When I work on something, I need to be immersed in it, I need to get a feel about the community around it and I need to see how everything is connected for me to be able to do a job I’m proud of. The Elvis Cruise is coming up in about 6 weeks; I am diving ever deeper into the Elvis culture. We have cardboard Elvis stand-ups all over the office, I’m listening to Elvis while I work, and I just finished reading Me and a Guy Named Elvis, written by Jerry Schilling, Memphis Mafia member, longtime friend, confidante, and employee of Elvis. He also happens to be the host of the Elvis Cruise.  (I can’t wait to meet him!)

It is written from such a perspective that it gave a true soul to this person who has become an icon on his best days, and a caricature on his worst. When I think of Elvis, I think of an almost deity, untouchable, with a perfect pompadour. Jerry has turned him human, and shown that he is a regular man, one who yearned for creative release, affection, and who was a generous, loving soul.

I was skeptical about this friendship at first. Jerry just seemed like a fan who wanted into the inner circle, but as the story goes on, he grows up and his bond with Elvis turns into a true friendship, one based on trust, loyalty, and a common respect.

Elvis was a true artistic talent, at his best when in front of an audience sharing his amazing, unique voice. This book follows his career from the humble beginnings of “That’s All Right” through his years as an actor in Hollywood, until his last days. Throughout the years, Jerry was there to protect his friend in times of need, or to share a laugh and a smile.

I cried when Elvis died (Is that a spoiler? It shouldn’t be).  It was such a sad thing.  Without knowing, Elvis touched the lives of millions of people, and continues to do so. He introduced a kind of music to America that scared the establishment . He then got that same “establishment” to love and respect him. Absolute magic, is what that is. Please read this book. It’s beautiful.

-Barb