| Ever wanted to ask a question about Elvis to someone who was there through the good times and the bad? Now is your chance! Love him or hate him, Marty Lacker is about as open as they come, so send your questions to us at eer-desk@ntlworld.com with the subject header as "ASK MARTY" and we will pass them on to him. As soon as we get a reply from Marty, both your question and the answer will be added here. Please note that Marty will answer your questions as and when he can...also, contrary to some beliefs, Marty, as part of the Memphis Mafia is doing this "ASK MARTY" page for us without charge in order to help us, help YOU get more than just the usual EPE approved answers to your questions about Elvis. |
Fran Tin Asks Marty: [11.01.10]
Dear Marty,
I was wondering if Elvis or any of the Memphis Mafia have met Dusty Springfield by chance when she came to Memphis to record in the '60s. He recorded one
of her hit singles "You Dont Have To Say You Love Me". I'm presuming he knew of her because of this. She was brilliant with such a wonderful gifted voice too.
Thanks Marty for your time. Hope you and your family have very Happy New Year!!
Best wishes Bye for now
Marty Says:
Hi Fran,
Happy New Year to you and yours also.
Because, at the time Dusty was here recording I was heavily involved in the Memphis Music Industry and some of the records I produced for Rita Coolidge and
a few other artists I had signed to my new record label, I produced them at American Studios and had open access to the studio. I was present during her
sessions and was friendly with Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin, of Atlantic Records who were there with her. I met her then.
Elvis nor any of the other guys did not meet her and her sessions were before Elvis did his there. They did not meet her in Vegas while I was there however
she might have attended one of his shows and come backstage when I wasn't there but neither he nor the guys ever talked about that happening.
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Candy Asks Marty: [05.01.10]
I have been reading dr. nick's book and although it is 'agreement' with a lot that has been said, he sort of 'softens' it so to speak.
He thinks Elvis died because of his colon problems and I really am beginning to agree with that.
I don't think it was an overdose.
He gives his opinion of Elvis and "his story" with much respect to Elvis' memory, yet he also defends himself...in a respect way,,but I am wondering about
certain things.
The racquet ball thing..he states that Elvis got mad about his name being on the legal documents, and also he seems to be saying that it was okay they way it
came out.
Do you have any opinion about him being "in" with Joe on that deal? Was his close with you other guys?
He also said his house was a LOAN from Elvis and at the time of his trial he was current on his payments and most of it had been paid back. I just find it
incredible that a Doctor would chance losing his practice and patience to follow Elvis around without enough monetary benefits to insure his lifestyle.
I am glad he shed some light on what happened in the emergency room that day.
BUT,,,he says that Elvis body legally shouldn't have been removed (always wondered that myself) from Graceland if he was already dead...well we ALL Know
he was,,but because joe said he heard from air come from Elvis, that maybe that is why the paramedics moved him.
I think it was cover up all the way...I think because of the drugs they all thought it would be better to move him.
Dan warlick went to observe the "scene" later and all was cleaned and straightened up. He said the maids said it was common procedure to clean elvis' room
anytime he left.
NOW..to the stanley boys...Was it true that Elvis "excused" them from being on duty from watching out for him that night ? David stated Elvis said he didn't
need them. HE has also stated he was standing over Elvis in the bathroom, but according to other accounts he wasn't even in the room.
I guess these questions will never end.
ALso..and I know this is tasteless but I have to ask.....Billy has stated in the last part of Elvis' life, he didn't like to bathe...I read on a topix site that in the last
concert one can observe Elvis lifting his right arm to check himself...true?
I wish you would get on that site and just read some of the incredible stuff that is there.
I appreciate you marty, and I respect you and the REAL guys of the MM..
Also....
You have stated on several different occasions concerning things we questioners ask you,,,Where did we get this stuff?
Well...most of it has been out there since elvis died...like the suicide rumors, the stories about ginger saying they were getting married...
She even stated 32 years ago that her dress was being made...and that she was going to wear "glass slippers" ( i guess some sort of clear shoe).
I remember it well...
I always wondered if her dress was being made,,why didn't she ever display it?
big joke..
but to answer YOUR questions about things..it is all over the internet. People like wanda June hill...the many books that have been written....
It never ends.
Marty Says:
Hello Candy,
All of that makes me sad that people resort to all kinds of uninformed people spouting off about Elvis who never spent one minute with him or us guys.
As for Dr. Nick, he was basically a good guy but he got caught up in a lifestyle that he shouldn't have and I will bet that he wishes he never chose to travel with
Elvis and just remained a good doctor with his practice in The Medical Group. I think Nick was influenced by Joe a lot and I also think they both used each
other to gain favors with Elvis.
Joe has mouthed off a lot since Elvis died about the rest of us and how we supposedly are taking advantage of Elvis since he died and that's both sad and
laughable because it's a bit of hypocrisy and the kettle calling the pot black!
NOBODY took more advantage of Elvis when he was alive than Joe [Esposito] and he has continued greatly since August 16, 1977.
As for what Elvis died from, I couldn't tell you? I wasn't there, nor am I a doctor or pathologist. I hope Nick is telling the truth about that and I can't dispute it. As
for Nick's house that was a loan for $250,000 and I cannot tell you whether he was paid up or not but I can tell you that Vernon was like a hawk when it came
to money. He didn't like the idea that Elvis made that loan and I can assure you he made sure the payments were made on time. Elvis made the loan out of
generosity and that was fine with me, I don't know how any of the other guys felt about it.
As for David Stanley and his brothers.......I really don't want to waste my time talking about him and his whole family, with the exception of his father as I did
not know the man but from what I've heard he served his country well and he was a brave man who got shafted by his piece of crap wife, Dee.
