Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Wanda June Hill]

(These transcripts can be found at Wanda June Hill on ELC Forums scroll down to near bottom of page 1 and continue onto page 2)

In 1978 I was writing We Remember, Elvis and had found a publisher, was already giving interviews and before the actual book was in hand, went on a tour of the US with just a dust cover for the book. I had brouchures and photos, my good memory then and my publisit had sent the interviewers a lot of information to question about. I was asked many things, mainly about the drugs, his health and women and of course, was I one of them... About the drugs I said he was on prescribed medications, had used sleeping pills many years because he had insomina and they were prescribed also. He was frustrated over the lack of control of the types of movies he was making, sick of them, wanting to do something else and as a result of the pressure and frustration he had anxiety attacks, depression and was prescribed "downers" similiar to what was given to old people, not quite in their right minds in rest homes. I was shocked any doctor would give a young man like him such things-but they did and without any warnings. So he was taking those, taking sleeping pills and then using Dexies to wake up. He thought nothing was wrong with any of that because after all doctors told him to take them and the Army told him (and all it's other soliders) to use the Dexies to stay alert. At that time in the 1960's the medical proffession didn't know what the side affects of many of the "wonder" drugs were going to have-that came much later. The same for birth control pills-we were all guina pigs during those years. Elvis did what he had to do in order to get through those boring movies and keep him self sane. He knew quite a lot about medications, he had to because he didn't want to be a addict to anything.
He had seen too many drugs in the business ruining people, the same with alcohol so he didn't drink and he didn't smoke much more than little cigars but he inhaled plenty of smoke everywhere he went and lived among other smokers.
At the time I was out interviewing, word spread that I was a "fake", a Liar", a gate girl who didn't have an "in" with Elvis" and that his father said he didn't know who I was or what I was talking about. There was even an unsigned letter stating this sent from Graceland to fan clubs. Some people believed that and some did not, mostly those who did not listened to what I had to say and read the book-they quickly realized the truth of the matter-Jealously and possibly "fear" was causing many people who had been with Elvis, working for him etc: were not sure who I was, what I really knew and what I was going to tell in that book no one had seen or read yet. I kept doing the interviews, finally had books and they sold out immediatly. I was on television stations, radio shows, in newspapers, at Elvis conventions and in magazines for about a year. And the negative comments kept coming from the "inner circle" except for Charlie who dropped by at a convention in Las Vegas and said "Wanted to see this Wanda June Hill...yeah, I guess I've seen you around." And he scurried back to their booth. Later, at that same convention Mrs. McCombs came over to say we had a beautiful book, she enjoyed it and we should be very proud of it. I was speechless I have to admit, but thanked her and before I could offer her a book for free if she didn't have one, one of the "guys" hustled her back to their booth. I had to laugh...she was "in danger" of being "sucked in" I guess. About that time we received a short thank you letter from Vernon Presley in which he said, "you are a friend". Ed Parker came to a fan club convention we held in Southern California (Garden Grove) and together we looked at the things we had on display from Elvis and his father's thank you letter, including some of our old phone bills showing Elvis' private numbers on them. He was impressed since he had those same private numbers and "they were hard to get". After that we talked some, he enjoyed eating our "Elvis cake" and drinking punch and volunteered to speak or take questions but I had to explain that right then Elvis outtakes were being shown and all the people were in there. So he had to leave. Outside stood Dave Hebler wanting in bad, but he didn't have a ticket or a pass and the guards wouldn't let him in. He looked so mournful I felt sorry for him, especially when he was being insulted off and on by some of the fans who recognized him and asked him to leave. Larry Geller and his wife were at the next Elvis convention we had, he spoke for quite a while and took questions and then we ran a slide show of Elvis singing, talking and I mixed some of what I had of him from conversations and interviews I had taped with him, into the talking part that ran along with related photos of him and his family and career. Larry and his wife were in tears afterward, hugging and thanking me saying it was so wonderful to hear Elvis just talking again. Dave Hebler was outside that day as well, and didn't get to come in. I didn't see him but heard that he had wanted to get in but was not allowed by the guards who were fans of Elvis'. In Seattle at another Convention I ran into Charlie again and we had a short conversation wherein I asked him if he would like to join us for lunch or could we bring him something and he said he never ate before he worked. He was there alone at the time-we told him we had to leave, were sorry we wouldn't see his show and he looked so depressed, said bye and walked away. I wish we could have stayed. My book sold out and the publisher couldn't get a distributor or print up more books so we went to court and I got the rights to my manuscript back. During all of these things the "inner circle" continued to badmouth me and out and out lie apparently because they didn't know me nor would I have wanted to know them! I purposely did not make friends with them-having been witness to a few things that I found disloyal to Elvis and out of line in many ways. Elvis accepted the fact I didn't want to know his friends-it was his decision not mine, nor anything I did or said, to continue being my friend. I still do not understand fully why he chose to do that, but he did and I treasure his friendship very much. Enough that I am again "sticking my neck out" in his behalf. And again certain of the "inner circle" are saying the same old tired and worn out things about me. However this time it's different. Many more of Elvis real friends, those who worked with him, new him well and even lived with him and traveled with him are giving interviews and saying the same things about him that I said in 1978-79-80! They confirm my words of 29 years ago! In the conversation with Red West via 10-76 Elvis says that he was supposed to have his lower colon operated on and part of it removed- something I said 29 years ago and was called a liar. He told me in 77 he had spoken with Red and that he forgave him for his part in writing that book and I had said that in my book and in interviews but I was called a liar and it was said I "had a wild imagination" etc; some more colorful comments but who cares now. I just wanted to say that Elvis always said, "Time changes things" and it certainly has! I sitll have no desire to be around any of those guys, know them or buy their varied and many fantasy filled stories-after all, if they could say things about me whom they didn't know and knew very well from what I was saying that I DID know Elvis pretty well to have certain information, what sort of stuff would they conjure up about him? To be sure I wasn't going to spend money reading the "figments of their imagination"! Of course, they may have good reason to worry, fear and etc: because as Elvis said, "Never know who's watchin' or hearin' things..." A lot went on in Vegas-and on tour and it was not Elvis doing it either.... Wanda June Hill

