Offered is a late 1960's "Casual-aire" brand western-styled shirt owned by Elvis Presley and most likely worn in the late 1960s at his Circle G ranch in Mississippi. The shirt was given to Elvis' longtime friend and confidant, and Memphis Mafia member, Marty Lacker. Lacker had a great many gifts bestowed upon him by Elvis during their time as close friends, and on the accompanying July 24, 1981, bill of sale, Marty lists a number of items he was selling to Elvis Museum owner Mike Moon, including "9. Western Shirts - Worn by Elvis at ranch in Mississippi while riding horses, etc. Sometimes he wore 2 or 3 shirts at a time in late 1966." The bulk of Mike Moon's collection was purchased by Chris Davidson in 2018, and his letter also accompanies the shirt. The shirt remained in Mike Moon's collection for more than 30 years.
The shirt measures 19 inches from shoulder seam to shoulder seam and is 30 inches in length. The mother of pearl snap enclosures remain intact on the shirt's front as well as on the western-styled pockets and cuffs. The label in the collar reads "Casual-aire / Las Vegas • Nevada." Elvis spent considerable time in Las Vegas in the 1960s, and he perhaps picked this beauty up while shopping there. The shirt's linen fabric is of a heavier variety. Elvis regularly rode his horses at The Circle G ranch during the time he owned the property in the late 1960s, and always dressed the part.
Marty Lacker grew up in Memphis and went to Humes High School just like Elvis, and he even entered the military and served in Germany during the same period as Elvis. After their service, Elvis’ and Marty were re-introduced and Marty went to work for Elvis in 1961. The two became very close and Marty was co-best man, with George Klein, in Elvis’ wedding to Priscilla in 1967. Marty was responsible for organizing the crew and travelled with Elvis on tour and to Hollywood, where he appeared in 13 of Elvis’ films. It was late in 1967, after Elvis’ marriage, that Marty left Elvis’ payroll to explore an opportunity from Pepper Tanner Company to start a record company. He discovered several artists, including Rita Coolidge, and produced her first few hit records. He also signed several other musicians with the help of Isaac Hayes and David Porter. After two years on his own, Marty convinced his friend Elvis to record in Memphis for the first time in 14 years at Chips Moman’s American Studios. These sessions are arguably the best recordings of Elvis since his days at Sun Records.
The offered shirt presents with moderate wear, but presents with no major damage. Near Mint condition.