Success! Over 3000 lbs of Food Donated!

Introduction

ETA Cameron Michael Caton, also known as C-Elvis or CoVid Elvis, by Hamilton and area residents, hoped his free Pop-Up show in Eleanor Park, Hamilton, ON, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, would beat last year’s record of almost 1,900lbs in non-perishable food donations in a single day. Before Cameron even sang a single note, it was obvious that those who came out to see Cameron’s fabulous show meant to ensure that donations surpassed the 2000lb mark. A truck from the food bank was at the ready to load up the donations—even before the show began, in anticipation of the generosity of the people of Hamilton and Elvis fans. The final total: 3806 lbs! Well done, everyone!

I wrote last week about Cameron’s talent as an artist and made some comparisons between Cameron and Elvis. Last night was the 45th anniversary of Elvis’s passing, and Cameron paid tribute and gave recognition to Elvis. At the request of Nancy and Stephan who drove 7 hours from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, to see Cameron’s show, Cameron sang “Amazing Grace”. It was one of two moments during an evening filled with fun, music, dance and tribute that stood out for me. The other memorable, and heartfelt, moment came when Cameron shared a beautiful passage that he wrote and saved to his phone so he would not forget a word. With Cameron’s permission, I am pleased to share the following with you.

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen

I wrote this all down because I didn't want to forget what I wanted to say because so often my thoughts jump the tracks.

My name is Cameron Michael Caton, aka CoVid-Elvis, and I want to thank you all for being here this evening at our 7th Pop-Up Food Drive on this the 45th Anniversary of the King Elvis Presley's untimely passing.

For the last 2 and a quarter years I've had privilege and honor of doing something I would have never imagined doing. Who would have thought a global pandemic, a jumpsuit, and singing the songs of Elvis Presley would have put us on such a journey?

In doing so we've been able to use our gift in helping so many people, and not just throughout Hamilton but in other cities as well, who find it increasingly difficult to simply survive on a day-to-day basis.  No one should go without the basic needs and essentials such as food, no one should go to bed hungry, no woman, man, or child should go hungry in this country, or not be able to comb their hair or brush their teeth or have shelter to lay their head down at night with the comfort of knowing they are safe and protected from the elements. I can tell you that as a kid growing up with one parent working and a family of 6 we did not have a lot—no extras, but I can tell you we never went to bed or to school hungry or without a warm bed to sleep in.  Those are basic human essentials that sadly for many don't exist. For me, and as it should be for all, this does not sit well and I'll tell you why.

This is CANADA, a first world country and far too rich of a country for this to be happening! Of all the places to be born, I was born in Canada with many opportunities, and in doing so, won the gene pool lottery. I can think of no better place to be born in than Canada.  I was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Hamilton has been my home for almost 57 years.  Having said that, I've been given the opportunity to use my gift and do my part in making my city just a little better of a place than when I first arrived. When my time comes and I'm no longer on this side of life, I will take comfort in knowing—all be it as small as it may be, I have served value and purpose. I thank you for supporting us with all we started out doing a little over 2 years ago, all we've done and all we will continue to do, on this journey of helping others. This is something I have said from day one, "I am simply the spark that got the fire started and people are the fuel to keep it burning." And I will leave you with this, 'If you can only manage to do one thing today, let that one thing be kindness. Kindness for yourself and kindness for others because being kind takes no effort and the easiest thing we can do for one another.” Thank you, thank you so very, very much.

Editor’s Note: As I was preparing Cameron’s post, I was moved to tears by his honesty and heartfelt comments, especially when he spoke of ‘kindness’. It is a word that has all but disappeared from our vocabulary. Thank you, Cameron, for reminding us that in a world where we may feel powerless to heal all the ills, we can start by doing one kind deed for others (and for ourselves) each day—an attainable goal, and one with a ripple effect. Peace and love, everyone.

Thank you for coming to Cameron Caton's shows and showing kindness to all. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur and everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine.

Thank you for coming to Cameron Caton's shows and showing kindness to all. Best regards, Carolyn MacArthur and everyone at SIDEBURNS Magazine.

A ticket to Elvis Presley’s Cancelled Show

Introduction

Elvis on stage in Toronto, 1957

In January 2022, I posted a great video on Facebook that I found on YouTube called “Elvis Rocks Toronto”.  I knew that Elvis’s only concerts outside the USA were held in Canada—in Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario, and in Vancouver, British Columbia, since I had written about the shows in my 2019 article “Happy Birthday Canada”. It is the first time, however, that I have ever seen footage of Elvis’s live performance on stage at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in 1957, and it is amazing to watch! The video also contains an interview with a charming senior lady who received a front row ticket from her boss for Elvis’s Toronto concert. (To read the updated 2019 article and view the video, click here).

I enjoyed reading all the comments about my January post on Elvis’s concerts, but one comment in particular caught my eye.  I had written, “Unbelievable that ticket prices to see Elvis in Toronto in 1957 were $1.25, $1.75, $2.75, and $3.50!  Can you imagine that!” to which Elvis fan, Gloria Joyce, replied, “In 1977, they were $15.  Now we pay that much for the movies.”  And with Gloria’s comment, she included a photo of two tickets for Elvis’s 1977 concert. 

A photo of Gloria Joyce’s unused tickets to Elvis Presley’s concert.

