Wink Martindale: My Friendship with Elvis & The Night Elvis CHANGED The World | Eric Metaxas on TBN

[@dawngartner1185]

WINK!!! WHAT YOU WROTE IS SPOT ON AND BEAUTIFUL!! What a wonderful tribute to Elvis!

[@vickiecraig9578]

I can see Elvis crying over that letter.

[@kimberleywebdale4101]

Wink needs to publish his poem.

[@SideMoneyGarage]

It's a treasure to hear Elvis 1 on 1 stories. So many are gone that knew him first hand.

[@patriciamcpherson4667]

Great story about Elvis. Thank you for that. He was loved by so many people. There will never be another Elvis.

[@mscarolynnigro]

I was 15 years old when Elvis died. All these years later I still feel the sadness of his passing too soon and so tragically.

[@lesaharmon1966]

Love the beautiful poem that Wink wrote about his dear friend, Elvis. What a great friend!! ❤

[@rosilenesousa361]

I saw Wink's interview with Elvis on YT. Two happy young man talking and laughing together. So good to know that they appreciated and respected each other for so many years! His tribute for Elvis was really sweet and true! Elvis brought happiness for so many! He still does! I would like to thank Wink for the storys about Elvis!

[@Lakeshore14]

Great interview with Wink. You can tell there was a closeness between Elvis and Wink. Thanks for showing this.

[@andreaphillips7146]

He was beyond handsome. In my opinion he is the most beautiful man that has ever lived. Not only in his physical features but his heart was just as beautiful. He will never be replaced.

[@nitasheehan2704]

Agree!!

[@kingofallmediums2123]

Well about 38 billion men have ever lived. So you might qualify to that to the most beautiful man I have ever saw. 😆

[@nitasheehan2704]

@@kingofallmediums2123 I'll say he's the most beautiful of all 38 billion. No doubt about it.

[@kingofallmediums2123]

@@nitasheehan2704 but have you seen every Homo sapiens Sapiens who has ever lived? 😂

[@damianwhite504]

He was. Unfortunately, a few people around him took advantage of him

[@pastcolours]

WOW, growing up in Australia and being 17 years old in 1977, Elvis as big and adored as he was, by the mid 70's was not seen as connecting with the majority of younger people like he had been in the 50's, & 60's. Having said that he was still enormously popular albeit not in that cutting edge, Elvismania sharp end of popular music...Although amongst a youth subculture that had evolved from the mid 60's on the back of the Rockers and Mods in the UK, Rockers continued in Australia more in the "Teddy Boy / Greaser style" and the one unifying factor was Elvis Presley. I remember the day the news was released in my last year of High school and on the 16th of August the news broke. The weird part was I cannot begin to explain the effect and grief that overcame me, over a recording artist, a singer that lived in America. My world changed forever, as you said Eric the whole world was affected. To that point in my life, nothing had ever affected me in the way this death did, Elvis was Elvis, the King of Rock n Roll, the greatest Rock n Roll icon of all time, the symbol of the halycon, raucous, brashness of the USA. And in that moment that face was gone...The Headline in the the Adelaide Newspaper: 'The News' ,was, Elvis is Dead. This event brought death home to me in a way that so many others had been nothing more than a fleeting sadness: There was this connection albeit secular of a world and a life that I had lived to that point, despite all the things that could erupt, The Vietnam War, the Death of JFK, Harold Holt ( Australia's Prime Minister in 1967) and so many news events, local, national and international, there just seemed to be this underlying optimism that continued to give hope and stability, Australia was a land of hope, the Lucky Country, immigrants from around the world poured into its shores post WW2, optimism abounded and then as that 17 year old, it took the death of an American Rock n Roll singer to cleave that secure and wonderous life that I had grown up in, into another world where the colours were no longer so bright, the harsh realities of day to day living became obvious, the joy of my youth had suddenly evaporated and I knew life would never be the same again.......

