Mercia Fiore, What Elvis Never Knew (Maryland: Publish America, December 4, 2009)
http://www.amazon.com/What-Elvis-Never-Mercia-Fiore/dp/160749115X
Here's the report:
Special Assignment
Memories of touring with Elvis Presley
By Carole Meekins, Wednesday, January 29, 2014
MILWAUKEE - One of our own here at TODAY'S TMJ4 has a special connection to the legendary Elvis Presley.
Michele Fiore is a reporter here - she comes from a talented musical family. Her father was an orchestra leader, and her mom a singer. Michele's mother, Mercia Fiore, actually worked with Elvis Presley. Her life story is about music, a legend, and most of all about love.
Mercia shared her story with us. She recalls the day her agent got a call wanting a girl singer to open for Elvis Presley. Mercia got the job, and ultimately toured with Presley.
With Mercia Carr in Georgia, June 1956
At the time Elvis's style and suggestive moves were controversial but driving girls wild. Mercia recalls sending her parents a postcard assuring them Elvis was a nice guy.
She reads from the postcard written in 1956. "Elvis was very sweet last night he was trying to make friends with me." Mercia remembers the legend as kind and gentle. She says he would even applaud backstage as she sang.
One day, she felt sorry for a young girl who had camped outside to see the star. The girl begged her to get close to Elvis, promising to keep her distance. Well, she did not.
Mercia exclaims. "As soon as she saw Elvis, she jumped on him like an animal. She pulled his hair, ripped his clothes! I was so embarrassed I felt so bad for Elvis!"
But Elvis took it all in stride. Mercia smiles as she shares his reaction. "He came up to me afterward. He said, "I know you feel bad but it wasn't your fault, this is just the way it is for my life now. I'm not angry with you for this. It was just something that happened!"
Mercia does not believe that Elvis was trying to hit on her. She notes sweetly, "He was was being very polite and very nice." But during that time Mercia had fallen in love with Frank, a local orchestra leader and pianist. She chose to leave the tour.
Elvis was shocked and surprised but made one request to Mercia. Elvis told her, "I want you to write and tell me about your life, what made you the way you are."
Years passed, Mercia was busy with her young family. But when Elvis died Mercia was moved to write the book "What Elvis Never Knew." She calls her book a legacy to Elvis.
And though Mercia left her job with the King, the music never stopped. That's because she was raising a family with the love of her life. Did she have any regrets about leaving a job with the King?
Mercia gets emotional when she replies, "No, because I have my blessed children, and my wonderful husband. I wouldn't change the anything in the world for him!"
http://www.620wtmj.com/news/local/Elvis-Remembered-242567371.html
The official Elvis site offered a belated review of Mercia's autobiography in 2012:
Again, at the time she was known by her maiden name, Mercia Carr, and clearly a part of Elvis' June 1956 tour of Georgia, from the 22nd through the 27th. For what it's worth, "Mr. Wonderul" was a hit single for Peggy Lee on the Decca label earlier that year, making it to #12 in Billboard's "Honor Roll of Hits" (April 14) and #22 in Cash Box (April 7).New Book Details 1957 Summer Tour [sic]
January 18, 2012
The new book, "What Elvis Never Knew," recounts one woman's experience as an opening act for Elvis' 1957 East Coast summer tour [sic].
Mercia Fiore [sic] 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 [sic].
"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.
Here are some photos from the tour with Elvis:
Elvis talks in Augusta with singers Mercia Carr and Margie Walker, backstage at the Bell Auditorium on June 27, 1956
Photos: Robert Symms
See more here:
Ring My Bell --> Remembering Augusta '56!
http://www.elvis-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=84332
Hope you enjoyed reading Mercia's story!
. Bye for now 
.
