Remembering "Sir Charles" #1

"Slewfoot" Charlie Hodge, a gifted guitarist and gospel singer from Decatur, Alabama, was with Elvis from their meeting 1956 to Elvis' death in 1977. Charlie lived at Graceland for more than 17 years.

Elvis and Charlie hit it off from the first time they met during a television show in 1956. They joined the Army at the same time, did basic training together at Fort Hood, shared the same troop ship to Europe, and were stationed together in Germany. To see Charlie in action, check out Elvis' Comeback Special, where Slewfoot is playing guitar, singing harmony, and generally having one heckuva good time. Of all the Memphis Mafia, "Sir Charles" was the only professional musician. As a songwriter, his songs were recorded by Pat Boone, Ricky Nelson, and Elvis.

On the road Charlie was always there to hand Elvis the trademark scarves he tossed out to the audience during a show. Charlie was often the butt of many jokes because of his height (5' 3").

(Source: The Complete Idiot's Guide To Elvis, Frank Coffey)

Remembering "Sir Charles #2

When Elvis was getting his regional break in the southern US states, Charlie was fronting the group, Froggy River Boys.

It was backstage in Memphis, where the two men first met. Charlie and his group were part of Red Foley's touring Ozark Jubilee show and Elvis came backstage to meet the performers. At that time the Foley Jubilee was telecast on the ABC network out of Springville, Missouri.

On the way to Germany Elvis and Charlie were noted as singing I Will be Home Again which Elvis would officially record in 1960 with Charlie again singing duet. Together with Red West, and Elvis, Charlie is credited with writing the 1965 song, You'll Be Gone. Several books state that it was Charlie who first suggested to Elvis that he hire James Burton for his TCB Band.

While living at Graceland Charlie resided in a converted apartment behind the main residence. While at Graceland he took care of personal business for Elvis. Charlie stayed on at Graceland for nearly six months after Elvis' death before being asked toleave by Vernon Presley. In the John Carpenter telemovie, Elvis, starring Kurt Russell, Charlie played himself. He also had bit parts in a number of Elvis films such as Clambake and Charro.

Elvis gave Charlie several nicknames over the years including "Slewfoot" and "Waterhead". On stage, Elvis often referred to Charlie as his "scarves and water man". Charlie later revealed that because he could sing like Elvis, at times during a show, he would complete some of the fadeouts for Elvis.

In 1984, Charlie, together with Charles Goodman, published his memoir, Me 'n' Elvis. In 2006 it continues to be a popular addition to many fan's Elvis libraries. Charlie also contributed to the classic Sean Shaver and Hal Noland book, The Life of Elvis.

Charlie has the distinction of being the first member of the Memphis Mafia interviewed by EIN. It was an informal chat over a few drinks during Elvis Week 1986. That interview was subsequently published in 'The Man From Memphis' newsletter in late 1986.

After Elvis' death Charlie struggled with his own demons, principally alcohol, and in his last years waged a valiant battle with cancer, which sadly, eventually beat him.

"Sir Charles" will be fondly remembered as a happy, fun loving character who never had a bad word to say about Elvis.

(Source: EIN)

EIN's Interview with Charlie

The Official Obituary: The Decatur Daily (5 March 2006)

Charlie Hodge, age 71, of Sevierville, Tenn., died Friday, March 3, 2006, at Fort Sanders Regional in Knoxville, Tenn. He was born and raised in Decatur.

Charlie’s love of music and comedy led him to a long career of singing with quartets, one of the first included Bill Gaither and Charlie’s own quartet, The Foggy River Boys.

Charlie entered the Army with Elvis Presley and they became good friends. He worked for Elvis and lived in Graceland for 17 years. After Elvis’ death, Charlie continued to perform in shows dedicated to Elvis’ memory. For the past 15 years, Charlie performed at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and also traveled the world sharing Elvis stories speaking and performing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mattie P. Hodge.