[@randyrudd5594]

You’re imbecilic….

[@kathy-t5q]

@Johnny NotEnglish I hope you don’t breed.

[@pamelastout6655]

PAST COLOURS SO WONDERFULKY WRITTEN . THANK YOU FOR EXPRESSING WHAT SO MANY OTHERS STILL FEEL ABOUT ELVIS PRESLEY. HE'S NEVER NOT BEEN IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU LOVE ELVIS FOREVERMORE

[@MaryJones-vo5nz]

Love wink I am a child of the 50's and saw Elvis and And wink all my life. Most people don't know that Elvis loved God and carried a Bible everywhere he slept. His gospel has sold more world wide than any other single performer. And won Grammys for all three albums. Elvis has been misunderstood and was a generous person, helping to start St. Judes hospital in Memphis and helped build the Pearl Harbor memorial in Hawaii. He gave houses away, cars often to people he didn't know. He knew God had selected him for such a time. Thank you for this interview.

[@hopecastellanos2985]

So True! Thanks for putting it out there.

[@saxocoustic]

Beautiful Man, such a shame he's not here today how many records could he have made 😊

[@ShelovesJesusandElvis]

Absolutely right!! Elvis loved God and LIVED that love. He was someone that I’m proud to say I witnessed in concert twice ( tears are in my eyes now) and had a voice anointed by God. It was powerful and exuded the love of God. I look forward to meeting him in Heaven! Second to Jesus of course 🤗😉❤

[@mirandatomasic2532]

Beatiful words written about beloved Elvis Thank you Wink!! 🙏❤️

[@GraveVisitations]

Beautiful piece that wink wrote about elvis sent from heaven ❤ and what a great voice wink has

[@danalamb8398]

Wink,I enjoyed your game hosting very much as a kid. Thanks, Wink! Elvis was a very kind and humble man with great talent.

[@fflubadubb]

This was a nice interview of Wink Martindale, he definitely had the voice and personality to have the career he had .

[@gigimoore3738]

The coincidences and cross intersection of the people around Elvis is amazing. It was destin to be!

[@suzettewhite3097]

Elvis was so special ♥️

[@lavonnekelly9173]

What a beautiful poem from Wink....

[@birdwalker7379]

Wink does not look or sound like a 90 year old at all! Wow! Wow! Wow!

[@nitasheehan2704]

Beautiful tribute, Wink. I also remember exactly where I was that dark day.

[@richardsoderkvist6383]

Thank-you Eric and Wink that was a real nice interview.

[@HeyWiseGuy]

Wink has one of those great radio voices. Back in the day before equalization, dj's, commercial announcers, etc., worked on creating resonance in their voices to make themselves deep, recognizable, and desirable to listen too. Shadow Stevens had this quality of voice. Wink is a great storyteller. So glad I was able to catch this episode.

[@loriforges6304]

I remember Shadow! Wink had a voice AND a face for TV, Fred Allen had a face for radio.

[@HeyWiseGuy]

@@loriforges6304 Shadow made his name in L.A. I was living in Phoenix when I first learned of him. He did spots for "The Federated Group," a stereo outfit. I thought this guy has a fertile imagination and a fantastic voice. He's going to go far. He proved me right.

[@anneleicester9932]

Beautiful words from Wink and I think very true. Elvis was definitely heaven sent.

[@WoodsWoman822]

Elvis was Born on January 8, 1935, so in 1954 when That's Alright Mamma was first played on the Radio, Elvis was 19 Years Old.

[@marthadoody]

Amazing interview. I had somewhat of a crush on Wink in the 60s. I too was not aware of all his feats of recording being on Ed Sullivan, and other accomplishments. I've been a huge Elvis fan for over 45 years and did not know until less than a year ago that Wink and Elvis were friends. Great, great interview. The poem he wrote could not have by been any more perfect. Love you, Wink.

[@elizabethnievesglez5980]

What a beautiful voice this man has! God bless him!