I was delighted that Gloria shared a photo of her tickets and I had a couple of questions for her (not seeing the date on the tickets and thinking she had seen the concert): 

“Thank you for sharing, Gloria.  What do you remember about seeing Elvis in concert?  It must have been an unforgettable experience. Any chance you have photos? “ Gloria replied, “I didn’t actually see him, as this was for Friday and he died on Wednesday.  My friend and I were so sad.” (If you zoom on the tickets, you can see the date of the unused tickets).

It was the first time since the start of SB Mag that someone has commented that they purchased tickets for an Elvis concert that they never got to see.  Gloria’s tickets were for August 19th, 1977—three days before Elvis’s passing, so Gloria and her friend were not just sad about missing the concert, they were grieving the loss of Elvis with the rest of the world!

Elvis enters the stage for his Buffalo concert on April 5th, 1972.

Most people, and not just Elvis fans, remember where they were and how they felt when they heard the news that the King of Rock and Roll had died. I remember receiving a phone call from a friend on one of the saddest days in music history. In between sobs, Sandy managed to tell me the heart-breaking news. Life-long fans of Elvis, Sandy recalled the joy that she and her husband, Hank, felt in seeing Elvis’s concert in Buffalo, NY, on April 5th, 1972.

The number of concerts that Elvis booked in 1977 is astonishing. In an article written by David Troesdson, Elvis’s concerts and events in the months leading up to and the days following August 16th, 1977, are chronicled. David also included non-Elvis events of ‘77 in the original article, but I am offering an edited version that focuses on Elvis’s concerts. The entire article article by Davie Troesdson can be accessed by clicking here.

Editor’s Update: April 22nd, 2024

I had the pleasure of meeting Gloria and her husband at the 20024 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. During our conversation about the article I put together based on her unused ticket to Elvis’s cancelled concert, Gloria revealed that she and her friend has taken some of their grocery money to buy the tickets. When asked by a theatre staff member if she still had the ticket, Gloria replied, “I have a photo of the ticket, but my friend and I had to get a refund because we had young families and needed the money.” As a mom of three in the 1970s, I understand, Gloria; but my boy, my boy, that ticket would have been worth a pretty penny!

According to NOLOGOPRODCUTIONS, in “Elvis Presley and the Shows that Never Happened”, “tickets for that show were available for as little as $12.50 at the time and now change hands for hundreds and thousands of dollars”.  I think to Elvis fans, tickets to any Elvis concert, used or unused, are priceless (*or even a photo of one )!  Cheers, everyone!  C.M.

Kevin Mills Re-creates the Cancelled Concert

This photo of ETA Kevin Mills generated a lot of interest as fans of SB Mag tried to guess the identity of the “mystery ETA”.

Further research on the topic of cancelled tickets lead me to a very interesting event that occurred 40 years after the original concert was cancelled.  In 2017, ETA Kevin Mills recreated the cancelled concert in Utica, New York, at the Utica Auditorium. Happily, Gloria Joyce and her husband, John, were able to get tickets to Kevin’s “Aloha from Hawaii” concert. 

“The concert was great,” according to Gloria, but added, “Unfortunately no pictures or videos were allowed and he (Kevin Mills) was mobbed afterwards.  I did get to say hello when he was walking to the lobby, but didn’t get any pictures.  It was wall to wall people in that small lobby so we didn’t stay.”  But Gloria did get a souvenir:  “My son worked across the street from the Stanley Theater, so the next day he was able to score me a poster.”  On the evening of the concert, Gloria and John were interviewed in the lobby before the show for the Utica OD newspaper. 

Gloria Joyce saved an article about Kevin Mills’ show in 2017.

N.B. An interesting article written by Mark Sisti for the Observer-Dispatch, that covers ETA Kevin Mills’ 2017 concert, follows the article by David Troedson.

Lovingly Remembered World Wide

Article by David Troedson (Edited Version)

Elvis Presley and the Events of 1977

February 2 – News: Elvis Presley No-Shows RCA Recording Session Press Scimita

February 12 - Hollywood. Ca. Sprtatorium
February 13 - West Palm Beach. Fla. Auditorium
February 14 - St. Petersburg, Fla. Bay Front Center
February 15 - Orlando, Fla. Sports Stadium
February 16 - Montgomery. Ala. Garrett Coliseum
February 17 - Savannah, GA. Civic Center
February 18 - Columbia, S. Carolina. Carolina Coliseum
February 19 - Johnson City, Tenn. Civic Center Freedom Hall
February 20 - Charlotte, N. C. Coliseum
February 21 - Charlotte, N. C. Coliseum

Elvis, Ginger Alden, Lisa Marie, August 12, 1977.

March 3, 1977  After his February '77 tour, Elvis returned to Memphis. Elvis had planned a vacation in Hawaii in order to show the islands to Ginger Alden.  Before leaving, he takes care of several business matters, including a loan to Dr. Nick for an additional $55.000 at 7 percent interest with a repayment schedule of twenty-five years. Also, at his father's urging, in the early hours of the morning of March 3, Elvis finally signed his will, which designates Vernon as executor and trustee, entrusting to him total responsibility for the 'health education, comfortable maintenance and welfare' of himself, Grandma, and Lisa Marie, the sole heir. Ginger is witness to the will. Ginger Alden, a local beauty queen (Miss Traffic Safety, Miss Mid-South and runner-up Miss Tennessee University), has the distinction of being Elvis's last girlfriend and the last person to see him alive on the night he died. Elvis was introduced to Terry Alden, the reigning Miss Tennessee, by George Klein on November 19, 1976. Terry brought her two sisters, Rosemary and Ginger, with her. George thought it was Terry to whom Elvis would be attracted, but Elvis was immediately drawn to the youngest sister. Elvis's Saturday-night date with Ginger started as a flight to view the Memphis skyline but ended with a trip to Vegas, chaperoned by his cousin Patsy and her husband. Ginger called her mother for permission.