According to Billy who was running the shop at that time, Ricky was supposed to be on duty in the morning and David was supposed to relief him that
afternoon. It came to pass that Ricky fell asleep in the basement and David failed to show up on time because he supposedly said he had to take a friend
home. Yet Elvis did not want any strangers in the house. Billy also said that David showed up as the ambulance was leaving and Billy rode to the hospital with
him so he couldn't have been in the bathroom with Elvis.
As for Wanda June Hill, she had nothing to do with Elvis and nobody should put any stock into what she says. As for what is said on the internet, if I or any
of the guys spent our time answering all the bullshit that appears on there about Elvis from the rumor mongers, we wouldn't have any time to do anything else
in our life. Nick was paid for being with Elvis on tour and other places.
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Christopher S Asks Marty: [04.01.10]
Happy New Year to you.
There seems to be a little bit of controversy on the following subject. When Elvis went to the NBC studios in Burbank to film the 1968 TV Special, it has been
said that Steve Binder took Elvis outside. Allegedly, no one recognized Elvis and people were bumping into him and not even saying excuse me. (Hard to
believe that Elvis was not recognized.)
Jerry Schilling tells it differently. The story being that when Elvis went outside the NBC Studios, the MM had a hard time getting him back into the building with
all the people swarming him.
I was wondering, what really happened back there in June of 1968 when the Special was being rehearsed and filmed. And is it possible, that both stories are
true but each refers to a separate incident?
Plus...
The traditional story has been that when Elvis and Scotty and Billy (I don’t think D.J. had yet joined the band) tried out for the Grand Ole Opry, Jim Denny told
Elvis to go back to driving a truck. And that Elvis got very upset with this. Marion Keisker who "discovered" Elvis at Sam Phillips studio, tells it quite differently.
She said that Jim Denny only told Elvis that he didn’t think his act was right for the Opry and wished him well. And that Elvis was fine with it. This info. coming
from the book, "Last Train To Memphis".
Mr. Lacker, did Elvis ever discuss this episode with you? And how did the simple story get so twisted and far away from the truth? Thank-you.
Marty Says:
Hi Christopher,
When Binder took Elvis outside, at first people didn't really pay attention they as many do just walked by but when the first person realized that Elvis was there
they all gathered around him wanting autographs. That was a normal reaction for passersby in the street. He didn't stand out there with a sign saying,"Stop,
I'm Elvis Presley!" Binder's like many others tries to make himself out to be more than he was. The only good thing he did was talk Elvis out of doing a
Christmas Special that Parker wanted him to do. However in my opinion the whole show should have been the black leather segment and left out the other
staged numbers which to me were like his crummy movies.
As for Jim Denny I was told the first story that he said go back to driving a truck, which was his blunt way of saying, "Don't quit your day job." Denny never lived
that down. Elvis had the last laugh because the new genre of music he started killed country music sales for many years back then.
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Mari Asks Marty: [04.01.10]
Dear Marty
I've noticed you havent answered any questions for awhile now. I hope you're doing well.
I just read something that again created a lot of confusion so I decided to try to ask you.
About the time in 76 when Elvis had trouble with the racquetball courts. Elvis was upset bc they were asking for too much money but Dr Nick says now that
"one of his aides started feeding him false information" and that has to do with his money being misused. Now Dr Nick claims Elvis DID NOT invest any money,
just agree to lend his name.
How would it be possible that Elvis would NOT KNOW if he had invested money or not? Is that possible? Because Elvis was so upset about the whole thing and
he even talked to Red about it in that infamous phone call.
it just surprised me to read that. It's also a shame Elvis was sued by Esposito and Dr Nick at at time in his life where everything seemed to be falling apart.
Thank you Marty
Marty Says:
Hello Mary,
Elvis was supposed to just lend his name as his investment but then Nick,Joe and Jim McMahon their partner, who was a bit of a hustler started coming to Elvis
for money, Elvis said in one instance $80,000 supposedly to hire a secretary and a couple of other things they needed money for.
That pissed Elvis off and that's where the argument started and Elvis decided to pull out of the deal. They already had this corny logo and a couple of other
things they were going to hang in the courts lobby.
It really got to Elvis that Joe and Nick joined McMahon in the lawsuit and the reason he didn't fire Joe was because Joe whined to him that he had got his old
mother to refinance her home so he could have the money to invest in the Courts. However,that was part of the reason Elvis told Billy that he was going to fire
Joe after the August '77 tour that never happened because of Elvis dying. He didn't fire Nick as his Doctor because Nick was writing the prescriptions Elvis
wanted.
It's a bit ironic, two of the phony supposedly close people to Elvis who have badmouthed the rest of us since Elvis died because we took advantage of Elvis
and was disloyal by writing books since he died,(their words), actually are the ones who took advantage of him while he was alive under the guise of really
caring about him and the guys. There were a couple of others that way too.
If the whole truth was told about them I think the fans would throw stones at them, especially right after Elvis died. That is known as two faced, hypocrisy.
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Candy Asks Marty: [21.12.09]
Marty
Billy Smith said in the MM book you all wrote that Vernon refused to give him his mobile home, billy seemingly thought the trailer was his, that it was in his
name..didn't Billy even check the records to see?
Also, was the will that Billy said included him that he thinks Vernon burned, ever recorded? If so , there should have been evidence of that.
When Elvis' was autopsied, the stomach contents were "accidentally dumped"., do you think this was baptist hospital trying to protect the most famous citizen?
I can't say I would blame them.
Do you think there is something embarrassing in the autopsy that Vernon had sealed?
Also, I seem to think there is a discrepancy in the time line of the day of Elvis' death. Ginger has stated the time she got up and found him, yet she was fully
dressed, made up..etc. I have also heard she called the national enquirer, but denies it, and told them Elvis was dead.
