Hi Marshall, it's an honor and pleasure to talk to you.
Can you tell our EpGold readers where you were born? Family... brothers -sisters are they also Elvis-fans... on what way did
you become an Elvis Fan?
I was born in Texarkana, Texas in 1963. It was my father who is the
big Elvis fan in our family, and Elvis is still his favorite performer. I
grew up listening to the Beatles and in my youth (and stupidity) I thought
Elvis was strictly a relic of the 1950s. I didn't realize until many
years later that Elvis had a successful movie career in the 1960s, and made a
huge comeback in 1969 that lasted through the early 1970s. Although I do
remember where I was when Elvis died-I was shooting pool in the basement
with my best friend when his sister came down and told us the news. I was
13 years old and didn't realize the significance of his death to a
generation. As an adult, now I do, and certainly have come to appreciate
Elvis' contribution to the world.
How did you started to become really active in the Elvis World?
It's only been in the past five years that I became a true Elvis
fan. It started when I began interviewing Barbara Leigh in 1996
for our book, "The King, McQueen and the Love Machine." The Elvis she described
was a loving, yet complex man. However, that book dealt with three men-Elvis,
Steve McQueen and James Aubrey. I wanted to know more about Elvis when I
finished that book, and that's why I wrote "Sergeant Presley" with Rex and
Elisabeth Mansfield, and now, "Taking Care of Business," with Sonny West.
Elvis is the most fascinating and complex man I have ever studied. I
could write 10 books on Elvis and never get tired of him.
How many books did you write, I know it isn't only Elvis?
I've written seven books in all.
They are
"Steve McQueen: Portrait
of An American Rebel," (1994)
"Edd Byrnes: Kookie No More,"
(1996)
"Aaron Pryor: The Flight of the Hawk,"
(1996)
"Ken Norton: Going the Distance,"
(2000)
"Earnie Shavers: Welcome to the Big Time,"
(2002)
"The King,
McQueen and the Love Machine," (2002)
and
"Sergeant Presley: Our Untold
Story of Elvis' Missing Years." (2002)
Are some of your books used for TV or film companies?
My book on Steve McQueen was used as the basis for an "E! True Hollywood Story," in 1998 and my book on boxer Aaron
Pryor is the basis for an upcoming documentary on ESPN in 2003.
How come the last two books are all about Elvis and the 3rd one is
with Sonny West?
The Sonny West book will be mostly about Elvis, so it's an Elvis
book in my mind. It will cover his relationship with Elvis from
1960-1976, but will also cover Sonny's life before and after Elvis. But the majority
of the book is about his life as a member of the Memphis Mafia.
Your Favorite single-album-film and why?
Favorite album is "30 #1 Hits" because it has all my favorite songs-"Suspicious Minds," "Burning Love," and recently, "A Little
Less Conversation." My wife Zoe loves the "Blue Hawaii" soundtrack because the
music is very relaxing. My favorite film? The new version of "Elvis:
That's The Way It Is," because it caught him at the peak of his career.
It also gives true insight into his playful and unique personality.
Favorite writers and also on Elvis-books and why?
I like Peter Guralnick as a Elvis biographer because he's truly a
historian who told Elvis' story in "Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless
Love" without sensationalizing it. My favorite Elvis book of all time is
"Elvis Aaron Presley: Tales from the Memphis Mafia" by Lamar Fike, Billy
Smith and Marty Lacker with Alanna Nash. I think it's the truest account
of Elvis' life by three close friends. I also like Bill Burke's trilogy of
books because not only is he a great researcher, but he knew Elvis. He's
very objective in his viewpoint of Elvis.
Are you a 50's 60's or 70's Elvis Fan explain...
I liked Elvis in the late 1960s/early 1970s when he looked like a
Greek God. I also think he did his best artistic work in that time
period, and also had his biggest success.
Are you more into live-shows recordings and / or Studio recordings?
I'm more into his studio recordings. I think Elvis' understanding
of making records really has been overlooked. Elvis truly understood how
to cut a great song and make it better. I think he was the best record
producer of all-time, even though he rarely gets credit for it. He knew
what was best for him, and trusted his own instincts. His results speak
for itself-more #1 songs than any other artist ever, and is the most
successful artist of all time in record sales.
Is your interest only Elvis if not explain why you like other
artists?
I still enjoy the Beatles. I also love the Rolling Stones, John
Mellencamp, Rod Stewart, John Lennon, and most recently, Collective Soul.
I love all classic rock.
Do you know all the Memphis Mafia members or just Sonny West?
I've had a few conversations with Red West, and like him a lot. I
have also talked to George Klein, but never met him. I don't know any
other Memphis Mafia members, but have a feeling they all loved Elvis.
What is your next project after Sonny West?
I've been working on a book on the life of Pistol Pete Maravich since 1998. Maravich was one of the greatest basketball
players of all-time and died in 1988 of a heart attack while playing basketball.
Is there any wish that you want accomplish in your life?
Yes, to write the definitive biography of John Lennon. Then I would
die a happy man.
Thank you so much for this interview. Is there anything else you
want to say to all the Ep.Gold readers?
You've got a great web site, and enjoy all your interviews and news.
I use it quite a bit in my research. Long live Andylon!
2002/11/20 Marshall Terrill / Andylon Lensen / Ep.Gold.Com..