What do you think?
Rate this book
Elvis: What Happened?
A devoted son. A generous friend. A model Army recruit. A gifted entertainer. A beloved hero to millions. This is the Elvis Presly the world knew -- and cherished.
Brooding. Violent. Obsessed with death. Strung out. Sexually driven. This is the other side of Elvis -- according to the three men who lived with him through it all -- a man
* Chamed a beautiful young fan into joining him on a drug binge for two that nearly killed her
* Took a group of friends on a 3 A.M. visit to a mortuary to look at corpses and talk about embalming
* Hurled a pool cue at a party guest who interrupts his game, injuring her breast
* Talked with his bodyguard about a "hit" on the man he felt stole his wife
Steve Dunleavy has woven together the experiences of three Presley bodyguards who were there partying with him, womanizing with him, worrying with him -- tasting the pleasure and the pains of life with the most fabulous star in showbiz history!
Brooding. Violent. Obsessed with death. Strung out. Sexually driven. This is the other side of Elvis -- according to the three men who lived with him through it all -- a man
* Chamed a beautiful young fan into joining him on a drug binge for two that nearly killed her
* Took a group of friends on a 3 A.M. visit to a mortuary to look at corpses and talk about embalming
* Hurled a pool cue at a party guest who interrupts his game, injuring her breast
* Talked with his bodyguard about a "hit" on the man he felt stole his wife
Steve Dunleavy has woven together the experiences of three Presley bodyguards who were there partying with him, womanizing with him, worrying with him -- tasting the pleasure and the pains of life with the most fabulous star in showbiz history!
332 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 12, 1977
71 people are currently reading
1332 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
July 22, 2016
On surface, this is probably a 3 to 3 ½ star book, largely due to its organization, which is a mess. It feels rushed, stories are repeated more than once, jumps in time that seem increasingly arbitrary, as if someone all of sudden remembered another “good one.” But, in this case, that’s a strength. Elvis: What Happened is your classic “Tell-All” from a trio of “body guards” who had been fired by Elvis. The revelations of drug taking and generally bizarre behavior by Elvis probably would have been shouted down by fans and the Elvis publicity machine, if Elvis hadn’t of died within a few weeks of the book’s release. On this alone I’m willing to give an extra star. What could have been called “sour grapes,” suddenly gains credibility, as whispers regarding Elvis’s end got a whole lot louder.
Upon reading this, I was actually surprised at the lack of sour grapes complaining. Red West, a friend of Elvis since high school, is clearly the source for about 90% of this book. West definitely liked the man, and was troubled by his descent. If he’s fudging on anything, it’s probably his (and the rest of the “Memphis Mafia”) activities. These activities are often lumped under doing “crazy” things, and being “wild.” Oh, he does fess up to some drug taking, and some threatening here and there, but you get the sense that you’re only getting the tip of the iceberg.
Elvis, now that’s different. The good side, his generosity, his talent, love of Mom, etc., is shown often, as if to keep reminding the reader that the King was a complicated dude. Maybe so, but his decline is one mean slope. One incident that struck me as particularly vicious was an argument that resulted in Presley hurling (like a spear) a pool cue at a woman, striking her in the chest. What a dick.
He had other strange ideas about women, that, well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Another telling incident, toward the end of the book, had Elvis being rushed on stage by some nut. While the nut was wrestled to the ground, Elvis moved around the stage delivering karate kicks to the air. At this point, life for Elvis had become something scripted by Hunter S. Thompson: trashy, sensational, and everything I want in a rock and roll bio. It’s easy to see why this book is now considered a cult read. While I was reading it, I would on occasion check on events as reported in another, more recent bio. For the most part, the stories held up. Note, this book getting hard to find, and my (fragile) copy was a pricey purchase via Amazon’s used books. It was worth every penny!
Upon reading this, I was actually surprised at the lack of sour grapes complaining. Red West, a friend of Elvis since high school, is clearly the source for about 90% of this book. West definitely liked the man, and was troubled by his descent. If he’s fudging on anything, it’s probably his (and the rest of the “Memphis Mafia”) activities. These activities are often lumped under doing “crazy” things, and being “wild.” Oh, he does fess up to some drug taking, and some threatening here and there, but you get the sense that you’re only getting the tip of the iceberg.
