Читать книгу Following Elvis - Rechey Davidson - Страница 5

That weekend was slow, dull, boring, disgusting, everything bad. No Elvis. No excitement. But, after a couple of days, I started getting excited again. Sunday, I’d see Elvis. I knew I would. I had the tickets. He couldn’t get away this time. Only a couple more days to go!

Then I got a letter from Brenda. She, Rechey, Dearl, and about seven of her fan club members had gone to see the San Antonio and Houston concerts together. I was really excited when I first started reading her letter.

“Dear, Betty,

“I DID IT!! I DID IT!! I GOT MY FIRST KISS FROM ELVIS!! WOW! And then got carried off to jail for unnecessary noise in a public place! No joke!

“Ten of us drove to San Antonio and then Houston for the August 28^th concert. I had 7^th row seats and managed to get on a 6^th row aisle seat. Two girls I had met from Houston bought our tickets and let me share a seat with them. They had a large 24 inch by 24 inch drawing of Elvis to give to him, but they chickened out at the last minute.

“Well, I knew they could give it to Elvis if they’d just try (When Brenda says you can do it, you can do it!). So brave Brenda grabbed the picture in one hand and one of the girls’ arms in the other and took off for the stage, right after Elvis threw the guitar to Charlie. No problems, no questions, we just went right to the stage. I handed the picture back to her and told her to give it to Elvis. She held the picture up in the spotlight in front of Elvis.

“Naturally, he looked over at it and said, ‘What cha got, Babe?’ (That’s about the time you have heart failure). She handed the picture up and I shoved her up on the edge of the stage and he gave her a kiss! Of course, everyone screamed and yelled.

“Then the other girl gave Elvis some flowers and a necklace. And she started climbing the stage and got a kiss.

“And when Elvis just stayed there kneeling down, I knew this was my chance. Man, I started scrambling to get up on that stage, but the other two girls were already floating back to their seats. I was halfway on stage, just hanging there. I couldn’t get a foot-hold. I just yelled for someone to help me, but no one was there. I looked at Elvis, just a foot away from me, laughing. I grabbed his arm and yelled, ‘I ain’t letting you go till I get a kiss!’

“He had the microphone down close to me and I screamed because I couldn’t make it. ‘OH! OH! ELVIS, ELVIS, ELVIS’ came over all the speakers loud and clear. Elvis just smiled and said, ‘Come on, Honey, you can do it.’ And I just screamed again.

“I was about to panic. Oh, the agony. A couple of hours later (it seemed) I finally got my foot on something and pushed myself up enough to kiss him. I had hold of his left arm with one hand and slung the other hand around his neck into that mass of black hair and LAID ONE ON HIM! I just rolled around those big, thick lips and kissed him a long time. M-M-M-M- MMMMMMM!! I slid off the stage, shocked that I finally made it. I floated back to my seat, took a deep breath and sighed.

“I turned and looked at Rechey and he had the saddest look on his face. I knew he had missed getting a picture. I think we got it on movie film though. Sherry was sitting next to him and he told her to try taking the movie film while he reloaded his camera. We haven’t got the film back yet, so I don’t know for sure. But I’ve got witnesses! All the others saw me and were shouting that’s Brenda! And they heard me.

“When I got back to my seat, I looked down and I had knocked the buttons off my blouse on the corner of the stage when I was trying to climb up. My front was open down to my belly button! No wonder Elvis just kept watching, waiting and smiling. Both of them just hanging right out there! (Bet he won’t forget me. Well, I’ve always said if you want to get Elvis’ attention, just hold something BIG up in front of him!)

“After I recovered from THAT kiss, I went back to the stage a time or two more (who can stay away?). Who knows, maybe now I can start over with another scarf?

“Anyway, this policewoman made me sit back down. Well, I think she had it in for me because I walked right past her and got a kiss in the first place. When she went to hold back a crowd of probably 50 screaming girls, I took off again.

“Suddenly, I felt claws digging into my arm. I swung around trying to get away from those claws, but it turned out to be that woman cop! She got mad and decided to show who was boss, and was going to take me to jail for hitting an officer. But she ended up charging me with disorderly conduct and unnecessary noise in a public place. Can you believe that? Unnecessary noise --- at an Elvis concert! Who could tell? Oh, she made me mad.

“She took me backstage and made me wait there throughout most of the show. I was hoping it would be for the whole show. I was just a few feet from where Elvis would leave the stage.

“I told her a MAN wouldn’t have scratched me and she showed her nails and said, ‘Aren’t they pretty?’ She left me to go tell her sergeant on me (Big girl!) and left me with some policeMEN and they just talked about how stupid it was. One said he’d take me around front and let me get lost in the crowd, but it was too late, the sergeant had already put out the orders to take me in. Can you imagine?

