Elvis & Ann-Margret: A Love Triangle and the Woman Who Sang 'To Know Him is to Love Him'

Carol Connors, the singer-songwriter behind the timeless hit "To Know Him is to Love Him," reveals intimate details of her romance with Elvis Presley and her thoughts on the alleged affair between Presley and Ann-Margret.

In her new memoir, "Elvis, Rocky & Me," Carol Connors recounts her decades-long career in music and entertainment, which intertwined with the lives of some of the most iconic figures in history, including Elvis Presley. Connors, known for her angelic voice, became an overnight sensation with her 1958 hit "To Know Him is to Love Him."

According to her book, Connors met Presley in 1964, shortly after he completed filming "Viva Las Vegas" with Ann-Margret. Connors claims she dated Presley on and off for nine months, although Presley had initially indicated it was for two and a half years. During that period, Connors admits to feeling insecure about Presley's rumored affair with Ann-Margret during the filming of "Viva Las Vegas."

Elvis & Ann-Margret: A Love Triangle and the Woman Who Sang 'To Know Him is to Love Him'

Despite her uncertainties, Connors recalls Presley as a "gentle soul" and a talented musician. She remembers their harmonious singing and their shared love for music. Connors also reveals that Presley confided in her about his aspirations to become a respected actor in Hollywood. However, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, allegedly prevented him from pursuing certain roles, such as the one in "A Star is Born" that ultimately went to Kris Kristofferson.

Connors believes that playing such a role could have had a positive impact on Presley's life. She also credits Phil Spector, her high school classmate, with discovering her voice and writing "To Know Him is to Love Him." Spector went on to become a renowned music producer, known for his "Wall of Sound" technique.

Elvis & Ann-Margret: A Love Triangle and the Woman Who Sang 'To Know Him is to Love Him'

However, Connors also witnessed Spector's dark side. She recalls his erratic behavior and anger issues, which she attributes to personal tragedies such as the suicides of his father and sister. Connors believes that Spector's demons gradually overshadowed his talent and made him difficult to work with.

Despite the challenges she faced, Connors continued to thrive in music. She co-wrote the theme song for the iconic film "Rocky," titled "Gonna Fly Now." The song represented the determination and belief that anyone can achieve their dreams, a sentiment that Connors believes applies to both Rocky and Elvis Presley.

Elvis & Ann-Margret: A Love Triangle and the Woman Who Sang 'To Know Him is to Love Him'