Memories Of My Friend, Elvis Presley

by Don Wilson

He was my friend, a person who changed my life forever, someone that I will never forget. His name was Elvis – I first met Elvis when I was only nine years old. My dad had known Elvis, meeting him at the Eagle’s Hall in Houston, Texas, that night and he did one song. In fact, my uncle had booked Elvis for the gig on March 19, 1955. Silent western film star Hoot Gibson was there and my dad introduced them. 

Elvis loved cowboy stars and was pleased to learn that my father was friends with his favorite, Gene Autry. Tommy Sands was also on the show. Little did I know, because of this night, I would be friends with not only Elvis, but Tommy Sands too. I would eventually perform on shows with Tommy years later.

February 1970: Elvis was coming to Houston for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

My father arranged with Colonel Parker for us to meet with Elvis prior to one of his performances. Elvis introduced himself and said “Hi, I’m Elvis Presley.” I replied “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Presley.” Elvis then said “Naw, I’m Elvis. ‘Mr. Presley’ is my dad over there!” It was a short meeting, but it left an impact.

A poster for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo from 1970.

These pages are inside the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's Souvenir Booklet.

November 13, 1971: My father and I met with Elvis briefly before his performance at the Memorial Auditorium. My dad and Elvis started a quick ‘Cowboy Trivia’ game off the top of their heads and I had some answers, much to Elvis’s surprise. Elvis said “How come you know so much? You’re too young.” I replied “Old Westerns on Saturday mornings.” Elvis grinned and said “Oh!”

November 21, 1971: My parents and sister were killed when their car was struck by a train. There were no railroad crossing guards, nor signals. I was with my Grandmother at the time. It was a mere eight days after my dad and I met with Elvis. When I learned the news, I was devastated. I wrote to Elvis and informed him, I received a condolence card signed by him.

June 18, 1972: Elvis played the Tarrant County Convention Centre in Fort Worth. Joe Esposito escorted me and my aunt to see him at his suite. It was at the Sheraton Fort Worth, on the top floor. Elvis hugged me and said how sorry he was for my loss. Then Elvis said: “A great philosopher once said ‘To live in the hearts of those we leave behind – is not to die.’ I know what it’s like to lose a parent, but you have gained a friend, me.” I was able to visit Elvis every now and then after that, he made room to visit throughout his hectic life. Not only did Elvis call me friend, but many of his inner circle did as well.

I have wonderful memories of the man they call "the king". Elvis never liked the title, although he appreciated his fans' enthusiasm. At one concert, a woman was holding a sign that read "Elvis Is The King!". Elvis said to her: "Honey, I appreciate you, but there is only one King and that is Jesus Christ."

I have so many memories of Elvis, but I can't write them all down in this story. I hope you will continue to follow this blog for more memories and exclusive stories and memories. I would never say to Elvis that "I like this" or "I like that", because he would just give it to me. So many took advantage of his kindness, I didn't want to be one of those people. The items that Elvis loved to give were books and he gave me a few of them, one in particular I am fond of 
Leaves of Gold. Elvis was a very spiritual person. He was very intelligent, a voracious reader and a philosopher in his own right. 

A wonderful book that Elvis gave to me, Leaves of Gold.

I attended Elvis' last concert at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 26, 1977. Elvis introduced me in the audience and he sang "Hound Dog" near the closing of the show. Elvis introduced his girlfriend, Ginger Alden, her family and then said, "And Don Wilson..." Thankfully, this was recorded, it can be found on You Tube as "Elvis: The Last Farewell", an audio recording of that last performance.

On July 28, 1977, Elvis signed a typed thank you note and sent it to me. Two weeks later "E" was gone. The world was never the same, whether you were a fan or not, it was a day you would never forget. Sometimes, it seems a lifetime ago - because it was. Other times, it seems like only yesterday. Once Elvis touched your life, you were never the same. Thanks to Elvis, I have lifelong friends like Larry Geller, George Klein, Joe Esposito, Shirley Dieu and the list goes on. The late Richard Davis was my pal and he said Elvis was grooming me to eventually work for him.

David Stanley with Elvis at his last concert on June 26, 1977.

Larry Geller On Don Wilson

"I’m truly honored to have Don Wilson as a close and trusted friend for many years.  His unique talent and good nature have allowed him to connect with a literal who’s who of Hollywood. From the music, TV and motion picture industries, to the most celebrated icons of our time - even being befriended by the greatest star of them all, Elvis Presley – doors have opened for Don. 

He has amassed an historic treasure trove of personal photos and memorabilia, with the most intimate firsthand stories behind them. The entire entertainment industry has opened their arms to this one-of-a-kind individual – and now we’re privileged to share his journey.”

 - Larry Geller

                                About Don Wilson 

It was Don's late father who introduced him to rockabilly and Elvis Presley - literally , in the case of the King. In 1970, when Don was just 9-years-old, his father took him to the Houston Astrodome, where he met Elvis and saw him in concert. Several years later following the untimely deaths of his parents and sister in a train accident, Don was actually befriended by Presley.

It's only fitting that Memphis played a pivotal role in Wilson's musical journey. As the host of the weekly "Mystery Train" radio show on WEVL FM 90 from 1992 to 1995. Wilson interviewed former Presley associates and provided a forum for rockabilly discs and artists including another major influence, Johnny Cash.

Don Wilson and Billy Lee Riley in the control room at Sun Records in 1994.

It was during a Billy Lee Riley interview that Wilson was invited to sing with him on "My Gal's Alright," recorded at the legendary Sun Studio. From Memphis, Wilson moved on to Hollywood, becoming a production consultant for "The Definitive Elvis" DVD series.It was while arranging and conducting interviews for the 16 hour series (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as "the longest documentary" ever produced) that he recorded two albums, "We're Gonna Rock!" and "Tribute To Johnny Cash" both produced by rockabilly legend Glen Glenn. - Pat H. Broeske

Don has been a Production Consultant on many video and book projects. Don is the former Sr. Vice President of the Southern California Motion Picture Council. Don was awarded the Golden Halo Nomination Excellence Award from SCMPC.

Joe Esposito, Don Wilson and Charlie Hodge in Nashville during production of "The Definitive Elvis".

1st Row: Don Wilson with: Elvis, Priscilla Presley, Red West, Linda Thompson, Sam Thompson and Mindi Miller
2nd Row: George Klein, Sandy and Wink Martindale, Charlie Hodge, Joe Esposito, Shirley Dieu, Sammy Shore and Jackie Kahane 
3rd Row: James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Glen D. Hardin, Ronnie Tutt, Larry Geller and Barbara Leigh
4th Row: Francine York, Stella Stevens, Donald Wilson II, Niecy Richardson, Barbara Eden, Patsy Presley, Richard Davis, Sonny West
Reeca Smith Gossan and Nancy Sinatra
5th Row: Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam Phillips, George Klein, Richard Davis, Jerry Schilling,Jerry Weintraub, Tanya Lemani George, Anita
Wood and Joyce Bova

www.donwilsonshollywoodbeat.com