Product Description
by Ed Parker Sr (Author)
In reality, very few people really did know Elvis. Ed, often referred to by Elvis, as "my second daddy" was such a person. As the fierce-eyed, silver-streaked Kenpo combatant stepped forward in 1978, he resolved to tell his story. Ed was the man Elvis chose as his strong right arm, a true brother, friend, confidant, as well as Elvis' protective companion. Ed had enjoyed seventeen years of close, personal association with Elvis Presley. Frequently traveling together, Ed observed, listened, and understood as they shared their personal confidences and innermost feelings with one another. He had a wealth of insights and anecdotes about his close friend and was determined to share those insights in an incredible backstage look at one of the most famous men in the world--a man millions admired, thousands worshipped, but only a handful knew or understood. Still in a state of grief, he wrote of the loss of his "friend" Elvis; and shared insights into the King's on stage genius, his lifestyle, generosity, views on religion and life as well as his inner thoughts. He was deeply impressed by Elvis' character, charisma, loyalty, intellect, organizational skills and above all, his humility. Many years earlier, Elvis, had nicknamed Ed, "Kahuna" (a Hawaiian word meaning high priest). Now Elvis' "Kahuna" had an opportunity to write from the heart, capturing many of the Christ-like characteristics Elvis exhibited, through his simple faith and unselfish caring. As a result of this interesting, intimate, insightful work, Ed was invited on a book tour by the Elvis Presley Fan club to share his feelings in person. From that time forth, he began to develop strong ties and bonds of friendship with dedicated and sincere Elvis fans around the world. A warm relationship that remained strong and continued to develop up until Ed's untimely death in December 1990. This book was 5th on the best seller list in America and number 3 in the South.
Author Biography
Edmund Kealoha Parker was born on March 19, 1931, the sixth of seven children in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents emphasized the principles of obedience, responsibility, hard work, loyalty and love of God and country, which remained with him throughout his life. Ed graduated from Kamehameha High School class of 1949, he received his black belt in Kenpo Karate and Jiu Jitsu June 5, 1953 from Professor William K. S. Chow, he served in the United States Coast Guard, graduated from Brigham Young University June 1, 1956. He married Marguerite Leilani Bertelmann Yap Dec. 1954. They moved to Pasadena, California where Ed and Leilani started the first commercial Karate Studio in the United States. They started their family and have 5 children, 20 grandchildren, as of 2012, 13 great-grandchildren. Ed was excited for the opportunity to expose, demonstrate and share his art with many well-known entertainment personalities. Such notables as Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, Frank Lovejoy, Blake Edwards, Nick Adams and Elvis Presley to name a few. Ed was in The Return of the Pink Panther and the Curse of the Pink Panther. He did guest appearances on the Lucy Show, Courtship of Eddie's Father, I Spy and choreographed the scenes for The Perfect Weapon as well as many other movies and TV shows. Ed is the Senior Grandmaster of American Kenpo Karate he taught his art world-wide authored and published over 13 books that are the best selling Martial Arts books ever sold. He passed away December 15, 1990 in Honolulu, Hawaii. His Aloha spirit to all whom he associated with is still missed after all these years and yet his legacy, integrity is still felt by all who knew him or now know him through his work.
