existed long before flesh formed marriage. So in THIS sense, I must agree with you. It was long before churches and chapels and stuff. Adam had no marriage certificate. Today's beliefs are the confusions, as beliefs always are. Look at today's World. Having sex is not flesh becoming ONE. Unless a child IS born. When you ARE already one, how can you be separated?

[@collinwadham6582]

PS... Priscilla "married" someone else, when she had that man's child.