Carol Connors, the legendary singer-songwriter behind "To Know Him is to Love Him," reveals intimate details of her whirlwind romance with Elvis Presley in her explosive new memoir, "Elvis, Rocky & Me."
Carol Connors, the velvet-voiced singer and songwriter known for her timeless hit "To Know Him is to Love Him," has lifted the lid on her enchanting romance with the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, in her newly released memoir, "Elvis, Rocky & Me."
In the pages of this gripping tell-all, Connors transports readers back to the swinging sixties, recounting the serendipitous encounter that ignited their love affair. It all began with a mysterious stranger approaching her at a market, claiming that Presley was smitten by her dulcet tones.
Confessions of an Elvis Sweetheart: Carol Connors Remembers the King
Intrigued but skeptical, Connors reluctantly agreed to meet the enigmatic superstar at his lavish Bel-Air mansion. There, she laid eyes on the "beautiful man" whose feline grace left her breathless. Presley's first words to her were a peculiar question: "Why'd you name your group the Teddy Bears?"
According to Connors, their whirlwind romance lasted for nine months, a period marked by intense passion and unwavering affection. She recalls Presley as a "gentle soul" in those days, a man who harmonized effortlessly with her and shared intimate moments of laughter and vulnerability.
Confessions of an Elvis Sweetheart: Carol Connors Remembers the King
However, Connors admits to harboring insecurities over Presley's alleged affair with Ann-Margret, his co-star in "Viva Las Vegas." "I'll never forget how beautiful he was," she says. "I always believed that Ann-Margret was one of the great loves of his life."
Despite her insecurities, Connors asserts that Presley cared deeply for her. "He adored you," his right-hand man Joe Esposito confided in her years later. "He thought you were so pretty."
Confessions of an Elvis Sweetheart: Carol Connors Remembers the King
Reflecting on her relationship with Presley, Connors credits his indomitable spirit and unwavering passion for music. "He knew every single note of music that is going on in the back of me when I'm on stage," she recalls him saying. "He was a consummate musician."
Connors reveals Presley's unfulfilled dream of establishing himself as a respected actor in Hollywood. His manager, Colonel Tom Parker, however, had other plans, rejecting the role that ultimately went to Kris Kristofferson in "A Star is Born." "I believe it would've saved Elvis' life if he had done that film," Connors laments.
Confessions of an Elvis Sweetheart: Carol Connors Remembers the King
Before captivating Presley's heart, Connors was discovered by her high school classmate, the enigmatic Phil Spector. Together, they formed the Teddy Bears, a group that soared to fame with the iconic ballad "To Know Him is to Love Him." Spector went on to become a legendary producer, transforming rock music with his "Wall of Sound" technique.
However, Spector's brilliance was marred by a dark and volatile temperament. Connors witnessed the toll it took on those around him, including herself. "He became impossible in many ways," she recalls. "He got taken over by, I believe, demons."
Confessions of an Elvis Sweetheart: Carol Connors Remembers the King
Despite the setbacks and heartbreaks she has endured, Connors remains an indomitable spirit, a testament to the transformative power of music. She went on to co-write the theme song for "Rocky," an anthem that inspires countless dreamers to "Gonna Fly Now."
