Let me tell you a story about an incredible friendship between an Army veteran named Johnny Lang and the legendary Elvis Presley. Johnny, a proud Army veteran from Macomb County, Michigan, has some unforgettable memories of his time in Germany. Back on New Year’s Eve in 1959, Johnny found himself dancing with a stunning girl at a house party. "She was a little doll," Johnny recalls with a smile, reminiscing about the night when everything seemed perfect until reality struck. "One of Elvis’s bodyguards came up to me and said, 'Johnny, you’re going to have to stop dancing with Priscilla. Elvis doesn’t like it.'" It’s moments like this that remind us of the human side of celebrities, even someone as iconic as The King himself.
A Glimpse Into Their Unlikely Bond
Johnny’s memoir, My Army Days With Elvis: Friendship, Football & Follies, dives deep into their remarkable friendship that formed during Elvis's two-year military service. "I really got to know the real Elvis, not just the movie star," Johnny shares with a touch of nostalgia. "He was an extraordinary person, someone who had this incredible charisma but also a heart of gold." This friendship wasn't just a fleeting moment; it was a bond built on genuine respect and camaraderie. Johnny found himself in a unique position to see beyond the glitz and glamour of fame and truly connect with Elvis on a personal level.
The First Encounter: A Train Ride to Remember
Their paths first crossed on a firing range in Fort Hood, Texas, but Johnny didn’t muster the courage to approach Elvis until they were on a train heading to Germany. "My heart was racing," Johnny, now 88, vividly remembers. "I’d never met a movie star before, and there he was, just sitting there." When Johnny finally mustered the courage to speak, Elvis greeted him warmly. "He looked at me and said, ‘Sit down, Chief.’ That’s when our friendship began." It’s these small, intimate moments that highlight Elvis’s approachability and warmth, even amidst his stardom.
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Weekends at Elvis’s Place: Football, Fans, and Respect
Once in Germany, Johnny became a regular at Elvis’s house, spending countless weekends with him and his group of friends. "We’d play football every Sunday," Johnny reminisces. "Elvis would step out and sign autographs for fans before we’d head out to play. What struck me most was how respectful he was to everyone. He’d often say, ‘God gave me the talent, but without these fans, I wouldn’t be where I am today.’" It’s this humility that made Elvis stand out, even among his closest friends. Johnny couldn’t help but admire the way Elvis treated everyone with such genuine respect.
And let’s not forget Elvis’s sense of humor. "People don’t realize how funny he was," Johnny chuckles as he recounts sneaking into a screening of Elvis’s 1958 film King Creole. "Elvis would yell out things like, ‘This guy can’t act! He can’t even sing! I can’t believe he’s on screen!’" Of course, no one knew it was him, and when someone shouted for him to be quiet, it only added to the hilarity. These moments paint a picture of a man who knew how to laugh at himself and keep things light, even in the spotlight.
A Friendship Built on Loyalty
For two years, Johnny and Elvis were inseparable. "I once asked him why we were friends," Johnny shares. "He said, ‘You’d like me if I was a janitor — and thank God I’m not — but that’s why you and I are friends.’ Loyalty was everything to him. If you weren’t loyal, you weren’t in the group." This insight into Elvis’s character reveals a man who valued authenticity and sincerity above all else. Their bond was built on trust and mutual respect, qualities that transcended fame and fortune.
When Johnny visited Elvis for the last time before returning home, it was a poignant farewell. "He shook my hand and I said, ‘El, I can’t thank you enough for making my two years in the Army so wonderful.’" It’s a moment Johnny will never forget, a testament to the impact Elvis had on his life.
Although they never met again, Johnny’s gratitude for their friendship remains unwavering. "I cried like a baby when I heard he died," Johnny admits. "But I’m so thankful that his legacy lives on. Over 45 years later, people are still talking about him. That’s a testament to the kind of person he was." It’s a heartwarming reminder that true friendships leave lasting impressions, even long after they’ve ended.