Elvis playing football in Hawaii, March, 1977.

Friday, March 4  Elvis and his party of thirty arrived in Hawaii, checking into the Hilton Rainbow Tower. After two days, Elvis and the Alden sisters and a couple of the guys move to a beach house at Kailua. (Read  Interview with Shirley Dieu)

March 12 A visit to the USS Arizona memorial is cancelled as Elvis prepares for an abruptly scheduled return to Memphis. He has gotten sand in his eye, and Dr. Nick, concerned that he may have scratched his cornea, suggests that he recuperate at home for a week or so before going out on tour once again.

March 23 - Tempe. Arizona. Arizona State Univ.

March 24 - Amarillo. Texas. Civic Center
March 25 - Norman, Oklahoma. Univ. Of Oklahoma
March 26 - Norman, Oklahoma. Univ. Of Oklahoma
March 27 - Abilene, Texas. Taylor County Coliseum
March 28 - Austin, Texas. Municipal Auditorium
March 29 - Alexandria, LA. Rapides Parish Coliseum
March 30 - Alexandria, LA. Rapides Parish Coliseum

April 1 - 5 Elvis is hospitalized in Memphis and tour shows scheduled for March 31-April 3 are canceled.

April 1 – Headline: Elvis Admitted To Baptist Hospital: Entertainer Elvis Presley was admitted to Baptist Hospital early today after canceling a show at the last minute in Baton Rouge, La., and flying to Memphis with complaints of intestinal flu.  The Memphis Press-Scimitar

April 6 – Headline:  Elvis at Home: Hospital on Call: Elvis Presley was released from Baptist Hospital at 4 am yesterday [April 5]...He decided to keep the [Hospital] rooms reserved...He is feeling fine and looking forward to returning to his personal appearance tours that begin April 21 at Greensboro, NC.  The Commercial Appeal

Elvis in his June 26, 1977 concert—his last.

April 21 - Greensboro, N. C. Coliseum
April 22 - Detroit, Michigan. Olympia Stadium
April 23 - Toledo, Ohio. Univ. of Toledo
April 24 - Ann Arbor, Michigan. Crisler Arena: RCA records live 'Unchained Melody' and 'Little Darlin' that will be released on the album Moody Blue.
April 25 - Saginaw, Michigan. Saginaw Center RCA records 'If You Love Me' that will be released on the album Moody Blue.
April 26 - Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wings Stadium
April 27 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Arena
April 28 - Green Bay, Wisconsin. Brown County Veterans
April 29 - Duluth, Minn. Duluth Arena
April 30 - St. Paul, Minn. Civic Center
May 1 - Chicago, Ill. Chicago Stadium
May 2 - Chicago, Ill. Chicago Stadium
May 3 - Saginaw, Michigan. Saginaw Center

May 20 - Knoxville, Tenn. Univ. Of Tennessee
May 21 - Louisville, Ky. Freedom Hall
May 22 - Largo, Md. Capital Center
May 22 - 60 second RCA Elvis radio commercials played in Australia (Welcome To My World)
May 23 - Providence, R.I. Civic Center
May 24 - Augusta, Maine. Civic Center
May 25 - Rochester, N.Y. Community War Memorial
May 26 - Binghamton. N.Y.

May 26  Elvis's private jet, the Lisa Marie, had just landed after a Rochester-to-Binghamton, N.Y. flight. Grob, the chief of security, had just warned Elvis that they were in a restricted gun-carry area.

It was about 3 a.m. May 26, and a crowd of fans and dignitaries, including Elvis's manager, Col. Tom Parker, and a high-ranking law officer, had gathered to welcome Elvis.

Elvis in karate outfit, 1974. Photo found on Pinterest.

Still wearing pajama-like karate gear, Elvis began descending the portable stairs when the crowd started cheering as a spotlight hit him. As he lifted his arms to acknowledge the reception, two loaded semiautomatic Colt pistols fell from his waistband and bounced down the steps. 'Elvis had a sheepish grin as he came down'.

Waiting was the local police chief or ranking officer. Elvis ‘completely disarmed the man by shaking his hand and introducing himself. The guy handed him the guns and said, “I believe these are yours Mr. Presley.” Elvis stuck 'em back in his waistband’. The guns are now on display at Graceland. At another concert, around the same time, a loaded .22-caliber derringer popped out of one of Elvis's stage boots and bounced on the stage right in front of rhythm guitarist John Wilkinson, 'who did not like guns'. It was retrieved about 20 minutes later.

