Kay Wheeler

D uring this time of "Rockabilly Heaven" in 1955-56, when Elvis was knocking them dead in country & western juke joints in places like Gladewater, Texas, and other rockabilly greats like Gene Vincent and Roy Orbison were just getting started, Kay hosted several teenage local TV shows as well as an "All Elvis" DJ show on radio station WRR in Dallas. She had a very high profile in the media with newspapers articles on her appearing in associated press national stories published throughout America. One national newspaper story in particular angered Colonel Parker when Kay called Waco, Texas - "The SquarestTown In America", because they hardly clapped or screamed for Elvis during his concert there in 1956. The screaming newspaper headline stated, "ELVIS HEAD HITS AT SQUARES." Waco was in an uproar over Kay's proclamation. Colonel Parker rushed Tom Diskin, Elvis' road manager, to Dallas to get Kay to apologize to the city of Waco. But Kay refused - even though Parker sent Kay one of Elvis' shirts, a type of bribe. Diskin made the comment, "WE CAN CONTROL ELVIS, BUT WE CAN'T CONTROL YOU!" This Waco escapade signaled the break in the relationship between Kay and Colonel Parker.

 Kay also designed Elvis Presley products, prepared national advertising for teenage products, did A&R work for record companies and appeared regularly on the Los Angeles KCOP TV talk show. She met Ricky Nelson in Hollywood as well as Eddie Cochran. Elvis was also in Hollywood at the same time completing the movie "Jailhouse Rock." Kay & Elvis attended the press premiere of "Jailhouse Rock" together.

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SCREEN ACTORS GUILD

THE AUTHORS GUILD

THE AUTHORS LEAGUE OF AMERICA                ****