“What’s so funny, the officer who took me in started talking to me and found out I was president of the fan club and wanted to know how to get in touch with me for information on when Elvis would be coming to Houston again.

“Elvis stayed on stage for an hour and a half, but, Betty, I’m sorry to say, he should have never gone on. The show had its highlights, like my kiss, but the rest of it --- I can’t believe that was Elvis. He was in misery. Some of the people may not have noticed. But we did. One of the girls talked to Linda Thompson and she said he went on against doctor’s orders. He was bloated again --- not fat --- bloated. He could hardly move. But he put on a show for his fans.

“I noticed when I was at the stage how bad he seemed to feel, but he kept on. I think the reason he took time to kiss me was just to kill some time. He dragged out everything. The introductions; everything. But he refused to stop, to let down his fans.

“When you see him as much as I do, and some of those that go with me, you are let down. Let down to know he pushes himself so hard for us. He was just --- he’s going to kill himself --- on stage if he doesn’t do like he’s told. He has got to stop such a rigorous schedule. All year it’s been two weeks on, two weeks off, two weeks on. I don’t see how he does it. This one was a letdown after that great Memphis show in July.

“I wish he’d cancel a show if he feels bad. You know, like he did last year in Vegas. I guess August is just a bad month for Elvis. It was in August he cancelled Vegas.

“I love seeing Elvis, but I hate anybody else to see him when he’s sick. I’m an Elvis fan. I can tell when he’s sick, but I bet the papers will never let him get away with being sick. They’ll say he’s old and fat and can’t sing --- Ha! A lot they know. His voice was still fine and strong. They put him down without seeing the man behind the star.

“They overlook the fact that he tried to please his fans even when he didn’t feel good. They don’t see the fact that so many other stars are so temperamental, they walk off the stage if they don’t like something. But Elvis --- his main goal is to be there for us. I appreciate that, but I’m not so selfish I’m not willing to give him a rest.

“There’s a difference between a performer who just decides to walk off because he’s too stuck up and a performer not going on because he’s sick.

“Well, Betty, I’m sorry I had to have bad news with my good news, but I wanted to tell you before the Jackson concert so you might not be too disappointed. No matter what the rest of that show was like, it’ll probably always be one of my favorites because of my kiss.

“Let me hear from you as soon as the show’s over. I hope he’ll be feeling better.

TCE,

Brenda”

Oh, no! I was really worried. I had counted so much on this concert. Now I was almost afraid to go. But at least I would be prepared if Elvis is still sick.

Sunday I was as anxious as ever to head out. There’s something about getting ready to finally leave for a concert that just fills you both with excitement and anxiety. I could hardly wait.

By 9:00 a.m. Sunday we were up, dressed, loaded and on our way to Jackson. Linda drove her car and Pat, Rusty, James and I kept her company snacking on chips, candy, and talking the whole trip.

For some reason, all we could ever talk about was Elvis: how great he looks, wondering what he’s going to wear, and counting the minutes until show-time. We reached Jackson about 2:00 p.m. and quickly checked into our room. We had a nice room with a large plate glass window overlooking the swimming pool. James stood by the window awhile looking out then said he thought he’d just wait here and rest and let us chase after Elvis. I knew James didn’t act tired and I knew he liked chasing Elvis as much as I did so when I saw that hidden grin of his, I went to investigate. Sure enough, there were three young, good-looking girls in some of the scantiest bikinis I’ve ever seen! I cut my eyes at James and stared at him with mean squinting eyes. James just grinned and held his hands palm up as he shrugged his shoulders.

I grabbed hold of one of James’ ears and lead him away from the window and out the door. We were here to look for Elvis, not girls!

We had heard Elvis would stay in this same hotel we were at so we began checking all the entrances to see which one he would most likely use. We walked around the outside of the hotel until we came to an inclined loading ramp at the back. There were several other fans already here, waiting. This had to be the place. We decided this is where we would wait, too.

We waited and waited, but still no Elvis. Either he wasn’t coming to this hotel or he had found another entrance. It would be show-time soon and we were nowhere near ready so we decided to give up for now and go back to our room. There were still several people waiting.

There were five of us trying to get ready for the concert in one room with only one bath. It was hectic. Running here and there. Tripping over each other. Out of this; we forgot that. And the concert started in an hour! And I didn’t even have any movie film yet!

I don’t know why we felt so rushed and panicky; Elvis wouldn’t go on for two hours yet and the coliseum was just down the street. Somehow you just start getting nervous the closer the time gets.

There’s the anticipation, that tingling all over that’s hard to explain. I was about to see Elvis!

