Elvis For Everyone (OEPFC)

‘Linda Ann, thanks for allowing me to read your impressive manuscript, “The Memphis Lullaby.” I was very touched reading it. I feel that Elvis fans and people everywhere will appreciate and enjoy it as much as I did. “The Memphis Lullaby” gives an insight into Elvis’ life in a beautiful way. I hope this venture turns out the way you want. I think it will. TLC. ’
Larry Geller , Elvis friend, hairstylist and spiritual advisor.  

‘Congratulations! You have done a magnificent job with this and I am VERY proud of you! “The Memphis Lullaby” provides a fresh and unique view of the Elvis Presley story. It is certain to be a favourite among Presley fans and Pop Culture lovers alike. A brilliant work, Linda Ann!’
Jerry Osborne, Author and Publisher.  

‘It is clearly an act of love, a charming portrait of ‘The King.’
Jeremy Raison, Director, The Citizens Theatre, Glasgow. 

‘Very clever.’
David Neale, Author and Journalist. 

‘The Memphis Lullaby is a rarity in the Elvis world - a play in 5 acts about the King of Rock 'n' Roll. What makes The Memphis Lullaby even more unusual is that the play is performed in the first person, with Elvis looking back at his incredible life story six days before his untimely death on 16 August 1977.
Acts 1 and 2 are Elvis telling his life story. Act 3 is presented as a voiceover while the final two acts (particularly impressive) are presented as "films" with visual and audio cues.

Linda Ann McConnell is to be congratulated on writing a touching script which vividly brings to life the Elvis story, and importantly does so from Elvis' perspective, not that of a third party. It is obvious just how much thought and planning Linda Ann McConnell put in to her work. The robust narrative, the important final acts that occur shortly after Elvis' death and the evocative imagery - these all function synergistically to fully engage the reader/viewer. Throughout the play, Ms McConnell also closely captures the essence of who Elvis was, including his vocal mannerisms.

The Memphis Lullaby is a fresh and powerful release that offers an intimate look at the Elvis story from 'a different point of view'. The play is one that will please many fans.’
Nigel Patterson, President, Elvis Information Network Australia. 

‘The Memphis Lullaby is an ambitious monologue: a warm and touching account of Elvis’ life, with shades of comedy.’
Neil Coull, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. 

‘Love the book. Reflects well on the author as well as the subject.’
Jaeson Finn, Freelance artist. 

‘I enjoyed reading this play enormously. It is entirely different from anything else I have read about Elvis. I liked the unique approach. I would love to see it in a theatre - could be very dramatic and moving. I think the author did an outstanding job on this play.’
Jean Donovan, Editor - Elvis Memphis Style/Graceland’s Rising Sun - Two clubs working together for Elvis - USA 

‘Linda Ann McConnell dug into the archives to tell the story the way it is. Well, our man actually has something to tell in this book which is actually a play script. The play is set a few days before Elvis death, August 10, 1977. Elvis decided it is time to put down his memoirs. The way the set is described and the instructions for the actor are part of the text we can really picture it in front of us. Set in several rooms in Graceland, Elvis tells the story of his life. The way the story is told you can almost see Elvis sitting on his sofa or bed and reminiscing about the good and bad times, listening to some of his records and celebrating some of the achievements of career. The final act is told by a voice over with visual and audio cues celebrating Elvis’ immense achievements. Our conclusion is simple, it would be fun to see this play on an actual stage. The play deserves that, and the story would come across much better when it is told to the reader.’
ElvisNews.com, The Netherlands.  

‘At last a book and a play from a genuine Elvis fan that I know comes from the heart of the author. “The Memphis Lullaby” is a very intelligent, unique and thoughtful interpretation which uses colour, objectivity and compassion to illustrate the man, the myths and the music, the man behind the King. The play has been extensively researched and by using Elvis quotes has captured the beauty, honesty and grace of the man. Any written art can be thought provoking or inspiring, this play gives a chance to explore and understand Elvis, even perhaps to change people’s minds about things. If Elvis Presley were alive today he would have endorsed this book and been proud of this work because it tells his story in his own words for the first time. Elvis’ worst fear was that he would be forgotten by everyone. By giving us the “Memphis Lullaby” Elvis will be remembered with respect and will never be forgotten.’
Paul Downie P.R. The Elvis Touch Fan Club Glasgow. 

"The Memphis Lullaby" brings you an "Elvis" with a twist. When you read the "play" format used by the playwright you can’t help but get caught up in each chapter or "scene" and envision in your mind Elvis reading his life story and describing life "Through His Eyes" Well done Linda Ann. Glad to be a part of your book.’
Bob Klein, Photographer, TCBphotos.com/TCB photo archives. 

‘As a monologue by Elvis himself the play gives a very different take on the whole Presley legend when compared to the many other forms that have been presented over the past 27 years - e.g. books, television, and documentaries. The idea of Elvis's story in the first person is a very good one. I admire how the author has combined actual quotes from the 1950's and 1970's, giving them a then-contemporary touch. She has also effectively interspersed other quotes giving it an impression of 1977 quotation. It is obvious that the author spent quite some considerable time researching and working on this project.’
Gerry McLafferty, President of the Elvis Presley Film Society and author of the books Elvis Presley in Hollywood: Celluloid Sell-Out & Elvis Presley: The Power and the Persecution. 

‘The Memphis Lullaby is superb and I would 100% recommend this book. The author/playwright has written the book as a monologue, entirely in Elvis's own words which really brought to us the essence of Elvis. It’s as if Elvis is speaking to you straight from the heart. I can absolutely picture him sitting on the couch in the Graceland sitting room telling his story. I thought this book was excellent, intensely moving and insightful. It is a truly unique, memorable read and I know Elvis would have approved of it.’
Lillian Cumming, The Elvis Touch Fan Club, Glasgow. 

‘This is a superb, unique idea, the spoken words of Elvis himself transcribed into a play telling his own story. I felt transported to Graceland as the scene descriptions and his every move portrayed seemed so accurate. More works like this for Elvis fans written by a fan would be such an advantage in ‘The Elvis World.' The dedication, attention to detail and hard work are to be admired. I expect the author found it a 'labour of love' writing about such an eminent person as Elvis. I wish Linda Ann McConnell every success for the future, very well done.’
Heather Paterson Author, 'A Little Bit of Elvis'. 

‘I think the real Elvis fans will understand and applaud the respectful way Linda Ann McConnell treated this from start to finish. Honestly, when you read it you can feel Elvis hovering in between the lines. Well researched, well constructed, well written and well done.’
Thomas McGarvey, Singer/Performer. 

‘I don't really know anything about Elvis (or rather, I didn't until now!) but I enjoyed the book both as a piece of drama and as a biography. I liked the way actual quotes had been used to form the monologue, as opposed to putting words in Elvis's mouth. A lot of biopic movies I've seen don't really get inside the "protagonist's" skin, which is surely why we want to see their story, but the way the author/playwright has written this play, it almost seems like a documentary. Except not quite, because authentic as the words may be, they all come from the same person. It almost doesn't matter, though, that we never hear the viewpoint of anyone else in his life, because the sheer power of hearing Elvis telling us about his life is enough. I think this is what makes it effective and compelling - not only does it tell a story, but you're hearing the man talk. I know I've never seen an interview or heard Elvis Presley just talk!’
Andrew Gunn, Film Director. 

‘Only Elvis can tell his story and unfortunately he's not around to tell it, enter Elvis fan Linda Ann McConnell who’s thoroughly and professionally researched manuscript taken from a wealth of interviews and sources is as close as you’re ever going to get.’
Robert Fields, Promoter /Manager. 

‘I really enjoyed this book/play, as it’s basically a compilation of actual quotes by Elvis himself, its very well put together, chronologically etc. It is the nearest we'll ever get to an autobiography. To criticize this book would be to criticize Elvis himself.’
Hugh Reed, Singer. 

‘“The Memphis Lullaby” is a beautifully written, well-researched and emotionally moving story of Elvis Presley as told in monologue by the artist. Scripted in the format of a one-person play, the text is dramatically developed so that the reader is able to vividly visualize its staging. Author, Linda Ann McConnell, opens the door to an interesting insight of the spiritually and humility of the artist and the reality of his being.’
Bea Fogelman, published author and Director of The Entertainment Network, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.