[@dkdeady17]

Great interview-so interesting. Wink has a voice like honey! Loved all the game shows he’s hosted.

[@ritasarno1355]

What a wonderful interview thank you for posting. Dear Mr Wink Martindale the love you expressed for Elvis is so genuine and real today as you felt from that day in July in 1954. I love your song A Deck of Cards I never knew it was you. I love your Ode to Elvis.

[@kathy-t5q]

Elvis was beautiful and illuminated the world ❤️❤️❤️

[@mitchellwestford9312]

Thanks to all support his family Presley Elvis Presley always Be the king of rock and roll He never be forgotten 2023 and beyond 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦💖💖💖

[@estellehough7949]

Wink, what you wrote was lovely and the thought must be 'in the air'.

[@robindehlinger4698]

Elvis was 19 when his first song came out. He was born in 1935. His parents had to sign contracts for him because he was underage!

[@evadunn4894]

We know

[@karenhenderson1580]

What I thought to.19

[@crystlfaith921]

Elvis has been dead longer than he was alive on this earth!! WOW what an IMPACT he has made!! God given 🙏

[@philippesauvie639]

😂 Do you believe in miracles? You’ll find out!

[@bellaroccisano4156]

You don’t know God then

[@rustyruss2962]

Yesyes TCB ❤

[@rogerwilhite530]

This was so touching. Wink truly loved Elvis at a friend, that poem came from his heart.

[@PamRios]

Since this interview, an excellent book authored by Sally Heidel has come out titled “Destined to Die Young”. She researched and discovered details of Elvis’ health and family illnesses which explain how terribly ill Elvis truly was.

[@tiki2926]

Greatest media voice... LEGEND - AWESOME interview

[@graceperiod5352]

His voice still amazing 👏

[@Chevroletman5]

That writing was absolutely Beautiful.

[@suzettewhite3097]

Truly special & the writing from Wink is so true!! Elvis just had such a special heart!!

[@christinemorel696]

Thank you,Wink,for the tribute of The G.O.A.T. beautiful God,bless you, Rip Elvis,Lisa Marie, Benjamin, Gladys, Vernon,Dodger, ❤🙏

[@freedominion7369]

Amazing history and a wonderful interview 🎙️

[@seanmorrison3494]

This dude has perfect voice for broadcasting

[@ujona]

Thank you brother Eric on this segment! It has quite sad how certain things do not change since there is a huge opioid problem in this nation in healthcare. I see it first hand here in Portland where I have witness loved ones from the hospital near my business. Always testifying and praying for these families because it is our duty to first love God and people.

[@Lulu-gt5dg]

This was such an interesting interview. Thank you for sharing this. Beautiful tribute to a beautiful man.

[@marlewin5249]

Beautiful poem by Wink and so appropriate for such an amazing entertainer; whose music and videos still put a smile on our face. Anointed!

[@daviddavenport1485]

I could listen to Wink tell stories all day

[@VicDiniMagic]

Well done interview. Great stories from Wink.

[@liv11.11]

I could listen to his voice all day. I wish he would narrate audio books.

[@gregercarter1]

History lesson for me! Thank you Eric and Wink!

[@cjrwcrow]

I love Wink Martingale!! A nice, nice man. Growing up in Memphis, and before Wink emerged on the national scene, at age 8, I was on Mars Patrol, and Wink was the Captain of the pretend spaceship we were on. I cherished my ray gun given to us kid passengers, for years. He also hosted Dance Party on Saturday afternoons where Memphis teenagers would dance.

[@dennydeckerful]

Love Wink, but how has Eric never head of Blue Moon of Kentucky? May be the original bluegrass song and Elvis does a rocking version of it.

[@marccohen4571]

And one of Elvis great songs. I was shocked

[@christinefarrall9391]

I was in the city of Melbourne Victoria Australia shopping. And a ripple of news went through the city that day, that Elvis had died. I was about 18 years old. I had just come to Victoria from Tasmania a small island south of Australia.

