Anita Marie Wood Brewer

About

Singer, actress, performer, and recording artist most known for dating super-star Elvis Presley. They dated from 1957 until 1962, although things in their relationship were strained not long before he returned home from his posting in Germany during World War II. Elvis was drafted in 1958, so for half of their relationship, they were apart. While he was in Germany, he met his future wife Priscilla Presley, who was only 14 years old when she met Elvis. Elvis was torn between his young girlfriend and his even younger mistress, but Anita made the final decision to leave him in 1962 after learning of the affair. 

Before Fame

Her parents always encouraged her to work as an entertainer because she was naturally talented with the ability to sing and dance. However, she would say in later interviews how all she wanted was "the normal life." She famously gave up a deal with Paramount Pictures to become an actress because Elvis asked her to come back home to Memphis. She did have a record contract with ABC Paramount, where she recorded vocals for various programs and variety shows. Later she signed with Santo Records, then married and retired from the music business altogether.

Trivia

She was known by the industry nicknames Little Bitty or Little. 

Family Life

She married Cleveland Browns linebacker Johnny Brewer in 1964 and was with him until his death in 2011. Together they had a fraternal set of twins and a younger son. She resided in Vicksburg, Mississippi. 

Associated With

She co-hosted a Saturday morning dance program with Wink Martindale, and it was this show that brought her to Elvis Presley's attention. He arranged for friends to have them meet and they dated for several years after that.