Details of Publication - Apex Publishing Ltd.

Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!: A Look Back at the Good Times
	Author: Sandi Haynes Pichon Foreword by: Kathy Westmoreland Classification: Biography/Music Sorry this book is Out Of Print	Brief Description: Like millions of first-generation Rock & Roll teens, Sandi Haynes Pichon, Author, Columnist & President of TCB ELVIS STYLE Fan Club in Louisiana, was Raised on ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS! In between the time she sat with him on his motorcycle at his Audubon Drive home until the day she stood weeping by his coffin inside Graceland, Sandi was front row and center for ELVIS concerts all over the country. As a pre-teen in Memphis, she was there to witness a regional attraction which become a national obsession; she devoted years of her adult life to being part of his global audience, and has since dedicated herself to charities that pay homage to his iconic memory. Through several chance meetings with ELVIS himself and friendships with his inner circle Sandi was close enough to feel for the wonderful man that was living in the shadow of his awesome reputation. They exchanged gifts and kisses across the footlights and she was invited to the parties after the shows and even to Graceland Mansion. "I was so fortunate to have been able to have such meaningful contact with the most beloved entertainer ever," Sandi relates. "I always knew that I was there for the millions who wished they were, so this story belongs to all the fans, who have loved him, turned their rooms into shrines to him, and stood by him for all these years." So now enjoy this pictorial novella of a time and place where a man changed the world one heart at a time.

Special Note: This book is now out of print. The first 2,000 copies of this book were a numbered, limited edition, signed by the author.

About the Author: Sandi Pichon attended Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. She has published two cookbooks "Dixie Delights" and "Dixie Delights II". She writes for the Times Picayune newspaper. The author currently lives in USA with her husband, Stanley.

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	Paperback	Hardback
Publication Date:	23 July 2004
ISBN: ISBN 13:	1-904444-23-7 978-1-904444-23-7
Page Extent:	196
Book Size:	210x148mm
Price:	£19.99
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Publication Date:	23 July 2004
Digital eBook ISBN 13:	978-1-908582-16-4
Digital pdf ISBN 13:	978-1-908382-29-0
eBook Price (UK):	£7.99
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-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known

An enjoyable read. Not being an 'Elvis' fan, I am now able to understand more fully the devotion and adoration of the true fan. A personal journey, very well written and some superb photos. Well done.
Robert Auty, Author of 'Trance Warriors: The Siege of Scarn'

Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is written straight from the heart of a true fan/friend who knew Elvis both in his prime and in the years of his declining health, - and loved him unconditionally. The book is written in a straight forward, honest style that will capture your attention and your heart. There are many beautiful photos in the book which I'd never seen before, and truly enjoyed.
Sandi writes as though she is talking with a dear friend, sharing the intimate story of her life. Her style is refreshing and charming, just as the author is herself.
I bought this book in Memphis, and read it this week. It is one I will re-read often, because Sandi's words really touched my heart. Her love and devotion for Elvis shine through on every page of Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!, and her shared memories make you feel as if you were there with her. This is a book which will make you both laugh and cry, while it charms you into loving Elvis even more.
If you enjoy reading material about Elvis which is written with love and total integrity, I highly recommend Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! to you. It will be a wonderful addition to your Elvis library.
Judy Davis, Touched By Elvis® Fan Club (President)

Fantastic! What a refreshing breathe of air amongst the polluted deluge of rubbish us mere Elvis fans have had to endure since his passing. This is one for the fans and for those who remember Elvis the man and not Elvis the Creation! An age of innocence that is captured with true love and respect. Your secret diary of a treasured time revealed after all these years. Thanks for letting us sneak a look. Well done Sandi, Elvis would be touched.
Fergus Moriarty, Star of West End shows - 'Elvis the Musical' and 'Rock n' Roll Heaven'

Every so often an Elvis book comes along that captures the essence of who he was and what he meant to his fans. Sandi Pichon's new book, "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!", is such a book. Without the usual 'glitz & glamour' approach found in so many 'tell-all' books, Sandi relates, simply and in fascinating detail, her amazing journey - from a twelve-year-old admiring fan with the courage to approach her dream idol at his house, to a seasoned, matured veteran of many concerts in the seventies. And what a journey it was! Saving her money regularly so she and her friends could attend numerous shows across the country, she became a fixture in the front row, a devoted fan that Elvis came to count on seeing almost nightly. It even got to the point where he would ask where she had been if she missed a show or two. He also became accustomed to receiving personal gifts from her while on stage, gifts that came from her heart, paid for with her hard-earned money. One of many reasons why she came to be one of his favorite fans. Eventually being invited into the "inner circle" of Elvis and his entourage, she shares the thrill of what it was like to attend the 'after-show' parties and getting to know those around Elvis in a personal way. Her book, loaded with personal and intimate photos, takes the reader into the exciting world she was privileged to share. Very few fans can brag about not just a single kiss from Elvis, but numerous kisses of affection over several years, kisses given on stage from a world class entertainer to his devoted and beloved fan. Sandi is one of those who can. And the story that goes along with it provides a fascinating reading experience.
Jim Cox, Author of Author of 'Inside Graceland: Elvis' Maid Remembers'

After reading Sandi Pichon’s book, RAISED ON ELVIS ELVIS ELVIS, I was left feeling I knew another side of Elvis. One that I didn’t know before as my relationship with him was from the inside. She gave me a whole different perspective of him that I had not known. Her words of him were warm, loving and she more than gives you the feeling of what it was like for her to not only be around him, but to watch and love him from afar also. The love and feelings that Elvis had for his fans and friends is evident through-out Sandi’s book and I think she speaks for a lot of fans that will identify with her and the stories she shares though-out her book. Those of us around Elvis got to know Sandi very well and she was highly thought of and a wonderful warm lady. I really enjoyed the book!
(Picture, from left to right: Ed Parker, Jr., Sonny West, Sandi Haynes Pichon, Dave Hebler and David Stanley - W. Palm Beach, Florida)
Sonny West, Elvis's Close Personal Friend and Bodyguard

I finished reading the book and enjoyed sharing Sandi's story. The book was very warm in Sandi's memory of Elvis and I felt that I was with her every step of the journey. I am privileged to share the blessings of Elvis. Sandi connected with "The Man" very young, driven by a desire to be close to something beyond description, although Sandi's writing seems to be composed with ease and clarity.
Alvin Smith, Elvis Tribute Artist

After reading Sandi’s book about Elvis and the fact she knew him has made me quite intrigued to find out more about him. I’ve always liked Elvis (who doesn’t) but never more than that. But I have discovered he was a kind, caring, lovely man and it seems that just to meet him for two minutes would never be forgotten for the rest of your life. Sandi is a lucky lady and has written a lovely book. Well done Sandi.
Mary Howis, Author of 'The Mercury Man: Freddie Mercury In My Life'

A "must have" for all fans of The King. Full of facts and trivia plus hitherto unseen photos that will delight everyone who remembers this most unique hero of the music world.
Sheila Collins, Author of 'Truffles Diary' & 'Truffles' Diary: One Year On'

This book is a treasure that reveals the truth about what Elvis meant to his fans. It is written from a sane fan's point of view and her experiences. Most important to me is the fact she recalls events that even I had forgotten in the midst of living the experience. She also documents and proves what I have been desperately attempting to tell people - that there is a degree of TRUTH that is totally MISSING from all other accounts of Elvis' life, his illnesses being the most important to me.
Enjoy this gem... this most wonderful book. Thank you, Sandi, for writing this... and thank you for being a true friend to Elvis and to me... and to the others who had the most awesome experience of a lifetime.
Kathy Westmoreland, Backing Singer for Elvis - Written the Foreword

Being involved with this book was personally compelling, because I was able to experience the wonder of Elvis through Sandi's eyes; she was there for the dawn, the rise, the exile, the comeback, the glory and the tragedy of the phenomenon known as ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS! Her expression of love speaks for millions and will reach out and touch those who seek to discover the essence of the man and his music and understand why he remains so beloved.
Thorne Peters, Author of 'Around Elvis'

It was just three and a half short years ago that I received Sandi's original manuscript "Raised On Elvis". I guess I was probably one of the first people to read Sandi's story. Sandi asked me to peruse her manuscript and give my opinion - while also checking for typos. Well folks, I ended up reading the original manuscript three times before I returned it to Sandi - I was hooked and this was only the draft copy! About a year or so later I received Sandi's handmade galley copy that included many of the photos that Sandi had taken of Elvis over the years. Once again I re-read the book and found it just as enjoyable as the first time - actually even more so now that it was enhanced with great photos. This is a book written from the heart, full of love and a tribute to Elvis the "MAN".
This is not just a story about Elvis - it is also a story about my special friend Sandi Pichon - a little girl from the South that grew up to be a genteel Southern lady and became friends with a true Southern gentleman - this will always be Sandi's story and will forever remain her legacy!
Pete Smith, Friends Through Elvis

