The new book, "What Elvis Never Knew," recounts one woman's experience as an opening act for Elvis' 1957 East Coast summer tour.
Mercia Fiore was working as a secretary in Chicago when talent agent- Al Dvorin opened the door to what would prove to be a life changing experience.
"On this particular day, we got a phone call about needing a change in the opening act," Fiore said. "Mr. Dvorin had heard that I could sing, so he asked me to sing right then and there."
Fiore sang "Mr. Wonderful," a popular tune at the time, and landed the job as the opening act for Elvis' 1957 concert.
"I was on cloud nine when I landed in Georgia that next day!"
Despite his reputation as a wild one, Fiore quickly realized the often quaint and shy side of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. She describes their relationship as strictly professional.
"The producer told the girls not to get close," Fiore said. "Otherwise we could lose our jobs. Elvis wanted to teach me how to dance, but I kept staying away. I didn't want to get fired."
Fiore's book portrays Elvis as a "very shy, polite young man" even when hounded by girls who would rip his clothes. As a memento of the tour, Fiore received an autographed photo of Presley that read, "To Mercia, love ya’ hon, enjoyed having you in the show."
"What Elvis Never Knew" is Fiore's fourth book and you can purchase your copy at Amazon.
Bet he didn't care either!
Think I'll pass on this one, don't believe I could handle all the excitement.
Next book will be written by someone who lived close by Graceland and saw Elvis going through the gates waving at fans and of course (s)he many a time. All very thrilling stories. Oh no, hope I didn't give someone an idea.
Again, more stupid rip off accusations. What exactly does this book claim to be that it isn't? As for whether Elvis was interested in the story of this lady, I don't suppose he was. Presumably he would also not be interested in what takes were used to compile spliced recording masters, etc, but most of us are. That is the difference in being an Elvis fan as opposed to being Elvis himself.
I think a lot of the people on this forum need to look up the meaning of rip-off. Perhaps English is not your first language, but rip-off means to me a product that does not deliver as advertised. How is this book's description deceiving in anyway? You know what you are getting going in and I'm sure it wont be 70-80 dollars like a Tunzi book. If it is, yeah then maybe its a rip-off, but on its description, no.
Far from being a rip off, Baby let's plays House is one of the more interesting biographies of recent years, with a fresh perspective (Elvis's relationships with women). It is absurd to call a book a rip off because its author has made money from it. That's like saying Elvis was a rip off artist because he made money from his recordings and his concerts.
Personally, I heard that this 4th volume is rubbish. I'll wait for number 5
I don't think it's a rip off and I think most of the people here mean something else. Anyway, I think they are using Elvis' name just to make money, sometimes creating the illusion that it will deliver more insight on Elvis as an artist or as a person. While all the way it is more about how they themselves experienced it. Interesting maybe to some. Not to me.