May 27 - Binghamton. N.Y.
May 28 -  Philadelphia, Pa. Spectrum
May 29 - Baltimore, Md. Civic Center
May 29 - 60 second RCA Elvis radio commercials played in Australia (Welcome To My World)
May 30 - Jacksonville, Fla. Coliseum

The last four shows of the March/April 1977 tour (Baton Rouge, Mobile, Macon, Jacksonville) were cancelled. These shows were then rescheduled at the end of the late May/June 1977 tour. However, these tickets were printed with the planning being that Elvis was to perform in Asheville on May 30, 1977.  If you look at the list below of the planned August 1977 tour you can see that Elvis was to perform there on August 26, 1977. So this date was pushed back the Asheville show until August due to this scheduling. Of course, the August show in Asheville never took place because Elvis died. The tickets for the May 1977 Asheville show were printed and on sale prior to the original cancellation of the late March / early April 1977 shows.

May 31 - Baton Rouge, La. La State University

June 1 - 2 Elvis tours in concert.

June 1 - Macon, Ga. Coliseum
June 2 - Mobile, Ala. Municipal Auditorium

June - The Single 'Way Down' released - Highest chart position #18 U.K. #1 AU #6
June - President Carter visits Australia

June 17 - 26 - Elvis tours in concert.  Shows on June 19, 20, and 21 are recorded by RCA and videotaped by CBS-TV for an upcoming live album and television special. Footage from the show on the 20th is not used in the show. The special will be called 'Elvis in Concert'. It will air in early October after Elvis' death in August. The camera gives a shocking picture of Elvis's poor health in his final days. Still, some of the song performances are great. He still had his voice.

June 17 - June 25 Elvis tours in concert.

June 17 - Springfield, Mo. Southwest Mo. State Univ.
June 18 - Kansas City, Mo. Kemper Arena

June 19 - Omaha, Nebraska. Omaha Civic Center Recorded by RCA for Elvis in Concert

June 20 - Lincoln, Neb. Perishing Municipal Auditorium
June 21 - Rapid City, S.D. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Recorded by RCA for Elvis in Concert. The new Civic Center, which was constructed 5 years after a devastating flood roared through Rapid City, SD, June 9 and 10, 1972, killing over 235 people, and the appearance by Elvis was considered a personal contribution to the city's recovery from the King.
June 22 - Sioux Falls, S.D. Sioux Falls Arena
June 23 - Des Moines, Iowa. Veteran's Memorial Auditorium
June 24 - Madison, Wisc. Dane County Coliseum
June 25 - Cincinnati, Ohio. Riverfront Coliseum
June 26, - Indianapolis, Indiana Market Square Arena - Elvis's very last concert performance

June 27 - August 15 Elvis relaxes in Memphis and prepares for the next leg of touring for 1977
June 30 - The United States introduces Cruise missiles to replace the B-1 bomber
July - The album Moody Blue released - Highest chart position U.S. #3 U.K. #3 AU. #3
July 22 - MOSCOW (AP) - Pity Poor Elvis - So Say Reds 'To hear the Soviets tell it, rock star Elvis Presley is now a broken and forgotten man demonstrating to the world the heartlessness of the American system of exploitation. ...Today this 42-year-old man has lost his taste for life '...
August 1 - The book 'Elvis - What happened?' released
August 11, Elvis pays his respects to his mother at Forest Hill Cemetery.
August 12  Elvis was unable to get a copy of the film “Star Wars” to view with his daughter Lisa Marie, so they watched the James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me” instead. (Star Wars was released to theaters in the US on May 25, 1977).  As they came home, Lisa was sitting on Ginger Alden's lap, holding her bag of popcorn from the theatre.

Last photo of Elvis on August 16, 1977.

Shortly after midnight, Elvis returns to Graceland from a late-night visit to the dentist. The photo below is the last known photo of Elvis taken on his return from the dentist.

Through the early morning of the 16th Elvis takes care of last-minute tour details and relaxes with family and staff. He is to fly to Portland, Maine that night and do a show there on the 17th, then continue the scheduled tour. Elvis retires to his master suite at Graceland around 7:00 AM to rest for his evening flight.  By late morning, Elvis Presley is dead of heart failure. The news is announced by mid-afternoon. In a matter of hours the shock registers around the world.

'A Memphis Fire Department ambulance from Engine House 29 at 2147 Elvis Presley Boulevard responded to the call at 2:33 pm and by 2:56 pm had taken Presley to the emergency room at Baptist Hospital, seven miles away from his Whitehaven home' 'It was just a routine call. Someone was having difficulty breathing at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. Such calls had come in before when people had collapsed on the street as they waited to catch a glimpse of their singing idol. The call was received by the normal procedure, said Charlie Crosby, an emergency medical technician. We only knew it was his house'. - The Commercial Appeal

Elvis in his last concert in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Market Square Arena, June 26, 1977.

The News Headlines

Death Captures Crown of Rock and Roll - The Commercial Appeal - 'The ambulance hit the gate as it was going in [to Graceland] ... There was severe cardiovascular disease present ... Dr. Fransisco said ... there was no indication of drug abuse of any kind. He said the only evidence of drugs involved those Presley was taking for his physical condition '...

A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Boulevard - Memphis Press-Scimitar

Rock Idol Elvis Presley Dies at 42 - The Washington Post - Elvis Presley, who revolutionized American popular music with his earthy singing style and became a hero to two generations of rock 'n' roll fans, died yesterday in Memphis, Tenn. He was 42.

Reaction among fans, performers and music industry executives elsewhere was also emotional. In Santiago, Chile, newspapers stopped the presses and radio stations changed their evening programming to recount the life of 'El Rey de Rock 'n' Roll'. In Memphis, the telephone system was reported unable to handle the volume of calls coming into the city from around the country. Hundreds of weeping fans gathered outside Baptist Memorial and Graceland Mansion last night.