This new book by Apex Publishing Limited in England and written by Sandi Haynes Pichon is as mentioned on the front cover “a look back at the good times...’’ This 196 pages book (21cm x 14.8cm) is printed on high quality glossy paper, which is a big plus considering there are a lot of colour photographs (about 105 pictures) throughout the book.
I was really looking forward this book since I knew that Sandi had GREAT pictures and good stories to tell from her touring days from a fan point of view. “Raised On Elvis” starts with the foreword by Kathy Westmoreland and then followed with sixteen (16) chapters, each being titled with an Elvis’ song or album from her first meeting with Elvis in Memphis in 1956 until he passed away in 1977.
Almost every stories and anecdotes are accompanied with photographs for backing up the text. It gives a lot of credibility to the author and makes it even more enjoyable to the readers. This book contains several rare and exclusive photographs taken by Sandi. My favourites are the ones taken in Las Vegas, NV in August 1974 and March 1975, and especially the photographs from the August 18, 1975 opening show and midnight show of the following night.
I especially enjoyed the stories related to the Memphis shows in March 1974 along with the one from December 1973 at Stax Recording Studio in the same town. Having said that, the book is interesting from beginning to end. I never had the chance to meet Elvis but was fortunate enough for having seen him in concert several times. Sandi’s book brought back great memories while reading her personal experiences and made me feel good, actually even better in making me realized how lucky I am. For those who weren’t that fortunate and never had the chance to attend an Elvis Presley show, and moreover live all the excitements surrounding the event. They can at least go back in time and have a glimpse at the good times we had during our touring days.
The book contains a few mistakes such as a photograph dated as May 26th, 1975 dinner show instead of March 26th but despite a few errors here and there, “Raised On Elvis” is still an excellent book.
We can be grateful that Sandi decided to share his memories and photographs with us. If you want to take a look back at the good old times, then buy the book “Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!”
Claude Baker

Title: Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!
Author: Sandi Haynes Pichon
Publisher: Apex Publishing Ltd.
ISBN: 1-904444-23-7 (Paperback, 196 pp.)
Sandi Haynes Pichon is an Elvis fan of the very first muster. When she was living in Memphis as a young girl, she persuaded her mother to drive her over to Audubon Drive, where she was presented with a glass of lemonade by Gladys Presley. When Sandi was testing the seat of Elvis's motorbike, she felt a couple of arms around her and turned to see Elvis sitting behind her. Quite an experience for a young girl and one that Sandi has carried with her for the rest of her life. Sandi describes the event in her book, "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" but the book is less concerned with the Elvis of the 1950s and 1960s, as with the Elvis of the 1970s. As with most Elvis fans, Sandi's personal life affected her following of Elvis during the earlier decades, but, after attending an Elvis concert in 1972, Sandi embarked on a road that bordered on hero-worship. Often teaming up with a number of other female fans, she pursued Elvis from venue to venue, apparently at every conceivable opportunity. She became such a feature of the concerts that she even became a sort of member of the outer circle of the Elvis entourage, recognised by the more prominent members (and by Elvis himself) and helped by them when necessary, to obtain concert tickets and good seats. Sandi provides plenty of details about the many concerts she attended and female readers are bound to enjoy her details of the numerous kisses she received from Elvis. She further documents Elvis's declining health, increase in weight and change of personality, especially during the 1975 concerts when among other things, he insulted Kathy Westmoreland and the Sweet Inspirations, leading them to walk off the stage. Concert outfit fans will revel in Sandi's descriptions of the jumpsuits and other garb that Elvis sported, making it clear that Elvis's wardrobe was by no means limited to jumpsuits, though quite why she seems so fond of the Gypsy suits, describing them as, "among the very best designs he ever wore," is beyond me! This really is a cavalcade of concert information, though Sandi also describes more personal encounters with Elvis, such as the time she was allowed into the Stax recording studios to witness him in action and the much sadder occasion when she was allowed to view Elvis's body at Graceland. She also offers her opinions on numerous aspects of Elvis's life and career, including a very positive assessment of the role played by Tom Parker, with which, I'm sure, many will disagree. The book is nicely produced and profusely illustrated. Many books carry the enticement of "previously unpublished photos," but this one lives up to this claim and fans will welcome the many photos of Elvis performing in the 1970s, together with a few candid shots from "Loving You." The photos are not of the highest quality, but I suspect this is because they have been made from scans of old colour photographs, so even though they are perhaps somewhat faded, they remain a refreshing change from the usual and many fans will appreciate them. Sandi's writing style can probably be best described as "down-home" - she tells her story with enthusiasm and sympathy. However, her tale is somewhat marred by some setting lapses, especially the incorrect use of en-dashes instead of em-dashes, and by some strange mis-spellings and incorrect song titles -- Jordinaires and Fairytales, for example, though my favourite must be "dire straights," a delightful homonym! Some rather more careful editing could have improved this aspect of the book greatly. All in all, "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" is a very good effort by a clearly dedicated fan. It certainly makes a refreshing change from the seemingly never-ending variations on the biography. If enthusiasm is the measuring-stick, then Sandi deserves a ten out of ten for her book. I have to be honest and say that I did not look forward to reading "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" but I am not at all sorry that I did so and I'm sure that you will not be sorry, either.
David Neale, Author of 'Roots of Elvis'

Sandi Pichon's book "Raied on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" is right on. Tells it like it was. For anyone interested in Elvis this is as must read. (Picture 1: Sandi Haynes Pichon with Charles Stone at 'The Elvis Festival', Porthcawl, 2004. - Picture 2: Charles Stone reading Sandi's book).
Charles Stone, Elvis Presley's Tour Producer

I found Sandi's book "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" interesting and exciting. It's really cool to hear the actual accounts and stories of a special lady who spent alot of time following Elvis around the country. She seemed to be a real friend and extra special fan of Elvis Presley. Not many people can claim they have done the things she has done with Elvis. Even though Elvis is gone, it's great to hear heart warming stories from someone who actually had the opportunity to be associated with the most incredible entertainer of our time. I think Elvis truly had a warm place in his heart for Sandi Pichon. It's a great book I would recommend to anyone, Elvis fan or not. (Pictures: Sandi Haynes Pichon with Elvis Tribute Artist, Kraig Parker at 'The Elvis Festival', Porthcawl, 2004).
Kraig Parker (Professional Elvis Tribute Artist - Dallas, Texas)

-- Newspaper and Website Reviews

We have had the inside stories from the bodyguards and friends, but this time its from
a fan. Not just an ordinary fan, but one who got to know Elvis and spend time with Elvis.
www.elvis-express.com

I wanted to thank you so much for writing the book, sharing the photos, etc. It was a wonderful read and I will certainly be telling others about it.
www.elvisisintexas.com

There always seems to be a new book about Elvis coming out, most of which seems to be fairly limited print runs and available mainly through specialist Elvis dealers. This new book “Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!” has recently been available on the website “Amazon.co.uk” so I ordered a copy. With my Elvis bookshelves practically at breaking point, I don’t purchase all the Elvis related books that come out these days, especially the “expose” type ones or the ones that are factually inaccurate and written by people who don’t have the faintest idea about our man, but this particular book has been compiled by a loving fan, who met Elvis and almost became a part of Elvis’ “inner circle”.
Sandi Pichon was a fan at the age of 12 in 1956 and was born in Memphis, so had an advantage straight away. In the book, she recounts the time when herself and a friend of hers were driven to Elvis’ then home Audobon Drove by her parents, in the hope that they might just catch a glimpse of Elvis! As her parents waited patiently in their car down the other end of the street, Sandi and her friend just hung about outside for an hour or so with no luck.
After a while, Elvis’ father and mother drove up into the driveway, got out of their vehicle and went into the house. Minutes later, Vernon came outside with two glasses of lemon pop for the girls as Vernon thought they might be hot and thirsty. After a little while longer, who should appear but Elvis himself! He let the girls sit on his motorcycle and was generally caring towards them. After agreeing to sign the girls’ autograph books for them, the girls made off, excited and overwhelmed. This was the start of a love affair for Sandi that still goes on to this day, and the book tells about her visits to Elvis’ tours and concerts throughout the 1970’s. The book also includes many previously unpublished photographs from Sandi and other fans’ archives, including some lovely shots taken at Atlanta Airport in July 1973 and a candid shot showing a relaxed and happy Elvis with fan Colleen Taylor.
After managing to get front row seats for several concerts and always managing to present Elvis with a gift during the shows, Sandi and her friend’s’ faces became familiar to Elvis.
One night, whilst staying in the same hotel as Elvis and his entourage, Sandi and her friend were spotted by Elvis and his group, and were engaged in conversation for several minutes. The girls eventually become on first name terms with Sonny West and others, who offered them tickets to various shows, should they need them.
The book goes on to tell the story right up until the later concerts in 1977, detailing the decline in Elvis' appearance and performance. It also gives the overall impression that Elvis really cared about his fans, and despite health problems at certain times, really did his best to please and entertain.
Although a lightweight read, this book, on the whole, shows a positive side to Elvis and is written with love from a fan who was there and who is not an obsessed fanatic. Recommended.
Tony Dobb, The Capital Elvis Monthly Newsletter

