The Death of Elvis: What Really Happened

by Charles C. Thompson II, James P. Cole

This well-researched probe into Elvis Presley's death includes interviews with Colonel Tom Parker, conclusive autopsy documents, and a thorough account of the autopsy and why its findings are so hotly debated

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

407 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book I've read about Elvis Presley , each one more shocking than the one before. I'm an Elvis fan, been to Graceland this year and am generally mesmerised by Elvis mania. But, I wanted a deeper insight, and this provided it ( along with the book written by his bodyguards in 1977). The man was ill, and surrounded by enablers who ultimately contributed to his early demise. Shocking, and tragic, this is not a book to read if you want to retain your image of Elvis as a hero , or the King. I for one, am still in awe of the man, am still a fan , but saddened at the circumstances surrounding his death.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't really have anything great to say about this book. I thought it was inaccurate and too trashy tabloid for me. I do not have rose coloured glasses where Elvis is concerned but I do have an aversion to people hanging off his coat tails and writing and repeating lies or disrespecting him and perpetuating lies and half truths that have come third hand. It was disappointing too the language used to describe Elvis in this book. I especially took offence when the authors accused Elvis of not "being a deep thinker". Those who have read and studied Elvis know that he was...a deep thinker...and that may have been what caused him to be so restless and continuously searching for answers and meanings for his life's purpose. Elvis was much, much more than what these authors want us to believe. As far as I am concerned this is just another sensationalised book to get sales. Perhaps there were some factual elements to it but when there are so many inaccuracies and lies in a book you question even the things that could be true.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

To their credit, Thompson & Cole deliver a ton of information about life at Graceland and the last few months Elvis was alive. However, so many characters are introduced that it can be difficult to keep up with each person and their significance to the story. An index is included, but a brief glossary stating who's who would have been helpful as well.

Unfortunately, Thompson & Coles intensive research and investigation is tainted by their journalism style. For example, early in the book the authors refer to Elvis as a "lardgut" After that, it was hard for me to take them seriously. While I don't expect the authors to reveal a shining portrait of Elvis that exempts him of any wrong-doing or of being human, I do expect them to respect him.

Furthermore, this really isn't just a book about Elvis and his last days. It is equally a book about the investigation into Elvis' death. Many times, it reads as if Thompson & Cole are just talking to another Memphis good ole boy, rather than co-authoring a serious investigation. It can be difficult to follow, and the book takes many twists and turns, along with the investigation. I think they were trying to write a gripping story, but it really didn't work. The result is a rambling, sometimes confusing story. A simple retelling of the facts they discovered, presented in an orderly fashion would have resulted in a much better book.

It should be no surprise for the readers to discover that the authors worked for ABC's 20/20 or that they worked with Geraldo Rivera while investigating the death of Elvis. For example, it is stated that Elvis was discovered unresponsive at Graceland. Medics were called, and Elvis was rushed to the hospital were extensive efforts were undertaken to revive him. While at the hospital, Elvis' stomach was pumped and the nurse working on him threw the stomach contents down the drain. Although it is mentioned twice in the book that the ER nurse disposed of the stomach contents and at one point states that it was custom for the ER team to do this, the authors continually suggest that Elvis' personal doctor (Dr.Nichopoulos, who many blame for Elvis continuing drug dependence) issued the orders to dispose of the stomach contents (so that he may avoid the blame for Elvis overdosing on prescription drugs). Thompson & Cole have no evidence to support their theory, yet bring it up multiple times. Whether they truly believe Nichopoulos was responsible or they were just sensationalizing the story is hard to tell. (I believe the latter to be true.)

The end of the book was a huge disappointment. Throughout, enough evidence was provided to support the theory that Elvis died of a drug overdose. Yet, in the final pages we discover that there is a strong possibility that Elvis was allergic to codeine. And on the final page, the book ends with the theory that Elvis accidentally took an overdose of codeine (when he meant to take dilaudid). Unfortunately, the authors chose to reveal their theory in a "dramatic" retelling of Elvis' last moments alive. It left me feeling as if I just read a sleazy article in the National Enquirer.

Overall, it is worth reading for the information provided. However, it is a shame that so much work has resulted in this not so entertaining retelling of the investigation. I would rather just read the facts.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was tough to read at first, with all kinds of different people and names to keep track of. But as I got into it I started understanding who was who. Lots of great info. They really seemed to prove that it wasn't a heart attack or any of the other things said to cover up Elvis' death. It was drugs. Elvis was an awesome entertainer, but he had serious issues. This is only the second Elvis book I've read, but I highly recommend it.

[Bob DeLacy Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Elvis fan it was very hard to read. Not just what Elvis was doing to himself but what his doctor and others was doing by keep prescribing the medicine to Elvis. His autopsy was covered up to protect Elvis, but it was shown Elvis was a medical addict. It is though in some cases reasonable of some medicine he had to take but other medicine had nothing to do with any condition. Some thought he had cancer but he didn't.
The life Elvis had to live as one of the most famous entertainers couldn't of been easy but Elvis was still able to realize he had a problem and could have done something about it.
In the end I agree Elvis mistook some medicine that had codeine in it which he was allergic to and suffered greatly alone before he died. That was the hardest to read and how they found him.
Cole and Thompson did a tremendous job trying to bring this to light and did so not because they hated Elvis but because Elvis had a problem,died of that problem and others were ignoring it or feeding it.
In the end it wasn't suicide. Elvis died of interaction of prescription drugs and thats the truth. And as Elvis fans if we ever get on the subject of Elvis death it cannot be ignored that he had a problem. We can make excuses but it doesn't change what happened to him. He was only 42 and he wasn't the only one who had problems with prescription medication. It's important to note and even Elvis now if hes home in that higher plane would want his fans to understand he had a problem (and was embarrassed by it)but to recognize the seriousness that some maybe having today with it.
Elvis was and is still the best entertainer in the world to me I love him no less but it's hard not to think what he could have done to change that kind of an ending and in my opinion he could have. God Bless him and God bless those who tried to help him. And God bless those who needed to get this truth out.

[Robbin Vokes · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I had noted right away the lack of footnotes, I might have passed this book up. Published in 1991, it is basically the print version of the ABC 20/20 program "The Elvis Cover-Up" produced with Geraldo Rivera. There are several updates afterwards, including George Nichopoulus' hearing and trial.

Notes

p. 123 "...a gap in the law permitted Francisco to make use of the hospital autopsy, admitting that an autopsy was necessary in an inexplicable case like this, while arguing it was a private record, protected by state confidentiality statutes, because the prosecutor hadn't ordered him to have it performed."

Having access to the Lee County/Tupelo Public Library has allowed me access to items I might not have read otherwise. This one I could have done without.

[Thomas Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating but sad account of the pressures of being a star, surrounding oneself with people who won’t say no, and the pressure to cover up the truth to protect a public image. Even though this happened over 40 years ago, I’m glad I took the time to read this book.

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know the truth about the death of Elvis and what really caused it this is the book that Elvis fans should read

[Fernanda T Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apesar de ser um jornalismo investigativo, o livro tem passagens desrespeitosas em relação a Elvis como por exemplo concluir que Elvis não era uma pessoa de muitos pensamentos...

[Phillip Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating like a good train wreck. The sad end of Elvis and how many people in authority tried to cover up exactly what happened. A good read but sad and depressing.

[bigbonton · Rating 2 out of 5]

nice if you want to read a 60 minute style footnote-ie book. Good facts to know, though, for an Elvis trivia fanatic (aren't we all, deep down)?

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a fan of Elvis Presley's music, I am more interested in his life story. This book gives a educated explanation to what happened the day the world lost this icon.