Elvis, now that’s different. The good side, his generosity, his talent, love of Mom, etc., is shown often, as if to keep reminding the reader that the King was a complicated dude. Maybe so, but his decline is one mean slope. One incident that struck me as particularly vicious was an argument that resulted in Presley hurling (like a spear) a pool cue at a woman, striking her in the chest. What a dick.
He had other strange ideas about women, that, well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Another telling incident, toward the end of the book, had Elvis being rushed on stage by some nut. While the nut was wrestled to the ground, Elvis moved around the stage delivering karate kicks to the air. At this point, life for Elvis had become something scripted by Hunter S. Thompson: trashy, sensational, and everything I want in a rock and roll bio. It’s easy to see why this book is now considered a cult read. While I was reading it, I would on occasion check on events as reported in another, more recent bio. For the most part, the stories held up. Note, this book getting hard to find, and my (fragile) copy was a pricey purchase via Amazon’s used books. It was worth every penny!
February 23, 2016
The night Red West would like to forget . . .
The first and best of the Elvis tell-all books, WHAT HAPPENED is a lean, powerfully written narrative that has its own unique voice. When I read the book as a teen, I didn't really fall in love with Elvis -- that was a done deal. No, man, I fell in love with Red, Sonny, and Dave Hebler. Every loser teen should have a friend like Red West. And every superstar should have security men like these.
I think what got to me even then was the "voice" of these tough Southern men -- compassionate, but never sentimental, macho, but never bullying. Long before I discovered the books of Stephen Hunter and Larry McMurtry, I swooned like a Sinatra-era bobby-soxer to the hypnotic rhythms of Southern male speech as recorded here by Red and Sonny. All of the book sounds like actual conversation, spoken in a tough redneck bar over cold beers long after midnight. The rhythm goes something like this:
"Now Elvis, he is high and he is bugged, and this pinko-lefto rock critic from ROLLING STONE starts asking him what he thinks about Vietnam. And right away, man, Elvis is in his face, saying he served his country and he voted for Nixon. And this writer, man, he is getting angry -- but you can see at the same time he is ready to lose it, just cry all over the place that Elvis is not the guy the rock press wished he was. So right then good old Lamar comes up to me and says, Red, man that dude is about to say something he shouldn't, why don't we get him out of here. And so I go up to him and say, now look, man, if old E does not like hippies there is no use bugging him about it. If you start to hassle him then you will have to start with me, too, and that will turn into a whole other situation. And that was the last time any rock critic ever asked Elvis about Politics. After that they just made it all up."
The first and best of the Elvis tell-all books, WHAT HAPPENED is a lean, powerfully written narrative that has its own unique voice. When I read the book as a teen, I didn't really fall in love with Elvis -- that was a done deal. No, man, I fell in love with Red, Sonny, and Dave Hebler. Every loser teen should have a friend like Red West. And every superstar should have security men like these.
I think what got to me even then was the "voice" of these tough Southern men -- compassionate, but never sentimental, macho, but never bullying. Long before I discovered the books of Stephen Hunter and Larry McMurtry, I swooned like a Sinatra-era bobby-soxer to the hypnotic rhythms of Southern male speech as recorded here by Red and Sonny. All of the book sounds like actual conversation, spoken in a tough redneck bar over cold beers long after midnight. The rhythm goes something like this:
"Now Elvis, he is high and he is bugged, and this pinko-lefto rock critic from ROLLING STONE starts asking him what he thinks about Vietnam. And right away, man, Elvis is in his face, saying he served his country and he voted for Nixon. And this writer, man, he is getting angry -- but you can see at the same time he is ready to lose it, just cry all over the place that Elvis is not the guy the rock press wished he was. So right then good old Lamar comes up to me and says, Red, man that dude is about to say something he shouldn't, why don't we get him out of here. And so I go up to him and say, now look, man, if old E does not like hippies there is no use bugging him about it. If you start to hassle him then you will have to start with me, too, and that will turn into a whole other situation. And that was the last time any rock critic ever asked Elvis about Politics. After that they just made it all up."
November 16, 2011
Elvis: What Happened? is a collection of memories about Elvis, his rise to stardom and his gradual downfall as told to journalist Steve Dunleavy by three former friends and employees of Elvis. Cousins Red West and Sonny West had known Elvis since highschool, and Dave Hebler was a part of Elvis' entourage from 1972-1976. These three were fired from the "Memphis Mafia" in July 1976. Steve Dunleavy contacted them shortly thereafter, and this book was published on August 1st 1977...only fifteen days before Elvis died.
