Me 'N Elvis by Charles Goodman, Charlie Hodge (1984, Paperback)

Me 'N Elvis a book review by Jeff Schrembs (Elvis Presley Expert and Collector).
Me 'N Elvis is an excellent book written by Charles Goodman and Charle Hodge. Charlie Hodge was a lifelong friend of Elvis who was also an accomplished singer in his own right.
Elvis Presley was, besides the Worlds' Greatest Entertainer, a "unique" man who in spite of being a "public image" was a very private person...even to those who knew him best.
Charlie Hodge dedicated part of this book to Elvis' daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, and his desire to provide Lisa Marie (and all Elvis fans) with a loving "balance" is evident paragraph after paragraph.
What I love about this book is not only was it a "firsthand glimpse" into Elvis Presley, first beginning in the 1950's then gaining ground in the 1960's and being a daily part of Elvis' life onstage and off in the 1970's, but also it shows us who Charlie Hodge is...and was.
I have to disclose that I am somewhat biased, being an Elvis fan, because I had occassion to meet Charlie Hodge several times throughout the 1970's and I found him to be funny/intelligent/quick witted/loyal to Elvis...and talented.
Charlie Hodge was not a "large" man, in physcial stature, but he had a large heart and it shows in Me 'N Elvis and I am thankful for that.
This book encompasses "new ground" as Charlie Hodge was not only musically talented but he was stationed with Elvis, in Germany and Texas, during a time of great transission in Elvis' life. Elvis had gotten drafted, at the peak of his popularity, and had to go overseas to a foreign Country leaving behind the person he loved more than anything...his beloved Mother Gladys Love Smith Presley. Sadly, Gladys died during this time and Charlie Hodge was the one who offered Elvis "distraction" as he dealt with the loss of his Mother.
Sometimes a book earns it's place of respect due to the Author's name/reputation, the title, the hype, or the "time in history". Me 'N Elvis earned my respect for it shows, "warts and all", how a friendship can evolve - and a persons entire life changed - throughout time/space/location.
This book shows Elvis offstage and offers us insight into the "man/person" that Elvis was. It allows us to "see", as much as any book can, into the heart of Elvis - what made him laugh - what made him cry - and how he dealt with the loss of his Mother and his marriage.
There were times in this book that it made me laugh outloud. There was also periods in which I was saddened eventhough I knew the "event summary" and how Elvis life ended. Yet, with each page I was left "learning" something about Elvis as it was not just the "repeated talking points".
Charlie Hodge was one of Elvis' best friends. He lived at Graceland most of his adult life during Elvis' life. He was a vital part of Elvis' Concert (the pace, the lighting, the song selection, and even singing parts of Elvis's songs as Charlie was able to mimick Elvis voice unknown to the audience) and he and Elvis developed what was to become the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH...Elvis live Concerts.
Elvis respected Charlie's voice, his Gospel roots, and his ability to disect a song and set the Rythmn to Elvis'...pace. Since Elvis was a perfectionist this book lets us in on a "secret" between two lifelong friends who were close onstage...and off.
My only "regret", about this book, is that it was not longer because I enjoyed this book from "start to finish". THANK YOU Charlie Hodge, and his widow Jennifer, and Chales Goodman!