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On December 14, 1934 Charlie Hodge was
born in Decatur, Alabama where he would spend his childhood, and remain on
into his adulthood. Music was a large part of Charlie's early life - so
much so that he enrolled in the Stamp School of Music with aspirations of
joining a Gospel Quartet.
 It was there that he first met a young
man by the name of Bill Gaither (of the Gaither Family fame), and together
they formed a Gospel Quartet. Charlie was well on his way to pursuing his
dreams.
Bill & Charlie sang together for nearly a year before they went their separate ways, career-wise. This led to Charlie's stint with a gospel group called: The Foggy River Boys when they needed a lead singer for the Ozark Jubilee, slated to air on the ABC network. This is the unmistakable moment that fate would inevitably intervene and change the course of Charlie's life in ways even he could never have fathomed. At the tender age of 20 Charlie first performed on network television. Shortly thereafter the group played an auditorium in Memphis with Red Foley. The audience witnessed the short, 5' 3", Charlie enter the stage carrying an empty Coke crate upon which he would stand so the other members wouldn't 'tower over him.' "The Coke crate gave the audience a reason to chuckle. I had them on my side from the start," Charlie laughed in an interview recalling his antics on stage. In attendance that night in Memphis was another young singer - Elvis Presley - who was accompanied by his cousin, Billy Smith. After the show Elvis & Billy came backstage to meet Red Foley, and then made their way over to meet the four members of the Foggy River Boys. That was the first time Charlie & Elvis would cross paths, but it wasn't to be the last.  Ironically enough, as destiny would have it, Uncle Sam came a
callin' and Elvis and Charlie would both enter the US Army at the same
time. Both were at Fort Hood, although not stationed together. Charlie was
in the 15th Calvary, but when he found out Elvis was there he looked him
up, went over, and re-introduced himself. Elvis remembered who Charlie
was, and told Charlie that he watched him every Saturday night on TV. The
connection between them seemed instantaneous, and when reflecting on that
meeting Charlie said "I think our friendship was a natural friendship."
They shared so many common interests with both being musicians. It is a
well known fact how important Gospel music was to Elvis, how it touched
his soul - and Elvis himself had desperately wanted to belong to a Gospel
quartet before he first recorded 'That's Alright Mama' at Sun Studio.
Elvis & Charlie would discuss the mutual friends they had in both the
Gospel and Country Music fields, and all the Gospel songs they both knew
and loved. In relating to this memory Charlie said "We were singing Gospel
songs together all the way to Germany." The friendship had begun in basic training, but it was traveling across the Ocean, on the ship to Germany, where their bond that was never to be severed was solidified. At that time Elvis was heavily grieving the death of his beloved mother. It was Elvis' request to have Charlie in his quarters on the ship. Perhaps he knew having someone who shared his deep, abiding faith would be the immense comfort he so desperately needed.
At night, as the ship buoyed over the
waves, Charlie would hear Elvis sobbing and making noises from the
restless dreams that would keep him awake. In those moments Charlie would
graciously get down from his bunk and sit beside Elvis all the while
talking, telling jokes and stories - anything he could to lift Elvis'
spirits. Years later Elvis told him, "Charlie, if it hadn't been for
you....you kept me sane all the way across the Ocean." Once they reached
Germany to find they weren't stationed together, Elvis instructed Charlie
to watch the paper to know where he (Elvis) was.
 That very
first weekend that Charlie was able to get off Post he looked Elvis up,
and went to pay him a visit. It was here that Charlie would meet Lamar
Fike, Joe Esposito and a few of the others that were very quickly becoming
Elvis' entourage. Those days in Germany proved to be a relaxed, fun time
for them all during their "off duty" hours. Charlie remembered, "We would
sing on weekends and Sundays Elvis would want to play touch football. I
never did play though because I was too little - I would have got
hurt!" Another twist of fate occurred on the way home from Germany -
Charlie & Joe Esposito were bunk-mates. Joe was returning to the USA with
a new job - he was now employed by Elvis. Charlie, on the other hand, was
returning to Decatur to see his parents and family. However, Charlie did
not forget Elvis' request to record a song with him during his first
recording session upon his return to Memphis. The album, appropriately
titled, 'ELVIS IS BACK' featured a duet of Elvis & Charlie singing 'I Will
Be Home Again' which Charlie said "was from an Old Golden Gate Spiritual
Album, and we had started singing that together in Germany." That
recording session in Nashville led to Charlie coming back to Memphis to
visit Elvis just before he left to film GI Blues. Charlie was at the train
station to see Elvis and the boys off, before he himself was going to
return to Alabama. Suddenly Elvis asked Charlie if he wanted to come to
Hollywood. Charlie responded with a 'Why Not?', and thus his life of
working for Elvis had begun.
