The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just twenty-two at the time, he was not just the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll but a handsome prince who had his choice of all the fair maidens in the land, and yet, like a true fairy tale, he fell in love with Anita Wood, a rising musical talent with the looks of a beauty queen. Anita put her own career aside to be with Elvis, her first love and his steady girlfriend for the next five years.
ONCE UPON A TIME: ELVIS AND ANITA is a heartfelt memoir of Anita’s life with Elvis from 1957 through 1962. Written by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita’s daughter, the book takes readers back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis’ life: His career was taking off, he had just purchased Graceland (where Anita lived with Elvis for most of their time together), and life seemed incredibly good.
Through her daughter, Anita recaptures the joy and excitement of two young people in love. She shares many key moments that bonded her with Elvis’ family, including the shocking news that he had been drafted by the Army in 1958, and the devastation he felt later that year by the sudden death of his beloved mother, Gladys.
ONCE UPON A TIME traces Anita’s own journey in show business which included appearances with such entertainment legends as Jack Paar, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams and Dick Van Dyke. But it also revisits some of the most painful memories of Anita’s life, from the lengths that Elvis’ manager took to shield their relationship from the public, to the heartache and betrayal that made her realize that the fairy tale had to end.
Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
Samela wrote:Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
"Samela"? drjohn, how did you come up with that one?!
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Samela wrote:Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
Well, Anita has not put her own story to print before. Perhaps a combination of losing her husband of over 45 years, Johnny Brewer, in 2011, coupled with her daughter's love and trust, made the time right.
Jonnita joined this forum after finding the Anita Wood topic, and was hoping someone here might have high quality images she could use for the book. She promised to send me a message when her work was done, and so I'm very pleased to share the good news. Anita Wood was one of the good people in Elvis' life, with him at a time where he really was on top of the world.
. Dr. John Carpenter, M.D. Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Samela wrote:Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
"Samela"? drjohn, how did you come up with that one?!
Now THAT was funny
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Samela wrote:Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
"Samela"? drjohn, how did you come up with that one?!
To be clear, I am not Dr. John Carpenter- nor do I have any connection with him whatsoever.
I am just a long time lurker who has often been frustrated to see topics derailed by reflexive, simpleminded criticism of Dr. Carpenter. It seems to me that if a person does not find a particular subject interesting the polite thing to do would be to simply ignore it rather than trying to use it as an excuse to post negative remarks about another member.
Samela wrote:Reading the earlier Anita Wood topic made me curious to learn more about her- now I know where to go for that information. Thanks for calling our attention to what looks like a very interesting book.
Well, Anita has not put her own story to print before. Perhaps a combination of losing her husband of over 45 years, Johnny Brewer, in 2011, coupled with her daughter's love and trust, made the time right.
Jonnita joined this forum after finding the Anita Wood topic, and was hoping someone here might have high quality images she could use for the book. She promised to send me a message when her work was done, and so I'm very pleased to share the good news. Anita Wood was one of the good people in Elvis' life, with him at a time where he really was on top of the world.
I can understand how losing a husband might make her reflect on her past- I can also understand how she might hesitate to cooperate with the preparation of a book about her relationship with an old boyfriend while her husband was still alive (I know I wouldn't feel enthusiastic about seeing my wife write a book about any of her old flames!).
If Jonnita is still checking in here, perhaps she might be willing to spur interest in her book by taking some questions from members.
I'm Anita's daughter, Jonnita. I would be glad to take some questions about Momma and the book. I am not truly an author but I felt very strongly that Momma and Elvis' story was so compelling that it must be told. I have been working on it for years but with four children of my own, I was sidetracked repeatedly. After my father died I was determined to get it on paper, because none of us are promised tomorrow. I would have liked to get my father's story on paper as well for he had told many, many outlandish stories of interest but he is gone now.
Thanks to Dr. John Carpenter and everyone that helped me with pictures! I hope you all enjoy the story.
Jonnita, does the book touch on Anita's last contact with Elvis, via a phone call? I believe they spoke after your grandfather (her dad) had passed away, but I have no idea what day or year that was.
. Dr. John Carpenter, M.D. Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Yes, the book describes the details of what lead up to that conversation as well as the conversation itself. There is even a copy of the scratch piece of paper that Momma wrote the instructions Elvis gave her and the poem that he told her to write down. It was in late August 1973. Elvis was is Vegas.
August turned out to be a very bad month; Gladys' death, Elvis' divorce, Momma's Dad's death and just 4 years later, Elvis' death.
jbarrett6 wrote:Yes, the book describes the details of what lead up to that conversation as well as the conversation itself. There is even a copy of the scratch piece of paper that Momma wrote the instructions Elvis gave her and the poem that he told her to write down. It was in late August 1973. Elvis was is Vegas.
August turned out to be a very bad month; Gladys' death, Elvis' divorce, Momma's Dad's death and just 4 years later, Elvis' death.