Billy gives the time at around 1:30, 1:45 as to when he got the call that something was wrong, but Ginger states that is the time she found him,,,well...how can
that be, because when billy was called, the ambulance had already left with Elvis?
There is something that is just wrong about that day. I can't put my finger on it..but somebody is hiding something, I don't know exactly what "it" is..but it is
something.
Do YOU think elvis o.d.'ed...or had an allergic reaction to codeine, or was straining ?
I agree with francisco that Elvis had a heart attack..and I personally dont' think it was brought on by the drugs.
Is there any truth to the rumors that there are life insurance policies that have never been cashed in?
I think JOE [Esposito] always stuck close to Elvis to control him
What do you think about larry geller's claims that Elvis was being drugged to control him, and drugged when folks got tired of dealing with him?
Lots of questions I know..but I swear..someday I am going to get to ask you in person...and NO..I won't run into with my car..ahahahhahaahhah
Marty Says:
Hello Candy,
Ginger's story stinks and I will believe Billy any day over her. We all think she was being told what to do by her mother on the phone. She was dressed
because she waited that long to let anyone know about Elvis on directions of her mother. if Ginger didn't call the Enquirer then her mother did. That family
was there for what they could get. Those are my opinions based on what I was told by Billy and a couple of others.
As for Vernon not giving Billy the trailer Elvis bought for him! That was typical Vernon. Elvis thought he put the trailer in Billy and Jo's name but as Vernon did
to a few other people, he put it in Elvis' name. When it came to Elvis giving anything to anyone other then himself (Vernon), he was totally against it. That's the
kind of person he was much to Elvis' chagrin.
Wills are not recorded until the person dies and by then they took that page out leaving something to Billy and some of us.
I have no idea why the stomach contents were dumped or who did it. We won't know for another 40 years what the autopsy shows.
As for Elvis O.D ing, I can't tell you whether he did or didn't because I wasn't there that day and I'm not a medical doctor. The end result was a heart attack
but I don't know what led up to it.
As for Joe [Esposito], I've stated my opinion of him numerous times!
As far as Geller's bullshit, that's not the only untruth he's told since Elvis died, but he has to live with it not me or anyone else.
Nobody forced Elvis to take pills, they didn't have to, as he started them and he got worse as time went on. Anyone who was close to Elvis certainly preferred
him to be clean instead of taking that stuff. Plus nobody made Elvis do anything he didn't want to do. On that score Geller is full of shit. (Pardon my English).
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PEP Asks Marty: [21.12.09]
The following questions from PEP are in reply to Marty's previous answers and he has included those answers within his new question. Please note that a
couple of pictures were included as sent to Marty, however they are not included here....
Hi Pep,
First of all Elvis wouldn't have had gray hair even at 75 because he would have continued to dye it black.
Marty, personally I would find it hard to believe even for Elvis, that if he would have lived to the ripe old age of 75. In my opinion, even he would have seen the
light somewhere down the road to realize having dyed black hair, just wouldn't work for a man in his 70's.
Nevertheless for both you and I, we will never know for sure what would have taken place. I personally think the director made the right choice, tho.
People make the mistake thinking that if you put the
sunglasses on they look like Elvis, wrong.
I know what you are saying Marty, In this case tho, It was not all about the glasses. I personally would have preferred they stayed away from the aviator
glasses myself, but, the director of the movie explain it like this:
Quote from Director Peter Ettinger of "Lonely Street" when asked about the aviator glasses.
For me, the glasses are so iconic and they complete his look so well. It’s also a physical link to his legacy that he passes along to Bubba.(main character in
the movie) Kind of like a new generation accepting the gift from the previous one. I know there is a lot of debate on the hair color. But there would be as much
of a debate had I picked different, more modern shades.
Please take note Marty, the producers' of the indenpendent movie "Lonely Street" had a low budget for todays Hollywood standards' and this movie, is
considered to be a "B" movie to boot. But, they did try to go that extra mile in trying to duplicate Elvis facial features with using Prosthetic makeup, applied
through the help of the special effect's company, Amalgament Dynamics, INC who have participated in many "A" movies in the past. Too many movies to
mention, but here is their website if you want to take a peek.
http://www.studioadi.com/
Robert Patricks' Prosthetic makeup for example, took 4 1/2 hours to apply for each shooting day. For the music video, the make up held up well, in my
opinion. On other shootings days, seen in the movie, some days were better than others, that is for sure.
(Photo)
The voice sounds like someone doing an imitation of Ronnie McDowell, if that was not Ronnie himself but it really didn't seem totally like him either.
As we all know Marty, Elvis' voice cannot and will not ever be duplicated by anyone., no matter how hard they try. In this case, the voice that was used, was by
a man named Jim Brown a.ka. 'The King"...he did ok for what it was meant for, in my opinion. Elvis he is not, I would have recommended someone else. Still
just the same....someone had to do the voice part. Using Elvis' voice wouldn't work for a number of reason's. Cost was the main factor for this movie.
As for the guy at the control board he was acting like a goofy over the top George Klein as that's how phony George can get. A studio engineer or producer
doesn't act that way, they are all business but then again this is Hollywood portraying someone they know not of. I doubt they ever saw a sound engineer act
that way either.
Agreed, this is just Hollywood hype tho, so, One does have to take it with a grain of salt.
To be honest I can't take the movie or Patrick seriously as far as Elvis is concerned even though I have seen him do good acting jobs in the past. In my
opinion the movie that should be made to show the real Elvis has yet to be made but it seems that the only ones that can get people or studios to put the
money up for them to be made are the poor imitations.
I agree with you, they, whom ever they are, have not yet made a movie to show the real Elvis. But, that is not what this movie was trying to do anyway.
I still feel tho, with what they tried to do with the Prosthetic makeup, they were on the right track. When you compare what other stars looked like performing as
Elvis in other movies over the years.