Charlie would appear as an extra is some
of Elvis' films such as: a guitarist in Speedway, and as Mr. Hayward's
barber in Clambake. However, it goes without saying, that Charlie's most
significant 'role' in Elvis' career was that of a true, trusted friend,
confidant and comforter. Elvis appreciated Charlie's sense of humour, and
Charlie in turn made Elvis vocalize his infectious, full-hearted laugh on
innumerable occasions. To Elvis it must have seemed that Charlie was there
to create that laughter many times when it was needed the most. What
Charlie lacked in height he compensated for in personality !! Throughout
Elvis' life Charlie was there to witness some of the most significant
moments. He was there that night in Germany when Elvis first laid eyes on
Priscilla Beaulieu, who would later become Mrs. Elvis Presley on May 1,
1967. He was with Elvis & their circle of friends when they took the
highly publicized 15-day leave to Paris while they were stationed in
Germany. He recorded with Elvis in the famed RCA Studio B in Nashville,
and Charlie admitted there he "never encountered a more relaxed
atmosphere. It was FUN !!" Charlie confirmed the recording ritual that
Elvis was known for: Entering the studio to first sit around the piano for
a sing-song (and often a lengthy one!). Many times the Jordinaires would
join in as well, and that's what relaxed Elvis enough to delve into his
recording sessions. Then there were the times they spent together while
Elvis was filming on location. Charlie joined in on the water fights, pie
tossing, and practical jokes that helped to alleviate the stress level
Elvis felt from the unchallenging and poorly written scripts he was
struggling with, professionally. The day Priscilla went into labour,
Charlie was at Graceland, and he & Jerry Schilling bantered back and forth
as to which hospital they were supposed to go to - Methodist or Baptist
Memorial. During this recollection Charlie remembers he called Joe
Esposito on their way to the hospital, as Joe was in LA. Joe frantically
told Charlie to tell Priscilla to hold off giving birth until he got
there, and could be with them all. Charlie laughed in amazement at
remembering, "and she didn't......Joe got there in time for Lisa Marie to
be born."
Charlie fondly admitted that as she was
growing up, Lisa Marie was very
 much
like his that they were "as tight as a family." Displaying his
incredible sense of humour Charlie related a time he had picked Lisa Marie
up at Priscilla's house, and was bringing her over to visit with her Dad.
Lisa turned to him with child-like innocence and asked, "Charlie are you
my Uncle, or what?" He said he turned back to her and said, "....Probably,
what." Charlie was so endeared to Lisa that he had his own nickname for
her - 'Punkin' - which he explained was southern for "Pumpkin". The extent
of the closeness he felt towards Elvis' only child was evidenced by the
inscription in the front of a book that Charlie would write years later.
It said ~ For Punkin ~. Shortly after Lisa's birth in February 1968 came the planning for what was to become one of the pivotal moments of Elvis' career - the taping and broadcasting of the show that would affectionately become known as The '68  Comeback Special, and would be the catalyst for once again
launching Elvis' concert career. Charlie, like the true friend he was, was
there to lend support to Elvis when he truly needed it. Elvis turned to
Charlie just prior to filming and nervously admitted he didn't like being
that far from the audience. (Initially Charlie explained that the studio
had placed the audience about 30 yards away from the sound stage.) Charlie
responded by encouraging his friend saying, "Elvis it's YOUR show. Ask the
audience if they want to come down here." Before the director could object
(which he did, but it was too late), Elvis had stood up and invited the
audience to move in closer. They gratefully complied, and the 'sit down'
portion of that special along with the Gospel Segment became Elvis', as
well as the general public's, favourite portion of the show, and helped to
ensure it's success - thanks in large part to Charlie's encouragement.
Charlie had the opportunity to work for
Harrah's club in Reno, Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, and it was there that he
would learn to 'pace a show.' This experience allowed Charlie to have the
expertise to enable him to lay out Elvis' shows once he started playing
Vegas. It proved to be invaluable as Charlie insight-fully concluded in an
interview, "God put me....he let me do what I wanted to do when I first
started, which was singing in a Gospel Quartet. Then he (God) put me where
HE wanted me - in the military where I would meet Elvis, then with Wakely
in the Nevada circuit learning pacing, and all the things that which
became Elvis' show. My experience on the road with Jimmy Wakely gave me
what I needed to do for Elvis later." Charlie became Elvis' vocal coach,
rhythm guitarist, sang backup and gave Elvis his water and scarves during
those concert years of the 70's. It was Charlie's suggestion to close the
shows with 'Can't Help Falling In Love', which would become a signature of
Elvis' concerts. When the transfixed audience would hear the first
strains of that song they sadly knew the show was about to come to an end,
and all too soon they would hear the famous linage 'Elvis had left the
building...' as the house lights would come on.
Tragically, when Elvis passed away on August 16th, 1977, Charlie had worked for him and lived at Graceland for over 17 years. Determined to carry on Elvis' memory found Charlie travelling around the globe sharing lovingly his stories and memories of his dear friend, Elvis. For the final 15 years of his own career Charlie Hodge was at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge, TN as an integral part of a show in Tribute to Elvis. In 1998 Charlie published a book recalling his life with Elvis titled: ME N' Elvis. In this book Charlie prophetically wrote, "Remembering Elvis for the purpose of writing this book has created loneliness in me like a torment." Sadly on March 3, 2006 the torment of Charlie's quiet, brave struggle with Lung Cancer ended when he passed away at Fort Saunders Regional Hospital in Knoxville, TN. Charlie was 71, and survived by his lovely wife Jennifer, and his sister, Margie Poteet.