We were finally ready and drove toward the coliseum stopping at the corner drug store for film. But it was closed! The next one was open but already out of film. Oh, I was starting to get nervous again. Time’s awastin’ and I can’t find any film. Everything goes wrong when you’re in a hurry. Why didn’t I buy film before I left Memphis? Then we found a store that had film left. I could see it behind the counter. But there were four people in front of me. I think everyone of them had everything gift-wrapped; they took so long.

I tried to stand still at the end of the line, but I couldn’t. I had to twist and turn. I strummed my fingers on the counter, looked at my watch and gave a few whines. All this waiting and the guy in front of me will buy all the film. I just knew it. Then I got that old feeling. It was time to go to the bathroom. I’d gotten too excited. I can’t wait much more. Damn! These people sure take their time. Finally, it was my turn. I forgot the type of film I needed. I was so nervous I couldn’t think.

I finally got the film and we were back in the car. In a few minutes we were at the far end of the parking area. It was about thirty minutes to show-time so the parking lot was already filled to the brim. We had to park a long way out. We walked briskly to the coliseum trying to get in ahead of some of the other people walking through the lot. It didn’t make any difference. We already had our seats. There’s just something about going to a concert that makes you hurry up the closer you get.

We found our seats fairly easily with plenty of time to spare. The arena was almost full. The lights were still up. Fans talked and giggled back and forth about other concerts they had seen. Some passed photos around. The souvenir salesmen walked up and down the aisles yelling, “Get Your Sooper Souvenirs!” The whole auditorium was buzzing. I sat down and eagerly loaded my movie camera, then wiggled a little in my chair and got ready to enjoy the show.

I stood and looked around and saw scores of fans I recognized from all over. I patted my leg. I looked at my watch. James just laughed at me. Time was going so fast until we got here, now it stopped. My palms started sweating. This was murder! Won’t they ever start this show? This was starting to get ridiculous.

The lights flickered and the announcer came on. “Everyone please take your seats. We will begin the show in just a few minutes. Please take your seats.”

Several cheers went up. Everyone was ready. Shortly, the lights dimmed. “Ladies and Gentlemen: I’d like you to welcome J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet.”

Everyone applauded, but I could still hear a few muffled boos. I know how they felt. J.D. and the Stamps are good, but I came to see Elvis.

The Stamps sang, then Jackie Kahane came out and told some of the same jokes I’d heard in Atlanta and Memphis, then the Sweet Inspirations. Then that terrible, horrible time --- Intermission! The aws and boos went up with the lights. More “Sooper Souvenir” sales; people stretching, going for drinks or to the bathroom. I knew I should go, but there was such a line I knew I’d have to pass. I wouldn’t take a chance on missing out on even a second of Elvis’ show.

I waved to a few fans I recognized. I leaned over and told James to go up there and tell them to start the concert; I was ready.

Charlie Hodge, James Burton and all the others came out and started getting tuned up and ready. Charlie knelt down on the stage and signed autographs. My foot started tapping the floor and I could feel that nervousness all through me. I couldn’t sit still. “Damn! I wish they wouldn’t take so long!” I told James. The closer it gets, the worse it gets. I wish they would….

“Ladies and Gentlemen, if you’ll please take your seats, we will continue with the second portion of our program.”

Yells, cheers and cat calls flooded the auditorium. Everyone soon sat down. I checked my camera, adjusted my lens, stood up and sat on my foot for more height as I strained to see over everyone’s head. I was 30 feet from the stage. A good seat but not close enough for me. I looked through my camera to make sure it was ready. I took a deep breath. The lights began flicking off section by section. The applause and cries grew louder and louder. I looked at James and grinned, “Here he comes!”

All the lights were out except a few small lights on the stage for the band’s sheet music. I strained to see. I looked everywhere for Elvis. The big kettle drums rumbled low then louder and louder as the horns blew higher and higher climaxing in that thunderous dah-dah-h-h! I shivered all over! Any second now! The music rumbled again even louder. I was going up and down with the music. Then the stage lit up as the music changed to a rapid beat. Fans squealed and yelled.

“Where is he? Where is he?” I yelled. Seconds seemed like hours. The right side of the stage burst into ear-shattering screams along with thousands of flashes. Then the whole auditorium joined in as that good-looking guy with the jet black hair and cock-eyed grin emerged between John Wilkerson and Kathy Westmoreland. He looked perfect! In great spirits and ready to put on an even greater show!