Two European radio stations also suspended regular programming as soon as Presley's death was announced. Radio Luxembourg, the continent's most widely listened-to pop station, canceled all its commercials to play Presley's music nonstop.

'This is the end of rock 'n' roll', said Bob Moore Merlis, an executive with Warner Bros. Records, who compiled an anthology of Presley's early material several years ago for RCA.

“The void he will leave is impossible to gauge”, said Pat Boone.

One Hour Battle Fails...King Elvis Dies - The Herald (Australia)

Fans Fight To Peer At Elvis - The Herald, Late edition (Australia)

Fat, 42 And Fazed - The Sun (Australia) - 'He couldn't sing anymore', 'His stage appearances were a joke because his stomach bulged over his gold lame, sequined suits' 'Presley's movie career ended in 1969 after about 60 films, all with roughly the same plot'.  [From John Fraser in New York.]

Elvis Presley Is Dead - Daily Mirror (England)

Rocks First Superstar Elvis Presley, 42, Dies - Rocky Mountain News

King Elvis Dead - The Sun (England)

All Roads Lead to Memphis - Evening Standard (England)

August 17 - Elvis was to have begun another tour, starting with a concert in Portland, Maine

Cancelled Tour Dates

*August 19, 1977 - Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica, NY - Gloria (seen her with her husband in a recent photo) and her friend had tickets for this concert in Utica, NY.

August 17, 1977 - Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine
August 18, 1977 - Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland, Maine
August 19, 1977 - Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica, NY*
August 20, 1977 - Onondaga County War Memorial, Syracuse, NY
August 21, 1977 - Civic Center, Hartford, Connecticut
August 22, 1977 - Nassau Veterans Coliseum, Uniondale, NY
August 23, 1977 - University Of Kentucky Rupp Arena, Lexington, Kentucky
August 24, 1977 - Roanoke Civic Center, Roanoke, Virginia
August 25, 1977 - Cumberland County Memorial Arena, Fayetteville, North Carolina
August 26, 1977 - Asheville Civic Center Arena, Asheville, NC
August 27, 1977 - Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee
August 28, 1977 - Mid-South Coliseum, Memphis, Tennessee

August 18 - Final Glimpse of Fallen Star - Lues Faithful 

'An estimated 50,000 to 100,000 persons visited Graceland during the day Wednesday [August 17] to pay their respects ... Presley's body was placed in the foyer just inside the front door. It was the first time the mansion had been open to the public since Presley purchased it in 1957 ... Throughout the day the crowds moved single- file into the front foyer. The visitors were quickly routed out of the house as soon as they viewed the body ... The gates were closed at 6:30 pm to the distress of many fans [Below], and at 6:00 it was estimated that 10,000 persons were in line and that 20,000 to 25,000 had filed into the mansion'

Eddie Fadal, who described himself as a 'lifelong friend' of Elvis, emerged from the mansion to give reporters a picture of what was taking place inside. “Things are very quiet' he said 'People are sitting around the coffin in the living room. Some are crying, but everyone is pretty subdued'. Fadal said Ginger Aldren, the late singer's fiancée, was taking his death 'well' but that Priscilla Presley, the singer's ex-wife and mother of their daughter Lisa, was 'taking it very, very hard”.

August 18 - Elvis' Funeral Service - 'C.W. Bradley, minister of Woodvale Church of Christ conducted the brief service at the mansion '... - August 19. 'We are to honor the memory of a man loved by millions. ... But Elvis was a frail human being. And he would be the first to admit his weaknesses. Perhaps because of his rapid rise to fame and fortune, he was thrown into temptations that some never experience. Elvis would not want anyone to think that he had no flaws or faults. But now that he's gone, I find it more helpful to remember his good qualities, and I hope you do too'. - From the August 19 editions of The Commercial Appeal and The Tennessean - Nashville

August 19 - Elvis Burial Hushed, Private 'The 2 p.m. funeral services were held in Presley's music room, which adjoins the living room'. During the services, a gospel quartet sang 'How Great Thou Art' and Sweet, Sweet Spirit'. Guests left Vernon Presley, the singer's father, alone after the last words were spoken. It was Vernon Presley whose car led the procession afterward when shortly after 3:30 p.m., guests and family members left the grounds. Behind that car followed the white hearse that bore the un-draped coffin. Behind the hearse rode Presley's divorced wife Priscilla, her face red behind her veil, clutching9-year-old Lisa Marie to her breast'. - The Tennessean - Nashville

August 19 - Rock 'N' Roll King Entombed 'The flower-laden coffin of Elvis Presley was carried into it's resting place at Forest Hill Midtown Cemetery'... 'The Crypt in the mausoleum where the body was placed was later sealed and mortared over, then covered with a marble slab'.

August 19 - Colonel To Maintain Control Memphis - 'Col. Tom Parker, the man Elvis Presley credited with 'making me what I am', will remain in charge of the late singer's affairs for the time being, it was learned yesterday .... Joe Esposito said'. 'He [Parker] was arranging details of the singer's New England Tour when he learned of the heart attack'... - The Tennessean (Nashville)

August 19 - Swerving Cars Kills Two Elvis Mourners 

'I can't believe Elvis is really dead' Alice Hovatar was telling Patrolman W.C. Greenwood early Thursday [August 18] as she and Joanne Johnson passed the time with idle conversation in front of Graceland Mansion. It was about 3:30 am, and moments later the two 19-year olds from Monroe, La., would be killed instantly by a driver in a no-traffic lane ... Greenwood looked up

August 20 - Elvis' Father Expresses Thanks  'It lightened my grief somewhat as I watched the tributes to my son that was shown from people throughout the world ... I am very sorry that all of the people who came to Memphis were not able to view the body, but there was not enough time ... I would like to express my sincere and deepest sympathy to the families of the girls in the very unfortunate and regrettable thing that happened at the gate'.