However I envision that sadness could
hot have prevailed too long though on March 3rd - at least not for ELVIS
N' CHARLIE. In an interview in 1986 Charlie spoke of his fond memories of
living with Elvis at Graceland. "Elvis just loved Graceland. It was his
island away from the world where he could unwind with his family and the
boys. I was very fortunate to have lived there until after Elvis died. I
remember Elvis would wander around Graceland singing. I'd hear him and
join in with the harmony - sometimes we weren't even in the same room."
On March 3, 2006 I have no doubt Charlie heard Elvis singing as he approached those gates, and although not even in the 'same room' yet I'm positive Charlie jumped in there with the harmony. Once smiles and hugs were exchanged upon their reunion I visualize them singing that first duet together - 'I WILL BE HOME AGAIN' - now that they both really are home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  By:
Nella Allward
I was fortunate enough to have met Charlie a few
times. Just two years ago we met him at Marlowe's Restaurant in Memphis at
Bill Burke's luncheon. Bill was introducing Nancy Rooks who was sitting
with us. As you know Nancy worked as a cook at Graceland from 1967 - 1993.
Charlie had not seen Nancy for many years and it was an emotional day to
witness how happy he was to see her again. They really hugged one another
and spoke for quite awhile. The first time I met Charlie was in Portage,
IN at an Elvis convention. He was standing right in front of our table
looking at some Elvis memorabilia. I asked him, "Are you Charlie Hodge?"
He replied, "That's me!". He seemed to be very down-to-earth, and quite
shy. A very nice man.
I do think Elvis & Charlie were good for each other,
and really helped one another. I recommend everyone who hasn't to read
Charlie's book: Elvis N' Me. There is also a great DVD called: The Elvis I
Knew. After viewing it you will truly understand the friendship these men
shared. May both their souls rest in peace.
By: Wendy King ~ Love For Elvis Fan Club
Member ~
I met Charlie Hodge in October of 1977....just two
months after the passing of Elvis. He was still living at Graceland and
was driving out of the gates late at night. What struck me most about that
night is that despite the fact he was obviously in mourning over the loss
of his friend....he took the time to stop and chat with a group of
Canadian fans at the gate.
 It wasn't so
much what we talked about that left such an impression, but the fact that
he shared stories with us at such a horrible time.I distinctly remember thinking he was really hurting; genuinely in pain. I continued to feel that way about Charlie all through the years. Perhaps because he lived at Graceland (in the bedroom downstairs in the TV room) he got even closer than some others of the Memphis Mafia. I always have felt that Charlie, of all the guys, couldn't quite come to terms with life without Elvis. And now they're together again. What a friendship! 
By: Sandi Pichon ~ Friend of Elvis & to
the Love For Elvis Fan Club
Charlie was one of the first of Elvis' friends I
became close to. His sense of humor and imitations were like no one I've
ever known. He could keep you laughing all night. I played Keno with him
in Vegas, a game he dearly loved. Elvis was his life. A wonderful man who
will be missed by everyone who knew him and many who didn't. Jennifer was
the best thing that ever happened to him and she brought him much
happiness. I am glad they found each other so that his last years were
happy ones.
By: Keith Kivell ~ Love For Elvis Fan
Club Member ~
I met Charlie 3 times. The first time was in 1984,
at the Elvis museum that used to be in Niagara Falls. He had just released
his book called "Me'n Elvis" and was there to promote it. I had him
autograph it for me. Charlie was very friendly and took the time to listen
as I told him how much enjoyment I had received from being an Elvis fan. I
told him that I had had the opportunity to see Elvis once in concert, and
that the excitement was unbelievable. The last 2 times I saw Charlie was
the 20th Anniversary celebration in Memphis. I had gone into the EPE
offices at Graceland, and Charlie was sitting in the waiting area. I asked
him if he would sign my copy of the 20th Anniversary International Forum,
and he kindly obliged. The last time I saw him was at the autograph
session that was held in the Heartbreak hotel a few days later. The
picture here is when that was taken.
By: Lou Vuto ~ Performer (ETA) at
Memories Theatre ~
What a wonderful blessing to have known such a great
man.
My life has been so enriched by Charlie. We worked together for almost nine years giving a salute to his friend Elvis. Charlie loved Elvis and it showed everyday. Today I salute my dear friend Charlie. I miss him so much already. He taught me so much and I'll be forever grateful. I look forward to the day when my Lord returns and I will see Charlie once again but until then I'll carry on the great things I have learned from him. ~ I Thessalonians 4:13-18 ~
** You may send a card of Condolences to: **
The Family of Charlie Hodge c/o Memories Theater 2141 Parkway Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
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