Charlie Hodge (guitarist)
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Charles Franklin "Charlie" Hodge (born, December 14, 1934 in Decatur, Alabama; died March 3, 2006 in Knoxville, Tennessee) was a backup singer and confidant, best known for his association with Elvis Presley.
Hodge was discovered by Presley while the former was performing with a band called The Foggy River Boys in Memphis, TN. Hodge had caught the singer's attention at the time partly because, at 5'3", the guitarist had to stand on an empty Coke crate. After meeting up again when both men were in the U.S. Army, the two became friends, and the guitarist subsequently became part of Elvis' entourage, "Memphis Mafia".
Hodge is said to have been hanging out with Elvis when the latter met his first wife, Priscilla.
Hodge would later be part of Elvis' road crew, when Presley returned to live performances after his '68 Comeback Special. Hodge became known for handing Elvis his water and scarves onstage. Sometimes, Hodge would also hold the microphone when Elvis was playing the piano (sometimes when he was also playing the guitar) (A task which the late comedian Bill Hicks based a legendary routine upon, appearing on his Arizona Bay album.)
During his tenure with Elvis, Hodge was a resident at Elvis' estate, Graceland. He was at Graceland when Presley died in 1977.
Hodge's post-Elvis life and career were subsequently dedicated to the deceased music legend, as he would make a career out of performing at Elvis tribute shows performing the longest with Elvis Impersonator Lou Vuto. Charlie also wrote an autobiography/memoir, Me 'N Elvis, in 1988.
Hodge died of cancer at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
