Anita Wood Brewer was a singer and TV performer who dated Elvis Presley (1935–1977) before his marriage.
- Died: June 29, 2023 (Who else died on June 29?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, of pneumonia at the age of 85.
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Anita Wood Brewer’s legacy
Brewer was working as a host on the Memphis TV show “Top 10 Dance Party” in 1957 when she caught Presley’s eye. He asked her for a date, beginning a relationship that lasted for several years. The couple were together through his time in the military, though Presley also began seeing Priscilla Beaulieu while he and Brewer were still together. When Brewer discovered that relationship, she ended things with Presley.
Brewer recorded with Sun Records and other labels, releasing singles such as “I’ll Wait Forever” and “I Can’t Show How I Feel.” In addition to her solo career, she sang backing vocals on the Andy Williams (1927–2012) hit “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” and she worked on Williams’ TV variety show. Brewer signed a movie contract with Paramount Pictures, but she ended her brief movie career when she and Presley missed each other too much. In 1965, she married NFL player Johnny Brewer (1937–2011), ending her entertainment career and remaining with him until his death. In later years, Brewer worked as a preschool teacher.
Notable quote
“Elvis – to me he was just a great guy. I mean… he was very handsome. Very polite. Very much a gentleman, always. Very humorous. Great sense of humor. Decent young man.” —from a 2019 interview for Elvis Australia
Tributes to Anita Wood Brewer
Full obituary: Vicksburg Post
