Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Elvis Presley Billboard Top 20 Hits (during his lifetime)


Heartbreak Hotel
1
1956
I Was the One
19
1956
Blue Suede Shoes
20
1956
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
1
1956
Don't Be Cruel
1
1956
Hound Dog
1
1956
Love Me Tender
1
1956
Anyway You Want Me (That's How I Will Be)
20
1956
When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again
19
1956
Love Me
2
1957
Too Much
1
1957
All Shook Up
1
1957
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
1
1957
Loving You
20
1957
Jailhouse Rock
1
1957
Treat Me Nice
18
1957
Don't
1
1957
I Beg of You
8
1957
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck
2
1958
Doncha' Think It's Time
15
1958
Hard Headed Woman
1
1958
One Night
4
1958
I Got Stung
8
1958
(Now and Then There's) A Fool Such As I
2
1959
I Need Your Love Tonight
4
1959
A Big Hunk O' Love
1
1959
My Wish Came True
12
1959
Stuck On You
1
1960
Fame and Fortune
17
1960
It's Now or Never
1
1960
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
1
1960
I Gotta Know
20
1960
Surrender
1
1961
Flaming Star
14
1961
I Feel So Bad
5
1961
Little Sister
5
1961
(Marie's the Name of) His Latest Flame
4
1961
Can't Help Falling in Love
2
1961
Good Luck Charm
1
1962
Follow That Dream
15
1962
She's Not You
5
1962
Return to Sender
2
1962
One Broken Heart for Sale
11
1963
(You're the) Devil in Disguise
3
1963
Boss Nova Baby
8
1963
Kissin' Cousins
12
1964
Such a Night
16
1964
Ask Me
12
1964
Ain't That Lovin' You, Baby
16
1964
Crying in the Chapel
3
1965
(Such an) Easy Question
11
1965
I'm Yours
11
1965
Puppet on a String
14
1965
Love Letters
19
1966
If I Can Dream
12
1968
In the Ghetto
3
1969
Suspicious Minds
1
1969
Don't Cry, Daddy/Rubberneckin'
6
1969
Kentucky Rain
16
1970
The Wonder of You/Mama Liked the Roses
9
1970
You Don't Have to Say You Love Me/Patch It Up
11
1970
Burning Love
2
1972
Separate Ways
20
1972
Streamroller Blues/Fool
17
1973
If You Talk in Your Sleep
17
1973
Promised Land
14
1974
My Boy
20
1975
Way Down
18
1977

 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Love means never having to say you're sorry...NOT ! ! !


    In a galaxy far far away (i.e. in the 1970's) one of the greatest tear jerker movies ever made was released. It's name said it all "Love Story".

 

I won't play spoiler so if you are part of the "new generation", who knows nothing about this movie, then (a) I DARE YOU to rent it - watch it - and not cry (and YES 1 tear constitutes crying) and (b) this article is not for you.

 

To the "seasoned generation(s)" (how do you like that word I used "seasoned" as opposed to “old”?) you know that THE memorable line, in the movie, was "love means never having to say you’re sorry". Pause to reflect. Still pausing. Pausing some more. Through pausing.

 

Anyway IN THE REAL WORLD saying you’re sorry IS important especially when it comes to those you love. If you don't think saying you’re sorry, or really being sorry, is not important then ask yourself this "are you willing to lose the greatest love of your life" OR "are you willing to permanently damage your relationship with those you care most about" (memory lapse alert = I forgot to add the question marks so here they are?)?

 

To take it a step further it is more important that you FEEL SORRY - that you understand the other person’s point of view - that you learn from your mistakes - and that your ACTIONS (not when you get caught or when it is too late) reflect the reality of you being sorry.

 

They say (don't ask me who they are because I am still finding out who I am in certain areas) that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" and this is also untrue because over these past 2 years I have learned a lifetime of "lessons", and (sadly) the deterioration of relationships that meant/mean the world to me, and real lessons are not...easy.

 

NOTHING will ever replace the interaction between the ones we love.

 

NOTHING will ever replace the knowledge, the heightened senses, and the soul turning inner feelings, of falling in love...with the...one. The one that you waited for. The one you hoped for. The one you longed for. The one that you just...knew.

 

To those who haven't found "the one"...don't give up.

 

To those who have found "the one" then never let loose - never stop listening - never stop improving - never stop telling them how much they mean to you - never stop loving - and never EVER take them for granted or minimize their needs. When God puts you together with "the one" he never says it will be "easy" nor does he promise "the status quo". As each year passes there should be a RENEWAL of the relationship keeping the aspects that "work" for both and striving to improve/change/etc. the aspects that..."don't". Only by this realization, commitment, and effort can one lay their head down at night with a loving heart not worried about what tomorrow will bring (concerning the strength of the relationship).