[Amanda Viola]

Well said, Wanda!!

I just wanted to say that Elvis always said, "Time changes things" and it certainly has!

I wish to add: And Truth shines at last!

[Blue Moon]

In the conversation with Red West via 10-76 Elvis says that he was supposed to have his lower colon operated on and part of it removed- something I said 29 years ago and was called a liar.

Well if anyone calls you a liar again, you can always refer to Red West's taped conversation as a confirmation, unless you feel it would be better to just say what you have to say and let it stand by itself.

Here is the link to RW's taped conversation (and it continues on to the next page) elvislightedcan-about920-0-asc-0.html

Also, Word for Word by Jerry Osborne contains RW's taped conversation.

[Wanda June Hill]

Hi, thanks for posting the link Laurie. I just could jump up and down after seeing that transcript-I didn't know it existed and I guess it's been around a while-but that was the first I'd heard of it- See how amazing things are! Red taped that conversation! And it's just so odd that he did it (but then he hoped to catch Elvis at something) and that it confirms what I said about Elvis having called him and what he said about talking and trying to explain things without telling him much, and then saying that Red loved him, said he did and he loved Red and his family and wished them well. And he was so down about not ever being able to talk with him like they used to again-the old days etc:. And then also it confirms what I said about Elvis needing to have surgery-that it was offered to him and he refused for whatever reasons. Mainly it didn't guarantee any real cure for his problem. But still there he was actaully talking to Red about it! Blew me out of the water, believe me! I didn't think anyone would EVER acknowledge what I had said intentionally or otherwise.... (Elvis, if it is you doing all this, thank you buddy! I'd kiss you any time honey, "dirty"mouth and all!) wjh

[kenya]

I'm glad, that you're glad about this conversation Wanda, if that could help you in many ways, so it's a good thing isn't it?

[Lighthouseseeker]

WANDA,HERE'S THE LINK TO THE COVERSATION TO LISTEN ,IF ANYONE LIKE TO HEAR..

http://jordans-elvis-world.com/audio/red/redphone.htm

[Wanda June Hill]

Thanks for the link, I tried listening some but I don't have a new updated player and too, Red must of been using something dinky to record with-both of them sounded like they were half asleep and talking over each other. That's about like alot of what I had except mine was boosted when they were tested-the guy was good enough to clean and clear up the backgrounds and boost Elvis' voice up as back then the phones didn't come with recording systems-at least mine didn't and I was lucky to have a good recording system for most of the interview parts though there was some bad phone connections then also. I am glad Red released that and that he taped it because it does confirm what I said-me who didn't "exist" according to the guys. Yeah, right. No wonder they didn't want me to be "real"-I might be going to blow their "cover" and "expose" something? That didn't interest me then and it doesn't now-They aren't worth the effort- But yes, I will refer to Red's transcripts relating to what I knew then and what they confirm now- so thank you Kenya, I think you had a little higher help finding this site-when you did...it surely is odd that it turns up now. wjh

[Amanda Viola]

thank you Kenya, I think you had a little higher help finding this site-when you did...it surely is odd that it turns up now. wjh

I feel you are so right, Wanda!

I do believe we are living a synchronous time here at the Forum, because we are getting so harmonized with something of a superior kind, being our hearts so open as they are, to El'vis influence. There is a greater general need and we are coming to be some useful tools for attending it.

I can't stop being grateful for that.

[Blue Moon]

I reread the conversation in Word for Word, by Jerry Osborne, and compared pieces to parts of conversation posted here. There are some differences, and I wonder if it could be do to the poor quality of the tape. Maybe it's too hard to hear. Also, Jerry Osborne states that "A comparison of the version in the book, reveals many edits, omissions, and worse yet, additions of things Elvis does not say." So I wonder if what's posted here is from the Elvis What Happened book?? Below is an example of just one of the differences.

From the post:

Elvis: well all that and maybe I was absent and listening too fast. But, ah it just kinda bugged me when you said, that was a cruel thing or whatever to charlie.
Red West: I can’t hear you, e. I’m sorry.