Elvis sauntered to the corner of the stage, shook J.D.’s hand, then looped his thumbs through the chains on his belt and just stood there a second. He shook his head slightly and chuckled to himself. Then he curled his lip. Elvis raised his hands, pointing with one finger on each hand then turned and walked across the stage eyeing the crowd and pointing to someone now and then. I could not sit still! I forgot I even had a camera for a minute, then grabbed it and started shooting film. My heart was beating ninety-to-nothing! The whole auditorium was filled with exploding flashbulbs. My film will probably be terribly overexposed from so many flashes going off at the same time, I thought, but I kept shooting.

Elvis took the guitar from Charlie, walked to center stage, leaned the microphone stand back then looked to one side and laughed. Elvis turned to the microphone again, wet his lips back and forth as his eyes slowly looked around the room. Talk about a tease! He snarled up his face and belted out, “Oh, See --- See See Rider!” And complete hysteria broke out again. Lightning flashed through the auditorium. All I could think was Brenda must have been pulling a good joke on me for teasing her on the phone about the Houston concert. There’s no way this guy could have been that sick a week ago. He was just great! And in such great spirits. A minute later I was out of film. Two minutes after that he was singing “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and waving good-bye. Where did the time go?

I can’t remember anything in between except all sorts of screaming and applauding and me doing a lot of jumping up and down and hitting on James. I couldn’t believe it was over so fast. I couldn’t believe he had actually stood on that stage singing for an hour and fifteen minutes either, but that’s what they said. I do seem to remember him doing Blue Christmas again though.

It was all over. The lights were up. The clean-up crew was taking down the equipment and the auditorium was already half empty. A few girls at the front were still hugging their scarves and laughing or crying. Just all at once, all the fervor and excitement was gone. It was like he had never been here except for that wonderful feeling I had. I still felt a little excited about the show, but I just couldn’t remember any of it. It was just too quick.

We sat talking a few minutes bragging about the show while we waited for the crowds to thin out. There were just too many people to try to get out in a hurry.

We figured Elvis was already long gone, so we would have no luck trying to find him. He had probably flown on to his next stop anyway.

Since it was already 11:30 p.m., we knew we had to leave right away. James had to work tomorrow and we had a long way to go. We finally made it home around 4:00 a.m. James lay down for a short nap then it was time for work.

I was depressed already. All that waiting to see Elvis then it was over in minutes. He still had a few days left to go on this tour so I still had to wait even longer to see him at the gate again. It seems all I do anymore is wait on that man. One thing I know for sure, I’m going to have to get Brenda for worrying me like that. He was great! I don’t think he could have been better.

We went to the gate the next night. I don’t know why, we knew Elvis wasn’t home from his tour yet, but when you live in Memphis; that just seems to be something you have to do. Your day is just not complete until you go by and at least look at Graceland. Even if it’s just for a minute. You know, just in case, he might come home early. So, we made our traditional trek by the gate and stopped across the street at the Hickory Log. There were hardly any cars around so I figure this was as good a time as any to give Brenda a call.

The phone rang several times but no answer. Well, she’ll get hers yet. She’s a good kid, but I can’t let her get away with teasing me like that. Worrying me that he was sick! I called again. Still no answer.

We went over to the guardhouse and just stood around talking to some of the new people that were always stopping by.

The next tour had already been announced and posted in the guardhouse, so I was able to impress these new people by bragging about his last show and how he was going to be up north in Illinois for his October tour.

Everyone that comes to Graceland is always all ears and when you tell someone you live in Memphis, they are totally amazed. I think they would believe anything I told them.

Harold was on duty that night and as always was telling the fans about how some girl is always trying to climb over the fence or anything else they could do to try and get to the house. He told about how one night this girl walked through the gate with some other people and waited around while not saying anything to anybody. She just kept watching the house. Then Harold happened to notice she was gone. He looked toward the house and there she was, calmly walking toward the house. Harold called out for her to hold up, but she kept walking like she didn’t hear. Harold started after her, calling for her to stop. She started walking faster up the drive, never taking her eyes off the house. Harold got louder and more insistent. Then she broke into a run for the house. And the chase was on. Harold was thirty feet behind her and hot-footed it after her. A few minutes later Harold and the guard that was up at the house that night were carrying her down the drive, kicking and screaming like a three-year-old brat. Harold had her feet and she was struggling and kicking and calling Harold everything but Harold. She was slinging her wig every which way and very insistent that she had a “right” to go up there. They sort of threw her out and she just stood by the gate straightening her wig, very prim and proper again. Then a new Lincoln pulled up at the gate. She got in as sophisticated as could be and drove off like nothing ever happened. Harold just shook his head and rubbed his scratched up arm.

If Harold wasn’t telling about some of the things that happened, he was usually clowning around making those weird faces he does so well. He is always crazy. We listened and talked a while longer then went home early, once again.