 

I used to think that not drinking, not doing drugs, not going out to parties/bars/etc., being a good Father, never pursuing anyone else (for one night or otherwise) working hard, trying, etc. was..."enough". It wasn't. The life lesson I learned is that not only was it NOT ENOUGH but that I should have known, with every cell in my being, that it wasn't and that I should not of fallen into the "trap" of complacency.

 

For those keeping score, or who may be familiar with my online writings, you may be aware that I was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago. This was in addition to an "alphabet soup" of medical diagnosis/complications and very real mental/physical/emotional problems with adversely affected me 24/7.

 

You ask "how do we get from love story - to life lessons - to your illness"? Well, Mr. and/or Mrs. Impatient let me tell you. But first, because I can, I will play the "pause card" and make you read the next sentence (lesson learned...don't rush me).

 

There are those, both near and far, that I NEED (and are and have been deserving) to hear me say "I'm sorry" not because I can form the words and speak them but...because I am...and I have been and I wish I had the chance earlier.

 

It's like the saying ("them again"...who are they really?) that goes "if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is there, is a sound made" (or something to that effect)? Well, what if you are sorry - have been sorry - have changed for the better (in many many ways) and yet the persons deserving of hearing these words aren't around and/or don't provide you with the opportunity to convey these earnest feelings? Are you still...sorry? The answer is YES and the real answer is YES and you should never forget it and work, 24/7, to replace the lives/memories/moments (of each person deserving of hearing the apology) with ones of; happiness, love, understanding, acceptance, joy, peace, etc.

 

In summary, movies have their place. Words have their place. Actions have their place. But none of these, individually and/or collectively, can ever replace the exchange of a heartfelt/sincere interaction when one conveys the words of "I'm sorry" regardless of IF or WHEN the other person(s) accept the apology. That, my online friends, is the point of this story and it is especially true when it is...a LOVE story.

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Thursday, August 16, 2012

An open letter to Lisa Marie August 17, 2012 by Jeffrey Schrembs


August 17, 2012



Dear Lisa Marie:



35 years ago, and 1 day, you lost your Father and no one will ever know the pains you have had to endure/bear all these years.



Throughout the years I have seen a constant division between certain family members, and members of the Memphis Mafia, and EPE. This was a topic and I routinely discussed with my friend, who (sadly) died before his time, Todd Morgan who rose through the ranks at EPE. I would never disclose the specifics of our conversations but he respected my opinion as I did his.



Over the past few years we have lost so many of those who Elvis; loved, worked with, befriended, trusted, etc. With each passing day the remaining members of the Memphis Mafia, as we all do, grow older and the loss of their friend (i.e. Elvis Presley) never…diminishes. There is no doubt that they, individually and collectively, loved Elvis and carry with them regrets.



I have always believed that events in ones’ life, or a series of events, should ALWAYS be put in context. That people can disagree and yet respect one another. That loving, and caring for, our “fellow man” is not just applicable to those nearby or that we are related to or that ended up on the right side of a position. I have had the utmost respect for Elvis’ charitable endeavors and I am proud to know that you, Lisa Marie, have carried on with giving of your time – your heart – and monetarily.



I ask you now, Lisa Marie and EPE, to please consider that (literally) millions of Elvis Fans Worldwide would like, as would I, to see each member of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, and each member of their immediate family, etc.) formally recognized – appreciated – respected – and embraced by you and EPE. I ask this not because of any “gain” on my part but that time is never guaranteed and that there needs to be true healing between the parties (publicly and privately).



I wish that you never had to grow up without your Father. I wish that God had granted Elvis more time so that he truly knew how much he meant to all of us…and future generations. That he was given time to heal (physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.). That he was able to spend more time with you. That he was given the respect, and appreciation, he earned and deserved from the “critics” and “award nominating agencies”.



Some of my most cherished photos, of your Father, is not him onstage but reaching out to hold a child – visiting children in a hospital – bringing a little blind girl onstage – smiling while hugging a child with cancer – and/or kissing an elderly woman and thus bringing an immediate smile to her face. These “acts of kindness” come from the heart and Elvis had, among other things, a huge heart and the world was better off for it. I have always stated that there is honor in kindness – honor in forgiveness – and honor in giving others another chance. In accordance with these genuine gestures I now have authored this open letter to you.



I have lived long enough to know the beauty of a simple gesture and that small steps can lead to honest dialog and communication. This is what I hope, and wish, for…now.



In closing, I will continue to wish you, EPE, and each of your family members nothing but happiness and success in all of your endeavors.



Take care and may God bless you.



Jeff Schrembs



2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED