Elvis was the single biggest, best, most talented, charismatic singer there has ever been. He had everything great looking, talent to die for, moved like a jungle cat, the man just oozed Charisma.
Charlie Hodge was a really faithful friend of Elvis, till the very end. He was a talented man & his harmony with Elvis blends in beautifully. Elvis was blessed to have Charlie as a friend & musician partner.❤❤❤ R.I.P Mr.Charlie Hodge. God Bless your family.
My wish is that everyone could just stop debating the prescription drug use and why he died, and just talk about what a great talent Elvis was. Talk about that voice of his. Talk about his generosity. Talk about what a beautiful person he was, on the outside and the inside. Let's talk about all the charities that Elvis gave to that no one even knows about. Let's talk about the trend setter that he was. Let's talk about his loyalty to his fans, family and even that darn Colonel Parker who worked him to death. Let's talk about how Elvis was a pioneer in so many ways, the first to accomplish so many different things. Let's talk about the humble and caring person that he was. Let's talk about what a gifted performer that he was. I just don't understand why everyone has to debate it into the ground about the drug use, when there is so much more to talk about on Elvis Presley. I would really like for the younger generations to hear about those things, not just that he was addicted to prescription drugs. Yes it happened to him, just like so many others. But let's give the new Elvis fans something more to learn about Elvis Presley than the drug use.
Absolutely, no one is or will ever be perfect, they should have never pounded this prescription thing, I believe the Colonel and Dr. Nick were 100% in cahoots to profit at Elvis’ expense. I believe he died of sheer exhaustion and stress trying to please everyone. Dr. Nick (his personal physician) was eventually indicted for malpractice with the prescriptions he wrote “for” Elvis. That should be the end of anyone’s doubt on this subject. Your comment is perfect and the truth, I have studied Elvis almost 45 of my 57 years, probably have over 50 books, records, CD’s, and movies of him and those who played his role (Kurt Russell in 1979 up to Austin Butler 2022). He will remain unmatched in talent. I simply love the guy. Been to Graceland once and am going again this year✝️🙏
Yes, but if we can help a struggling artist or musician today that is dealing with drug abuse then drug awareness is needed. We shouldn't brush it under the rug and make believe it doesn't kill people. Elvis was afraid tk talk about it because he though it would make his image or ego appear weak.
@@forrestsaxon3707 you can believe in Santa Claus if you want to, but Dr. Nick and Parker were not "in cahoots." If you have really read every book then you know that. There's absolutely no proof of that whatsoever. If you claim that there is, then kindly just list which books, and the page numbers where that is written. It seems like you're one of many who have seen the fantastic new movie, but think it's fact. It isn't literal.
I suffer from chonic pain from a car accident when I was 17. I have taken prescribed pain meds since my accident. I needed them to relieve my pain so I can function normally such as work, laugh & play. Some doctors over the years believe me about my pain & others say I'm addicted......I never abused the pain pills ever.......but after 2008 I had trouble getting help for my pain because my prescribing doctor moved to Egypt he was actually a doctor that treated addiction & pain. He is the first doctor to say I wasn't addicted that I was in chronic pain. Well after he left I ran out of my last prescription of pain meds 2 months later! Now if i was addicted I would not have been able to stretch my prescription out an extra month! I just want people to realize that there is a difference between chronic pain & addiction. I don't know what Elvis did but I want to think he took his prescriptions like he was supposed too. I understand that he may have taken extra when the pain wasn't subsided that is because he wasn't dosed properly for someone who wasin chronic pain I believe.
Thank you for giving the rest of the story Charlie hodges. Elvis was like anyone else with health problems. It was his time to go, rest in peace elvis.
I'm a little shocked he's so deluded. Literally every person in his orbit knew what Elvis was taking because they were often taking the same drugs -- I'm talking about uppers and downers. Serious opioids. Not medicine for his issues.
It’s the first time I hear this very clear explanations for Elvis physical transformations. And I absolutely believe that. Although it’s so sad to realize all his strong pains. He was so brave and generous to continue despite his horrible sufferers. For ever with us! 🤴🏻🕺🏻🎸♥️
Yeah, this man is protecting Elvis, other folks that toured with him and were in his inner circle have told over and over how they ALL used uppers to stay up all night and then downers to sleep. And if Elvis only used “necessary drugs” why was he prescribed over 9000 pills, injections and IVs in his last month of life? NOBODY needs that many drugs!!
I didn't know that Charlie had lung cancer and passed in 2006 then. I'm very sorry. He was only 71. Joe Esposito passed also 10 years later. Sonny and Red West,Lamer Fike they all passed away. Rest in Peace. I still miss Elvis so very much.
Back in the 70's all the nightclubs were filled with cigarette smoke. It was horrible for me as a non smoker so I avoided places like that but still you were always exposed. I am sure it was not great for Elvis or anybody who worked there.
Alanna Nash wrote a book and she said she met with a lot of resistance in trying to get info. Elvis is a huge industry in Memphis and no one wants anyone poking around. I am a huge fan of Elvis and disappointed in the drug use and how he treated women under the influence but he was generous and his music will live on forever and I will always listen to it
The reason Elvis worked so hard right up til the end is he knew all of those 84 people Charlie spoke of were counting on him for a living. Never ever lazy always a good soldier he did what he felt he had to do to make everyone that was counting on him happy. That was a tall order and with all of his health problems, his heart couldn't take it anymore. Like Charlie said you never hear the whole story.
Some people will always want to point the finger. He died 6 weeks into a vacation that's not working to death for a 42 year old, that's how he lived for years, playing around 40 dates a year and the rest of the time was vacation/ party time. He wasn't endlessly on the TV doing chat shows or anything, albums were recorded in a couple of day's, others were just put together as compilation's of previous recordings.. Only interviews were brief and often to promote a tour, it was a case of keep exposure to the absolute minimum, you want to see him buy a ticket.. He wasn't like other performers of the time touring for half the year, he preferred to stay in one place, saved endless traveling.. His most work was done up until the end of 1956 after that he was established and the minimum work for maximum pay system was in play.. People need to except someone for who they were.. You hear crap about being forced to work to pay off debts it's ridiculous.. This is the same man who says hey guys let's all get Harley's, let's all have pickups, let's all have a horse each, what about matching caddys.. A Memphis mafia guys getting married I'll buy them a house and a car each as a wedding gift because I'm broke.. In 1956 he gave away a 5000 dollar ring as a door prize.. 5000 dollars in 1956, about the price of 2 new cars at the time.. He bought his private Doctor a house and a caddilac, his cook a house.. The man always paid his taxes, there was never any suggestion of any tax avoidance associated with Elvis or his manager, like a lot of other stars of the time... Elvis couldn't spend money fast enough. I'd heard he had 5m in the bank when he died, that was ready cash, he obviously had other properties his planes cars and everything else.. I was surprised he had anything.. All that said he was a great singer and influenced a generation but was a very flawed person with big problems
Wow at last someone yelling the truth I've never seen this before rest in peace you lovely faithful friend to my elvis hope your joking again in heaven xx
Elvis was a good person. And a kind and generous soul who suffered in silence. Nothing wrong with taking medicine for your health. I love elvis may he rest in peace. Until we meet again. 🙂💕🕯
Wow this is quite enlightening. But Elvis was otherwise perfect in every way ..perfect looks..and perfect entertainer..perfect everything. Too bad we lost him so young.
He was the best entertainer ever. He always gave his best to his fans up until his last performance. I am still a fan and always will be. He is missed by many
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
@@philipswilson You know a lot, but you don't have a clue about the art of Elvis Presley, do you? Elvis is the only musician in the "hall of fame of music" - because his voice is incredibly diverse. Elvis developed his own dance style. Elvis created his own style of music with R&B (music historians also say that Elvis invented the pop sound). Do you know that the media called Elvis Presley "King of Pop" back in the 60's? There are original reports of it from the 60s. According to historians, Elvis Presley totally changed the world of young people and made a new era possible. In 2018, Elvis Presley was posthumously awarded the Peace Medal for Great Worldwide Influence. With 3000 music awards to date, Elvis has the most awards in the music world. Would you like more examples? Anyone who explains Elvis' art as simple (I've never heard of anyone else either) has no real idea about art.
Thank you, Charlie. I have loved EP since I was 8 and now I am 74. Having read close to 400 books on the King, I know that everything you say is true. Also, Gladys Smith's parents were first cousins which handed down so many physical ailments to Elvis who suffered more than any of us will ever know. Rest in Peace.
Elvis was a beautiful sole he loved entertaining people and always gave his all love you Elvis always have and always will king then and king forever 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Yes i agree we lost a kind giving and loving person and Elvis is and was the most important part of Elviss fans who he adored and we will always Remember and love you Elvis forever and always AMEN God bless and keep you safe Elvis Amen
I agree but it's not right either to hear someone deny a serious problem and justify a drug problem when so many people today in our country need to hear the truth about prescription drugs...the dangers.
@@lorichet That's because of the drugs to begin with. Dr. Nick was edited. Ended up with being suspended and then on parole for three years. Eventually lost his license. He overprescribed for others too. E. died from heart failure due to constipation created from opiates. Drugs cause liver damage. His intestines were damaged too. He had enough drugs in him to kill a horse. Doctor Nick owed him money on a loan too. I doubt Vernon was fond of him. There was also a dentist providing drugs. Today they would all be in jail, unless there would be another cover up. If you take bucket loads of drugs for years, you will end up with health problems. E. Was tough, because most people would not have lasted long.
@@earthkarma7420 Again, he had chronic constipation since he was a baby. He had liver dysfunction like his mother had long before he started on the meds. The autopsy showed that one side of his heart was larger than the other side. None of those things were caused by the meds. Dr. Nick was acquitted on all 11 counts of overprescribing addictive drugs. Do you really think you know more than the jury, who saw the actual medical records, did?
👑Elvis was a handsome man with a divine voice!!!! Elvis became ill in body and soul and he took more medications, than those mentioned by Charlie Hodge, to keep both physical-, mental- and sleeping problems down - as long as it was possible - it was so sad for the beaútiful Elvis!
I love Charlie almost as much as I loved Elvis. People who grew up with Elvis knew he was sick in those last years. My mom and I would talk about it because we were concerned for Elvis. Charlie was such a great friend to Elvis. He does not get the credit he deserves for making the tours and shows go as smoothly as they did. Elvis was fortunate to have his friendship.
@@jimcowan8770 True friends can say things to each other. Elvis did not tolerate that. No one apparently dared to put all their heads together and point out concerns. Too many different interests came into play
🤕😔 He must have stopped touring after Aloha to recover and get another way for his career. He needed someone to Love him, loved like a mother 💜 God rest his tormented soul 🙏💕
I'm sick of people fighting about the meds Elvis took....only thing that matters to me is WHO he was ~~~ and he was a wonderful, delightful man full of love for his fans....he gave the world the best music ever and gave all he had until the last day of his life....I appreciate him....will never be another to surpass his talent and charisma....Thanks Elvis.....
I agree Elvis was a very humble man he was raised to be respectful and caring he appreciated everything he had and tried to share it with everyone it stem from his upbringing that's why in the South were called Good Old boys and that he was. Also the fact that Elvis saved lots of memorabilia that his fans sent him into this day they're at Graceland on display. He cared very much for people and he had a god-given talent and nothing will ever change them facts.ELVISLIVES.
pay very close attention here Cindy, if songwriters didn't write the songs that Elvis sang, and also the colonel to promote Elvis to a white audience, you wouldn't know who Elvis was.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 it still took Elvis in particular to make those songs hits and to be the star the Colonel managed. Without Elvis neither the songwriters nor the Colonel would have made as much money as they did.
@@boldchick101 they only got as big s they did because of marketing. if you don't market a product, no one knows it exists. get up earlier the next time.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425I agree with you yet have to ask: Where was all the marketing in the 50's? Everyone was against Elvis because his dancing was offensive to the mommies and daddies of teenagers at that time. Elvis did not have a Twitter Account, Facebook or Instagram or full on tv exposure for that matter. Elvis only had the radio, magazines and news papers. It is much easier for artists to get exposure and therefore popularity today than it was in the 50's and 60's. The Colonel caused damage for Elvis as well. People liked Elvis after having met him in person and everyone found working with him easy because he was very humble and listened to other people's insights. When the Colonel got involved he tanked those relationships. The Colonel did not make Elvis, Elvis made Elvis. The only right moves the Colonel made was to release a few new songs of Elvis (that was pre-recorded) during his army service and to sign him up in Vegas in the beginning. Other than that the Colonel is responsible for putting Elvis in a rut and effectively dead ending his career in his prime. In fact, if Elvis upheld the firing of the Colonel and employed another manager I think his image at the time of his death would be much more positive. The Colonel did nothing to let Elvis' fans in on how sick Elvis was after he'd died, he just stopped working when there was nothing more in it for him. The Colonel is portrayed as some hero in the new Elvis movie, to my mind he was an opportunistic schmuck and a monster.
I appreciate his friend Charlie Hodge putting things in perspective. Elvis’ health condition required him to take specific meds for his health issues. What does not make sense is the thousands of meds Dr. Nick prescribed for Elvis in 1977 alone. This goes beyond blood pressure and other needed meds. He prescribed uppers and downers and sleeping meds and controlled substance meds etc etc. it’s all documented and this is why Dr. Nick lost his license ( although he should have also gone to jail). The amount of meds in poor Elvis’ system when he died was horrific. Dr. Nick and Parker could have put a stop to that but they were trying to satisfy Elvis because he was the money-maker. So very sad.
Yes tru. Elvis would go actively and seek narcotics interstate if he uad to . usually it happened if his doctor said no. He may not have been an illicit drug taker but he was a drug addict in every sense of the word. Many of his physical ailments were the result of side effects of over indulging in prescription drugs. Charlie Hodge sadly was still in denial many decades after Elvis passing.
Yeah. To me its so simple Elvis liked to get high he had doctors everywhere probably in most cities. They were to give elvis everything he needed. Im not defending Dr. nick but he had to go with elvis because when he didnt go elvis went crazy with other doctors prescribing pills. With nick there he regulated elvis intake of drugs. Elvis even talked about purchasing a drug store and owning it. If you read books on elvis early life friends would say that elvis stole diet pills from his mother because he liked the buzz and when he went into the army he was given uppers. Diet pills in the 50s contained meth. Charlie hodge saying elvis took pills because of health problems is lies because elvis was healthy in his early years. The problems elvis had was because of long term use of pain pills. Opiods cause stomach problems because you get constipation also liver problems because of aspirin opiods contain. There are many other doctors beside nick that elvis bought houses for and cadillacs. Elvis even knew the physicians desk reference book start to end. When he showed up at doctors houses he knew exactly what to grab. But Elvis was very addicted to pills.
@@boxerfan2 You are correct in everything you say. It is just such a sad story. He was a kind, generous man and he was so empathetic to people who struggled in life. He knew what it was to be poor. But there is no denying his biggest flaw was his inability to stop his addictions. Sad that he and his mother both passed in their early 40s.
@@Lakeshore14 and don't forget he offered his services to the Nixon administrations war on drugs with no hint of irony. He wanted to be a drug narc officer and he was offered an honorary badge. Elvis shared the belief which many ppl even today have and that is only illicit drugs are dangerous and addictive . In fact prescriptuon drugs continue to be by far the most abused drugs in society.
@@boxerfan2 yes, Hodges feels he needs to protect Elvis's reputation that's clear. So sad he had so many enablers around him..very sad. Those "prescription" drugs contributed to his health problems and his death.
Thank you Charlie Hodge! Charlie told it like it was. No human being is to judge another! The media was a problem then and has only become worse over time. God Bless Charlie Hodge. A true friend to the greatest voice music ever had. 👍🙏👍
Telling the truth is not bashing. If the guys had been more honest maybe Elvis would have lived longer. Charlie said it himself, he didn't want to ruffle the feathers of his boss. I personally would have cared more regarding E's health. His doctors were also harming other people to. All unethical doctors and enabling co-worker's.
Charlie explains this very well..i have high blood pressure but i don’t take the pills because they interfere with the antidepressants i take..i’ve reached 52 so far..Elvis will always be King.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
Charlie also recorded their phone calls. He can't sell them now as Lisa settled all the debts owed her dad. And tried, almost all the wrongs done to Elvis.
Ohhh Charlie, you're leaving out a whole lot of the rest of the story. How many people who were as close if not even closer to Elvis than you were, how many of them have all told similar stories about how out of control Elvis was with his "prescriptions". And you can't blame the media on this one. You've got Red West, Sonny West, his cousin Billy, Larry Geller, Dave Heblar, Jerry Shilling, Marty Lacker, Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike (and that's a list just off the top of my head) ALL on video. And that bit about having everyone's prescriptions in his name for tax write off purposes ? Please... By the way, I've been a huge Elvis fan since I was a kid back in the late 60s.
I knew Elvis never took street drugs! Shame on the lies.. Long love Elvis. Thank You Charlie. I was young when Elvis passed and still miss him no one can ever replace him.
What a wonderful, wonderful friend Charlie was to Elvis. You could nearly feel his live for him while on stage. Two beautiful human beings may you both rest in everlasting peace. Elvis certainly needed rest.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
I have been following Elvis' career/story for decades, like many, "millions" of Elvis' fans. I have always thought, keep reading the stories, keep watching the videos, float through all the "good, bad, and ugly" of his story because one day the facts, the truths will eventually surface; sooner than later, we hope. Thank you for sharing this video clip with us. Thank you, Charlie Hodge, and Elvis Presley. Rest in Peace, Gentlemen.
For my money, the clearest, least biased picture of who EP was and what his life was like lies in Peter Guralnick's 2 tome biography of the King ("Last Train to Memphis" and "Careless Love").
@@realworkoutsforrealpeople743 that is for new reading material. Have u read Sally A.Hoedel' destined to die young? I have lots of reading to do. Thanks
Yes indeed Elvis fought to continue and we will always Remember and love you Elvis forever and always AMEN Sending much love to you Elvis you are still a legend May God Bless you Elvis You are a one in a million AMEN
I knew Elvis had to be in pain, it was obvious his health was failing him. Elvis gave until he couldn't give anymore. Nobody know's when God is going to call them home but with all of the health problem's Elvis probably knew how sick he was. A lot of people really loved Elvis and still do, he was the best entertainer ever and the most beautiful person inside and out. RIP ELVIS WE STILL LOVE YOU AND ALWAY'S WILL!!!!
Thank you for your comment. I totally agree. As for his health problems: He knew he wasn't going to get very old. He once estimated that he might only have three or four years to live. And that's exactly how it turned out!
@@johannapax5233 When I was in college Elvis was used as an example for self fulfilling prophecy. It was told that Elvis had said he wouldn't live any longer than his mother did. It was in my psychology book, whether it was true or not I don't know. I really love the way Charlie Hodge is standing up for Elvis. It would be very nice if other friend's had just done their best to be a friend and stand. I know about a twisted colon. My daughter has crohn's disease and she had her colon removed when she was 17. Crohn's disease is very painful and she has lived with it for 41 year's now and I can tell you I've seen her suffer and it's been very hard for her and myself as her mother. The doctor told me she wouldn't live past 30 and she turned 48 in December. I didn't listen to the doctor I went to God in prayer. She's actually a miracle she barely has any intestine's left. It's a horrible pain and disease, it's hard to diagnose, Elvis could've had crohn's or several other IBD. A lot of possibilitie's, don't judge, you may yourself become ill. Just be happy for the good time's for Elvis.
@@sandramaggard2962 Many thanks for your response! "Do not judge", exactly! That is also my motto! and that's exactly what I practice very seriously also with people who do. I just find it difficult sometimes to see how many people keep emphasizing the seemingly negative aspects of E's life. I always find it sad and superficial and unjust! He doesn't deserve it. No one deserves such a thing! And certainly not someone who has brought so much joy, happiness and even healing into the lives of others! Isn't it also an American tradition to honor the dead and celebrate their lives? So why do these people focus on the negative aspects in his life for decades? Thank you for your story about your daughter! She is so strong and brave! God bless her and you!
@@johannapax5233 Thank you Johanna. I love how Charlie Hodge stand's up for Elvis, it's just really sad how fast people are to judge. Especially the people who are suppose to be your friend. God bless you and your family Johanna, He has never failed myself and my family and I know He never will. He gave His only begotten Son so that we might live, I believe Elvis is with them now. Amen
I like how this man is referring to prescription medications for what they are! Not one person around Elvis took the time to remember this, except those that wanted excuses for what or why they did while being in Elvis’s life, those people are people that was looking to come out as angels, but in fact are devious liars. Thank god this man spoke up on behalf of Elvis like the people closest to him should have. Now R I P Elvis .
Don't forget that Elvis was contracted to play TWO shows per night, 6-7 days a week for several years in the early to mid 70s- the sheer consistent dehydration played havoc with his kidneys, the stage lighting damaged his eyes- there's so much that added up to culminate in Elvis steadily falling apart.
One thing I can always say about Charlie Hodge is he spoke about Elvis with honor & respect; that's a loyal friend! Elvis carried such a heavy life load & suffered in silence with so much, it is a wonder how he could function as well as he did for the length of time that we had him. Totally remarkable! Truly, God had His hand imprinted on him; & Elvis undoubtedly impacted our hearts for a lifetime, because of it. Regardless of the life struggles, Elvis set so many people's lives with joy & content; I don't think he could ever know or understand the degree of it. Elvis was a beautiful, once in a lifetime affect & he can never be replicated. Such a unique, caring & generous soul. 💋 I'll miss him here forever, until I see him again ✝💖 This was wonderful footage of Charlie talking about his friend; Thank you! 👏
Thank You Charlie for clearing up the bad gossip and false accusations against this absolutely BEAUTIFUL Man...he was Handsome, Polite, Well-mannered, Respectful and MORE...he gave more than 100% of himself to everything and everyone...it was and is time, that his name gets cleared from all the Ugly Media Words published, just to sell and make money off of The King of ALL !!!...For he was Beautiful in and out and there will NEVER be another Elvis Presley...may he Rest in Peace now🙏
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
Charlie was a true loyal friend ! To the end and even after Elvis’s death he has continued to be a loyal friend. Charlie is saying in this interview what is just coming to light today, Elvis was destined to have a short life due to medical limitations at the time. It is just coming out today that Elvis’s uncles all died at an early age as his mother, nobody in the seventies knew anything about the genes that are passed down in a family. Charlie was a blessing to Elvis, true friend.
If you were true friends wouldnt you do your utmost to get him to hospital to take care ofhis twisted colon etc. Why didnt y'all try and encourage or warn him that his life would be cut short if he didnt do something about all those problems. Surely life is worth more than all the money in the world. It is so heartbreaking coz he was in his prime😢 and what a huge waste of talent
@@iimanavatar61 At the time , technology is not what it is today, the tests that would catch these things now, was not available in the 70’s, Elvis had all the money one could need to take care of these problems if it were 2022. But in the 70’s they could not run tests for the troubles with his colon, because technology wasn’t what it is today ! Along with the fact that no one really understood how genetics and the fact that his grandparents were first cousins could be detrimental to his life. Someone also commented that if Charlie was such a good friend why did he not stop Elvis from taking drugs, I think he did what he could, but in the end he had too many people who get get him what he wanted, others who tried to get involved got fired.
Very intelligent explanation. I thought elvis only did what was absolutely necessary but nevertheless he gave his fans his all! Wonderful and magnificent elvis!
Media is the most dangerous poison !! And being a famous wonderfull person like our Elvis was attacked non stop by this MSM poison!! Thanks Charlie Hodge❤️You were a true close friend to the most wonderfull, beautifull, talented man who ever walked this globe ! Our beloved Elvis ❤️he will always be with us for many many generations to come 💙😇💙RIP my dear boy🌹
Yes Marlene, yet his self-serving ex-wife, the girlfriends and traitor-friends did a lot of damage with their attention-seeking books that made money off if his name, did some horrible damage to his image as well.
@@ds6165 can't say I agree.He had a wonderful power to his voice to the end. A lot of the physical energy was gone of course but listen to Hurt and My Way from the 1977 concerts and you can see the power is still there.But personally I think he was too physically ill to be on stage at that point.
Amazing video thank you for sharing. Now in 2023 we are living the daily effects of biased newscasters. Make the story juicy to keep your ratings high feed a little truth but spice it up with a lot more of assumptions. Elvis was totally amazing but in the end he was mortal like us all so just enjoy his talents and his amazing voice as I do every single day. Love you Elvis ❤❤❤❤
Love Charlie!!! What a wonderful caring friend He was to Elvis!!!! Speaking the TRUTH!!! People need to STOP Judging Demeaning Elvis.... It breaks my heart when I read SO CALLED FANS THAT SAY THEY LOVE ELVIS BUT STILL DEMEAN HIM.... THAT'S NOT LOVE!!! ELVIS WAS SICK VERY SICK.... REST IN PEACE ELVIS AARON PRESLEY AND CHARLIE HODGE NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!!!!!
The pressure he must have been under, had to be incomprehensible. So much is made of the prescription drugs, and this was back before we really knew the damage they could do. The ailments described here, and still expected to perform, provide also for all people that depended on him. The media was cruel, describing him as fat and 40 they didn’t care about the person… he gave so much to so many and his memory still is. No one will ever compare.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
Grande CHARLIE HODGE , l’unico vero amico leale , era più di un fratello per ELVIS, si sono ha voluti bene e si sono rispettati sempre . Ti voglio bene ZIO ❤️❤️❤️
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
thank you so much charlie hodge for making it clear what those drugs were for thus clearing elvis name. i knew from the videos how sick elvis was he wasnt fat he was bloated because he was sick. it pains me so much looking at him like that i love elvis and i miss him so so much. he will never be forgotten just thinking of him makes me cry❤️❤️
Hello from England Only those who were there would have the experience to talk about that time like Charlie and he has been gone over 15 years. Looking back at the life of Elvis during the early years of touring from 1954-1958 just before he was drafted he must have done 500 hundred shows with Scotty, Bill and DJ and they would travel by car North, South, East and West and would do 2 shows, and sometimes 3 shows a day. They never slept so that must have been a strain on Elvis. He had his film career and i can only imagine he would never sleep and then the Vegas years doing a dinner show and a midnight show for days on end. No HUMAN can keep that up for weeks on end. He WAS WORN OUT BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY and looking back in hindsight we could all say - we could have helped him but that was not ELVIS He just loved going out on stage entertaining the fans TO THE END and OH YES RIGHT TO THE END. I cannot think of anyone before, then or since that was so COMITTED TO DO THIS.
Thats exactly right. Some people say he took the drugs because he liked the way it made him feel. All the people who talk about Elvis being addicted to drugs fail to understand without taking something to keep him going, he would never have been able to keep the schedule that he was keeping. He felt like he had to keep going in order to be able to take care of all of those people that he supported financially.
What Charlie said about the inherent family illnesses is true. And I believe that this has been backed up in the new book called destined to die young.
YES! It is true his Grandparents were cousins and Elvis had autoimmune issues with his sleeping, bowel and immune system - his mum was dead at 46 and her brother all died in their 50s.
And what patients don’t realize and doctors never mention because they want you to take the meds, or some may not even know, that high blood pressure meds not only slow your heart rate and blood flow but they also inadvertently cut your metabolism in half thereby causing plenty of excessive weight gain like between 25-45 lbs within first two years
Charlie did a good job of describing Elvis’s ailments. We are talking 50 years ago . Some of the drugs today are more efficient and with much better results compare to the 70’s. Despite his ailments Elvis was still a young man. I am convinced Elvis would be alive today with those very same ailments all very treatable.
Charlie is a true friend. And I love the way he put all these false truths in perspective. Elvis was a very sick man. Thank you Charlie...for giving Elvis his water and scarves....
@@saphireblue3563 You don't have to stay and look the other way while a man kills himself with drugs, food, etc. A man with character would have said something, tried to help and if Elvis continued to abuse himself, then would have chosen to leave. What I said reflects a man's character or lack thereof.Most of those guys hung on for easy money.
@@peggyon1 I don't think Charlie meant that they didn't say ANYTHING. I think he meant that you could not press the issue too hard or you might run the risk of being fired. Priscilla said that after the divorce she along with the others DID try to talk Elvis into getting help. I don't see how Charlie leaving Elvis, especially when he was surrounded by guys who didn't give a damn about him, would have helped anything.
@@saphireblue3563 I respect Jerry Schilling walking away as a way of telegraphing to Elvis that he did not want to stand by and watch a slow suicide. It really is the only way to deal with someone who resists treatment. One must remove themselves and stop indulging in the money Elvis provided. It is taking a stand and it is often 'inconvenient'.
Not very many people knew how sick Elvis really was. I believe he hid a lot. I agree he was in pain. Elvis had many health issues. His gene pool was not very helpful. Elvis how much we still miss you. RIP ❤❤❤❤❤
Charlie Hodge knew Elvis better than anyone else so he knows what he is talking about and Charlie sang harmony with Elvis countless times so he knows better than anyone else about Elvis The King Of Rock N Roll. . . . . . .
Elvis was very ill in the time before he passed away. His management kept him working when he was better off recovering his health. He was a young man, only 42 years old.
Elvis wanted to keep working! Bottom line. Even if not in his best interest. Of course he needed the money, he could have been a billionaire, if he wasn’t so generous. But he wasn’t. He wanted to provide for his family , especially Lisa. But most of all he loved the fans, especially in his middle age he needed for his self esteem. He lived for that. And maybe in a way that was for the best for his sake. He would have just gotten more bored , and depressed, even if he got his Heath back.,. . That was his life
Thank you Charlie for claryfing this but those of us who truly loved Elvis never listened to the media anyway ! You are right anything to make a headline or get a few bucks slandering Elvis'name Long live the King!
There’s a book recently written by a lady author not sure of her name , it’s called Destined to Die young , it lends itself to Charlie’s story in that he needed medical prescriptions to deal with a host of ailments I think had Elvis been forty today doctors would have gotten to his heart condition in particular sooner & I fully understand about telling your boss what to do as he said “ you only do it once” a great friend loyal to the end would love to have met him . Great vid best wishes from 🇮🇪 TCB
The book is by Sally Hoedel. She is the only one that nailed it on the head with Elvis health issues. It was hereditary. His family line had very few people that lived long. He took the pills to try and get himself normal which of course never happened. She traces his family line back and all their health issues. She has brought out the truth. She found info that was there but other authors never wanted to tell about it or never bothered to look for it. Sally's book is a must have if you want the truth in the last days of Elvis' life as well as the family history.
RIP Charley, I know you're so happy to be with your best friend again! I know he's happy to have his partner in crime back. Bet you two are playing pranks on the guys right now. Lol You and your funny stories will be sorely missed, as well as the loyalty you've shown since he's gone.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
That was very insightful. I, along with any people were believing what the newspapers said that Elvis was on uppers and downers. I'm glad this man straightened it out.
I saw Elvis in Las Vegas. I think it was 1975. He called for the spotlight to be turned off. He was quite vehement about it. Now I know why. His eyes were hurting from the bright light. When he asked the spotlight to be turned off it didn't happen right away. What happened then was interesting - audience members started shouting "turn off the spotlight." It was finally turned off. Elvis gave another great performance, as always. Charlie forgot to mention the insomnia that he was also medicating for.
Simple music can make you sing simple hug can make you feel better simple things can make you happy, i hope my simple Hello brings smile to your face!.
Elvis was my idol when I was almost ten years old I am now 73 and I still admire and idolize Elvis and probably always will .I still miss the man and always will
His mother who he adored died ,he had bad management and few close friends the rest took advantage of him .I think that had a lot to do about his additions which led to poor health .However he was my favorite since 1956 and i still listen to his songs especially his old ones .