Going into this story, I thought it would be difficult to truly appreciate it. Of course Elvis is such an ingrained part of our popular culture, and we all know that towards the end of his life he was hopelessly addicted to prescription medications and that his behavior was erratic. But at the time, this was a closely guarded secret. Elvis: What Happened is a very ugly look at the private life of The King, told by men who know him better than most people. I didn't find myself shocked by the stories of drug abuse, women, and bizarre behavior the way people were with this book was first published. However, the more I read, the more I was appalled and disgusted by the behavior of Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler and the rest of the entourage.
The Memphis Mafia was a strange monster. These men considered themselves close and personal friends of Elvis, yet complained that they didn't feel they made enough money from him. While they told stories of being able to travel with Elvis (on Elvis' dime) live with him in various mansions, have access to all sorts of women, their meals were paid for, Elvis bought them countless cars, and other gifts... yet their paycheck wasn't always high enough. Really? So what was their role, friends or employees? My vote is employees.
While these men complained that Elvis' behavior was becoming more and more erratic, and his beliefs wack-a-do, they never contradicted him.
Red relates: "Since my days playing football, I've always had a bad back, and sometimes at the top of my neck it gives me hell. Well, after a while I learned not to complain about it when I was around Elvis, because I knew what would happen. Whenever he knew I had the pain, he would ask me to sit down in front of him, and then he would lay on his hands, telling me over and over that the pain would go away, that he was drawing out the pain. Well, I would sit there and he would say, 'It's going away, Red. You're going to be okay.'
I would say, 'Yes, boss, I hear you.' Then I would tell him, 'Hell, man, you're right. The pain has gone. That's fantastic. It really has gone.'
He would give me one of those little secretive smiles that told the world that he had these powers, and he would walk away pleased with himself. I would walk away and my back and neck were still hurting like hell. It was a case where I didn't want to tell him that he was kidding himself, because he really had the best of intentions, but he was convinced that he had fixed me up."
The book opens with a passage of Elvis getting angry at a woman at one of his house parties. In a fit of rage, he threw a cue stick at her, spear style. According to Sonny West,
"...she started talking about suing Elvis. I was worried about that in the back of my mind. She had every damn right to sue him. I told her not to be silly. She should forget about it. Then I very gently told her that she was in his house, and she did insult him, and there were a lot of his friends around as witnesses and then I said, 'Who do you think they're gonna stand up for?'
...Sonny felt ashamed of himself. That really wasn't his style. Here was this little girl, victim of a sudden, sadistic flash of temper, and he was trying to talk her out of suing.
'I wouldn't have blamed her a it,' he says, 'but I was so locked into Elvis. It was second nature for me to stand up for him, even when I knew he was very wrong.'"
Finally, a memory from Dave Hebler,
...Elvis was talking about the power of metaphysics, although I'm not quite sure whether he knew the real definition of the word...
Suddenly Elvis yells out, 'Stop the car. I want to show you what I mean, Dave. Now see that cloud? I will show you what my powers really are. Now I want you all to watch. All of you, look at that cloud.'
Well, we all look at the damn little cloud up there like a bunch of goats. Elvis is staring a hole through the damn thing. Well, the perspiration is dripping off us. Not a sound in the car, just a whole lot of dummies dying of heat stroke looking up at a cloud.
I'm near dying and I am praying that the sonofabitch would blow away. At the same time, I'm really having a problem not to burst out laughing. Well, after about ten minutes, thank God, the damn thing dissipated a little. I mean, if you watch a single cloud anyway after ten minutes, it will move or dissipate to some degree.
I saved the day by noticing it first, and, because I didn't want to die of dehydration, I said, 'Gee, Elvis, you're right. Look, it's moving away,' That was just the right thing to say. Old Elvis gave me one of those sly little smiles that told me he had done it again. 'I know, I moved it,' he says. Then we drive off."
Fuck. Poor Elvis. This book tells story after story of Elvis displaying the patience of a two year old and the beliefs of a crazy person. And his so called "friends" encouraged him every step of the way. It is an intriguing look into a side of Elvis that very few people were privy to. It is also the most disgusting display of "yes men" and hangers on I have ever read. Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler ~ no matter what their true feeling towards Elvis, are still making money off his name today. My one consolation is that I purchased this from a used book store, and these men did not receive my money.