As can be seen here.....(Photo)
As I watched the clip I had two reactions. One shaking my head no and the other was my stomach turning a bit.
Another thing they're using fake teeth on this guy and they're showing him smiling supposedly like Elvis.
BIG MISTAKE because Elvis' smile is one of his main features that turns on the world, that lights up a room and it's the one thing I answer when people ask me
the one thing I really remember about him.
Well, I do think they did come close. There was suggestion in the "Making The King" clip, they had Elvis' dental records to reproduce the teeth.
Showing Patrick with that phony smile and overly large fake teeth is pitiful. People who didn't know Elvis well should never try to portray him on TV or in the
movies, they have missed every time. That's my honest opinion. Sorry if you don't agree.
It is not that I disagree with you Marty, I think you should just look on the other side of the coin here and compare what has been done with past actors thus far.
At times the make up looks plastic and not right for certain scenes in the movie. However, the movie is showing a 75 year old Elvis. If he would have lived, who
knows how plastic he would have ended up looking at age 75.
Anyway thank you for your time, all the best to you and your family for the Holidays and the new year.
Marty Says:
Hello Pep,
I respect your right to your opinion, I stand by mine.
Then again, that's why Baskin Robbins makes 31 Flavors of Ice Cream, not everybody likes the same thing.
Merry Christmas.
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Phil From Bootle, Merseyside Asks Marty: [20.12.09]
Hi Marty,
This may seem like a stupid question, but i'm just fascinated.
In every part of Elvis' career, he looked totally different, i.e early 50's to late 50's, early 60's, mid 60's to late 60's.
In the 70's He had a different look practically every year T'hat's the way it Is' to 'On tour' to 'Aloha show' and Elvis in Concert and the years in between.
My question is did you all notice the changes in Elvis' appearance as it was happening? or because you were around Elvis a lot of the time you didn't notice,
my only comparison with that is I have 3 children and you don't seem to be aware of their changing looks until one day you just seem to notice.
Thank you very much for giving up your time in answering my question.
Have Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Take Care
Marty Says:
Hello Phil,
When you're around, someone almost every day you really don't see the changes. It was easy to see when he changed his hair styles or if he gained or lost
weight or acted out of it because of the pills or he was just normal, as he was most of the time.
Although Elvis had a young face, you could tell from time to time that he was ageing. He really was no different than the rest of us when it came to ageing.
Merry Christmas,
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William Rauhuff Asks Marty: [15.12.09]
I was reading your reply on Elvis record sales and I agree Billboard and RIAA are confusing the public into believing all of these artists have outsold Elvis
which is a joke.
Do you think we will ever get any true audit from RCA or Sony of Elvis true record sales?
It bothers me when I hear them say Garth Brooks is the biggest selling solo artist all the time. I want to cringe because that is so bogus. Happy Holidays Marty.
By the way when you were in Knoxville on WKGN my father was the caretaker at Tyson Park and I lived in the park which was almost cross the street from the
old radio station on Cumberland Avenue. Thanks
Marty Says:
Hello William,
Knoxville has fond memories for me and I doubt Cumberland Avenue is the same as it was back in '57. I do remember the Park.
Once again I have to lay part of the blame with Colonel Parker along with RCA, Parker called the shots with RCA in regards to Elvis and his record sales and
he really didn't want them putting out too much sales information for tax reasons. However Elvis did so much more than anyone else at the time that he still
was #1 on all the charts. There were times he was #1 on the pop,country and R&B charts all at the same time and nobody had ever done that before.....You
also have to remember that RIAA is just for US sales and not worldwide.
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PEP Asks Marty: [15.12.09]
I do not know if you are aware of a movie called "Lonely Street" or of this promo video included in this email or not, or really care one way or another either.
I'm assuming you don't.
However, I' am curious tho, since this will be maybe the first time you will see this video link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PqOppGYR6U&feature=player_embedded
Could you express your feeling's on the make up job done on Actor Robert Patrick of Terminator fame for us?
Let us know what you think, good or bad and how you feel and if you feel anything at all, after watching this fantasy video of a 75 year old Elvis in the studio.
Meaning if it makes' you feel a little bit like,.... "yep, that's what Elvis would have kinda looked like today" sort of thing.
Please also provide any feeling's after watching this, if it bring's you any sadness or happiness and if so, how, either way.
On a scale of 1 to 10, let us know how good or bad you think the make job is.
(Please note: these question's are all mainly related to the look presented of a 75 year old Elvis, the Independent movie company was able to create, not the
voice being used or the song, however, if you want to say something about the song or the voice too, that's fine too.)
Thank you, for your time.
Marty Says:
Hi Pep,
First of all Elvis wouldn't have had gray hair even at 75 because he would have continued to dye it black. People make the mistake thinking that if you put the
sunglasses on they look like Elvis, wrong.
The voice sounds like someone doing an imitation of Ronnie McDowell, if that was not Ronnie himself but it really didn't seem totally like him either.
As for the guy at the control board he was acting like a goofy over the top George Klein as that's how phony George can get. A studio engineer or producer
doesn't act that way, they are all business but then again this is Hollywood portraying someone they know not of. I doubt they ever saw a sound engineer act
that way either.
To be honest I can't take the movie or Patrick seriously as far as Elvis is concerned even though I have seen him do good acting jobs in the past. In my
opinion the movie that should be made to show the real Elvis has yet to be made but it seems that the only ones that can get people or studios to put the
money up for them to be made are the poor imitations.
As I watched the clip I had two reactions. One shaking my head no and the other was my stomach turning a bit.
Another thing they're using fake teeth on this guy and they're showing him smiling supposedly like Elvis.
BIG MISTAKE because Elvis' smile is one of his main features that turns on the world, that lights up a room and it's the one thing I answer when people ask me
the one thing I really remember about him.
