MEMORIES, SWEET MEMORIES
BY Zena Sultana
"Memories ... pressed between the pages of my mind ... memories ... sweetened through the ages just like wine ..."
First Elvis - the greatest entertainer of all, leaving the narrow bounds of earth to touch the face of God! Then, two of his greatest friends - dear friends who have shared his joys and his sorrows during his short time on this earth.
CHARLIE HODGE and AL DVORIN have gone to be with Elvis once again.
Gone, but not forgotten. For all of us who loved and still love Elvis and his friends, there will always be memories ... sweet memories.
We will always remember AL DVORIN, and the legendary phrase he left behind. He said, "Elvis has left the building," and that phrase will always echo in the corridors of time. CHARLIE HODGE will always be in our mind, and we will see his smiling face always giving water and scarves to our beloved "King."
I have met and seen Charlie and Al separately, and together, at various Elvis tribute events and competitions in California and Nevada. But the last time I have seen them together was during the anniversary celebration called "A Weekend with the King" in Palm Springs in May 2003.
The well-attended event was advertised as the largest gathering of Elvis' inner circle of friends ever to attend an ETA competition. "A Weekend with the King" featured not only CHARLIE HODGE and AL DVORIN, but also the following: JOE ESPOSITO (road manager), SONNY WEST (bodyguard), JERRY SCHILLING (bodyguard), ESTELLE BROWN (of the Sweet Inspirations), PATTY PARRY ( Elvis "little sister" and hairdresser), and ED BONJA (Elvis' official photographer).
Palm Springs was a fitting venue for the anniversary celebration and gathering of Elvis' friends because it was there that Elvis made his home away from home. Palm Springs is the lovely desert playground beloved by Elvis, his friends, and other entertainers. It was there that Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon after returning from their wedding in Las Vegas. The Presleys had two residences in this desert paradise, the most famous of which is the "Honeymoon Hideaway."
I love Elvis! Unfortunately, I never met him personally, even if I was dying to. At that time, I was just a kid dreaming of coming to America. By the time I finally realized my dream of being in this country, my idol and favorite entertainer was gone.
But to me, Elvis will never die! He is alive! He is alive because of the ETAs that give concerts and tributes, and attend conventions and contests, all over the globe. He is alive because of the fans who continue to adore and love him, and flock to all Elvis-related events. He is alive because of websites like Joanna's Lady Luck Music, and fan clubs like the Jailhouse Rockers of California. He is alive, because in our hearts and minds, Elvis will never die!
According to Forbes magazine, some dearly departed made more money last year
than most living people, including you and me. Topping the list of multi-million dollar earners is our Elvis with $45-million. This goes to show that Elvis still fascinates and will continue to fascinate people of all ages worldwide. And they will continue to spend money to get a piece of Elvis in their homes and in their lives.
The tribute competition at the anniversary celebration was divided into two parts. The first part was the "Young Elvis Years" from 1955 to 1968, with the following winners: DANNY VERNON, first place; GEORGE 'ROCK' ROKUSHIMA of Japan, second place; and JAMES KING, third place. The second part was the "Jumpsuit Era" from 1969 to 1977, with the following winners: DON ROSE, first place; CHANCE MICHAELS, second place; and JAMES KING, third place. The winners were awarded over $5,000 in cash prizes, plus a new Elvis jumpsuit courtesy of B&K Enterprises. The select panel of judges was composed of Elvis inner circle of friends.
The Elvis tribute finals brought about over 500 cheering fans to share Elvis' legacy by enjoying the one thing he is most known for - his music. It was clear at the event that everyone loves Elvis, because most, even if they are not ETAs, sported DENNIS ROBERTS' signature Elvis sunglasses. Elvis mementos and collectibles sold like crazy at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
While we're on the subject of remembering the recent passing of two of Elvis' closest friends, let's also remember STAN MAYO who also passed away last month. STAN MAYO was a famous producer of ETA conventions and concerts in California and Nevada. The last event he produced was the "Elvis World 2005" in honor of Elvis 70th birthday. It was held at the Bella Vista Cilurzo Winery in Temecula, California January last year. Stan has always said he prefers conventions to competitions because it has a more friendly atmosphere and it attracts more ETAs than competitions. Stan owned and operated the Route 66 Radio Worldwide. We will miss him!
This month (May 6 and 7, 2006), a Garden Concert will be held in Palm Springs at the Honeymoon Hideaway. The concert, which will be held poolside, will feature JUSTIN SHANDOR as Elvis, GLEN GLENN & the Alan Clark Band, JOHN WILKINSON, ED BONJA and DENNIS ROBERTS. The following day, Sunday, there will be a Gospel Show again featuring JUSTIN SHANDOR and the Suspicious Minds Band.
With fond memories, I bid Charlie, Al and Stan, goodbye! All of you, like ELVIS, will always live in my heart!
"...Quiet thoughts come floating down and settle softly to the ground like golden autumn leaves around my feet. I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories ... sweet memories."
One of the rare occasions when Elvis' inner circle of friends gather together for an Elvis ETA competition. This is in Palm Springs, California, for "A Week-end with the King". Left to right: Jerry Schilling, Al Dvorin, Patty Perry, Charlie Hodge, Steve Murphy, Estelle Brown, Chance Michaels, Danny Vernon and Donny Edwards.