Survivors include his loving wife, Jennifer Hodge; one sister, Margie Poteet of Somerville; one nephew, Lyle Poteet of Somerville; one great-niece, Caitlin Poteet; one cousin, Sedema Poole and several other cousins.
The family will receive friends tonight from 5 to 8 at Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville, Tenn.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial will follow in New Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to your favorite charity in Charlie’s memory.

The Funeral, 7 March 2006

(courtesy of Jennie Carpenter)

The funeral was very nice, good speakers, some laughs and a full chapel.  I got there about 12:30 before too many were there, went up to say goodbye to Charlie and looked at the newly added flower arrangements.  The largest one I have ever seen (about the size of three sprays combined) was of red roses with a huge black musical note attached was from the Sam Phillips family. 

There was a new lovely yellow arrangement from Dick Grob and family and one from The Backwoods.  NOTHING from EPE*!!!  I have to say right off that I am very upset that Sonny West was the only one of the MM guys to show up.  I realize people are busy and have things to do, and at least Sonny took the time to attend.  One person I was really impressed over being there from Memphis was Kim Davis, Richard’s widow. Others attending were Jimmy Velvet, Patsy Anderson and Jerry Presley.  There were many from Sevierville – the lady who owns the Memories Theater, of course Lou Vuto and his family, Jimmy Stiles, possibly ... Miles (I did not recognize him), and several friends of Charlie and Jennifer's.     

There were several 8x10 photos mostly of Elvis and Charlie sitting in strategic locations near the casket and between the flower arrangements.  At the entrance of the chapel were also a couple of photo albums that consisted mostly of his career with Elvis.  (I was thrilled to see several from the Huntsville concerts of May June 1975).  Elvis-Legend Lives-Forever group flowers were placed near the entrance and were very elegant. Music began playing at 1:30 until the service began at 2:00. 

The preacher welcomed everyone; Lou then sang “Peace in the Valley;” then Sonny talked for several minutes reading comments from Red West, Marty Lacker, Lamar Fike, Patty Perry and Billy Smith, and told a few delightful stories about when Sonny and Charlie lived w/Elvis in LA...  Lou then sang “He Touched Me,” then a delightful young man – Oliver (close friend of Charlie and Jennifer's, and the son of who Jennifer had worked for for about 18 years) - spoke and read comments from Sam Thompson, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Darwin Lamm and Priscilla.

The next speaker was a guitar player in their band at Memories who shared some funny stories about the many times Charlie played jokes on him and harassed him for messing up on songs, etc.  The last song Lou sang was, of course, “How Great Thou Art,” then the pastor spoke again and it ended. The chapel was full and as we sat there; the funeral home people began moving flowers and then closed the casket – right there in front of all of us.  I was stunned because normally the coffin is closed before the service begins and certainly not while the family and guests are watching (just IMHO).  Charlie was buried at the Baptist Church Cemetery where I think he grew up in; it and located about 17 miles from the funeral home (in Priceville) and took a while to get there even w/the police escort. 

The procession had at least 50-60 cars in it and someone said they thought it was at least a mile long.  Many of the people who were at the funeral also went to the cemetery, which is not always the case.  I want to share my personal opinion about everything.  Sonny West was terrific, I was so proud of him and I sincerely applaud him.  He handled himself so eloquently and a couple of times it was very tough for him.  He took 2 days out of his schedule to come to Decatur and be a part of the funeral.  Some of these people had been in Decatur since early afternoon on Monday and more than likely left this morning.    NO OTHER person from the MM or friends from Charlie's life w/Elvis bothered to attend; e.g., GK, et al. 

There were a few ladies there from Memphis who were friends w/Angie Simpson and used to hang out w/Charlie at the Hickory Log many years ago.  I realize people are busy but Memphis is only a 3 1/2 hr drive; Nashville is  l  l/2 hrs; and Sevierville is at least 6 hrs (and there were many from there).  The person my heart went out to was Kim Davis - she was visibly upset throughout the funeral as well as the burial. Plus the fact she came along, but she cared enough to make the trip.   I know that Jennifer had gone through a lot w/Charlie and obviously was still in shock - she just went through the motions of what had to be done. 