Like millions of first-generation Rock & Roll teens, Sandi Haynes Pichon, Author,
Columnist & President of TCB ELVIS STYLE Fan Club in Louisiana, was Raised on ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS! In between the time she sat with him on his motorcycle at his Audubon Drive home until the day she stood weeping by his coffin inside Graceland, Sandi was front row and center for ELVIS concerts all over the country.
As a pre-teen in Memphis, she was there to witness a regional attraction which become a national obsession; she devoted years of her adult life to being part of his global audience, and has since dedicated herself to charities that pay homage to his iconic memory.
Through several chance meetings with ELVIS himself and friendships with his inner circle Sandi was close enough to feel for the wonderful man that was living in the shadow of his awesome reputation.
They exchanged gifts and kisses across the footlights and she was invited to the
parties after the shows and even to Graceland Mansion. "I was so fortunate to
have been able to have such meaningful contact with the most beloved entertainer
ever," Sandi relates. "I always knew that I was there for the millions who wished
they were, so this story belongs to all the fans, who have loved him, turned their
rooms into shrines to him, and stood by him for all these years." So now enjoy this
pictorial novella of a time and place where a man changed the world one heart at a
time.
RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS! is written by Sandi Pichon and published by Apex Publishing Ltd.
ISBN : 1-904444-23-7
Price: £19.99 ($35.00)
www.elvis-express.com

Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is an excellent illustrated memoir of Sandi
Pichon’s experiences close to the Legend, and the Man Elvis Presley. From
her first meeting in 1956 when Gladys Presley offered her some lemonade,
through the fatal August ’77 and her last gaze at Elvis’ dead body, Pichon’s
book takes us to the good times, as promised on the front cover of the book.
Whilst there is the pleasure of reading, Sandi opens her private photo
collection to us in order to illustrate her story. She gives us a vivid
description of all her experiencing, putting everything into perspective by
her photographs. Sandi recounts her intense feeling while attending Elvis
concerts as from 1972.
The majority of the photos in the book are in fact concert shots taken by
herself, mostly in 1975 and 1976, and moreover, her story is told from an
insider’s point of view. Thus, Pichon’s story is given life, such that we
can almost say that we were there ourselves. We were in the crowd, and even
closer, a friend of Elvis.
Apart from the experiences on tour, Sandi describes the instance when she
was allowed to enter the Stax Studios where Elvis was recording in 1973.
Strangely enough, she is in various ways positive on Parker’s management of
the Presley Estate. Enthusiasm and honesty are the major ingredients of this
book, one which is, and will continue to be loved by its readers.
As regards the pictures, one can say that they themselves make buying the
book worthwhile. It contains roughly 130 photos, some of them full-page
(A5-size). Many of them are new even to ardent picture collectors. Some have
also confessed that this is even a better picture book than Shaver’s Elvis
In Focus in quantity and moreover in the quality.
The cover in itself gives a pleasant presentation of the book, and it should
get the viewer interested in the book.
Some technicalities are not as perfect as such a book should have them.
There are some basic, almost ridiculous errors which should have been
avoided. Therefore, the book needed some proof reading before publication to
avoid errors such as dating a Vegas photo in May, rather than March. In
certain instances, Sandi also engages in a rather too sentimental an
attitude which some fans love, and some others try to avoid.
Besides that, all in all, through this book, Sandi Pichon has become the one
who was there with Elvis for those of us who were not able, or not lucky
enough to be there. It is particularly incisive upon the new generations of
fans and non-fans who would possibly give a look at this masterpiece. This
is a book written not by somebody who wants to say that she was there, but
by a true Elvis fan & friend.
www.kennyelvis.net

The book is fantastic and has great photo's. It is very produced and very well written. Sandi was very lucky to know Elvis.
www.elvisexpress.com

Well, Pichon should know. Pichon is the president of the TCB Elvis Style Fan Club.
Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is a lavishly-illustrated novella that takes you deep in to the heart, mind and soul of a rock-solid Elvis fan. The author is probably correct in her assertion that he was the most beloved entertainer ever. This volume is a touching memorial to The King, but – and I think more importantly – a testimony to the positive influence that he had on people’s lives.
Pichon met Presley on several occasions and, in this volume, is astute enough not to simply rehash the old “legend” material one normally finds in books on this subject. Pichon makes Elvis real through her own experience and this book is definitely worth a read.
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette

Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is a superb book from Sandi Haynes-Pichon and a credit to the publishers Apex Publishing Ltd. Real Elvis fans must get this book. When you read it, it take you right into the life and times of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Sandi takes you there and you feel as if you were part of Presley's inner circle of friends the way she was. In the very early days of being close to Elvis, she sat on his motorcycle and got a hug. This would be the start of a life clearly dedicated to following Elvis wherever he appeared and Sandi rarely missed a show and clearly was much more than just a fan to Elvis too. There are some great examples of all the fun times and more than its share of heartache too, especially towards the end of a true superstar taken far too young at forty-two to the other side. Sandi put the question - could any woman have really been that special girl that could have given the unconditional love his mother had always given him? Who can say? As Sandi seems to suggest, perhaps not. There is a collection of superb photographs in this book many of Presley onstage and some quite unique ones of him with ordinary fans as well. Some years ago I wrote a best-selling book in America called Beyond Death: Conditions In The Afterlife with Professor Hans Holzer who conducted seances after Elvis's passing over to the other side for family members. In my book was a report of what I received as a medium from Elvis Presley the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Hans endorsed my work and brought it to the attention of those that knew Elvis best. I was never lucky enough to meet Elvis when he was alive, yet from a little boy had always been a massive fan of his. How lucky Sandi Haynes-Pichon was to meet up with and get to know Elvis, I am sure millions of Elvis fans like myself worldwide would have loved to have done. But as a medium I have no doubt Elvis would be delighted by Sandi's book and extremely grateful to her for the way it has been written with love, honesty and truth. Too many books have been written about Elvis that were either an utter nonsense, designed to earn a fast buck at the expense and ridiculement of the great man. If you love Elvis like me get this book, you won't regret it and it is something you can read again and again. Thanks Sandi for 'properly taking care of business' as EP would have put it.
Philip Solomon, Wolverhampton Express & Star

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Pick Me Up Magazine

Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!: EIN takes a look inside one of the best ever memoirs from someone who became a friend of Elvis. With rare photos and many great stories written in an easy going, engaging style, Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is a book all fans should enjoy.
www.elvisinfonet.com

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Clydebank Post

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
The Self Publishing Magazine

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Barrhead News

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
The Brit (Madeira Newspaper)

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Newark Advertiser

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Irvine Times

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Ayr Advertiser

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
Tenerife Property Guide

The "Elvis picture book" concept is being killed by the internet, because they're all there for free. The stories in these books are just there to fill-in pages between pictures and usually read like someone's diary, listing jumpsuits and songs and detailing the activities or Elvis' level of performance. Fortunately Pichon and Peters have found the winning formula in the pictorial novella "RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!" by balancing the pictures with a tremendous storyline that is historic and insightful. The pictures are used to put you in the middle of the scene, so that they're relevant to the story and therefore interesting; when the ladies take a wild ride to the concert right behind Elvis in the motorcade the snapshots taken on the fly allows you to join the moment and share the good time that they were having.
Gypsy Irwin, Hollywood Night Move Magazine

This is the story of a little girl who got to sit with Elvis' on his motorcycle at his Audubon Drive home and grew up to stand over his coffin inside Graceland Mansion, in between, her life was filled with concerts, and good times with Elvis closest friends, as well as chance meetings off stage and kisses on stage with "The King." I loved reading this story and so will you.
Vivica Tetrault, Vivica's Views

This is not simply another pictorial of gilded Elvis photos, but a look inside the life and heart of the man from the greatest perspective of all; an Elvis fan who was there from the beginning - from a far, from up close and finally face to face. It's exciting to follow her adventures as she made whatever arrangements necessary to be out there in the front row in city after city, night after night literally driving to beat the band to the next gig, so she could be there to exchange gifts and kisses with ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!. This is a story that must be preserved by those who were there so that generations to come will know the euphoria of being a fan is his presence.
David Kane, Reviewpoint

She is a fan who met Elvis lots of times and the book details the parallels of her life with Elvis' life, hence the title "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" In the book she looks back at the good times at the concerts and Vegas shows she attended, becoming friends with the Memphis Mafia, and how Elvis changed as he became ill. According to the information from Sandi the book will contain 40 pages of unpublished photo's, both concerts and candids, from Sandi, Dorothy Campbell, Keith Alverson, George Hill and Joyce Biddie Hulsey. The foreword was written by Kathy Westmoreland.
www.elvisnews.com

Advert in Essential Elvis Magazine:
(Photo: Sandi Haynes Pichon with Andrew Hearn - editor of the Essential Elvis Magazine)
www.essentialelvis.com

A HUNK OF BURNING LOVE -
Woman writes about her life as an Elvis fan, Sunday April 11, 2004.
By Ann Barks, Contributing writer.
In 1956, Sandi Pichon was a bored 11-year-old girl sweating out summer living in Memphis, Tenn., when she got the idea to knock on rising star Elvis Presley's back door. Such was the beginning of her years-long friendship with one of the most famous entertainers of all time.
Pichon, who now lives in the Bayou Liberty community near Slidell, is keeping her love for the King alive by writing a book, "Raised on Elvis," that details how her teen and adult years were impacted by Elvis. Pichon is president of an Internet-based fan club that is holding an event Saturday in Slidell to honor Elvis and his generous heart.
"He made a difference. He changed music. And once he touched your life, you were never the same," Pichon said.
Pichon's relationship with Elvis began during that summer visit in 1956, just as his rocket rise to international stardom was launching. It was the briefest of encounters in Elvis' backyard, Pichon recalled, but before he roared off on his motorcycle he told Pichon and her best friend to come back whenever they wished. That invitation was taken to heart and the girls visited every chance they could, Pichon said.
After her family moved from Memphis the following year, it wouldn't be until 1972 that Pichon saw Elvis again. Serendipitous meetings and crossing paths for several years finally resulted in a chance for Pichon to tell Elvis she was that same little girl from all those years ago in Memphis. She went to a few concerts and before she knew it, she and a good friend started becoming regulars at both the performances and the get-togethers after the concerts -- thanks to getting reacquainted with several of the people she'd met as a young girl and who were still working for Elvis.
"We became more friends than anything," she said of her relationship with Elvis staffers, known within the inner circle as the "Memphis Mafia." They seemed to enjoy that Pichon and her friend, while fans, were not of the screaming variety. They were more and more accepted into the fringes of the inner circle.
For the last five years of Elvis' life, Pichon and her girlfriend devoted themselves to attending his concerts, eventually seeing more than 150 performances.
"I didn't think he could sing without me in the audience," she joked.
She still marvels at the continual polish of his performances, and in her book she describes her feelings as she watched the drugs and health problems affect her music idol and friend. Her perspective on the more controversial aspects of his lifestyle at the time, she said, is tempered knowing that "he was sick and we could see it was a sickness and he was taking pills to help the pain" of bone cancer. While Pichon said she was told in 1974 that Elvis had the disease, it "only came out probably last year to the general public that he had bone cancer."
"It broke my heart to see him going down," she said.
The last time she spent time with him was in 1976. Shortly after that, she moved from Georgia to Covington, where she had moved to be near a friend and open a shop with her in Metairie. A few months later, she went to see an Elvis concert in Baton Rouge. The change in the King was more than just physical; none of the Memphis Mafia she knew so well and who had been with him for so long were working for him anymore.
It was the first time in five years that she had no inside connections, no front-row seat, no special invitation to visit before or after the show. She sat in her seat, watched him perform and knew something was wrong. "I was crying because he looked terrible," she said. She contacted several former inside people she knew but no one felt there was anything they could do.
Not long after that, she was in her shop in Metairie when she heard Elvis had died. She flew to Memphis, was admitted inside Graceland by Elvis' uncle to pay her final respects and was able to say a private farewell at his open casket.
When she returned home and the impact settled in on her, she packed up all the things she'd gathered over the years -- scarves Elvis had given her at concerts, autographed pictures, pictures of concerts, pictures of her and Elvis, guitar picks he used -- and never told anyone about her connection to the superstar.
Even her husband, Stanley, whom she met a few years later, didn't know about her and Elvis until they'd been married more than a year.
She wouldn't return to Graceland until about five years ago, when she did so at her husband's suggestion. While there, a chance meeting with the owner of an Elvis gift shop who recognized her name led to her desire to start writing a journal to record her memories. She also again got involved in the life of Elvis fan clubs and reclaimed past friendships with former staffers, including backup singer Kathy Westmoreland, she said. They encouraged her to share her journal, telling her that it was a rare look inside from a fan's perspective.
Once she decided to do it, it didn't take her long to find a publisher interested in the book she could write from the journal. As she was putting it together, a friend and fellow Elvis fan helped by filling in with details of the concerts and other historical perspectives, she said. The book is being printed by the publisher in England.
On Saturday, the Elvis fan club of which Pichon is president, TCB Elvis Style, will hold a "meet and greet" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Admission is $10, with proceeds to be donated to Presley Place, the charity foundation set up by Lisa Marie Presley in her father's memory, and to Community Christian Concern.
More than 200 and perhaps as many as 300 fans from across the country and Canada are expected, she said, thanks to the reach of the fan club, which centers largely on its Web site, http://www.geocities.com/bellechene/TCBElvisStyleFanClub.html.
Guests will include Patti Parry, whom Pichon describes as the only female member of the Memphis Mafia; Ed Bonja, Elvis' official photographer; Charles Stone, a member of Elvis' advance team; Elvis "tribute artists" Arik Christopher, 29, of Georgia, and Clyde Perkins, 11, of Slidell; and a "surprise guest."
There will be vendors of Elvis memorabilia with displays, a performance by Christopher, prizes for the best Elvis costume from one of his movies, and raffles and door prizes of Elvis items that have been donated for the event.
For more information on the book, the fan club or Saturday's event, call Pichon at 649-3116.
The Times-Picayune (USA)

Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! A Look Back At The Good Times with Sandi Haynes Pichon
Sandi Haynes Pichon & Thorne Peters; Foreword by Kathy Westmoreland
Apex Publishing Ltd, 2004, UK, Softcover,196 pages, Illustrated, ISBN: 1-904444-23-7
Sandi Haynes Pichon is one of those people most Elvis fans envy! Why? Because Sandi became one of Elvis' friends and was admitted to The King's inner circle. She hugged Elvis on his motorcycle at his home on Audoban Drive, attended after show parties and visited Elvis at Graceland.
Her memoir, Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!, is both similar and dissimilar to other books of its ilk. Professionally produced, it is a flavoursome record of laughter, awe, tears and great times in the presence of The King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! has a pleasing book design. Its pages are well formatted with ample white space separating text and visual making it very easy on the eye. The print size is excellent and those with eyesight difficulties will particularly benefit from this.
This release has three distinct strengths:
* engaging, easy to read text expressed with warmth and compassion by a person who shared part of Elvis' life
* great color photographs most of which have never been published before
* high quality paper stock allowing the many visuals to really shine
Ms Pichon's narrative reads like a diary as she recalls each moment of being in The King's presence, watching him live on stage and attending his after show parties with the Memphis Mafia and other celebrities.
There are many great and sometimes sad stories from the taping of Wink Martindale's famous "Dance Party" to Jackie Kahane being booed off stage at Madison Square Garden, fun times with Uncle Vester and the greed exhibited by cold-hearted vendors following Elvis' death. And as you'll read, Sandi Pichon was also there in Greensboro the night Elvis made very unfortunate remarks about Kathy Westmoreland and The Sweet Inspirations.
Importantly, Sandi's song-by-song descriptions of Elvis concerts vividly brings to life the magic of The King's charisma. Sandi Pichon and Thorne Peters know how to engage the readers interest with an easy flowing writing style full of interesting narrative:
"The group was off to Philadelphia and then to Memphis, while I made arrangements to be there on August 31st in Macon. But in those ten weeks the core of his world was shaken to its foundation in ways that no one could have imagined when he took a drastic action that would profoundly alter his life and legacy."
The author does not hold back her feelings and there are a number of passages that have particular potency. On the last few months of Elvis' life Sandi Haynes Pichon writes:
"I have wondered so often if any woman could have helped Elvis when he needed to turn to that special person when he felt alone, bored or just plain fed up with his lifestyle. He never found that one person to love him unconditionally like his momma had and he searched in vain to find another kindred spirit. The immature young waif that he was involved with was way over her head and neither understood his world, nor cared for him adequately."
The photographs, of which there are many, include numerous great shots of Elvis on stage in some of his most pronounced and colorful jumpsuits. There are also several intimate candids snapped during the 1950s and later showing Elvis with fans. As candid shots they obviously aren't of the same quality as is found in many "professionally shot" photo-journals but despite this they in no way disappoint!
The chapter titles are cleverly drawn directly from Elvis' career with titles such as 'Pot Luck', 'From Elvis Presley Boulevard', 'Don't Leave Me Now!', 'Promised Land' and 'The Last Farewell'.
Verdict: There have been many memoirs by fans lucky enough to have known Elvis Presley. Sandi Haynes Pichon's book ranks as one of the best ever and while it will arguably be appreciated more by women than men, it deserves to be read by all fans. Recommended for anyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of actually "being there".
Nigel Patterson, President of the Elvis Information Network - www.elvisinfonet.com

“Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!”
Written by Sandi Haynes Pichon
Published By: Apex Publishing Ltd, United Kingdom
Soft cover: 8 x 6 in size
Books can be ordered directly from the author at:
Sandi Pichon, 35077 Hwy 433, Slidell, LA 70460, USA
Cost: $43 includes shipping
All books will be autographed and personalized.
Are you one of the many Elvis fans that wished you could have seen him live in concert, but you were never able to experience him for one reason or another? OR are you one of the lucky ones that did see Elvis, perhaps many times? BUT did you write down your experiences? Did you get to meet him or really get close? Did you get a kiss? A scarf? Do you recall all the wonderful details of everything he said, did or wore? Chances are you have answered NO to a few of these questions.
This is a book written by a FAN. A wonderful, happy and joyous recounting of how she discovered, and first saw Elvis on stage at the Overton Park Shell (a surprise walk on). From the early days in the 50’s, to Vegas and on the road, Sandi went to many more concerts and performances thru the years. She shares some beautiful photos of those experiences as well. Meeting Elvis in person and being recognized by him at various shows and locations. She became a fan regular known by everyone. Something we all dream about.
The paper is of rich quality, which adds to the enjoyment of the photos being shared. I highly recommend this book as a welcome addition to your collections!
Order it now and tell Sandi “True Fans” sent you! You won’t be sorry!
Cathi Avenell, Elvis Newsletter

THE WEEKEND WHEN PORTHCAWL WAS ALL SHOOK UP BY THE ELVIS INVASION
The Mayor and Mayoress with some visitors from the USA. Second from right is Sandi Pichon, an author of a book on Elvis. Jena (second left) and Judy (extreme right) travelled from Dallas as part of Kraig Parker's entourage. (Photograph taken by Keith E. Morgan)
The Recorder

PORTHCAWL GOES ELVIS CRAZY
The Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl is going Elvis Crazy on the weekend of October 1st-3rd. The whole town is supporting this fabulous Event with even the Mayor and Mayoress renewing their wedding vows in a special Elvis themed chapel, along with many other couples. It is great to see a whole community behind such an exciting venture and there will be tribute acts from around the world. Fans who have read about Al Dvorin's sad death may know that he was with one of the ETA's, Kraig Parker in a show in Vegas shortly before he died. Kraig is a famous tribute artist in the States and is managed by Charles Stone who worked closely with Elvis, the Colonel and Al Dvorin putting on Elvis Shows from 1972-77. Charles' friend, Elvis fan club president Sandi Pichon has just released a new book "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" that has had wonderful reviews in the Elvis World and she will be in Porthcawl launching her book. You can see the 'Black Elvis', Colbert Hamilton and 'Maltese Elvis', Martin who both supported our promotion to launch "Elvisly Yours Restaurants" on July 5th. Colbert and Martin both made the final ten places in our contest. Then there is Dave Riley, the Welsh Elvis and a dear friend, Linda Gail Lewis. If you haven't seen Linda Gail Lewis perform you don't know what you are missing. Her version of "Great Balls of Fire" is as good as her brother's, Jerry Lee. Linda Gail was performing with Jerry for years. In fact, her dear brother knocked her off stage in Memphis during a gig after she got married to an Elvis Tribute Artist so she started her own solo career and has never looked back. She is the greatest female rock 'n' roll artist in the world and just watching her fingers fly across the keyboards as she plays is a sight to behold. There will be karaoke sessions, competitions and most of the events are FREE with over 30 different events in the town. A neat idea is a Welsh Male Voice Choir singing Elvis songs. Will they include "Green, Green Grass of home" and I wonder if Tom Jones will make an appearance? Full details about all the events and all the participating acts and artists can be found on the official "Porthcawl Elvis Festival" website: http://www.elvies.co.uk. You will find Porthcawl just off the M4 about half way between Cardiff and Swansea. It is the biggest Elvis Festival in Europe this year and promises to become an annual event that Elvis fans cannot afford to miss.
www.elvisly-yours.com

Sandi Haynes Pichon was a fan of Elvis Presley who became a friend to him. She wrote a book called "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" about her experiences during the Elvis era. It will make many fans feel like they are experiencing her memories with her.
Her memoirs represent the love of a generation of fans that are still dedicated to remembering him. She still remembers the feeling in her stomach when he would walk on stage just before the beginning of one of his concerts. She remembers the pure excitement every time. She said if you are an Elvis fan then no explanation is necessary.
She is an author, columnist, and president of TCB Elvis Style Fan Club in Louisiana. She was born in Memphis, Tenn., and reflects the first time she met Elvis when she was only twelve years old.
Pichon and her friend decided to visit him at his home on Audubon Drive one afternoon to try to get an autograph. They knocked on his back door since the front door was for company and they were told that he was sleeping. They decided to wait, and Pichon sat on his motorcycle. Mr. and Mrs. Presley pulled up in a pink cadillac and offered the girls some lemonade. Just as Pichon was about to take a sip of lemonade - she felt these arms wrap around her and she heard a voice say, "Wanna go for a ride?" It was Elvis, and she said she promptly spilled her lemonade. When the girls were about to leave he said, "you girls come back anytime."
Her family moved to Florida, and 16 years would pass by until Pichon saw Elvis again. She saw over 150 concerts throughout the 70s, and was always in the front row. One time he threw a scarf towards her and some other girl caught it. He wanted her to have it, and he made sure she got it.
In 1973, in Graceland she had the chance to see him during a recording session until 3 a.m. in the morning just listening to him play. She started to become a regular at backstage parties, and had many chances to meet him in person. She said she was trusted by the friends and co-workers of Elvis and they included her in the group. To this day she still keeps in touch with his friends which became like a family to her.
"I was blessed - God gave me the Elvis world," she said.
The last time she spent time with him was in 1976, before she moved to Convington, La. She went to see Elvis in concert a few months later in Baton Rouge, La. She said she was no longer in the front row, and didn't recognize any of the people she had once met.
During the last years before his death, Pichon said his personality changed, and he was no longer the man she knew. She said he looked terrible at the last concert she saw him at. He was on a self destruction course and there was nothing anybody could have done, she said.
When she heard that Elvis had died in August of 1977 - she didn't believe it at first. She was on the next plane to Memphis, and went to Graceland to pay her respects. She remembers falling into the arms of the friends she once knew. She was able to say a private farewell to him.
"He knew that you loved him, and he loved you back," Pichon said.
Sitting next to his coffin was a surreal moment for her, and very emotional. She thought at any moment that he would jump up and yell boo since he was a prankster at times, but it was real.
"I was a lucky girl - I was at the right place at the right time."
Her book was a labor of love, and she never thought it would become more than that. She said she always knew she was there "for the millions who wished they were."
"This story belongs to the fans, who have loved him," she said.
She will have a book signing in Picayune at the street fair on November 6 and 7. Stop by and see her memoirs about Elvis, and hear her stories.
"The first time I met him he was innocent. I never knew how important that day would be. He made a difference. He changed music," she said. "Once he touched your life - you were never the same."
******Sandi Haynes Pichon wrote a book called, "Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" about her memories of being a fan and friend to Elvis Presley. She reflects about the first time she met him at his home on his motorcycle to sitting next to his coffin the day he died. Any Elvis fans in Picayune will have a chance to meet Pichon during a book signing at the Picayune Street Fair on November 6 and 7 (2004).******
Jaime Insinga, The Times-Picayune (USA Lifestyles Editor)

Sandi's book takes you into a world that many, sadly, have missed. Through her wonderful stories you can feel what it might have been like to be at an Elvis Concert or to be close in the Elvis circle. The best part of the book, the part that literally gave me the CHILLS, was when she describes her first meeting with Elvis at Audubon Drive. If only we ALL could be so lucky! Great memoreis for every Elvis Presley fan to experience.
Kari Lugo, Elvis International Magazine

RAISED ON ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!
The Star

-- Radio and TV

Sandi Pichon was interviewed on 'The Philip Solomon Show'. Sandi answered questions about her book 'Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!' and her experiences with Elvis Presley.
Wolverhampton City Radio 101.8FM

Apex Media Player

Sandi Haynes Pichon's book 'Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!' is featured on an Elvis Presley documentary called 'Elvis, How Great Thou Art, A Portrait of the Artist'.
Elvis, How Great Thou Art, A Portrait of the Artist (Documentary)

Colchester Garrison 107 FM reviewed 'Novel Ideas' compiled by Jeff Thorburn, 'The Official Carry On Quiz Book' compiled by Chris Cowlin and Paul Burton, and 'Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!' written by Sandi Haynes Pichon on 'The Liz Mullen Show', they also gave copies of the books away in a radio competition.
Colchester Garrison 107 FM

Apex Media Player

"Raised on ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!" was mentioned on WMQM 1600 AM Memphis on 'The Yours in ELVIS Forever Hour'.
WMQM 1600 AM Memphis

Sandi and Thorne have combined to write the kind of book that the fans have been waiting to read for years. The pictures are used artfully to illustrate the narrative and you are able to involve yourself emotionally in her feelings for Elvis. Sandi's story represents a generation of young girls who were "Raised on ELVIS! ELVIS! ELVIS!" and you will feel her joy when she becomes one of the lucky few to have been so close to the legendary Pop Culture icon.
Jon Lindquist, KLAV 1230 AM Las Vegas

Sandi Haynes Pichon was interviewed on BBC Radio Wales 95.9 FM on 'The Nicola Haywood-Thomas Show'.
BBC Radio Wales 95.9 FM

Sandi Haynes Pichon was interviewed on Bridge FM - Life in South Wales. A competition was run and 10 copies of the book were given away.
Bridge FM 106.3

Sandi Haynes Pichon was interviewed on - Life Styles, with Stephen Cefalu, on the St. Tammany Cable Channel, December 2004.
Life Styles

Sandi Haynes Pichon was interviewed on Radio Kiro, Seattle, on 'The Lou Pate Show'.
Radio Kiro 710

Sandi Haynes Pichon was interviewed on - The Villa Vincencio Show, with Natasha Vincencio, on the New Orleans Access Channel, January 2005.
The Villa Vincencio Show

-- Readers Comments

I bought the book when I was In Memphis. I started reading it on the plane, home to England. Well, I just wanted to thank Sandi for all the things she said and done for Elvis' Memory. I wish there were more like you.
Julie England
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It was a very moving book in parts and told a lot of things I did not about Elvis. Sandi was very lucky to have known him so well.
Maureen Dearnley
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I thought it was magnificent. The stories were so heartfelt and sincere, while the photographs were amazing. Thank you so much for giving us this fine piece of work. Being an Elvis memorabilia collector, I found this book a fine addition to my collection.
Steve Hardin
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This story is an absolutely must have for any Elvis Presley fans out there. What with this story taking you back to how Elvis Presley began to get recognised all over the world for his singing and a look into his personal life and the amazing pictures. As soon as I started reading this story I could not put the book back down.
Miss R Reade
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I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing of your adventures with Elvis.
Diane DeHaven
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I read the book cover to cover while on vacation, I have to say, it was very hard to put it down! It was one of the most open and down to earth, and most humble books I've ever read about Elvis. I felt like I was there giving him a flowered guitar or a TLC of carnations right with Sandi! I felt the thrill as he subtly picked the author out of the crowd to call her forward for a scarf and a kiss... I loved how she described her first scarf - wiping his sweat off her face with it... oh, how I wish I could have been there for real. I had never seen the leather suits before - thank you for taking the photos
and including them in the book. Thank you for documenting a very special part of your life for those of us who never got to see him in person, and for your openness. I hope the book is widely read - I do recommend it!
A reader from USA
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WOW! What an awesome book. Thanks so much for sharing your stories. I could read these all day!
A reader from USA
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This is the first time that I have ever devoted an entire evening or entire day reading any book. But once I got started on this book I just could not put it down. The book is the first book on Elvis that I have ever read that is written in a complete, positive light of Elvis, and that does not focus so much on his medical conditions and never have I ever read an Elvis book that made me feel as though I was I was experiencing them memories right along with the author as I did with this book. Lastly, the last few chapters of the book, I cried non-stop, I could feel the loss all over again that all of us felt the day our beloved Elvis passed away, but this time, I felt it in a much stronger way than I did before, I felt it as though I was going through the motions of the grief right along with the author at Graceland Mansion.
Charmaine Jensen
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I loved "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" What an extremely lucky girl the author was to have all those wonderful memories of Elvis!
Joanie Weller
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It is the best book I have ever read about Elvis & I happen to have over 160 books (excluding magazines) in my collection. It made me feel like I was a part of all that. It was fantastic. I loved it!
A reader from USA
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It's wonderful. For a person who claims to be an “Elvis Fan” that book is a definite must. It belongs in every Elvis collection. I have laughed and cried. He was certainly a wonderful person and SO easy on the eyes.
Pat Brown
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A specialised novella that will enthral Elvis Presley fans the world over, but also proved a scintillating read for me. I enjoyed the juicy titbits of gossip about the star which all pointed to what a nice bloke ha had been for such a megastar! It was also a great human interest story written in clear easy to read prose. Previously unseen photos and untold stories of the star adds to the sense of the author sharing with us her private tales of Elvis, such as when he kissed her from the stage and how exciting it was the second and third time. A fun book well worth a read, not just for Elvis fans either!
Ruth Long
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I wanted to thank you so much for writing the book, sharing the photos, etc. It was a wonderful read and I will certainly be telling others about it.
Harvey McFadden
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This book is a must read for every Elvis fan. After reading the draft, I felt as though I was there, on tour with Elvis. What a life, what a time! He changed our world and we see that through this young girl’s eyes! Sandi was there but she makes us all feel we were there too. I can't wait to read this book in it's entirety. I can't wait to re-live the excitement that was Elvis!
Lee A. Prier
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I believe that "Raised On Elvis" is one book over and above any other book written on the life of the "Legendary Elvis Presley", that I would have to honestly put in the top category of all books on Elvis’ life that I will purchase and enjoy to read in more depth.
"Raised On Elvis", upon reviewing it, I found it to be the most positive book of Elvis’s life. I could feel myself experiencing the time and events with Sandi and others involved at that time. I feel it is about time that somebody took the time to write about the positives that Elvis contributed to the music industry and also how he affected all of our lives in a positive - and I feel that it took someone with something special like Sandi Pichon to introduce to the world and to wake everyone up to the incredible legacy that Elvis left behind for us all.
I highly recommend this book for everyone to read, I would especially recommend this book for use in schools for a positive learning influence of Elvis’s life - when completing a school project.
Charmaine Jensen
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I have only read the foreword to your book but I can hardly wait to read the complete book. The photos that I have seen are fantastic. I am so excited for you and counting the days until I can get my hands on my personal autographed copy of your book. I know that your stories of your time spent with Elvis and all the people around him are going to be very positive and honest and it will be wonderful for all Elvis fans to read. I just can't imagine having been to all the concerts and to Graceland the way you did. It had to be the most wonderful time of your life.
Regina Williams
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I think that "Raised on Elvis" is going to be one of the best, remembered books about Elvis Presley because it is written from a different perspective. No sensationalism, no lies, just the truth as seen from a young girl who grew up at the right time in the music world. The cover is very inviting and I can't wait to have it signed and put in my collection.
Roy Galatas
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As you are reading "Raised on Elvis", you will feel the absolute excitement that Sandi surely felt - almost like being there. I am thrilled to say she is my sister-in-law. We have seen all her wonderful pictures, scarves, autographs and guitar picks. When she first started this book I was happy to have read her first drafts and I am sure the reader will be transported back in time to share her memories. It's a great, positive, loving book about the greatest entertainer ever.
Gail Pichon
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Sandi Pichon has a unique and very personal story to tell - of her life as a 12-year old who first visited Elvis and his parents on Audubon Drive, Memphis - and then spanning Elvis' entertainment career as she attended his concerts 100+ times in the '70's. Sandi not only chronicles the little details that every fan wants to hear (what he wore/sang etc.), but describes how it was to be a young farm girl from Tennessee, growing up to become a part of Elvis' inner circle. It certainly changed the course of her life!
Joan and Paul Gansky
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I am happy to see this book is being published. I'd like to read it in its entirety, as I only saw the beautiful pictures and read just a little in the beginning. Good Luck! I know you have work hard for this.
Jeanie Parris
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WOW! What an appropriate cover for this wonderful book! I was privileged to read this book before Sandi started searching for a publisher, and have just finished reading her additions. I admired her style of writing from the start and I know this book was a labour of love. I am so proud of my friend for sharing her personal Elvis stories and pictures.
Anusia Allen
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My good friend, Sandi has worked very hard to relay the story of her "Elvis connection" in this book. I watched her as she chose the pictures, and included personal notes and cards which mean so much to her. Sandi, you deserve the best! Can't wait to see this book on the shelves.
Fran Edwards
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I am so happy that Sandi has finally written this book - it was a part of our lives, sharing the Elvis world. It was a special time for all of us and I can't wait to relive it in "Raised on Elvis”.
Dorothy Campbell
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I am so happy to see that Sandi's book is finally going to be published . I can remember Sandi telling me so many stories over the years and now finally they will be in print.
Connie Whitfield
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It does absolutely tell of the love, respect and friendships of many people that in the beginning had only one thing in common - Elvis. I know he changed a lot of our lives and left me personally with great memories and friendships. I miss him as much today as I did the day he died.
Toni Gilbert
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This book is the best I have ever read!
A reader from England
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I just wished to say how much I enjoy it. I live in sunny England and have been a fan since I was a teen but was, unfortunately not old enough to have seen him. It must have been a wonderful experience. How I wish I could have seen him in concert!! Thanks, though, to people like you sharing their memories that keeps his name alive for younger fans. Thanks once again for a great book. TCB.
Gary Cant
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I cannot put the book down, every chapter brings something new. I am so glad that Sandi decided to let us share all the warm and wonderfully personal stories that she has about her time with Elvis.
If anything, this book makes us love Elvis all the more than we ever did before and that would take some doing, but Sandi has managed to give us so much insight into the man and not just the performer that we truly know, he was a very special person, even though he never saw what all the fuss was about. That humility is another reason why he is so very dear to us, I do agree that if you buy this book then you will know for sure that it is money well spent as there is no amount of money that can compare with what Sandi has shared with us. God Bless you Sandi for this book and showing us just why Elvis will always be so loved by us all and truly one of a kind.
A reader from England
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I am amazed at the quality of the book. It is a credit to you Sandi. Elvis would be so proud and happy for you and for telling a story which is so personal, but which will make every reader have a chance to know just what he was like as opposed to all the other so-called stories that have come out over the years. God Bless you and thank you so much for allowing me to share this wonderful story.
A reader from England
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I've never read a book quite like this, I felt I was there at Sandi's first concert in 1956 and all the others. I smiled, I frowned, I got angry, I laughed and yes I got the inevitable lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Never have I felt so much emotion while reading a book, it was just astounding. For those of you who are getting this book at the signing or where ever you will not be disappointed what ever currency or cost you paid it is well worth it and more. For those who are not sure I hope this helps you decide. This book is written by a true Elvis fan and a true Elvis friend and is a must for any Elvis fan. Will this book be put on the bookshelf and forgotten? Hell no! I'm going read it again, slowly, and savor those emotions over and over again.
God bless you Sandi for sharing these precious moments you had with Elvis, with me I shall treasure this book forever.
Steve Bradley
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I read your book on the way home and I must tell you that it was super!! One of the best books I have read and believe me, I have read many, many Elvis books.
The book was from a fresh point of view and had a different approach. I practically enjoyed the descriptions of the concerts. It made me feel like I was there.
The photos were truly ones that I have never seen. Thanks a million for sharing them and for sharing your life with Elvis.
Phyl Gordon
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I purchased your book and I am reading it everyday. Thank you very much for the book. You bring me back in time.
A reader from USA
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This book is well written by a fan/friend who genuinely loved Elvis.
I've read it twice, and each time, it captured my interest and my heart. I both laughed and cried as I read Sandi's shared memories of Elvis, and felt I was there with her. Numerous candid photos are presented beautifully throughout the book. Sandi's words give new insight into Elvis the Man, while her charming writing style makes this book a very pleasant read.
Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis! is a must for the true Elvis fan! It will be a wonderful addition to your Elvis library.
A reader from USA
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I just wanted to let you know how wonderful your book was. That's the way I want to remember him. I read it twice. Right before I went to Memphis and when I got home. It helped me to smile and say goodbye to him that night. I never got to say hello. May God bless and keep you.
Denise Caraher
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The book is wonderful. The author made me laugh, think and then cry. Not many books have ever done that to me. To be honest, I half expected the book to be something resembling memoirs of a groupie type fan that was just around for the fun and to say they knew him, but the author opened my eyes. I would like to thank the author for writing such an honest and touching book and helping generations to come see Elvis for the loving and giving person he was and not just an idol. The author is a wonderful lady and I'm sure Elvis is looking down right now and smiling at her because of such a magnificent job done in his honour! This is truly the best gift you could have ever given him!
Betty Bishop
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It was so great to relive what I call the Golden Years. I'll always consider myself lucky to have lived in the same time frame Elvis did. I loved what you said about when you were in his presence, you knew you were there for the millions of fans who wished they were.
I don't have your gift for words - all I can say is I loved the story and all the photos and... you were quite a BABE in those days.
A reader from USA
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I got my book yesterday and it is just awesome. Thank you for these beautiful memories.
A reader from England
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I finished your book last night and I just cried and cried... what a wonderful book. It has some very sad parts that just broke my heart. The author should be very proud of herself and Elvis would really appreciate her putting her memories in a book for us to share. There is a GORGEOUS photo of Sonny in there with the tickets.
A reader from England
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I just received your beautiful, fantastic book. I have to tell you that I am so impressed! First class all the way. One of the most professionally created on the market.
Loxi Sibley
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It was so exciting, I can't tell you. You have no idea how much this book means to me. I am so glad to have the author. I looked over the pictures and some pages and couldn't stop crying. I will begin to read it all. Thank you, again, so much.
Sue Femia
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I have just finished reading your book and loved every minute of it. What a wonderful life for a girl to have. Thank you so much for this!
A reader from USA
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Your book is one that I treasure. I plan to read it again. What a great job you've done, and how wonderful it is that you worked so hard to get your story out to us. You write well and with conviction.
Eve Bradford
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I enjoyed the book VERY much. Reading the text made me happy and brought back many memories.
Sean Shaver
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It looks fantastic. I love the excellent shots of Elvis in concert, many of which are new to me. It's been a real pleasure, and I'm sure many fans will enjoy such a wonderful book about Elvis!
Benny Ruggieri
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Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, it is a great read!
Jan Fenton
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It's great to get a fan's perspective on being at an Elvis concert, not to mention at a recording session, his home or in the hotel room next door! I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I'm a photo buff and I love all the photos in your book, especially the Las Vegas ones, those are not as common as other concert photos.
Paul Sweeney
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I have just finished reading the book, what a lucky lady the author was and what a great friend for Elvis to have. It's nice to read the author's experiences, I felt that I was there with her while I was reading it and could not put it down until I had finished.
Janet Roberts
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I really loved your book. So much I have read it twice... I learned so much about Elvis I didn't know! You were a true friend to him unconditionally! People like you who are keeping his good name alive are a blessing. Keep up the good work that you do.
Lee Holley
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I am a great Elvis fan and live in Vienna, Austria. Last week I purchased your book "Raised On Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!" I read it in a few days and I'm really wordless! Can it be, that a human could touch so many hearts? Yes, we know it could be...Many thanks, that you share your own and personal memories with us. The little story about you first met Elvis till the last look at him after his death. I think your book tells the stories that the fans want to read. No scandals and other silly things. Lastly, Elvis is in our hearts - yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever.
Harry Pfundner
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I have just finished reading the book (I bought no. 417 of 2,000), and
wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. What a lucky person
Sandi is to have met (and touched) Elvis on so many occasions. Here in Australia, there are many Elvis fans. We have Elvis impersonators putting on shows regularly and last year my husband hired an Elvis costume and sang "Little Egypt" in a competition held on 16th August winning a prize of dinner for 2 at an expensive restaurant. I became an Elvis fan in the year of 1965 when as a shy 13 year old I had a cousin come to stay at my house for several months. She was a huge Elvis fan and it rubbed off on me. We spent all our pocket money on any magazine that featured articles on Elvis so that we could add them to our scrap books. On the radio on a Wednesday evening, a half hour show was dedicated to Elvis songs - I never missed it. My first trip to the capital city, Brisbane, with my girl friends (and not my
mother) was to see an Elvis movie. Now, when I listen to Elvis songs
or watch his movies, I feel like that young girl again. What a wonderful
entertainer Elvis was! Sandi, thank you for allowing others to share a part of your life and to "look back at the good times". They were good times!
Robyn Collins
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WOW! BRAVO!! Your book is positively inspired, Sandi! I began crying when you described hearing that it was true that Elvis had died. After I finished the book, I was still crying, and had to go wash my face again! How fortunate you are to have been able to see him so many times! I realize it took a lot of effort on your part to get to all those concerts and hotels, but still... you lived in the right place at the right time to see him - even when he first burst onto the scene! You had my attention when you wrote about Gladys Presley coming home from shopping, and when she found you sitting there, she offered you lemonade. To see Mr. and Mrs. Presley would have been such a thrill for a young girl, but then when Elvis got onto the motorcycle with you… I just love the way you write, and love the fact that you say you want to share your experiences with all the fans who never got close! Well, I'm one of those. Somehow I never thought I could get to a concert because I had little kids, and I worked full time. His concerts were always so far away. I always thought there would be more time, that I would see Elvis when the kids were older... Now they are older, and I'm a LOT older, a retired RN. I've started to collect books about Elvis. I have about 40 now, and yours is the one I can relate to the most. I went to those concerts with you, and schemed for tickets front and center. Through your descriptions, I recognized every aspect of the concert from the opening intro until he would leave the stage. (I've watched the concerts over and over and over again on VHS & DVD). I knew all the guys from other books I've read, but with your book, I feel that I've met them and had lunch with them. None of the books I own seem to be 'bashing' Elvis, and I would never buy one that I suspected would do so. How about all those photos of him kissing you - WOWEE! Your final tribute to Elvis - the last two chapters - are outstanding. I love the high praise that you give his legacy - your analysis is at least as good as any I've read. And I'm glad you didn't sell your photos earlier. They are excellent, and should appear in your own book. The ones on pages 67 through 73 are especially nice. It's good to see photos of you in the days you followed Elvis, and as you are today - a fine looking woman. Thanks again for signing your book for me, Sandi. I truly have enjoyed it immensely. LOVED IT!!
Connie Pollock
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Author Sandi Pichon with the jockeys from Dreamer.
The Jockeys from Dreamer
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Dear Sandi, Thank You for writing your book!!! I finished it this morning & I love it!!! It was as if you had reached deep inside my heart & saw the way I felt about Elvis. The things that you said about the way you watched the Aloha Special & how you noticed the little things he did, where taken from my memory, although only you knew about the ham string. I have read many books about Elvis, some I have liked & some I haven’t. Your book however will forever be my favorite book (and I am not just saying that!) & when anyone ask which book I would recommend, it will be yours. Thanks Again!!!
Cheryl Mitchell
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I really enjoyed your story! Clearly you truely cared for the man, and you deserved all the special times you enjoyed! I want to thank you for sharing a different look at the world of Elvis Presley. I was lucky to see him about a dozen times starting in April 1972 in Buffalo, New York and finally in May 1977 here in Rochester. I was 7 years old in 1972! My parents saw him in Buffalo in April 1957 when they were teenagers! The way your story was told was very heartfelt, and I could also relate to the painful feeling towards the end. He brings so much enjoyment to so many even to this day, it's very sad that he himself is not around to enjoy life. I guess the world was never meant to see an old Elvis Presley. Anyway, I want to thank you again for such an excellent book. The photographs were excellent! I absolutely love concert shots! I wish you nothing but the best with all you do!
Benny Ruggieri
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I absolutely loved it - I loved the pictures too - the book is wonderful.
Linda Cervello
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After receiving the book as a Christmas present I found it compelling reading. I have been an ELVIS fan since my late teens - 29 years ago, I remember the exact place where I was on that fatal day in August 1977. Only over the last two years have I started an Elvis collection of CD’s, books and other memorabilia and done the ultimate trip to Memphis and Elvis's home, which was fantastic! The welcome from the local people was overwhelming compared to the United Kingdom everyone was so polite and well mannered. Memphis was so good that I’m in the process of planning another trip in June 2005 to see other places of interest connected to Elvis. In other books (20) that I own about Elvis they all had some sort of angle to show the worst of what appears to me as just a very genuine man who had so much to give to people either by his music or just being himself. Your book just showed your genuine story with no angle other than to share your experience of meeting a really nice person. Your photographs are great and it makes a change to see different shots compared to other publications that use the same ones all the time. Thanks for this book - I only wish that I could of been there too.
Darren Sarson
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There is so many books about Elvis, so it takes a lot to impress me. This book 'Raised on Elvis' was an excellent book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Alain Boulianne
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Reading the book is the next best thing to actually being there, which none of us can do now. Through Sandi's vivid descriptions she has taken us back to those wonderful days. (Picture: Sandi Haynes Pichon, with Elvis fan Janet Makin, at 'The Elvis Festival', Porthcawl, 2004.
Janet Makin
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I met Sandi at Audubon Drive, during Elvis's 70th birthday celebrations. I bought her book and have just finished reading it. She was really lucky to have been so close to Elvis. I had to worship from afar in England. We waited for him to tour over here but unfortunately, that never happened. I really did enjoy the book, it gave me an insight into the man himself and as people say he was only human like the rest of us. It is amazing how we all still miss him after all these years, his personality was electrifying.
Yvonne D'Arcy
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When I was in Memphis celebrating Elvis'70th Birthday, I found Sandi's book in one of the stores at EP Blvd. Well, I bought it, read it, and LOVED it! I have 183 Elvis books in my collection, and Sandi's is one of my favourites! What great stories the meetings with Elvis! I can only imagine what it would be like, I was only 12 when he died. I enjoyed reading the book, and will again in the future!
Gerda Gerrits
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-- Book Signings and Events

