EPGOLD HAS THE HONOR TO PUBLISH THE INTERVIEW WITH Stanley
Oberst.
Interview With Stanley Oberst.
By: Andylon Lensen, June 11, 2002
A couple of months ago I did an interview with
Ernst Jorgensen for
ElvisNews.com and when I asked him who he liked me to interview for
ElvisNews.com he only mentioned one person ; Stanley Oberst the Author of
"Elvis in Texas" and indeed through my dear friend Bob Hayden from
Australia, we made some phone-calls and E-mails and here we are Stanley.
And I must say, I am honored to interview you and also, to introduce you to
the Elvis-fans world wide as one of the most interesting authors in the last
couple of years about Elvis in the 50's, when it comes down to new facts,
details, some questions that are now answered in your book.
You can imagine that people like Ernst Jorgenson, Sean O'Neal, Peter
Guralnick were grateful as additional information can be added on the many
questionable, doubtful, uncertain live concerts Elvis did in the 50's.
Can you add something more here Stanley?
Wow, what honored words you and others have for me. I am so taken-back!!!
Thank you very much. I am and will continue to try and hunt down leads to a
few shows that took place in East Texas. I appreciate you taking the time to
interview me and I hope my answers please all Elvis fans as well as
non-Elvis fans. Maybe we will convert a few souls to become fans.
Aren't there enough Stanley, do you want to make Graceland more greedy (lol)
Forget Graceland, we want the music to live on!!!
I guess you have been approached by different countries to introduce
yourself, since this is your first book, is this correct.
I have been interviewed by e-mail from England, Australia, Italy and Brazil.
That is great to hear that there is so much interest world-wide. Would you
be so kind to introduce your book by telling what the content is of your
"Elvis In Texas "
"Elvis in Texas" is about the early years of Elvis and his
performances and
the people who met Elvis from 1954-1956 and their stories with him. Also,
there is a chapter on Elvis's stint for basic training in the Army and his
friendship with the Fadal family.
Now can you tell us something more about your background, where you were
born, raised, school about your mom and dad (if you had one, lol)
I was born in Kansas City, Missouri. My father was in the government so I
lived overseas many years. My parents are still with us and live nearby. I
have a sister, two nephews, two stepchildren, wife of course, two beautiful
granddaughters, two brother-in-laws and an old English Springer who doesn't
realize he's a dog. I have a Bachelors Degree from the University of
Maryland, Social Studies Composite Degree from University of Texas at Dallas
and a Masters Degree from Southern Methodist University. Concerning my
family and Elvis; well lets just say he's part of the family and always has
been.
Can you tell us short about your Elvis History
I started collecting Elvis when I was nine years old. Mostly, at that time,
were recordings but today I have a very nice collection of Elvis
memorabilia, especially 50's items: ticket stubs, tour booklets, pictures
and etc.
Now, the first thing that popped into my mind, is this guy an Elvis- fan or
is it just one of those authors who also wanted to write an Elvis book.
No, Elvis has always been a great part of my life since he first appeared on
the Ed Sullivan show when I was nine years old. I imitated him at a school
show. I did it many times, even as an adult for students at school and
talent shows.
That's a relief (lol), so you are a serious ElvisFan, Did you ever had the
chance to see one of his live-concerts Stanley
I was very fortunate to see Elvis perform in 1972,'74, '75, &' 76. They were
tremendous shows, especially the one in 1974. It was wild.
I do know the shows after middle August 1974 it should have been really
incredible, is that also your opinion on 1974, Stanley ?
Yes, Elvis was incredible, especially on stage. He was like a tiger on the
prowl. His voice was beautiful and yet wild. That show was one of the best.
I have seen many artists over the years but none could generate the
excitement that Elvis had on stage. He was not only a great singer but a
great entertainer as well.
Did you find (after you were hunting everywhere in Texas those few years)
some rare recordings on audio or acetate or reel to reels or do you know
there are people out there in Texas that still have items in their private
possession or some information that is still unknown ?
Yes and No, The Fadal family, here in Texas, have some film and music
recordings of Elvis taken in 1958 at their home. I personally haven't found
anything other then the few performances that no one knew about which are in
my book.
I know you told me you are a teacher and you also lived in Europe in the
past, could you enlighten us and tell us more about this?
Yes, I teach High School Social Studies (Geography and History) for almost
25 years. I grew up in Europe, mostly in Greece, and it was a great
experience.
What made you decide to do an book on Elvis "Elvis In Texas"
My wife told me many years ago that I needed to write a book. In my mind, I
always knew that if I did write a book, it would be about Elvis in Texas. I
knew Elvis had toured here more then anywhere else. I used to do a lot of
archeology work and would travel through many small towns knowing Elvis had
played some of those towns. Sooooooo.
One day instead of doing archeology work, I started investigating in those
small towns where Elvis may have or did perform. I started tracking down
people who may have seen him or better yet, taken a photo, had ticket stubs
or etc.
Was it hard to track down all those people in those small towns in Texas,
Stanley ?
Not really. My wife says I can talk to anyone and manage to get what I need.
I spent three years traveling throughout the state of Texas during my
summers off from teaching as well as winter and spring breaks. I
crisscrossed the state many times following up every lead. It was a lot of
fun researching Elvis because I went to parts of Texas I'd never seen and
met some of the nicest people.
I know you told me you were excited about a publisher that would work with
you, can you explain what went wrong ?
I was very excited when I finally found a publisher that would work with me.