They say this book was intended to be a way of reaching out to Elvis, a way of letting him know his behavior was out of control. Was it? Big surprise Elvis was reported to be hurt, saddened and betrayed. Elvis: What Happened? is actually not as cynical as one would expect. Although Dave Hebler appears to be more star struck when he talks kindly of The King, the West cousins insist they truly do care about Elvis and hoped he would turn his life around.
Elvis: That's the Way It Is, despite being the best documentary evah, always makes me a little sad. Whenever Elvis cracks a joke, he very quickly looks around the room to make sure every one of his boys is laughing with him. And of course they are. What a shame that a man with so much talent was coddled and spoiled to point that he became delusional, isolated and so unhealthy that he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of forty-two. Perhaps his life would have taken that turn anyway? But somehow, for these men to say they cared about Elvis... while never having the heart or courage to be straight with him, for these men to benefit from living a charmed life as a paid companion to Elvis while complaining that they didn't earn enough... something just ain't right. This book was at times sad, at times disgusting, yet always fascinating.
Let me end this review on a high note. Elvis had a number of hobbies and interests, one of which was collecting law enforcement badges. At a Hollywood party, Elvis discovered that an unnamed celebrity was an undercover agent for the Federal Narcotics Bureau. When Elvis saw the badge, he decided he needed to have one and set up an appointment with John Finlator, then the Deputy Narcotics Director. Finlator met with Elvis, and offered to give him an honorary badge but Elvis wouldn't take it, he wanted the real thing. Elvis insisted that he wanted to help in the fight to keep people off drugs, and even offered money. Finlator stood firm, and would not give Elvis a real badge. Undaunted, Elvis left and hired a chauffeured limousine to drive him to the White House. Although this was spur of the moment, and he didn't have an appointment to see the President, Elvis charmed his way into the oval office. According to Sonny West,
"Presley seemed very much at home in the Oval Office and he said, 'Now, the president has got something for ya'll.'
President Nixon returned to his desk and presented Sonny and Jerry (two of the Memphis Mafia with Elvis at the time) with key rings and cufflinks with the presidential seal emblazoned on them. Presley wasn't shy when it came to the president. He said, 'You know,l Mr. President, they've got wives.'
And the president, on Presley's prompting, gave them each a brooch with the presidential seal on it for their wives. In a daze, Sonny and Jerry and Presley then left the office, after warm handshakes.
Before Sonny and Jerry had gotten to the office, President Nixon assured Presley he would get his federal narcotics badge. Presley smiled triumphantly at Sonny and Jerry and said, 'Who said something can't be done?'"
Conning the President of the United States just to get a badge to add to his collection? Fuck me. THAT is the power of The King!
Going into this story, I thought it would be difficult to truly appreciate it. Of course Elvis is such an ingrained part of our popular culture, and we all know that towards the end of his life he was hopelessly addicted to prescription medications and that his behavior was erratic. But at the time, this was a closely guarded secret. Elvis: What Happened is a very ugly look at the private life of The King, told by men who know him better than most people. I didn't find myself shocked by the stories of drug abuse, women, and bizarre behavior the way people were with this book was first published. However, the more I read, the more I was appalled and disgusted by the behavior of Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler and the rest of the entourage.
The Memphis Mafia was a strange monster. These men considered themselves close and personal friends of Elvis, yet complained that they didn't feel they made enough money from him. While they told stories of being able to travel with Elvis (on Elvis' dime) live with him in various mansions, have access to all sorts of women, their meals were paid for, Elvis bought them countless cars, and other gifts... yet their paycheck wasn't always high enough. Really? So what was their role, friends or employees? My vote is employees.
While these men complained that Elvis' behavior was becoming more and more erratic, and his beliefs wack-a-do, they never contradicted him.
Red relates: "Since my days playing football, I've always had a bad back, and sometimes at the top of my neck it gives me hell. Well, after a while I learned not to complain about it when I was around Elvis, because I knew what would happen. Whenever he knew I had the pain, he would ask me to sit down in front of him, and then he would lay on his hands, telling me over and over that the pain would go away, that he was drawing out the pain. Well, I would sit there and he would say, 'It's going away, Red. You're going to be okay.'