[@gussygatlin3093]

I got choked up listening to the poetic letter about Elvis.... He was all that & then some. RIP Elvis, Gladys, Vernon & Lisa Marie ❤

[@danelvis9979]

Everyone but Eric has heard of Blue Moon Of Kentucky. Nice to hear Wink tell stories. Too bad he was interrupted way too often though

[@jameslovell8682]

Yeah Eric seems to be a very ignorant man. He also didn't know that Wink had the massive hit with "Deck of Cards". I think Eric has a huge ego and wouldn't bother to do even the minimum research.

[@danelvis9979]

@James Lovell And asking if there was any footage of his interview with Elvis. Any Elvis fan has seen it. Seriously, he's gotta do the research.

[@ShelovesJesusandElvis]

That was REALLY BEAUTIFUL!!! ❤Thank you Wink Martindale!

[@susieyoung7879]

What he wrote about Elvis was beautiful

[@GKRENKEL]

By 1976.. the International hotel had become the Hilton Hotel. Good interview with Wink Martindale.

[@PauloPereira-jj4jv]

By 1971 already was the Hilton.

[@GKRENKEL]

@@PauloPereira-jj4jv 1971.. yes it was ! Wink had mentioned it being the International Hotel in 1976. So I noted the 1976 in my reply.

[@isauremarray8803]

I’m French an I never heard about Wink BUT I LOVE HIS VOICE et en plus ami avec Elvis: le top !)) I’m gonna learning more about this Monsieur 🧡🍀💓🕺💓☘️🇫🇷💙🇺🇦

[@dormiacrouch1905]

I remember that song story Bible Deck of Cards!!!! I loved it!! I cried my heart out for those soldiers!! Would love to get a copy of it today. God Bless you Wink!!!!

[@cynthiacudmore7661]

Beautiful.

[@GoldAndSilver988]

Wink was great; Tic Tac Doe is still my all-time favorite game show.

[@actownsend7288]

Love Wink!!! And Eric?? No comment!!

[@OhioStateVOCFB]

Elvis was actually 19 in 1954.

[@rithazinn5531]

RIP my beloved Elvis❤

[@roymarksberry4152]

What a great interview

[@Sundayschoolnetwork]

Winston is a cool name too! Eric, you crack me up! 🤣

[@WizzRacing]

Elvis never took time off. He should have left the country for an Island, stayed on it for a few years..

[@VLynnie]

I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

[@carlpresley9097]

I'm a presley and was always proud of elvis. On believe on his second record there was a song call im a lonesome cowboy. It was a good song.

[@denisespies3375]

Great interview!!

[@lynnharrison6807]

What a lovely man

[@pulmon66]

Lovely tribute

[@elizabethtaylor9242]

I remember Deck of Cards! It used to be on the radio. That’s the same voice. 😊

[@gigimoore3738]

Yes, Elvis fans have heard of "Blue Moon of Kentucky"....too bad Eric hadn't.

[@Jen195152]

We sure have! What generation is he? 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[@richardvass1462]

I met Rick Stanley who was Elvis's step brother and was supposed to have been thr last to see him alive. He said Elvis's last words were " everyone's got to get right with the man upstairs". At least that's how I remember it from 40 years ago

[@willettej7988]

Are you kidding, Eric? Blue Moon of Kentucky has even been covered by Paul McCartney! (I assume you’ve heard of him?)

[@lilwaynesworld0]

Of course a country bluegrass classic by Bill Monroe his limited knowledge of American music just got exposed.

[@stephenedgecock]

Elvis apologized to Bill Monroe for rocking up Blue Moon Of Kentucky but Bill replied "Boy you can record any of my songs you want". Bill was no fool.

[@willettej7988]

I am JOKING! Eric is getting a little of his sarcasm thrown back at him. It’s supposed to be just a tad funny 😄

[@chelebel]

@@stephenedgecock great anecdote. Thanks for posting.

