In January of this year, I had the rare opportunity to visit and spend time with this lovely entertaining lady that shared the stage with Elvis Presley. It was a rare time and one that I would never have thought a possibility in my life.
Sitting next to Kathy on the big motel bed as she dragged out countless pictures and artifacts from her days with Elvis, was as exciting as a childhood Christmas Morning! The "ooohhh's and awwww's" were echoed between June and myself as each picture was highlighted with its tale direct from Kathy. The stories behind the pictures were often amusing, filled with laughter, love and an obvious deep friendship that Kathy and Elvis had during their days together.
I'm not sure if I should kick myself now for passing up the opportunity to ask the zillions of questions of a die-hard Elvis fan, or to at least get an autograph from the famous soprano singer! I guess what it boiled down to was the quick way Kathy became one of "us" and fit right into the crazy world of June's and mine, and by the way- I didn't ask June for an autograph either!
Forewarned by June, that Kathy is going to fit right in with the rest of us-did NOT give me the security that was intended. I was still a little nervous when I first recognized Kathy, but after a bear-hug- it was if all of us had known each other for ions! How can you ask someone you feel like friends with for a autograph?
I have to admit that I have never really thought of Kathy without thinking of Elvis, but I was soon to find out during our weekend in Las Vegas, that Kathy herself was a star long before Elvis pulled her to the stage. I had no idea that she had traveled as extensively as she had with her musical career, or had gone such a long ways in it. It certainly wasn't long before I developed a new respect and deep appreciation for this special woman.
Her life as many know it was that of Elvis' back up singer, the little girl with the beautiful voice. What about her life as Kathy Westmoreland? She wasn't always Elvis's girl. Trust me when I say that there is a lot more to Kathy and her musical career then many may know!
With or without Elvis, Kathy is a down to earth crazy personality that one can't help but "fall in love" with.