Sandi Haynes Pichon, signing books at a street fair, in Picayune.
Street Fair, Picayune

EP Continentals Fan Club Meeting in Orland - with Regina and Gordon Stoker & Marian Cocke.
EP Continentals Fan Club Meeting, Orland

EP Continentals Fan Club Meeting in Orland - with Marian Cocke & Darwin Lamm.
EP Continentals Fan Club Meeting, Orland

Sandi Haynes Pichon, Signing Books in Georgia.
Georgia

Sandi Haynes Pichon with ETA, Kraig Parker in Boomtown.
Boomtown

Sandi Haynes Pichon at 'The Elvis Festival' at Porthcawl, with Linda Gail Lewis and ETA Kraig Parker.
The Elvis Festival 2004, Porthcawl

Sandi Pichon signs copies of the book 'Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!' at The Days Inn, Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis. Sandi was joined by Jeanne LeMay Dumas (Elvis' former secretary) and Sonny West (Elvis' friend and bodyguard).
The Days Inn, Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis

Sandi Haynes Pichon with Linda Gail Lewis and Charles Stone at Porthcawl, 2004.
The Elvis Festival 2004, Porthcawl

Book Signing at 'The Levi's Store' in Bridge End, Wales.
Levi's Store, Bridge End

'The Elvis Festival 2004' - Book Signing in Porthcawl, 2004.
The Elvis Festival 2004, Porthcawl

Sandi Haynes Pichon with author Roy Turner ("Elvis and Gladys") at a book signing in Tupelo, USA.
Tupelo

Sandi Pichon with Suzanna Leigh (Starred with Elvis in 'Paradise Hawaiian Style')
Sandi Pichon with Suzanna Leigh (Starred with Elvis in 'Paradise Hawaiian Style')

Sandi Pichon with Charles Stone, Stanley Pichon (Sandi's Husband), Dick Grob and Sam Thompson (in Vegas).
Vegas

Sandi Pichon signs copies of the book 'Raised on Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!' at Superior Restaurant, Beale Street, Memphis. Sandi was joined by Jeanne LeMay Dumas (Elvis' former secretary).
Superior Restaurant, Beale Street, Memphis

Sandi Haynes Pichon, signing books at a street fair, in Picayune.
Street Fair, Picayune

Sandi Pichon signing books at Elvis' 1956 home, 1034 Audubon Drive.
Elvis' 1956 home, 1034 Audubon Drive

Sandi Pichon signing books at Vernon Presley's former home.
Vernon Presley's former home

-- Libraries that stock this book
The Bodleian Library, Oxford
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The University Library, Cambridge
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The British Library, Boston Spa
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The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
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The Library of Trinity College, Dublin
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The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
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West End Library, Southampton
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Author, Sandi Haynes Pichon has her own website: www.raisedonelvis.com

Cover created by J. Scott: www.jscottart.com