Showing Patrick with that phony smile and overly large fake teeth is pitiful. People who didn't know Elvis well should never try to portray him on TV or in the
movies, they have missed every time.
That's my honest opinion. Sorry if you don't agree.
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Go Back To Page 8
Dear Marty,
I was wondering if Elvis or any of the Memphis Mafia have met Dusty Springfield by chance when she came to Memphis to record in the '60s. He recorded one
of her hit singles "You Dont Have To Say You Love Me". I'm presuming he knew of her because of this. She was brilliant with such a wonderful gifted voice too.
Thanks Marty for your time. Hope you and your family have very Happy New Year!!
Best wishes Bye for now
Marty Says:
Hi Fran,
Happy New Year to you and yours also.
Because, at the time Dusty was here recording I was heavily involved in the Memphis Music Industry and some of the records I produced for Rita Coolidge and
a few other artists I had signed to my new record label, I produced them at American Studios and had open access to the studio. I was present during her
sessions and was friendly with Tom Dowd and Arif Mardin, of Atlantic Records who were there with her. I met her then.
Elvis nor any of the other guys did not meet her and her sessions were before Elvis did his there. They did not meet her in Vegas while I was there however
she might have attended one of his shows and come backstage when I wasn't there but neither he nor the guys ever talked about that happening.
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Candy Asks Marty: [05.01.10]
I have been reading dr. nick's book and although it is 'agreement' with a lot that has been said, he sort of 'softens' it so to speak.
He thinks Elvis died because of his colon problems and I really am beginning to agree with that.
I don't think it was an overdose.
He gives his opinion of Elvis and "his story" with much respect to Elvis' memory, yet he also defends himself...in a respect way,,but I am wondering about
certain things.
The racquet ball thing..he states that Elvis got mad about his name being on the legal documents, and also he seems to be saying that it was okay they way it
came out.
Do you have any opinion about him being "in" with Joe on that deal? Was his close with you other guys?
He also said his house was a LOAN from Elvis and at the time of his trial he was current on his payments and most of it had been paid back. I just find it
incredible that a Doctor would chance losing his practice and patience to follow Elvis around without enough monetary benefits to insure his lifestyle.
I am glad he shed some light on what happened in the emergency room that day.
BUT,,,he says that Elvis body legally shouldn't have been removed (always wondered that myself) from Graceland if he was already dead...well we ALL Know
he was,,but because joe said he heard from air come from Elvis, that maybe that is why the paramedics moved him.
I think it was cover up all the way...I think because of the drugs they all thought it would be better to move him.
Dan warlick went to observe the "scene" later and all was cleaned and straightened up. He said the maids said it was common procedure to clean elvis' room
anytime he left.
NOW..to the stanley boys...Was it true that Elvis "excused" them from being on duty from watching out for him that night ? David stated Elvis said he didn't
need them. HE has also stated he was standing over Elvis in the bathroom, but according to other accounts he wasn't even in the room.
I guess these questions will never end.
ALso..and I know this is tasteless but I have to ask.....Billy has stated in the last part of Elvis' life, he didn't like to bathe...I read on a topix site that in the last
concert one can observe Elvis lifting his right arm to check himself...true?
I wish you would get on that site and just read some of the incredible stuff that is there.
I appreciate you marty, and I respect you and the REAL guys of the MM..
Also....
You have stated on several different occasions concerning things we questioners ask you,,,Where did we get this stuff?
Well...most of it has been out there since elvis died...like the suicide rumors, the stories about ginger saying they were getting married...
She even stated 32 years ago that her dress was being made...and that she was going to wear "glass slippers" ( i guess some sort of clear shoe).
I remember it well...
I always wondered if her dress was being made,,why didn't she ever display it?
big joke..
but to answer YOUR questions about things..it is all over the internet. People like wanda June hill...the many books that have been written....
It never ends.
Marty Says:
Hello Candy,
All of that makes me sad that people resort to all kinds of uninformed people spouting off about Elvis who never spent one minute with him or us guys.
As for Dr. Nick, he was basically a good guy but he got caught up in a lifestyle that he shouldn't have and I will bet that he wishes he never chose to travel with
Elvis and just remained a good doctor with his practice in The Medical Group. I think Nick was influenced by Joe a lot and I also think they both used each
other to gain favors with Elvis.
Joe has mouthed off a lot since Elvis died about the rest of us and how we supposedly are taking advantage of Elvis since he died and that's both sad and
laughable because it's a bit of hypocrisy and the kettle calling the pot black!
NOBODY took more advantage of Elvis when he was alive than Joe [Esposito] and he has continued greatly since August 16, 1977.
As for what Elvis died from, I couldn't tell you? I wasn't there, nor am I a doctor or pathologist. I hope Nick is telling the truth about that and I can't dispute it. As
for Nick's house that was a loan for $250,000 and I cannot tell you whether he was paid up or not but I can tell you that Vernon was like a hawk when it came
to money. He didn't like the idea that Elvis made that loan and I can assure you he made sure the payments were made on time. Elvis made the loan out of
generosity and that was fine with me, I don't know how any of the other guys felt about it.
As for David Stanley and his brothers.......I really don't want to waste my time talking about him and his whole family, with the exception of his father as I did
not know the man but from what I've heard he served his country well and he was a brave man who got shafted by his piece of crap wife, Dee.
According to Billy who was running the shop at that time, Ricky was supposed to be on duty in the morning and David was supposed to relief him that
afternoon. It came to pass that Ricky fell asleep in the basement and David failed to show up on time because he supposedly said he had to take a friend
home. Yet Elvis did not want any strangers in the house. Billy also said that David showed up as the ambulance was leaving and Billy rode to the hospital with
him so he couldn't have been in the bathroom with Elvis.
