Once upon a time, back in the 1970s, everyone didn’t have digital cameras, small cam corders, or even cell phones, never mind ones with cameras. Unlike now, filming an event any time or any place was not available to everyone. Film was used in every type of camera. Home movie cameras using 8 mm film were the only thing available to the general public. Zoom lenses for these cameras were not even something most people thought about. Usually home movies were taken of family events. Some Elvis fans used their home movie camera to record a different, very important event in their lives – Elvis’ concerts. Quite a lot of these films are out floating among fans. I received a very special one recently.
March 17, 1976 is a day that holds very precious memories for me. On that day I received my first scarf and kiss from Elvis Presley. In was in Johnson City, Tennessee. Elvis played Freedom Hall behind the high school for three nights that spring. I was present for all of the concerts. My scarf and kiss happened on the first night. Also that night I gave Elvis a pair of sunglasses. He wore these glasses on stage and joked about them. For years I had great photos of Elvis wearing the sunglasses while he was talking to me. Quite a few wonderful photographers were in the audience that night. Sadly I only have one not so very good picture of Elvis kissing me. A policeman’s hat blocks Elvis’ and my faces. All that can be seen is Elvis leaning down and the back of my shirt.
A few weeks ago, after thirty- three years, I got to see the kiss and the scarf. Like I said at the beginning, the 1970s were like the dark ages in terms of filming a concert by a fan. Compared to the technology of today the 8 mm film that is on the DVD I received appears primitive. The most important thing to me is that the film exists! As a participant, I was there when the event took place, of course, but I could only re-live it in my mind. Now for the first time, I can see the actual event. I saw the scarf and kiss captured on film as it happened. The kind Elvis fan who sent my husband the DVD was actually trying to get us footage of Elvis with the sunglasses. He no idea of the hidden treasures the DVD held.
As for the sunglasses, there are very brief shots of Elvis taking the glasses from me and passing them to Charlie Hodge. (I was told by one of the bodyguards that Elvis kept the sunglasses and played with them in his hotel room.) The CD of the concert that came with the DVD contained another gem- Elvis talking to me! I had handed him the sunglasses over the heads of women standing at the stage while Elvis gave out scarves. After everyone was seated, Elvis looked at right at me. He asked, “did you give me these glasses?” Elvis put the glasses on and kept on talking about how they made him look like Elton John or Isaac Hayes. (A few days later I received a personal thank you written by Elvis for the glasses.)
These are wonderful memories that are as fresh for me now as they were that March night over thirty years ago. To be able to see and hear the events anytime I want is an amazing gift; a gift that comes from someone who only wanted to help a fellow fan. Only a fan could understand how much this means to have these DVDs and CD. Every time I watch or listen, Elvis is alive for a few moments. Sirius radio slogan for its Elvis channel is “we never forgot.” This is the way it is for all Elvis fans who saw Elvis perform live. The atmosphere and excitement of the performances were never captured the way it really was for the audience. Like most fans, I am thankful for what remains and all our memories.