Thank you for that information regarding the timeline. The book is a must!
Elvis was not doing too well that year, with near-fatal overdoses in May, June and October. It's no wonder he sounded so tired during that last call with your mom. I wish things could have been different. Of course, had they been, we wouldn't be having this conversation! Life is a funny thing.
. Dr. John Carpenter, M.D. Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
I'm Anita's daughter, Jonnita. I would be glad to take some questions about Momma and the book. I am not truly an author but I felt very strongly that Momma and Elvis' story was so compelling that it must be told. I have been working on it for years but with four children of my own, I was sidetracked repeatedly. After my father died I was determined to get it on paper, because none of us are promised tomorrow. I would have liked to get my father's story on paper as well for he had told many, many outlandish stories of interest but he is gone now.
Thanks to Dr. John Carpenter and everyone that helped me with pictures! I hope you all enjoy the story.
Best,
Jonnita Brewer Barrett
Ah, so the Doc did have a contribution!
It's important that the stories handed down to us by older generations are not forgotten, whether they be humourous or moving (or both). I knew someone as a kid who had great stories of their own youth and adventures, but sadly except for the few that we remember they so often pass away along with the person in question.
poormadpeter wrote:Ah, so the Doc did have a contribution!
Yes, it's mentioned above. I suggested Jonnita solicit FECC forum members for HQ photos of her mom with Elvis. Try reading the topic with care, instead of seeking yet another way to post a put-down, and everyone will benefit. Or you can keep on being who you are.
. Dr. John Carpenter, M.D. Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
poormadpeter wrote:Ah, so the Doc did have a contribution!
Yes, it's mentioned above. I suggested Jonnita solicit FECC forum members for HQ photos of her mom with Elvis. Try reading the topic with care, instead of seeking yet another way to post a put-down, and everyone will benefit. Or you can keep on being who you are.
I'm sorry, Doc. I waited to hear it from the lady in question rather than believe unverified information from yourself But you are correct, this thread is not the place for our lovers tiffs.
Jonnita-
I'd like to offer my condolences to both you and your mother for the death of your father. I know it happened a year ago but losses like that don't heal quickly. He must have been quite a man (I see that he was inducted into a couple of Halls of Fame). Even if you don't publish them, I hope you get some of his "outlandish stories" down on paper for the sake of his grandkids. Did he ever have any insecurity or jealousy about his wife's old flame being an icon like Elvis?
How is Anita these days? Is she aware of the high regard she is held in by Elvis fans? Does she still sing at all?
My father liked to say that he wasn't threatened when Elvis was alive so why would he be threatened after his death but ...Elvis was never discussed in front of Daddy. My grandmother would whisper stories to me if Dad was in the house and promise to take me to Graceland to meet Elvis one day.
My mother didn't like to talk about Elvis around Daddy even though he gave his full blessing and even encouraged Momma in writing the book. She never really wanted him to read the book.
Momma is doing very well, thank you. She doesn't sing anymore except for the grandchildren and no, she really is amazed that anyone would still be interested in her at all.
My father liked to say that he wasn't threatened when Elvis was alive so why would he be threatened after his death but ...Elvis was never discussed in front of Daddy. My grandmother would whisper stories to me if Dad was in the house and promise to take me to Graceland to meet Elvis one day.
My mother didn't like to talk about Elvis around Daddy even though he gave his full blessing and even encouraged Momma in writing the book. She never really wanted him to read the book.
Momma is doing very well, thank you. She doesn't sing anymore except for the grandchildren and no, she really is amazed that anyone would still be interested in her at all.
There is MUCH interest in her account! And thank you both so much for the book! (I will be ordering it shortly - as will many, many fans, I'm certain.)
My condolences regarding the loss of your dad.
All the best,
rjm
"And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God." Aeschylus
"Treat me mean and cruel, treat me like a fool, but love me!"
My father liked to say that he wasn't threatened when Elvis was alive so why would he be threatened after his death but ...Elvis was never discussed in front of Daddy. My grandmother would whisper stories to me if Dad was in the house and promise to take me to Graceland to meet Elvis one day.
My mother didn't like to talk about Elvis around Daddy even though he gave his full blessing and even encouraged Momma in writing the book. She never really wanted him to read the book.
Momma is doing very well, thank you. She doesn't sing anymore except for the grandchildren and no, she really is amazed that anyone would still be interested in her at all.
Well, those who care about Elvis' story cannot forget Anita's part in it. Never anywhere have I read anything negative about her as his companion, or as a human being. As you know, this cannot be said of everyone who was close to Elvis, or his family.
I just ordered the book and look forward to reading it.
. Dr. John Carpenter, M.D. Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
It seems this book can only be ordered if you live within the USA, a bit cheeky considering i supplied a couple of pics, however i've just sent a message asking about shipping options to the UK & would like an autographed copy too