As for Wanda June Hill, she had nothing to do with Elvis and nobody should put any stock into what she says. As for what is said on the internet, if I or any
of the guys spent our time answering all the bullshit that appears on there about Elvis from the rumor mongers, we wouldn't have any time to do anything else
in our life. Nick was paid for being with Elvis on tour and other places.
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Christopher S Asks Marty: [04.01.10]
Happy New Year to you.
There seems to be a little bit of controversy on the following subject. When Elvis went to the NBC studios in Burbank to film the 1968 TV Special, it has been
said that Steve Binder took Elvis outside. Allegedly, no one recognized Elvis and people were bumping into him and not even saying excuse me. (Hard to
believe that Elvis was not recognized.)
Jerry Schilling tells it differently. The story being that when Elvis went outside the NBC Studios, the MM had a hard time getting him back into the building with
all the people swarming him.
I was wondering, what really happened back there in June of 1968 when the Special was being rehearsed and filmed. And is it possible, that both stories are
true but each refers to a separate incident?
Plus...
The traditional story has been that when Elvis and Scotty and Billy (I don’t think D.J. had yet joined the band) tried out for the Grand Ole Opry, Jim Denny told
Elvis to go back to driving a truck. And that Elvis got very upset with this. Marion Keisker who "discovered" Elvis at Sam Phillips studio, tells it quite differently.
She said that Jim Denny only told Elvis that he didn’t think his act was right for the Opry and wished him well. And that Elvis was fine with it. This info. coming
from the book, "Last Train To Memphis".
Mr. Lacker, did Elvis ever discuss this episode with you? And how did the simple story get so twisted and far away from the truth? Thank-you.
Marty Says:
Hi Christopher,
When Binder took Elvis outside, at first people didn't really pay attention they as many do just walked by but when the first person realized that Elvis was there
they all gathered around him wanting autographs. That was a normal reaction for passersby in the street. He didn't stand out there with a sign saying,"Stop,
I'm Elvis Presley!" Binder's like many others tries to make himself out to be more than he was. The only good thing he did was talk Elvis out of doing a
Christmas Special that Parker wanted him to do. However in my opinion the whole show should have been the black leather segment and left out the other
staged numbers which to me were like his crummy movies.
As for Jim Denny I was told the first story that he said go back to driving a truck, which was his blunt way of saying, "Don't quit your day job." Denny never lived
that down. Elvis had the last laugh because the new genre of music he started killed country music sales for many years back then.
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Mari Asks Marty: [04.01.10]
Dear Marty
I've noticed you havent answered any questions for awhile now. I hope you're doing well.
I just read something that again created a lot of confusion so I decided to try to ask you.
About the time in 76 when Elvis had trouble with the racquetball courts. Elvis was upset bc they were asking for too much money but Dr Nick says now that
"one of his aides started feeding him false information" and that has to do with his money being misused. Now Dr Nick claims Elvis DID NOT invest any money,
just agree to lend his name.
How would it be possible that Elvis would NOT KNOW if he had invested money or not? Is that possible? Because Elvis was so upset about the whole thing and
he even talked to Red about it in that infamous phone call.
it just surprised me to read that. It's also a shame Elvis was sued by Esposito and Dr Nick at at time in his life where everything seemed to be falling apart.
Thank you Marty
Marty Says:
Hello Mary,
Elvis was supposed to just lend his name as his investment but then Nick,Joe and Jim McMahon their partner, who was a bit of a hustler started coming to Elvis
for money, Elvis said in one instance $80,000 supposedly to hire a secretary and a couple of other things they needed money for.
That pissed Elvis off and that's where the argument started and Elvis decided to pull out of the deal. They already had this corny logo and a couple of other
things they were going to hang in the courts lobby.
It really got to Elvis that Joe and Nick joined McMahon in the lawsuit and the reason he didn't fire Joe was because Joe whined to him that he had got his old
mother to refinance her home so he could have the money to invest in the Courts. However,that was part of the reason Elvis told Billy that he was going to fire
Joe after the August '77 tour that never happened because of Elvis dying. He didn't fire Nick as his Doctor because Nick was writing the prescriptions Elvis
wanted.
It's a bit ironic, two of the phony supposedly close people to Elvis who have badmouthed the rest of us since Elvis died because we took advantage of Elvis
and was disloyal by writing books since he died,(their words), actually are the ones who took advantage of him while he was alive under the guise of really
caring about him and the guys. There were a couple of others that way too.
If the whole truth was told about them I think the fans would throw stones at them, especially right after Elvis died. That is known as two faced, hypocrisy.
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Candy Asks Marty: [21.12.09]
Marty
Billy Smith said in the MM book you all wrote that Vernon refused to give him his mobile home, billy seemingly thought the trailer was his, that it was in his
name..didn't Billy even check the records to see?
Also, was the will that Billy said included him that he thinks Vernon burned, ever recorded? If so , there should have been evidence of that.
When Elvis' was autopsied, the stomach contents were "accidentally dumped"., do you think this was baptist hospital trying to protect the most famous citizen?
I can't say I would blame them.
Do you think there is something embarrassing in the autopsy that Vernon had sealed?
Also, I seem to think there is a discrepancy in the time line of the day of Elvis' death. Ginger has stated the time she got up and found him, yet she was fully
dressed, made up..etc. I have also heard she called the national enquirer, but denies it, and told them Elvis was dead.
Billy gives the time at around 1:30, 1:45 as to when he got the call that something was wrong, but Ginger states that is the time she found him,,,well...how can
that be, because when billy was called, the ambulance had already left with Elvis?
There is something that is just wrong about that day. I can't put my finger on it..but somebody is hiding something, I don't know exactly what "it" is..but it is
something.