August 20 - Presley Fans Buy Big - The Age - Melbourne, Australia  'Melbourne ... she ain't nothin' but a town agog. The death of Elvis Presley, the 'King' of Rock, left most people all shook up rather than crying all the time. City record shops reported the greatest surge in buying of Elvis' records for many years, and they swamped Elvis' label, RCA, with demands for more stocks'. 'Coincidentally, RCA had nominated August as Elvis Presley Month and supplied stores with extra records. But by evening, much was bought up'.

August 23 - Elvis Will Names 3 Close Relatives 'Elvis Presley named his Father, Vernon Presley, executor of his fortune in a will probated here yesterday [August 22] afternoon, but [it] did not include his fiancée, Miss Ginger Alden, one of three witnesses who signed the will March 3, or his ex-wife Priscilla. An inventory of the singer's wealth believed to be millions of dollars is not expected to be filled for 60 days '... - The Commercial Appeal

August 27 - Body of Elvis' Mother Moved To mausoleum  'The body of Gladys Love Presley, was quietly unearthed and moved late yesterday [August 26] into the mausoleum where her son was entombed last week. In a 3 hour and 17 minute operation, 11 workers at Forest Hill Cemetery Midtown unearthed the massive steel and copper casket' ... 'Vernon Presley, the entertainer's father, made the decision '... - The Commercial Appeal

August 28 - Elvis was to have completed his tour with 2 shows in Memphis, August 27-28

August 30 - 3 Charged In Body-Stealing Plot 'Three Memphis men were charged yesterday [August 29] afternoon with criminal trespassing in connection with what Police Director E. Winslow Chapman said was a plot to steal the entombed body of Elvis Presley'. - The Commercial Appeal

August - Elvis Fans Hang onto $600,000 Worth of Tickets 'Had Elvis Presley lived, more than 120,000 people would have paid about $1,300,000 ... Promoters, theater owners and lawyers must now tackle a problem they rarely encounter - what to do with an estimated $600,000 in tickets fans refuse to give up '...

September 8 Graceland Site For Graves Of Presley's 'An application to allow the bodies of Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys, to be moved to the Meditation Garden at Presley's Graceland Mansion was submitted yesterday [September 7] to the board of Adjustment ... The request will be heard at the board's next meeting Sept. 28'

October 3 - Bodies Of Elvis, Mother Are Moved 'The move was unannounced. Two white hearses escorted by eight city police officers and five Selby County deputies took the bodies of Elvis Presley and his mother, Mrs. Gladys Smith Presley, into the rear entrance of Graceland shortly after 7 last night [October 2]' ... 'Only a few watchers were outside the gates of Graceland when the cortège arrived, and at first some did not realize what they had seen ... The board of Adjustment gave permission last Wednesday to rebury the bodies on the south side of Graceland estate '...

October 3 - Elvis in Concert telecast on CBS

October 5 - Charges Against 3 Dropped, in Presley-Body Theft Case  'Trespassing charges against three men accused in a purported scheme to steal the body of Elvis Presley were dismissed yesterday [October 5] after the prosecutor said the city could not vouch for the truthfulness of its key witness'.

October - 'Elvis in Concert' album released - Highest chart position U.S. #5 UK #13 AU #17
October 14 - Bing Crosby dies (1903-1977)
November - 'My Way' released - Highest chart position U.S. #22 U.K. #9 AU. #6

Original article credited to Elvis Biography, Elvis Articles, By David Troedson with edits by Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine.

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Article by Mark Sisti

The King is Finally Coming to Utica (Kind of)

by Mark Sisti for the Observer-Dispatch, December 21st, 2017. Edited by Carolyn MacArthur

“My son worked across the street from the Stanley Theater, so the next day he was able to score me a poster.”  Gloria Joyce.

As many are aware, Utica was supposed to be a stop on Elvis Presley’s 1977 tour. The King was scheduled to perform at the Utica Auditorium on Aug. 19, 1977. Unfortunately for the ticket holders (which, if everyone who now claims to have had a ticket is to be believed, numbered somewhere around 100,000), Elvis Presley died three days before the show and Utica never got to see the King of Rock and Roll.

Now, 40 years later, Jerry Kraus, executive director of the Stanley Center for the Arts, is looking to make it up to Elvis’s fans, at least to some extent.

On Friday, Dec. 29, Elvis Presley tribute artist Kevin Mills, star of the Las Vegas “Legends in Concert,” will portray Elvis with authentic outfits and songs from one of the most iconic Elvis concert performances, as he recreates the historic “Aloha from Hawaii” concert from start to finish.

The concert was great, according to Gloria Joyce, who is seen her with her husband, John.

“This will be an extra special night,” promised Kraus. “We can’t wait for this show, and we’re hearing from plenty of local fans who can’t either.”

In January of 1973, Elvis hosted his “Aloha from Hawaii” concert, which was broadcast worldwide via satellite to an audience estimated at over 1 billion people.

