Synopsis:
The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just twenty-two at the time, he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a handsome prince who had his choice of all the fair maidens in the land, and yet, like a true fairy tale, he fell in love with Anita Wood, a rising musical talent with the looks of a beauty queen. Anita put her own career aside to be with Elvis, her first love and his steady girlfriend for the next five years.
Once Upon A Time: Elvis And Anita is a heartfelt memoir of Anita’s life with Elvis from 1957 through 1962. Written by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, the book takes readers back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis’ life: His career was taking off, he had just purchased Graceland (where Anita lived with Elvis for most of their time together), and life seemed incredibly good. Through her daughter, Anita recaptures the joy and excitement of two young people in love. She shares many key moments that bonded her with Elvis’ family, including the shocking news that he had been drafted by the Army in 1958, and the devastation he felt later that year by the sudden death of his beloved mother, Gladys. ONCE UPON A TIME traces Anita’s own journey in show business which included appearances with such entertainment legends as Jack Paar, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams and Dick Van Dyke. But it also revisits some of the most painful memories of Anita’s life, from the lengths that Elvis’ manager took to shield their relationship from the public, to the heartache and betrayal that made her realize that the fairy tale had to end.
Memphis Elvis Week Auction Results
The card was discovered during a library inventory in the book about US President Andrew Jackson, one of the founders of the Democratic Party. The book was sold at auction along with the autograph.
A pair of iconic Elvis Presley sunglasses was the top lot Tuesday at the Ultimate Elvis auction presented to an international crowd of collectors at The Peabody hotel. The 1974 pair of "Tiger Man" sunglasses brought $22,500, including 25 percent buyers premium, and was among personal items that were popular with bidders at the sale, presented by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. A dark dress jacket made by Sy Devore from the 1960s brought $12,500, and a gray trench coat from Lansky Brothers of Memphis, $12,188.
Fans chattered in a dozen languages before the opening lot — Presley's 1956 signed William Morris contract — sold for $10,625 at 1 p.m.
Over the next five hours, the live-streamed auction accepted offers from bidders on the floor, phone, and Internet for over 300 lots intimately connected with the King.
Consignment director Garry Shrum, Heritage's music specialist, said before the sale: "There is such a huge fan base for Elvis now, not just older people, but younger generations; you can look around and see them here.
"We're offering a little piece of rock and roll history — guitars connected with Elvis, personal clothing, movie costumes, jewelry that he wore on stage. And then you've got signed contracts and documents as well as merchandise made for fans during his lifetime."
Fans vied to own big chunky pieces of gold and silver jewelry that Elvis often wore and then gave away to friends and fellow musicians. A gold and diamond watch presented to Elvis by Col. Tom Parker sold for $16,250. A 1970s diamond cluster ring and a "Taking Care of Business" necklace with diamonds brought $12,500 each.
Another high price was realized for a standing 6-foot-high advertising figure from "Love Me Tender" (1956), which soared past a $1,250 starting bid to bring $20,000. A Giannini Craviola acoustic guitar, 1973, brought $18,125.
Other items included a 1975 signed check, which sold for $4,375; and a sealed copy of the Speedway (1968) mono LP record, $3,000. Someone paid $4,375 for Presley's 1975 karate ID card.
"Elvis remains one of the most popular and durable figures in American Pop Culture," Margaret Barrett, Director of Entertainment & Music Memorabilia at Heritage Auctions, told Art Daily. "This auction, our second event totally dedicated to Elvis, is a celebration of his amazing life and legacy."
(Source: FECC / Elvis Information Network)