I would say, 'Yes, boss, I hear you.' Then I would tell him, 'Hell, man, you're right. The pain has gone. That's fantastic. It really has gone.'
He would give me one of those little secretive smiles that told the world that he had these powers, and he would walk away pleased with himself. I would walk away and my back and neck were still hurting like hell. It was a case where I didn't want to tell him that he was kidding himself, because he really had the best of intentions, but he was convinced that he had fixed me up."
The book opens with a passage of Elvis getting angry at a woman at one of his house parties. In a fit of rage, he threw a cue stick at her, spear style. According to Sonny West,
"...she started talking about suing Elvis. I was worried about that in the back of my mind. She had every damn right to sue him. I told her not to be silly. She should forget about it. Then I very gently told her that she was in his house, and she did insult him, and there were a lot of his friends around as witnesses and then I said, 'Who do you think they're gonna stand up for?'
...Sonny felt ashamed of himself. That really wasn't his style. Here was this little girl, victim of a sudden, sadistic flash of temper, and he was trying to talk her out of suing.
'I wouldn't have blamed her a it,' he says, 'but I was so locked into Elvis. It was second nature for me to stand up for him, even when I knew he was very wrong.'"
Finally, a memory from Dave Hebler,
...Elvis was talking about the power of metaphysics, although I'm not quite sure whether he knew the real definition of the word...
Suddenly Elvis yells out, 'Stop the car. I want to show you what I mean, Dave. Now see that cloud? I will show you what my powers really are. Now I want you all to watch. All of you, look at that cloud.'
Well, we all look at the damn little cloud up there like a bunch of goats. Elvis is staring a hole through the damn thing. Well, the perspiration is dripping off us. Not a sound in the car, just a whole lot of dummies dying of heat stroke looking up at a cloud.
I'm near dying and I am praying that the sonofabitch would blow away. At the same time, I'm really having a problem not to burst out laughing. Well, after about ten minutes, thank God, the damn thing dissipated a little. I mean, if you watch a single cloud anyway after ten minutes, it will move or dissipate to some degree.
I saved the day by noticing it first, and, because I didn't want to die of dehydration, I said, 'Gee, Elvis, you're right. Look, it's moving away,' That was just the right thing to say. Old Elvis gave me one of those sly little smiles that told me he had done it again. 'I know, I moved it,' he says. Then we drive off."
Fuck. Poor Elvis. This book tells story after story of Elvis displaying the patience of a two year old and the beliefs of a crazy person. And his so called "friends" encouraged him every step of the way. It is an intriguing look into a side of Elvis that very few people were privy to. It is also the most disgusting display of "yes men" and hangers on I have ever read. Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler ~ no matter what their true feeling towards Elvis, are still making money off his name today. My one consolation is that I purchased this from a used book store, and these men did not receive my money.
They say this book was intended to be a way of reaching out to Elvis, a way of letting him know his behavior was out of control. Was it? Big surprise Elvis was reported to be hurt, saddened and betrayed. Elvis: What Happened? is actually not as cynical as one would expect. Although Dave Hebler appears to be more star struck when he talks kindly of The King, the West cousins insist they truly do care about Elvis and hoped he would turn his life around.
Elvis: That's the Way It Is, despite being the best documentary evah, always makes me a little sad. Whenever Elvis cracks a joke, he very quickly looks around the room to make sure every one of his boys is laughing with him. And of course they are. What a shame that a man with so much talent was coddled and spoiled to point that he became delusional, isolated and so unhealthy that he suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of forty-two. Perhaps his life would have taken that turn anyway? But somehow, for these men to say they cared about Elvis... while never having the heart or courage to be straight with him, for these men to benefit from living a charmed life as a paid companion to Elvis while complaining that they didn't earn enough... something just ain't right. This book was at times sad, at times disgusting, yet always fascinating.