Elvis: said I was ****ed up.

Red West: yeah.

From Word for Word:

Elvis: Well, yeah maybe all that. Maybe that's how I been. Maybe I was absent and was listening to fast.
RW: Uh
Elvis: But it just kinda bugged, you said after the show [I was] . . . fat, or whatever, to Charlie.
RW: I can't hear you, E, I'm sorry.
Elvis: You ****ed up.
RW: Yeah, well...

Notice how the differences change the meaning. I highlighted the points of interest for comparison. I wonder which one is correct?

[Wanda June Hill]

It is very difficult to discern every word-but if I had a headset to sit and listen and play back I could probably pick up what Elvis said exactly-one had to have a headset for some I had too-but those are small things-the basic fact of the conversation is that Elvis was going through so many different kinds of things, his father nearly dying, himself seriously ill and talking surgery etc: and the finances were falling down, con men taking him for a trip to fleece him, dr. Nick and Joe involved in it too, then the lawsuits caused by the guys being too rough, knocking a woman down and causing her to fall and break her leg etc:, hitting a man in the face etc; and he was only trying to get his wife out of the way. And other things as well, some involving women. And then Elvis was sued by women for etc: too he had about 13 or 14 things going with lawyers who take lots of money themselves-his main lawyer died right in the middle of things, his own health wasn't good and he was trying to "fake it" for everyone and he had no one around he could trust he thought...Linda was on the way out too but he didn't tell Red that-he shined it on about the apartment thing-and he was trying his best to make amends without letting Red in on anything else. So if there are little things misconstrued they can't be any worse I think, that how miserable he sounded and what he said. As far as Red saying the conversation gave them credence to the book-I didn't see it that way-I saw a man who felt betrayed but who was trying to be compassionate and explain things the best he could to an old friend and let him know it was okay, he had to do what he had to do and it was okay. We wouldn't know positively if Word for Word was accurate either-especially if whom ever transcribed it didn't understand Elvis style of speech or if it was Red who wanted to change things a tad to make it better match what they tried to do??? So, what the heck. I'm just happy that it confirms what I was trying to say 29 years ago...clearly and in his own words. One thing I try to do in transcribing anything and I had to do this at the law office, it had to be accurate to every word-is keep Elvis' words as he said them....minus the xxxxs somewhat of course, there were lots of them, more than I've used but that was just his style at times... I think Maia said something like that somewhere on ELC that what I've put up is what she's heard...and that's the way it's always been. There's really no need to change anything-he was unique, sweet, onery and intelligent by turns and sometimes, darn cute as well. I wouldn't want to change anything about it. For one thing, I wouldn't know how to make him any better than he was-so why waste my time trying? I loved the way he told things, the way he thought and how honest he could be at times...and not even realize what he was doing at the time-he was just being himself. goood enough for me. wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Many thanks for bringing this transcript here to ELC, Kenya!

I do believe we are living a synchronous time here at the Forum, because we are getting so harmonized with something of a superior kind, being our hearts so open as they are, to El'vis influence. There is a greater general need and we are coming to be some useful tools for attending it.

Right on, Amanda!

[kenya]

(Elvis, if it is you doing all this, thank you buddy! I'd kiss you any time honey, "dirty"mouth and all!) wjh

I think that Elvis wants to help his devoted friend!

[73smile]

You were really brave to keep going while being 'assaulted' by those with a wish to discredit you and your information. I believe that you are right and that if people did not know how Elvis' talked that the meaning would probably be misconstrued.
For example, when Elvis sang "Never been to Spain", I thought for the longest time that he was singing "and they made it out to me" or "they made it up to me"---which would have both fit since making it up to me in regard to his one Las Vegas concert when the audience was not filled with his type of fans or 'Made it out to me' would have worked, too, because when he appeared again in Las Vegas it was as though it could have been 'made it out to me.' when he sang about getting to Las Vegas because it was as though he 'owned' Las Vegas when he appeared there again---it took a good friend wearing headphones to be able to hear ' but only made it as far as Needles.'
Not knowing the dialect certainly can make what one hears seem to be something totally different.
Did any of those who wanted to make what you wrote about appear to be a lie ever tell you they were sorry??
They sure should have!!!!!
MSue

[Wanda June Hill]

No, but his father Vernon did write the thank you letter and it was as much an "apology" as I would ever expect because he was Elvis' dad and they were alike in many ways... I was totally taken off guard when that came-he didn't have to do that but he did...just like his son...wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Glad you received the thank you letter/'apology' from Vernon, Wanda. At least it was some form of acknowlegement from him. I thought Vernon was brave to do the message in the office after his son had gone that was later tacked onto the last concert footage. Had never taken to him that much before but did feel sorry for him during that message, looks a very broken man and does not surprise me he didn't last that long after Elvis died really, know he had health problems of his own too.

Well, I feel you definitely deserve apologies from the rest of 'em!, but sorry to say, can't quite see it coming any time soon.

As you know we're all supporting you 100% and believe Elvis is looking out for his devoted friend too!

Best to you, Wanda!


Sue