Thanks Marty Lacker, Red & Sonny West, Billy Smith (by Jeff Schrembs)
by Jeffrey Schrembs
These men were known otherwise by Elvis' "Memphis Mafia" and each man met Elvis' standards for honesty, having a good heart, being able to protect Elvis if need be, and make sure Elvis got to his appoinments on time and afterward they did whatever Elvis wanted and usually is was...FLAT OUT FUN FOR ALL. Sadly, this year Elvis Fans Worldwide lost Lamar Fike one of the members of Elvis Presley` Memphis Mafia. We also lost Myrna Smith last December who was one of the talented vocalists of the Sweet Inspirations. Who knows what this year holds`for any of us? How many of us given the information that `so and so`, of the Memphis Mafia, is dying would not of reached out to send their thoughts/love/thanks/etc.? As the remaining living breathing three dimensional walking talking witnesses to Elvis` greatness, onstage and off, for three decades (or more) each member of the Memphis Mafia holds cherished memories of Elvis` life, his personality, his hopes, his dreams, etc. and yet for whatever reason(s) they are not fully acknowledged enough ` told how much we appreciate them and the sacrifices of their family ` and that we believe each of the members of the Memphis Mafia (i.e. Marty Lacker, Red West, Sonny West, Billy Smith, Jerry Schilling, and Joe Esposito), who want it, should be afforded some OFFICIAL capacity within EPE. Can you imagine an `American Idol type show` whereby the Judges were made up of Memphis Mafia Members and they REALLY critique? How about re-releasing Elvis` movies with `DIRECTORS CUTS` containing hours and hours of `bonus footage` whereby the Memphis Mafia relived what happened during the filming of each movie, how Elvis interacted with his co-stars, etc. What about a Memphis Mafia series in a venue where they are all sitting down and asked questions both from the crowd and via Internet Chat and the event backed by EPE? This would give each member of the Memphis Mafia something to do that they loved AND monetarily benefit then and (with residuals) from then on. These are just a few ideas but worth pursuing. I encourage every Elvis Fan Worldwide to reach out to each of these members of the Memphis Mafia now`and often. Each of them are deserving of our respect, appreciation, acknowledgment, and our thanks. The same thing with each of their family members. Please join me in saying THANK YOU to each of these deserving men and most of all`never forgeting their accomplishments. Take care and may God bless you. Jeffrey Schrembs 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED *Note: Jeffrey Schrembs is a Worldwide renowned Elvis Presley Expert, Historian and Collector www.ElvisCollector.info |