Unfortunately, when the book (1st. printing) came out, the book gave more
credit to the person who edited some of my passages but hardly mentioned my
name. That was quite a blow since I had done all the research and writing
for three years. Good news. the publisher has since ( corrected 2nd.
Printing) corrected the situation, but I am still fuming that such a thing
could have happened. We learn every day, don't we ...
The 2nd edition is now reissued again, that means it sold quite well
Stanley. And are you now in terms of speaking satisfied with your 2nd
printing. I mean people do know now, you are the author, right?
Yes, the 2nd. printing looks good. I feel that by now, most people have
gotten the word as to who really put this book together. That being ME of
course. Lets just say that if the 1st printing had been completed correctly
as the 2nd. printing has been done, we would not be having this conversation
on this matter.
What kind of books do you read yourself?
I like to read books about Native Americans, nature, wild life, history, and
music.
And which other Elvis author's work do you enjoy Stanley ?
I appreciate the works of Peter Guralnick and Ernst Jorgensen. They each
have taken very good care in the details they have presented. Books written
for the shear purpose of sensationalizing Elvis do not interest me.
And what will the next state be; another great book? Oh, I hope so, but than
with a better quality on the paper, please , I know your incredible pictures
comes out SO much better (lol).
I know it's not your fault, Stanley, but if the publisher was an Elvis-fan,
he couldn't allow himself to publish 99% of your unknown- unpublished-rare
pictures of Elvis on cheap paper, sorry for the insult, but it's not against
you, Stanley . :-)
I rather have paid $15-20 us dollar more for this book than what I have paid
now and not being satisfied with the printing of the GREAT photo's in your
book "Elvis In Texas".
Well at least, I have ONE great clear shot from Elvis on my site, that's
already one picture, now were having the second one on ElvisNews.com .
that's two. (lol)
What can I say???? Out of my control!!!
Okay go on, you were about to tell me what your next state be, Stanley
I hope to keep researching Elvis in Texas; finding more pictures or
memorabilia. I also hope to do a book on the Big D Jamboree which never got
the recognition as did the Grand Ole Opry or the Louisiana Hayride but made
stars out of a number of people.
And when can we expect this Big D Jamboree book, I guess that also takes a
lot of Elvis - hunting ,doesn't it ?
It will take a while for me to gather photos and information soooooo ... and
yes, Elvis will probably pop up. I hope in my travels to find something
unique on Elvis but only the future will tell. I was very fortunate to meet
a lot of nice people who let me be a part of their lives and use their Elvis
items or let me buy them. Who knows!!! If enough items turn up, I'll do
another book on Elvis in Texas. I have found additional items since the book
was published.
Well, this sounds all very exciting, can you tell us what you find
additional on items that is interesting for us to know ?
In due time Andylon ...
Does this mean more information on live-shows that Elvis did, where we are
still not certain of, or totally new information etcetera ?
Yes, new info, I just have to keep following my leads.
Can you share some of the names or friends that helped you with pictures on
Elvis for your book besides the ones you own yourself on copyright . I mean
is there a story on one of these persons that amazed you with information,
photo's, newspapers, tickets etcetera?
My friend, David Dennard, spent numerous hours helping me with the pictures.
I owe him volumes. David has two incredible CD's out on the Big D-Jamboree.
Can you explain to the Elvisfans who David Dennard is?
He is a friend that has done research on early country music and by doing so
he found pictures of Elvis at the Big D Jamboree.
We always have some standard questions, the first one "How do you remember
Elvis passing?"
I was heart broken when Elvis died. At first it was a shock, however, I
personally believed he would not live to be elderly after seeing him in
1976. He didn't look well. The day he died, I cried, as I heard "The Wonder
of You".
What is your favorite single, album and movie
My favorite album is "Elvis is Back" followed by "Elvis" his
second album. I
can't say I have a favorite song, but in the ....
1950's "Old Shep" or " Don't be Cruel"/ 1960's "It's
Now or Never"/ 1970's
"Burning Love"
My favorite movies are King Creole, Follow that Dream and Viva Las Vegas.
I do know you haven't got spare time left since your work is getting all the
attention, but is there any favorite Elvis-sites you visit now and then ?
Well, I'd like to say yes but there isn't one. Now that I've seen your site,
epgold.com and ElvisNews.com and the interest you have shown of me, I'll go
with those two.(ha! ha!) Actually they are really great sites.
Who do you think we should interview in the future, Stanley and which
question(s) should we ask?
I think you need to interview individuals who had something to do with
booking Elvis in those early days and why. Doing so may help Elvis fans
understand Elvis better and the situations that he went through.
Well, Stanley it was a pleasure for me and ElvisNews.com to have you
interviewed. But promise me here will be a part two in the future with you
and me and ElvisNews.com, but than on details, information and additional
paper work etcetera.
As I told you , Sean O Neal and I are trying to update the Live shows from
Elvis' in the 50's Marc Henrickxs (he famous author of the book Elvis A.
Presley, Man his music, Myth) made a nice contribution on some valuable
questions that gave us the opportunity for more research, you want to help
us Stanley? C'mon, say yes ...
Just let me know. I'll help in anyway possible. Thank you for the
opportunity that I have had to say a few words. May Elvis' music live on
"forever" ...
Sincerely, Stan
We'd like to thank Andylon Lensen from EP Gold and the Elvis International
Shop for asking the questions and Stanley Oberst for the answers.
2004/02/18/Andylon Lensen/EPGold.com
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