Another thing that bothered me very much was that the funeral was swayed more in the last 15 years of Charlie's life in Sevierville and not the 16 years he spent w/Elvis.   You may or may not know this – at Sam Phillips funeral, Elvis songs were played throughout visitation and were also played an hour before the funeral.  There was only regular instrumental music played at Charlie's. 

Again, had it not been for Sonny (and for the quotes Oliver read), there would have hardly been any mention of  Charlie's life with Elvis. I didn't like that a bit!!! 

Of course, I realize that Jennifer's life w/Charlie was only of the past 12'ish years of him in Sevierville. Please understand that I am not being derogatory at all - I am just disappointed b/c, IMHO, the years w/Elvis were significantly more important in Charlie's life than was the last 15 at Pigeon Forge/Memories Theater with ETAs. I honestly didn't mean to write a book, but I wanted to give you the intimate details since you weren't able to be there. 

Forgive me if I have been judgmental in any way - hopefully, you understand my feelings.  My love, Jennie

* A number of other sources have stated to EIN that EPE did send a floral tribute, as did Priscilla & Lisa. We also note some people prefer to donate to the deceased's favorite charity rather than send floral tributes.

Charlie Hodge Yahoo Group

EIN thanks Charmaine Voisine and Debra Palmer for many of the photos shown in this tribute

Charlie and the Foggy River Boys

Quote:

"Elvis Presley is the supreme socio-cultural icon in the history of pop culture"

(Dr. Gary Enders)

Quote:

"Elvis is the 'glue' which holds our society together....which subconciously gives our world meaning"

(Anonymous)

Quote:

"Eventually everybody has to die, except Elvis"

(humorist Dave Barry)

Quote:"He is the "Big Bang", and the universe he detonated is still expanding, the pieces are still flying"

(Greil Marcus, "Dead Elvis")

Quote:

"I think Elvis Presley will never be solved"

(Nick Tosches)

Quote:

"He was the most popular man that ever walked on this planet since Christ himself was here"

(Carl Perkins)

Quote:

"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew I wasn't going to work for anybody...hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"

(Bob Dylan)

Quote:

"When we were kids growing up in Liverpool, all we ever wanted was to be Elvis Presley"

(Sir Paul McCartney)

Quote:"You can't say enough good things about Elvis. He was one of a kind"

(Johnny Cash)

Quote:

"And don't think for one moment he's just a passing fancy....he's got enough of it to keep him on top for a long time"

(R. Fred Arnold, Fury magazine, Aug 1957)

Quote:

"It isn't enough to say that Elvis is kind to his parents, sends money home, and is the same unspoiled kid he was before all the commotion began. That still isn't a free ticket to behave like a sex maniac in public"

(Eddie Condon, Cosmopolitan)

Elvis records reaching #2 & #3 on the Cashbox Pop Singles chart:

#2: A Fool Such As I (1959)

#2: A Big Hunk Of Love (1959)

#3: Hard Headed Woman (1958)

#3: One Night (1958)

#3: (You're The Devil) In Disguise (1963)

Elvis Facts:

Tickets for Elvis' show on March 29, 1957 in St. Louis cost $2.00 to $2.50

While in Germany Elvis was hospitalised with tonsillitis in October 1959

Despite being an illegal immigrant, photographic evidence shows Colonel Tom Parker traveled to Canada with Elvis in 1957

Elvis strongly believed there weren't enough good songs in King Creole to justify releasing a soundtrack album. RCA initially agreed, releasing two very successful EPs from the movie. A soundtrack LP eventually followed

During the 1960s Elvis had his own football team, Elvis Presley Enterprises, which played in the Menphis touch football league. In the 1962 final, EPE narrowlt lost to Delta Automatic Transmission. 6-13

In Clambake, (Elvis) Scott Hayward's driving licence shows February 23, 1940...taking 5 years off Elvis' real age

In the 1970s Elvis was ofered $5m to stage a concert in front of the Pyramids in Egypt. When the Colonel declined the offer, Saudi billionaires raised the offer to $10m