A Kiss From Elvis
I mention in my bio that I was kissed by Elvis–passionately. Actually, it was more like deeply and warmly. Maybe sweetly and friendly. But it was nice!
Since I first wrote this article, in 2008, several stories have been done about the day, because of the donation Elvis made (mentioned in the next paragraph). As a result, I’ve had to correct the dollar figure and some other information–but the kiss is the same. Hey, some things just aren’t as memorable!
It was 1971 and Elvis had just given Denver Chief of Police George Seaton a check for several thousand dollars to fully equip a gym in honor of slain officer Merle Nading. Elvis wasn’t wearing a tie with his open collared shirt, so when Chief Seaton gave him a tie tack that looked like little handcuffs, Elvis borrowed someone’s tie so he could wear the tie tack for a few photos.
The tie tack was recently purchased by a collector and I was able to provide the information that Elvis grumbled a bit to someone in the room about not liking the look of the tie with that shirt. (That style of shirt–or the actual shirt–is seen in a lot of photos of Elvis in that era, so he must have liked the look!)
I was in a nearby office when Sergeant Bill Smith, a police photographer, called me and told me to come over and get my photo taken with Elvis Presley. I said I didn’t want to, because I didn’t think the chief or anyone else would want me to do that. But, Sergeant Smith insisted and when I arrived someone introduced me to Elvis, who was very nice about the whole thing. He said, “What about you let me get a nice photo with you, Honey?” I said OK and Sgt. Smith took the picture.
Then, he told Sgt. Smith, “You should get one that is more friendly.” That’s when he gave me the kiss. I expected a quick little peck on the lips, but what I got was (what seemed to me anyway) a very warm kiss! I was so embarrassed I almost couldn’t think of anything to say. What I did say was, “If you’re very lucky, I’ll give you my autograph.” He smiled and chuckled. I asked him about his baby and he showed me two photos of Lisa Marie, which he had in a little plastic photo holder.
Bill was laughing through all of this and still getting his camera and flash set up (isn’t that the way it always is??) I would give a lot to have a photo of the kiss!
Let me assure you, Elvis was not impressed or enthralled with me particularly, he was just very gentlemanly, and I think he figured I’d like saying I was kissed by Elvis. Well, heck, I DO like saying it!
When I was the United States Marshal for Colorado I had the photo on my memorabilia wall, and every foreign visitor was much more impressed with the Elvis photo than with anything else. Several got their own photos taken next to it! Isn’t it amazing how a legend like Elvis Presley can live on in that way?
You will likely never be so memorable that people will pose next to a photo of you decades after you are gone. However, many people may remember you during their lifetimes. Several people will remember you and think of you often. A least one or two will continue to talk about you throughout their lives. Your goal can be to have good things said by all of them, and to have made such a positive difference in the lives of many that some part of you lives on in them.
There was a poem written by James Leigh Hunt in the early 1800s, called Jenny Kissed Me. It’s a sweet poem about how a man felt after a young woman who he admired kissed him impulsively. I could paraphrase the last few lines to describe my experience years ago:
……..Say I’m weary, say I’m sad,
Say that health and wealth have missed me,
Say I’m growing old, but add,
Elvis kissed me!
Have you noticed you look almost exactly the same now? (that ought to get me a gold star, but it’s true.)
Comment by Wiseacre | May 29, 2008
Tina says: THAT comment is almost better than the kiss! The smile is the same, at least! Isn’t it strange to think he’d be in his mid-70s now? Thanks for the comment and the compliment. Gold star!
Comment by Tina | May 29, 2008
OMG! I’d love to have had my picture taken with him! I wasn’t born yet when he died, but my mom always talked about him, so I didn’t realize he wasn’t really alive. I was so sorry when I found out! He really was The King! Cute story! D.
Comment by denisek | May 29, 2008
Denise, please don’t make me feel even older! That’s interesting though, that your mother talked about him so much you thought he was still alive. Which means for you he was! I think he is for a lot of people and always will be! Thanks for the comment.
Comment by Tina | May 29, 2008
I’m so jealous! Just to have that photo would be wonderful, even without the kiss. With the kiss it would be priceless! I saw this at the supervisory class and loved it then. You ought to put all your photos on your site so everyone could enjoy them!
Comment by P.A.H. | May 29, 2008
Thanks for the comment, P.A.H. I’m going to put a photo in now and then. But nothing could top this I’m afraid. 🙂 Tina
Comment by Tina | May 29, 2008
This is the best story ever! Thank you for sharing it!
Comment by Judith Thomas | June 2, 2008
Thanks for the comment, Judith! As I told you in the email, this was in another lifetime, and another Tina Lewis, but I do still remember it as though it was yesterday!
Comment by Tina | June 2, 2008
Thought you’d like to know that this story was featured on an Elvis Collectors site this weekend. Great photo! I envy you! Just to stand next to The King would be awesome but to have him really kiss me! I’d probably have passed out!
Good site too.
Comment by izbel | October 6, 2008
This was on http://www.Elvis-Collectors.com. Tx!
Comment by Bluesuede11 | October 6, 2008