“I SORTA GOT MY START IN TEXAS,”  A reflective Elvis Presley told reporters at Dallas’ Love Field in August 1958.  The King was on his way to Fort Hood at the time (to complete his basic training) and he told the reporters that just a few years earlier, a largely unknown ELVIS had thrilled audiences throughout the Lone Star State.  In fact, one of Presley’s first shows was held in the East Texas town of Gladewater.  (A charming hamlet that I visited several years ago, while I was doing some research for THE PRESLEY PLOT)  Just for the record, I discovered that Elvis played more than a hundred shows in Texas from 1954 to 1956, arguably the most important years of his long career.

Since I am now a world renowned author of sorts (I said “sort of”) I would highly recommend that my brilliant blog followers check out a couple of books on the subject to satisfy their own curiosity about the King’s early years.  Mr. Stanley Oberst (of Waco) has written two little gems titled ELVIS IN TEXAS and ELVIS PRESLEY: ROCKIN’ ACROSS TEXAS.  These delightful books are most interesting and informative, and when combined with a revised edition of THE PRESLEY PLOT, make up the world’s greatest trilogy of Elvis Presley books.  (According to the author of the last book mentioned.)

Incidentally, since I often mention and thank the many Elvis Presley Fan Clubs that have supported my book and blog, I would like to present you with some interesting trivia……  Did you folks know that the very first Elvis Presley Fan Club, founded by 17-year-old Dallasite Kay Wheeler, was formed in February, 1956??  Did you know that nine months later the club had over 5,000 members??  Did you know that she actually reviewed on the King’s Cotton Bowl performances??  Did you know that it’s not necessary to use two question marks at the end of a sentence??

Well, there you have it friends.  Enough Elvis info to fill a trunk….. and speaking of trunks…..  My darling Rachel (Eldest Daughter) is now on Safari in deepest, darkest Africa, surrounded by herds of elephants.  (You’ve heard of Elephants, right?)  I hope she packed her own trunk and brought a rifle.  Her new hubby, Adam Zell, made friends with a Zulu war chief (who just happened to be a Pittsburgh Steelers fan) and the two of them went looking for Tarzan and Jane one night.  (No telling what those crazy kids were up to.)  Anyway, Adam sent me a most unusual telegram, which I would like to share with my readers:

WESTERN UNION.  NOV. 9, 2012.

ARRIVED IN CAPE TOWN.  STOP.  NICE TOWN.  STOP.  VERY FEW CAPES.  STOP.  HAD TO USE MEN’S ROOM.  STOP.  NO PUBLIC TOILETS.  STOP.  HAD TO TAKE A PITH.  STOP.  USED PITH HELMET.  STOP.  LAST NIGHT WAS CRAZY.  STOP.  SHOT A LION IN MY PAJAMAS.  STOP.  HOW HE GOT IN MY PAJAMAS IS A MYSTERY.  STOP.  MUST LEAVE YOU NOW.  STOP.  HAVING AUTHENTIC AFRICAN LUNCH.  STOP.  BOILED MISSIONARY.  STOP.  I COULD MAKE MORE JOKES, BUT I’M SURE THAT YOU WANT ME TO ……STOP!!!

Ah, to be young and in love!  Sounds like the lovebirds are having fun.  Glad I took my credit cards back.

Thanks for tuning in this morning!  I hope you all have a joyous Sunday and a productive work week.  I will write again soon…..

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff