This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2022
Offered is the collection of the lucky radio contest winner referred to in the previous “Heart O' Texas” lot, featuring the backstage pass signed by Elvis Presley. The young Janice Melendy won the radio station KTEM contest, which entitled her to entry to the show and, more importantly, a meeting with Elvis himself. Her backstage pass was typed on “Heart O' Texas” letterhead and signed by General Manager Othel M. Neely. Upon meeting Elvis, our fan immediately had him autograph the pass in pencil “Yours Elvis Presley.” At a later time, Janice neatly clipped off the autograph for inclusion in her “Elvis” scrapbook – the two pieces of the original sheet fit together neatly!
Also included are two original news service photos taken backstage, one showing Elvis with Janice and another lucky fan (5 x 7 inches) and one with Elvis with the show's General Manager Othel Neely (5 x 4 inches). In this second photo, Elvis is still holding pencil with which he signed the offered autograph! The photos were both taken by local Waco photographer Jimmie Willis, and the reverse of the photo of Elvis and the girls is stamped “Jimmie Wilis Studio.” Janice's mother visited the local newspaper office to request a copy of the photo. Jan's copy of the Elvis Presley Mr. Dynamite Souvenir Photo Album is included, with her name written neatly on the cover (Excellent condition), as well as 16 different newspaper clippings with articles, advertisements, photos and reviews of the concert. The signature is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentication. The “Heart O' Texas” letterhead is in Poor condition, with large areas of paper loss. The photos present with minimal toning. Near Mint condition overall.