Do YOU think elvis o.d.'ed...or had an allergic reaction to codeine, or was straining ?
I agree with francisco that Elvis had a heart attack..and I personally dont' think it was brought on by the drugs.
Is there any truth to the rumors that there are life insurance policies that have never been cashed in?
I think JOE [Esposito] always stuck close to Elvis to control him
What do you think about larry geller's claims that Elvis was being drugged to control him, and drugged when folks got tired of dealing with him?
Lots of questions I know..but I swear..someday I am going to get to ask you in person...and NO..I won't run into with my car..ahahahhahaahhah
Marty Says:
Hello Candy,
Ginger's story stinks and I will believe Billy any day over her. We all think she was being told what to do by her mother on the phone. She was dressed
because she waited that long to let anyone know about Elvis on directions of her mother. if Ginger didn't call the Enquirer then her mother did. That family
was there for what they could get. Those are my opinions based on what I was told by Billy and a couple of others.
As for Vernon not giving Billy the trailer Elvis bought for him! That was typical Vernon. Elvis thought he put the trailer in Billy and Jo's name but as Vernon did
to a few other people, he put it in Elvis' name. When it came to Elvis giving anything to anyone other then himself (Vernon), he was totally against it. That's the
kind of person he was much to Elvis' chagrin.
Wills are not recorded until the person dies and by then they took that page out leaving something to Billy and some of us.
I have no idea why the stomach contents were dumped or who did it. We won't know for another 40 years what the autopsy shows.
As for Elvis O.D ing, I can't tell you whether he did or didn't because I wasn't there that day and I'm not a medical doctor. The end result was a heart attack
but I don't know what led up to it.
As for Joe [Esposito], I've stated my opinion of him numerous times!
As far as Geller's bullshit, that's not the only untruth he's told since Elvis died, but he has to live with it not me or anyone else.
Nobody forced Elvis to take pills, they didn't have to, as he started them and he got worse as time went on. Anyone who was close to Elvis certainly preferred
him to be clean instead of taking that stuff. Plus nobody made Elvis do anything he didn't want to do. On that score Geller is full of shit. (Pardon my English).
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PEP Asks Marty: [21.12.09]
The following questions from PEP are in reply to Marty's previous answers and he has included those answers within his new question. Please note that a
couple of pictures were included as sent to Marty, however they are not included here....
Hi Pep,
First of all Elvis wouldn't have had gray hair even at 75 because he would have continued to dye it black.
Marty, personally I would find it hard to believe even for Elvis, that if he would have lived to the ripe old age of 75. In my opinion, even he would have seen the
light somewhere down the road to realize having dyed black hair, just wouldn't work for a man in his 70's.
Nevertheless for both you and I, we will never know for sure what would have taken place. I personally think the director made the right choice, tho.
People make the mistake thinking that if you put the
sunglasses on they look like Elvis, wrong.
I know what you are saying Marty, In this case tho, It was not all about the glasses. I personally would have preferred they stayed away from the aviator
glasses myself, but, the director of the movie explain it like this:
Quote from Director Peter Ettinger of "Lonely Street" when asked about the aviator glasses.
For me, the glasses are so iconic and they complete his look so well. It’s also a physical link to his legacy that he passes along to Bubba.(main character in
the movie) Kind of like a new generation accepting the gift from the previous one. I know there is a lot of debate on the hair color. But there would be as much
of a debate had I picked different, more modern shades.
Please take note Marty, the producers' of the indenpendent movie "Lonely Street" had a low budget for todays Hollywood standards' and this movie, is
considered to be a "B" movie to boot. But, they did try to go that extra mile in trying to duplicate Elvis facial features with using Prosthetic makeup, applied
through the help of the special effect's company, Amalgament Dynamics, INC who have participated in many "A" movies in the past. Too many movies to
mention, but here is their website if you want to take a peek.
http://www.studioadi.com/
Robert Patricks' Prosthetic makeup for example, took 4 1/2 hours to apply for each shooting day. For the music video, the make up held up well, in my
opinion. On other shootings days, seen in the movie, some days were better than others, that is for sure.
(Photo)
The voice sounds like someone doing an imitation of Ronnie McDowell, if that was not Ronnie himself but it really didn't seem totally like him either.
As we all know Marty, Elvis' voice cannot and will not ever be duplicated by anyone., no matter how hard they try. In this case, the voice that was used, was by
a man named Jim Brown a.ka. 'The King"...he did ok for what it was meant for, in my opinion. Elvis he is not, I would have recommended someone else. Still
just the same....someone had to do the voice part. Using Elvis' voice wouldn't work for a number of reason's. Cost was the main factor for this movie.
As for the guy at the control board he was acting like a goofy over the top George Klein as that's how phony George can get. A studio engineer or producer
doesn't act that way, they are all business but then again this is Hollywood portraying someone they know not of. I doubt they ever saw a sound engineer act
that way either.
Agreed, this is just Hollywood hype tho, so, One does have to take it with a grain of salt.
To be honest I can't take the movie or Patrick seriously as far as Elvis is concerned even though I have seen him do good acting jobs in the past. In my
opinion the movie that should be made to show the real Elvis has yet to be made but it seems that the only ones that can get people or studios to put the
money up for them to be made are the poor imitations.
I agree with you, they, whom ever they are, have not yet made a movie to show the real Elvis. But, that is not what this movie was trying to do anyway.
I still feel tho, with what they tried to do with the Prosthetic makeup, they were on the right track. When you compare what other stars looked like performing as
Elvis in other movies over the years.
As can be seen here.....(Photo)
As I watched the clip I had two reactions. One shaking my head no and the other was my stomach turning a bit.
Another thing they're using fake teeth on this guy and they're showing him smiling supposedly like Elvis.
