Brave and well written. It reads like a movie . Looking forward to part 2.
It’s interesting to read about the truth and what so few know about . Excellent.
Foreword – by Lisa Mystic
I felt a magnetic pull toward Deborah Presley Brando that evening in 2016, when I first saw her (not knowing her name). We were at a weekly showcase of singer/songwriters. I was a regular participant with my duo, Wild Mountain Mystics, at “Songwriter Serenade” in Arcadia, California, my hometown. Deborah and I felt drawn to each other, as if we were sisters. Some thought that we were. I’m the third Lisa called “sister” in Deborah’s life; the first Lisa being her sister from her mother; the second, Lisa Marie, her half-sister from her father, Elvis; and me, Lisa Mystic, her “soul-sister.”
I don’t remember when Deborah told me that her father was Elvis Presley. I never asked her. Actually, she doesn’t refer to him by his name. He is not the reason we are close friends. I’m not easily star-struck, having been on stage nearly all of my life, including a bit of film, TV, and live radio, and having family in the film industry. I have sung throughout the United States and Europe. I am a composer, conductor, former opera singer, multi-instrumentalist, music educator, and mother (the guides on writing a foreword say that I should list my credentials in order to gain your trust). I have siblings that were in three Elvis films. I heard stories from my mother of how kind he was on the sets: She saw him take his own jacket off and place it on the shoulders of a shivering lady, who was likely an Extra, or children’s social worker/teacher. (Deborah has that same kindness and caring). I was a bit obsessed with his music in my adolescence, sitting in front of the radio and flipping from station to station to find an Elvis song.
Even though having a famous parent was not the basis of our friendship, it sure has been intriguing to hear and read Deborah’s stories. As she says in the book, “My own life is more interesting than anything I could watch [on TV].” That’s an understatement! She lives a humble yet fascinating life, and shares many of these stories in her “Memoirs Of a Starseed Child” (I love the unintended, double entendre of that word, “Starseed”). She would share so many stories in our daily talks, yet, she felt overwhelmed at the task of finishing what really can’t be finished (one’s life story isn’t ever finished until one’s life is finished).
“If you don’t write it, no one will!” I told Deborah Presley Brando in regards to sharing her life’s story, including her quest to learn more about her biological father, Elvis Presley, and ultimately, learning about herself. She had written so much in her journal over several decades of her life, but the process of formatting it and reliving the stories of abandonment, abuse, betrayal, loneliness, loss, not-belonging, manipulation, and excommunication was too emotionally overwhelming. She has a way of quickly turning her emotions to the positive by “compartmentalizing” — shutting those memories into “little drawers in her mind,” and putting on her beautiful smile, and twinkling eyes, (much like her father’s), and making the best of her days. I did my best to support her while she opened those little drawers and dealt with her feelings. It was rewarding to see the result of her hard work, her personal growth, and revelations, as new meaning came to many of her experiences.
You, the reader, will benefit from reading this story. Deborah’s positive personality shines through. She does not consider herself a victim, but rather the co-creator of her life, and its situations created for the purpose of spiritual growth in order to complete this session of “Earth School.” You will live with her through the telling of the tragic circumstances, but you will not feel as if you’ve been burdened by them. Somehow, Deborah always has a way of lifting you up as she lifts herself. She sees the magic, miracles, synchronicities, and divine interventions in her life. You may even start to look for your own. She does not harbor resentment; she knows the benefits of forgiveness and understanding. She has compassion and will admit when she is wrong.
“Memoirs of a Starseed Child” is filled with engaging stories including: a love story between Deborah’s teenage parents, Elvis and Barbara, that reads like a novel (Deborah promised her mother to share their story); a great love and bond between a mother and daughter; adventures; a glimpse into life in The South during the 1950s, including racism; insight into the Brando family, with a revealing truth; a face to face meeting with The Colonel, who sought her out, as well as more than one eye-locking moment with her father; previously untold stories and facts shared with Deborah by those who were close to Elvis, including Larry Geller and Elvis’ (and Deborah’s) cousin, Gene Smith, who confirmed, by court affidavit, that Deborah is who she says she is.
“Starseed” gives you, the reader, a revealing insight— the missing piece of the puzzle— as to the psychology, spirituality, soulfulness and emotions that propelled the passionate singing of Elvis Presley. After reading this memoir, as you listen to Elvis’ recordings, you may have a deeper understanding into the songs and why he chose to sing them.
There is no way that Deborah Presley Brando could have fabricated this story. If she did, she would have already authored many successful books for being such a creative storyteller!
Deborah’s heart has been broken and abused time after time, but she picks herself up, surrounds herself with the people and things she loves, like Christian Brando’s boots and Marlon’s leather jacket, and sings for herself with her youngest daughter, as she drives to the beach to watch the sunset.
Lisa Mystic
“Wild Mountain Mystics”
September 19, 2023
Los Angeles, California
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Once upon a time (in 1954) the Future King of Rock walked into Howard Simpson’s Recording Studio in Charlotte, North Carolina with his cousin Gene Smith by his side. Little did he know that he would meet Barbara Jean, the secret love of his life.
However, this story isn’t about the King of Rock…
Two years later in March 1956, Deborah Delaine was born as the King’s star was on the rise. She had her own suspicions, but her mama refused to confirm that Elvis is her biological father until August, 16, 1977.
As the title implies, Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando and Christian Brando are all featured, but it’s primarily an inter-generational woman’s story and follows Deborah Presley Brando’s life before and after that fateful day.
Even though there are famous figures, this is a story told in an intimate space with strong themes of identity, family and belonging. It’s a tale of triumph and survival in the face of adversity and abuse.
“This is my life’s work — growing up with the eventual knowledge that I had a different father than the one I called Daddy. Elvis, Marlon, Christian and me are the main characters in my book, and weave in and out of my story line. I trust my story will resonate with my readers and provide a bit of strength to carry on no matter what life hands them/us. We are all Starseed children, and my wish is that we recognize this sooner than later.”
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING!
Whether you’re an Elvis fan, a curious reader of his life or simply someone interested in the story of a woman that fought many battles and only won few… this book is an awesome read!
What a page turner! I did not want to put it down! If it were a Netflix series, I would most definitely binge watch it! It’s got it all! Americana, the South in the 50’s and 60’s. The Hollywood scene of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s! I know this is a cliche but it has drugs, sex and rock and roll! And despite the famous names in the title, it’s so much more! It’s a remarkable true story of one woman’s existence and experience when told that her biological father is Elvis Presley. The physical and emotional abuse she suffered from the man that raised her made sense when she found out he wasn’t her father and that he knew who her father actually was. Rather one believes it or not is irrelevant. This woman has endured unimaginable suffering inflicted on her by men in her life. I’m not referring to the famous men in the titles. She tells of her many encounters with celebrities and they are fascinating! The author takes you on a spiritual journey as well. She’s one strong woman, that’s for sure! I hope there’s another book in the works!
Fascinating that Deborah and Elvis look almost identical at the same age. All the time and research that went into writing this book is amazing. It is a behind the spotlight look at the life of a superstar. Elvis fans like I am — are going to love this. Although it’s over 400 pages, its a fast read.