Member shares encounter with The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

CDS FOR SENIORS CLUB

by Kalena Hayden

LW contributor

In 1972, CDs for Seniors Club members Glen and Mary Solomon were young marrieds and decided to splurge and go to Las Vegas to catch an Elvis Presley show. Since there were no reservations accepted at the Hilton International showroom, not long after arriving Mary donned her hot pants and go-go boots and off they went to secure an early place in line. Their firstplace position was followed by a similar-aged couple from Texas.

After chatting with each other, they agreed that it would be pleasant to share a table for the show. When the usher arrived to seat them, each couple tipped him $40 (equivalent to $320 in 2026 money) and were led to stage-side seats. All was going well until the same usher returned and told them that they would have to move because their table was reserved. It took only an instant for these young people to recognize that a late arrival must have offered him a larger tip. In response, each of the feisty 5-foot-tall young women issued a resounding “NO,” reminding the guy that there was no reserved seating, so he could just move along; which he did immediately.

When the performance started, the still-slim Elvis put on his world-renowned energetic show. Toward the end of the set, Elvis was sweating profusely, so the ever-considerate Mary offered him her unused linen napkin. Elvis proceeded to mop his glistening face and neck, then realized that even though his beaded stretch gabardine jumpsuit was unzipped halfway down his torso, the scarf must have made him quite warm, giving him quite a glow, prompting him to use the napkin to mop up his chest. After he completed this onerous task, he returned the now-used napkin to a rather mesmerized Mary. When he thanked her, he also bestowed a kiss upon her cheek. As might be anticipated, after the completion of the show, Glen had to lead his rather dazed bride from the showroom. While not on display, this 54-year-old piece of memorabilia continues to reside in the Solomon’s residence in Leisure World.

Stories like this one are shared at the CDs for Seniors meetings held in even-numbered months on the third Thursday. The club will meet Thursday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 3.

Mary Solomon circa 1972