VIPs for 2012

JERRY SCHILLING

Jerry at the age of 12 played touch football with a 19-year-old Elvis Presley just days after the singer’s first record had been played on the radio in Memphis.  That began a 23-year friendship between Schilling and Presley, during which Schilling worked with Elvis, travelled with him, lived with him, and became one of his most trusted confidantes.  Schilling went on to become a tour manager for Billy Joel, and a personal manager for the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Wilson, and the Sweet Inspirations.

SAM THOMPSON

Sam traveled with Elvis on road tours from 1973 until 1976 as Elvis’ friend and companion. In July 1976, Sam went to work full time for Elvis, as his personal bodyguard and tour advance man, providing security at Graceland, and on all the road tours, including hotel and airport security. Sam was originally introduced to Elvis by his sister, and Elvis’ longtime girlfriend, Linda Thompson.

CYNTHIA PEPPER

Cynthia says that the highlight of her career and one that changed her life forever was getting the part of “Midge Riley” co-starring with Elvis in the MGM movie “Kissin’ Cousins”. “He was wonderful and more.” Cynthia considers herself very lucky to have worked with and to have become a friend of Elvis Presley.

LOWELL HAYS

I grew up in Memphis with Elvis, but did not meet him until 1969. We went to movies and football games together and that December, on Christmas Eve I became Elvis’ official jeweler.  He invited me on tours with him but I had to bring along my jewellery case.  Among the signature pieces I created for Elvis were the TCB ring, the Aloha ring, the Maltese Cross and the Lion necklace.