[@maryrowell1122]

Wish to hadn't heard of him never liked The Beatles

[@okay5045]

My mom had the Record "The Deck of Cards" I loved that spoken word. And of course I knew him from the game shows. What a voice.

[@CadiaComanducci]

Buonasera, ho impiegato un po di tempo per comprendere questa intervista e ho dovuto seguire la trascrizione (certo con sottotitoli anche in italiano..non tutti conoscono l'inglese....). Spero in futuro .. Però ho ammirato molto questo signor Martindale...un dj dei tempi di inizio carriera di Elvis, insieme a Dewey Philips. Sono stati i primi a mandare in onda alla radio Thats all Right. È un personaggio storico, fortunato ad aver conosciuto Elvis ed avere avuro con lui una bella amicizia. Anche Elvis è stato fortunato ad avere come amico Wink M.sembra essere persona leale e sincera se ancora dopo tanti anni dalla sua morte, parla di Elvis ancora con tale affetto e veemenza. Grazie per la condivisione di questa bella significativa intervista sull'adorato indimenticato Elvis. 😢

[@jimmcginleysmith9874]

So encouraging to hear yourself y mr. Giles discussing the need for a tough y heroic Christianity; not necessarily pugnacious but deeply intelligent and unapologetic.

[@paulklemer]

That's all right mama and papa!

[@ronwatson4135]

*_" We literally loved Elvis to death "._** --------- Merle Haggard*

[@cherieallen6726]

Listened to Wink Martindale since Radio days. KHJ .loved him still do. Such a sweet man.God Bless you Winky😉👍Big Elvis fan..and was blessed to be with him and buddies at the International hotel Nov26 or 28 1969.. wow💥🕺🎸🎶💕💕💕won't get into the details lol. Blessings to you all..

[@garybarnett6182]

1954 he was 19

[@TheBohemianAngels]

Correction: He was 19 years old in the summer of 1954.

[@andreaszulauf2834]

Great broadcasting voice 👍

[@michaelmakemson4390]

He was gifted from god

[@donmac5918]

Wink is 89….”Life at best is very brief, like the falling of a leaf, like the binding of a sheaf, be in time. Fairest flowers soon decay, youth and beauty fade away, O’ you have not long to stay, be in time. While God’s Spirit bid’s you come, sinner do no longer roam, lest you seal your hopeless doom, be in time”….💌

[@mikenelson6218]

just to give you an idea, i'm brazilian when he passed away i was 12 years old, and i found out about his death when i got home from school in the tv newspaper. I didn't speak English, but I liked him só much that I kept asking my father to play on the record player the only two records of his that we had at the time.

[@auntmaddie]

That written passage tho... Wow.

[@maryellen3496]

WOW!!!

[@jenniferswieboda5696]

Very good interview

[@stevencohn922]

For late 80s in age, Winks voice sounds fantastic!

[@kjkgood]

Eric everyone knows this story my man its a part of American history

[@bernadine7868]

I've heard of Blue Moon of Kentucky

[@lavonnekelly9173]

Very interesting conversation..

[@graceperiod5352]

He looks good 👍 😍

[@Cynthia00007]

Wink was 89, December 03, 2022. Time has been a very good friend, he looks and sounds much younger.🌱❤️🙏🏻✌🏻

[@joecelozzi305]

Wow so beautiful so true

[@edballantine1042]

I met Wink behind KFWB radio in Hollywood. I was with George Babcock a fellow disc-Jockey at the station...

[@StukInBuf]

Summer of 1977... I remember only seeing that snippet on one of the news briefs about Elvis' death (I was 6 and a half at the time), but I remember more so the NY Blackout, and hearing about some guy called "Son of Sam."

[@SideMoneyGarage]

He was born in 1935. He was 19 in '54.

[@kevinkantell7381]

Blue 🌚 Moon by Elvis on 78rpm is the spookiest song he ever sung!🤔