Kevin Mills’ authentic portrayal and exciting interpretation of Elvis Presley has made him one of the country's most sought after and popular tribute performers. (Don’t call him an impersonator: “Tribute artist is more respectful to our craft,” advises Mills.)

ETA Kevin Mills.

His crowd pleasing style and spot-on mannerisms mix with vocal talent, charisma, and elaborate costuming to make him a favorite of Elvis fans worldwide.

“I started my passion for Elvis when I first heard his voice at the age of 9,” recalls Kevin. “When I was about 13 I started to mimic his moves and his voice and started performing at birthday parties and singing for family and friends.”

After winning the “Images of The King” Elvis tribute artist contest in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1990, Kevin joined the cast of “Legends in Concert.” He later performed at President Bill Clinton's inauguration and he annually entertains U.S troops overseas.

And if paying homage to one legend isn’t enough, opening the show will be Steve Falvo’s “Easy Money Big Band” with a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra. The 16-piece Easy Money Big Band, which also will back up Mills’ Elvis performance, will feature local singers including Nick Lombarda, Rob Swenszkowski, Joe LaPaglia, Sonny Dee and Anthony LaBarbera.

by Mark Sisti for the Observer-Dispatch, December 21st, 2017. Edited by Carolyn MacArthur

Photos from Kevin’s show at Flamboro Downs

An Evening with C-Elvis Cameron Caton (Copy)

Tuesday, August 9th, 2022

Cameron’s girlfriend, Chantal, adds a finishing touch.

I posted my first article on Cameron Caton, aka CoVid Elvis, and now known as “C-Elvis”, on June 23th, 2022. 

On Tuesday, August 9th, 2022, I saw Cameron perform in person for the first time.    

I knew before arriving at William Connell Park, Hamilton, ON, that Cameron had a great singing voice as I had watched several videos of him on YouTube before writing the SB Mag article.  I knew what he looked like, sort of, having seen photos of him in other articles and on his FB page; but digital images do not tell the whole story. I was really looking forward to meeting Cameron in person and seeing his live performance.

“I never imagined dying my hair black, growing sideburns and wearing an Elvis Jumpsuit.”

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

Tall, thin, and dressed in the Spanish Flower jumpsuit with red stones—my favourite jumpsuit since black, red, and white are SB Mag’s trademark colours, Cameron looked handsome and very professional.  With his blue eyes, tanned complexion (probably from all the times he has performed outdoors) and jet black hair, he was definitely selling the Elvis illusion.

Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.

“Craziest thing is I've never been an ETA.  I am not an Elvis impersonator.  I have never been in competition. I have never been to Collingwood or Graceland.  When people ask, “How long have you been a Elvis impersonator?”  I tell them I'm not—I simply love to sing the music of Elvis Presley and play the part; but I'm not an ETA and have never claimed to be an Elvis impersonator.”

Well, Cameron, if you put on a jumpsuit, dye your hair black, and respectfully sing Elvis songs to an appreciative audience, I think technically you are an ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist), even if you have never, and likely will never, compete. 

“I've always loved Elvis and his music; I just never imagined playing the part.  It is amazing how more than 40 years since Elvis’s untimely death, his legacy continues and he is still appreciated long after his passing.  It is the real tribute and testament to his influence and greatness.”

At Tuesday’s show, Cameron said he was trying out new Elvis songs, such as the ballad “Love Me”.

From his very first song, it was obvious that Cameron has a great voice and stage presence (or in this case, a great “sidewalk presence”).  I know from talking to Cameron that he has no intention of competing; but I, and other ETA fans who witnessed his terrific performance on Tuesday, are convinced that if he entered a competition as a Non-Pro, he would definitely be a contender for the top prize and would most likely walk away with the Fan Favourite trophy.*

Although Cameron says that he has never “studied” Elvis, he has more in common with the King of Rock and Roll than he might imagine…

Cameron does it all. After the show, he, with the help of Cathy and other volunteers, loads up his van and trailer.

Photo Credit: C.M.

Elvis Presley was a generous man, and not only to those who worked for him and his family and friends. He often gave to strangers and made regular gifts to charities, both nationally and locally.

Even before Cameron Caton put on his first jumpsuit in 2020, for 15 years he used his talent as a performer to entertain at Seniors’ Residences.  When he was just 12 years old, he and his younger brother took the change left over from buying a Green Hippo keyboard for their little sister to buy a meal for a man they met on the street.  The experience of feeding the hungry man led to Cameron’s commitment to do his part to ensure “no one in his city would ever go hungry.”  It is a pledge that Cameron continues to live by. 

Elvis had a great sense of humour.  John Lennon is quoted as saying, "It was his sense of humor that stuck in my mind.  He liked to laugh and make others laugh, too."  

Throughout Cameron’s performance, he joked with the audience.  When cars drove down the residential street where he was performing, he stuck his thumb out to mockingly hitch a ride.  Somehow, tastefully, he slipped the word “thong” into a song.  Our friends, Cathy, Ingrid, and Penny, along with others, could be heard laughing out loud many times during the evening.  Cameron seems to genuinely like people and has a natural rapport with all ages.

I asked Cathy if she was having a great time. I think the big smile on her face says, “Yes!” Photo Credit: Carolyn N.

