Three Generations Bound by One Extraordinary History
Most families pass down heirlooms, recipes, or photo albums. Our family passed down a history with Elvis Presley
For over seventy years, the King of Rock 'n' Roll has been an invisible thread woven through our family’s fabric. This book is not just a biography, and it’s not just a memoir—it is a multi-generational chronicle of a real family who lived on the edges, and in the very center, of Elvis’s world.
Generation One: The Deejay & The Legend
The story begins in 1956 at a bustling Dallas radio station. My father was a seasoned deejay and business owner, significantly older than Elvis, who was only twenty-one. When Elvis walked into the station to promote his latest 45 record, an instant bond formed.
What began in a radio studio grew into a lifetime legacy. My father witnessed the explosive rise of an icon from a mature, professional vantage point. Later, our family home in Waco, Texas, became a sanctuary. It provided Elvis an escape, a getaway from Army life, and a true home away from home where he could simply be himself. Through my father's memories, we catch a rare glimpse of the real human being before the world claimed him.
Generation Two: A Peak Behind The Gate
My own entry into the Elvis world came in 1979, during a time of immense transition and grief following Elvis's passing. By marrying a member of the Memphis Mafia, I walked directly into the inner circle when the dust had far from settled.
It was during this time that I met Lamar Fike. Many fans remember Lamar through the lens of Albert Goldman’s deeply controversial biography, often viewing his involvement as vindictive. But when I met Lamar, he was totally broke, drowning in debt, and fiercely struggling with life while conducting research for that very book. This chapter of the memoir offers an empathetic, yet honest look at the complex reality of the man left behind in the wake of the legend's death.
Generation Three: The Next Generation
In this new edition of Elvis Days, I am sharing the love and experiences of some of the fans I have met through trips to Graceland during Elvis Week and a few others I have met online and at The Elvis House. One special fan was a little older. She had added a visit to our home to her bucket list. I was incredibly humbled to meet her and hear her Elvis story.
Other belong to a brand-new generation of fans. They initially knew very little about Elvis but were deeply inspired after seeing his story brought to life on the big screen. Seeing the film brought them directly into the Elvis world. It encouraged them to read more about his life, download his music, and form their own opinions of the man he truly was.
Once, someone asked me, 'What is your favorite Elvis song?' I don’t have just one. His love songs give me goosebumps. His gospel songs lift me up. His rock and roll songs make me want to dance. How can I choose just one?
About Janice Fadal
Janice Fadal has spent her life at the crossroads of music history and family legacy. Born into a household deeply connected to the entertainment world, her perspective on Elvis Presley is entirely unique. Her connection began through her father, a seasoned radio deejay. In 1956, he welcomed a young, twenty-one-year-old Elvis into his Dallas studio. Being significantly older than Elvis, her father brought a mature, protective perspective to their instant bond. This professional relationship soon turned the Fadal family home in Waco, Texas, into a private sanctuary. It gave the rising star a place to escape the pressures of fame. Janice grew up surrounded by these memories and the candid family snapshots of Elvis simply relaxing as a friend. Decades later, her connection to that world came full circle. In 1979, she married Memphis Mafia member Lamar Fike. Walking into the inner circle during a time of immense grief, she witnessed the raw, fragile reality of the man left behind after Elvis passed. Today, Janice lives in Texas and preserves this extraordinary history. As the caretaker of the family's stories, she loves welcoming the next generation of fans who continue to keep the music alive. Elvis, thank you for the goodness you have brought into the world.
Bridging History Through Art and Memory
History is rarely perfectly captured on film. While we are incredibly blessed to have personal family photographs showing Elvis just relaxing, having fun, and enjoying himself with friends and his girlfriend in our home, there were many private moments where no cameras were around.
To bring those unseen chapters of our life to light, my daughter created the original illustrations for this project. Her custom artwork serves as a beautiful visual bridge—working alongside our family snapshots to invite you directly into a legendary 1956 friendship and the heart of our story.
Thank you for allowing our family to share our piece of history with you.
