“My relationship with Elvis began in February 1956. I was a disc jockey at KRLD in Dallas, Texas, and Elvis was making the rounds. Texas was one of his stomping grounds in those days. He had a lot of success in Texas, and I met him at the radio station where he was promoting some records. I’d been spinning his records and liked his voice and thought he had great promise . . . and was hoping someday that I’d meet him. I was just in the right place at the right time.” - Eddie Fadal (excerpt from "Elvis Days")
Eddie Fadal became a close personal friend and confidante to Elvis Presley. Elvis performed concerts in Waco’s Heart O’ Texas Coliseum during those years and each time visited the Fadal home before and after his concerts. At Elvis’ invitation, Eddie accompanied him on several tours during those days, but only as a trusted friend and traveling companion, never on the payroll of the rock and roll king.
When Elvis was drafted into the United States Army in 1958, and stationed at nearby Fort Hood, TX, he would often getaway to the Fadal home on the weekends. Sometimes, during that six-month stint, he would unexpectedly show up in the middle of the week if he could get a day off from the base. Needless to say, he was splendidly welcomed each and every time, along with his relatives and friends who oftentimes accompanied him to Waco.
Eddie Fadal and his family did everything they could to provide “a home away from home” for Elvis. When Elvis’ beloved mother, Gladys, passed away, Eddie joined Elvis in Memphis and remained at Graceland for the entire leave Elvis was given. They returned to Waco together and drove on to Fort Hood where he would eventually ship out with the Second Armored Division to overseas duty in Germany.
Elvis told a close circle of friends on many occasions, “I can count on one hand the true friends I have and who don’t need me or use me for anything, and I’m proud to say that Eddie is one of them.” Those words are ingrained in the memory of Eddie, and in his words, “They shall remain there as long as I shall live.”
For more stories about Elvis and Eddie and their families, pick up a copy of "Elvis Days."