One night on stage, Elvis went through a whole discourse about how he was going to sing whatever song was revealed on the slip of paper which he would draw from a large bowl, as these were the songs his fans desired to hear. The audience was in suspense as Elvis reached into the bowl and carefully swirled his hand around. He paused, and then moved his hand around some more. Finally, he drew out a piece of paper. Everyone was quiet as Elvis stood there with the big glass bowl encircled in one arm, and holding the tiny bit of paper in the other hand. He stared down at the paper as he read to himself in deep concentration. Then Elvis frowned. Without even looking up at the audience, he threw the slip of paper over his shoulder and thrust his hand back into the bowl. He came up with another slip, only to shake his head and toss it away, too. After several attempts, Elvis finally found a song he wanted to sing.

At Tuesday night’s show, Cameron involved the audience in song choice by asking them to shout out the name of an artist other than Elvis. Neil Diamond and Tom Jones made the cut, and Cameron added a three way vocal with Willy Nelson, Julio Iglesias, and Elvis in “All the Girls I Loved Before”, much to delight of the audience. Adding a touch of humour, Cameron played an air trombone. Humour and music is sooo Elvis!

I cannot comment on whether Elvis was sentimental.  He was only photographed once crying in public, sitting on the steps of Graceland with his father, Vernon, after his mother, Gladys, passed away.  But from Priscilla Presley we know that Elvis’s favourite song was “If I Can Dream” that he sang at the end of the ’68 Comeback Special.  The song, which some see as a protest song, expresses a wish for a better world, a world where one can live in peace and harmony with all others—a sentiment that Elvis surely shared.  

Cameron was overcome with emotion when speaking about The Purple Butterfly of Hope Foundation’s generous gift to his food drive for The Good Shepherd. Cameron also recognized others in the audience who have supported him in so many ways.  Many were generous donators, and one very special fan, Bill Sweet (pictured below with his daughter, Sheri), purchased a Peacock jumpsuit for Cameron so he could continue his tribute in style and fill hampers with food, cash, and needed items for the most vulnerable in the city of Hamilton and other Ontario cities.  Recalling one of the first shows he did, Cameron told the story of a little three year old girl, who after seeing others putting donations in the bins, decided she wanted to donate, too.  It wasn’t until much later when her grandmother asked, “Where is your phone?” that the little girl revealed that she put it in the box like other people did.  Cameron said that he made sure she got her toy phone back, but when he found a cell phone in one of the hampers, he kept it…LOL.  Quickly he recanted, “Yes, I gave it back!” 

September 25th, 2021.

“Great night raising 1861 pounds of food for the Good Shepherd ….Sydney’s foundation will be donating $2000.00 because we hate odd numbers.  Thank you Cam ( Covid Elvis) for all you do in the community, and it was awesome to spend some time with Shawn Caton.” Greg Wood.

Taking an audience from one end of the emotional spectrum to the other and not losing anyone along for the ride, is the sign of a true professional. 

One last likeness to Elvis that I would like to mention occurred off stage. Near the end of a fantastic evening, Cameron gave a shout out to his high school friend, Joe, and told the audience that they recently tossed around a football like they did when they attended West Mount High.  Cameron said that while he thought he was doing just fine while “going long”, he realized in hindsight that he probably was running in slow mo. 

Elvis playing football in Hawaii, March, 1977.

Elvis often enjoyed a pick-up game with his entourage, and often played football on the grounds at Graceland. In fact, on October 16, 1960, he broke his finger while playing touch football at Graceland. Elvis's famous generosity and his love for football often worked hand-in-hand.   

If you want to experience great entertainment, try to catch one of C-Elvis Cameron Caton’s Pop-Up shows.  There is one coming up on Tuesday, August 16th, 2022—the 45th Anniversary of Elvis’s passing.  The show at Eleanor Park on the Hamilton Mountain is free, but you are asked to bring non-perishable canned goods. Money donations for charity, and tips for Cameron, are much appreciated.  Hope to see you there!

C-Elvis Cameron Caton and Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, www.sideburnsmagazine.com

Final thoughts: I wish to thank Cameron Caton for a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment and also for the mention of the article in SIDEBURNS Magazine. Thank you to my pals, Ingrid, Cathy, Pam (who was seeing her first ever ETA performance) and Penny. I cannot wait to do a repeat with you all! Thank you to the sidewalk dancers who did not mind that I joined them. A special hello to Kathy from Florida, who received a red scarf from Cameron, and her sister, Marg, and Marg’s son, Robert. It was a pleasure chatting with you. And kudos to Cameron, Joe, and Pam who learned that in the ETA world it is always okay to point to your friend, another ETA, or a fan in loving recognition. Until next time…Cheers, everyone!

Carolyn MacArthur, Editor, SIDEBURNS Magazine.

*Truthfully it takes much more than just dressing the part and singing Elvis songs with a great voice.  I have seen a lot of competitions and researched a lot of guidelines, and judging can be brutal.  It can come down to something as simple as a move that is not consistent with the original Elvis performance or a costume that does not match the song or decade.  It takes a lot of studying of Elvis’s videos and a lot of hard work on the part of any ETA who wishes to compete.  C.M.

To access more information about quotes etc. and to read more about organizations mentioned in my article, just click on any of the highlighted text. The article, photos, and edits are credited to Carolyn MacArthur, Editor and owner of SIDEBURNS: The Ultimate ETA Fan Magazine. All other photos and quotes were credited in the original articles on SB Mag.