BIG MISTAKE because Elvis' smile is one of his main features that turns on the world, that lights up a room and it's the one thing I answer when people ask me
the one thing I really remember about him.
Well, I do think they did come close. There was suggestion in the "Making The King" clip, they had Elvis' dental records to reproduce the teeth.
Showing Patrick with that phony smile and overly large fake teeth is pitiful. People who didn't know Elvis well should never try to portray him on TV or in the
movies, they have missed every time. That's my honest opinion. Sorry if you don't agree.
It is not that I disagree with you Marty, I think you should just look on the other side of the coin here and compare what has been done with past actors thus far.
At times the make up looks plastic and not right for certain scenes in the movie. However, the movie is showing a 75 year old Elvis. If he would have lived, who
knows how plastic he would have ended up looking at age 75.
Anyway thank you for your time, all the best to you and your family for the Holidays and the new year.
Marty Says:
Hello Pep,
I respect your right to your opinion, I stand by mine.
Then again, that's why Baskin Robbins makes 31 Flavors of Ice Cream, not everybody likes the same thing.
Merry Christmas.
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Phil From Bootle, Merseyside Asks Marty: [20.12.09]
Hi Marty,
This may seem like a stupid question, but i'm just fascinated.
In every part of Elvis' career, he looked totally different, i.e early 50's to late 50's, early 60's, mid 60's to late 60's.
In the 70's He had a different look practically every year T'hat's the way it Is' to 'On tour' to 'Aloha show' and Elvis in Concert and the years in between.
My question is did you all notice the changes in Elvis' appearance as it was happening? or because you were around Elvis a lot of the time you didn't notice,
my only comparison with that is I have 3 children and you don't seem to be aware of their changing looks until one day you just seem to notice.
Thank you very much for giving up your time in answering my question.
Have Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Take Care
Marty Says:
Hello Phil,
When you're around, someone almost every day you really don't see the changes. It was easy to see when he changed his hair styles or if he gained or lost
weight or acted out of it because of the pills or he was just normal, as he was most of the time.
Although Elvis had a young face, you could tell from time to time that he was ageing. He really was no different than the rest of us when it came to ageing.
Merry Christmas,
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William Rauhuff Asks Marty: [15.12.09]
I was reading your reply on Elvis record sales and I agree Billboard and RIAA are confusing the public into believing all of these artists have outsold Elvis
which is a joke.
Do you think we will ever get any true audit from RCA or Sony of Elvis true record sales?
It bothers me when I hear them say Garth Brooks is the biggest selling solo artist all the time. I want to cringe because that is so bogus. Happy Holidays Marty.
By the way when you were in Knoxville on WKGN my father was the caretaker at Tyson Park and I lived in the park which was almost cross the street from the
old radio station on Cumberland Avenue. Thanks
Marty Says:
Hello William,
Knoxville has fond memories for me and I doubt Cumberland Avenue is the same as it was back in '57. I do remember the Park.
Once again I have to lay part of the blame with Colonel Parker along with RCA, Parker called the shots with RCA in regards to Elvis and his record sales and
he really didn't want them putting out too much sales information for tax reasons. However Elvis did so much more than anyone else at the time that he still
was #1 on all the charts. There were times he was #1 on the pop,country and R&B charts all at the same time and nobody had ever done that before.....You
also have to remember that RIAA is just for US sales and not worldwide.
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PEP Asks Marty: [15.12.09]
I do not know if you are aware of a movie called "Lonely Street" or of this promo video included in this email or not, or really care one way or another either.
I'm assuming you don't.
However, I' am curious tho, since this will be maybe the first time you will see this video link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PqOppGYR6U&feature=player_embedded
Could you express your feeling's on the make up job done on Actor Robert Patrick of Terminator fame for us?
Let us know what you think, good or bad and how you feel and if you feel anything at all, after watching this fantasy video of a 75 year old Elvis in the studio.
Meaning if it makes' you feel a little bit like,.... "yep, that's what Elvis would have kinda looked like today" sort of thing.
Please also provide any feeling's after watching this, if it bring's you any sadness or happiness and if so, how, either way.
On a scale of 1 to 10, let us know how good or bad you think the make job is.
(Please note: these question's are all mainly related to the look presented of a 75 year old Elvis, the Independent movie company was able to create, not the
voice being used or the song, however, if you want to say something about the song or the voice too, that's fine too.)
Thank you, for your time.
Marty Says:
Hi Pep,
First of all Elvis wouldn't have had gray hair even at 75 because he would have continued to dye it black. People make the mistake thinking that if you put the
sunglasses on they look like Elvis, wrong.
The voice sounds like someone doing an imitation of Ronnie McDowell, if that was not Ronnie himself but it really didn't seem totally like him either.
As for the guy at the control board he was acting like a goofy over the top George Klein as that's how phony George can get. A studio engineer or producer
doesn't act that way, they are all business but then again this is Hollywood portraying someone they know not of. I doubt they ever saw a sound engineer act
that way either.
To be honest I can't take the movie or Patrick seriously as far as Elvis is concerned even though I have seen him do good acting jobs in the past. In my
opinion the movie that should be made to show the real Elvis has yet to be made but it seems that the only ones that can get people or studios to put the
money up for them to be made are the poor imitations.
As I watched the clip I had two reactions. One shaking my head no and the other was my stomach turning a bit.
Another thing they're using fake teeth on this guy and they're showing him smiling supposedly like Elvis.
BIG MISTAKE because Elvis' smile is one of his main features that turns on the world, that lights up a room and it's the one thing I answer when people ask me
the one thing I really remember about him.
Showing Patrick with that phony smile and overly large fake teeth is pitiful. People who didn't know Elvis well should never try to portray him on TV or in the
movies, they have missed every time.
That's my honest opinion. Sorry if you don't agree.
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