Elvis and Anita began dating in during the year of 1957. Anita announced the break up in the newspaper and that she had officially moved out of Graceland and returned home to live in Jackson, Tennessee. Anita, said “It is evident Elvis is not yet ready to settle down.” Anita, had overheard Elvis talking to his father Vernon, about the difficulty of choosing between his Anita and 17 year old Priscilla Beaulieu, the daughter of an Air Force Captain, whom Elvis had met while stationed Germany on September 13, 1959. Anita, immediately left Graceland. Anita, had been living at Graceland mansion since Elvis’ return from the Army, during the early days of March of 1960.
Anita’s memories of Elvis were published in the 2012 book “Once Upon a Time: Elvis and Anita” written by her daughter Jonnita Brewer Barrett.
July 8, 1957: Elvis went on his first date with Anita Wood. To Anita’s surprise all the guys in Elvis’ entourage went along too.
July 7, 1957: Elvis and Anita Wood, met for the very first time. They were introduced by Elvis’ friend, George Klein. Elvis referred to Anita, as “Little” and his “No. 1 Girl.” Anita, was very close to Elvis’ mother Gladys. Elvis and Anita, were together from 1957 to 1962.
Anita Marie Wood Brewer, was a TV performer, and a recording artist who later married NFL football player Johnny Brewer. Anita signed a contract to work as an actress for Paramount Pictures, but later gave it up for Elvis. While he was in the army, he sent her letters which he told her never to show anyone. Anita recorded for ABC-Paramount (1958); Sun (1961); and Santo (1963). She also worked on the Andy Williams TV Show (summer 1958) and is the uncredited vocalist with Williams on ‘The Hawaiian Wedding Song (Ke Kali Nei Au)’, a Top 15 hit in early 1959.
Anita Wood Brewer
(May 27, 1938 – June 29, 2023)