Let me end this review on a high note. Elvis had a number of hobbies and interests, one of which was collecting law enforcement badges. At a Hollywood party, Elvis discovered that an unnamed celebrity was an undercover agent for the Federal Narcotics Bureau. When Elvis saw the badge, he decided he needed to have one and set up an appointment with John Finlator, then the Deputy Narcotics Director. Finlator met with Elvis, and offered to give him an honorary badge but Elvis wouldn't take it, he wanted the real thing. Elvis insisted that he wanted to help in the fight to keep people off drugs, and even offered money. Finlator stood firm, and would not give Elvis a real badge. Undaunted, Elvis left and hired a chauffeured limousine to drive him to the White House. Although this was spur of the moment, and he didn't have an appointment to see the President, Elvis charmed his way into the oval office. According to Sonny West,
"Presley seemed very much at home in the Oval Office and he said, 'Now, the president has got something for ya'll.'
President Nixon returned to his desk and presented Sonny and Jerry (two of the Memphis Mafia with Elvis at the time) with key rings and cufflinks with the presidential seal emblazoned on them. Presley wasn't shy when it came to the president. He said, 'You know,l Mr. President, they've got wives.'
And the president, on Presley's prompting, gave them each a brooch with the presidential seal on it for their wives. In a daze, Sonny and Jerry and Presley then left the office, after warm handshakes.
Before Sonny and Jerry had gotten to the office, President Nixon assured Presley he would get his federal narcotics badge. Presley smiled triumphantly at Sonny and Jerry and said, 'Who said something can't be done?'"
Conning the President of the United States just to get a badge to add to his collection? Fuck me. THAT is the power of The King!
December 24, 2021
I read this about 40 years ago and thought it was total BS then and re-reading it now I see that it's still just a nasty, trashy book that didn't need to be written. I thought perhaps as an adult I may be more understanding of why this book but clearly my opinion hasn't changed. That 11 year old that read it then and the 50+ that just read it now still feels the same way. I don't care how they dress it up and what reasons they give for writing it, it should never have seen the light of day. There is always a kinder way. They just wanted more....hoping to make money from "dishing the dirt" on Elvis. He deserved better than this from two people that were so close to him. Tabloid trash is all this is. I have never written such a scathing review of any book as I always try to find some good in everything I read or choose not to say anything bad but I just can't help myself with this one. Even the language they use to describe Elvis is disrespectful and choosen deliberately in my opinion to show him in the worst possible light. No true fan irrespective of how open minded they are about Elvis and his lifestyle would condone this book. It's not about taking off the "rose coloured glasses", it's about respect for this man that gave so much of himself and respect for yourselves as Elvis fans. Don't be tainted by this awful book.
July 10, 2008
What starts out as a "Get Rich Quick" p-back on the downfall of Elvis becomes more of an expose on the Memphis Mafia that catered to Elvis' every whim, making them the most demented pack of yes-men since the Bush Administration. Lining up chicks for the King, getting cast as extras in cinema classics like "Harum Scarum", and bullying over-zealous fans, these guys were bigger life-savers to Elvis than the DEA.
You'll read about them taking care of Elvis' pet chimp Scatter, colorfully named after, well you know, scat. Then there's Elvis' ex-girlfriend running off with his karate instructor and making out in the audience while he's performing. There's Elvis turning into a Hillbilly Hitler on a Memphis flunky for using the word "motherf*cker" because Elvis loved his momma. Sorry, Michael Jackson, Elvis is not only be the King of Rock but he'll always be the King of Wack, and this book lays it all out.
You can probably score this classic on eBay for 65 cents.
You'll read about them taking care of Elvis' pet chimp Scatter, colorfully named after, well you know, scat. Then there's Elvis' ex-girlfriend running off with his karate instructor and making out in the audience while he's performing. There's Elvis turning into a Hillbilly Hitler on a Memphis flunky for using the word "motherf*cker" because Elvis loved his momma. Sorry, Michael Jackson, Elvis is not only be the King of Rock but he'll always be the King of Wack, and this book lays it all out.
You can probably score this classic on eBay for 65 cents.
March 18, 2016
I think most of America suffers from "Elvis disease" --too much, too soon, too fast! What a tragic and preventable story.
Read
August 25, 2024I read this book when it came out, and I've thought a lot about it since. I think it can be considered through several different lenses, and it looks differently each way. The motivations of the authors were based on conflicts they were having with Elvis and the barriers that had grown up around him. I don't think the authors were being quite as concerned and selfless as they portrayed themselves to be. I also think there was a lot of spite in what they did and said in the book.
Does that mean the book is factually wrong? No, and that leads to another lens. As a historical document, pretty much everything they said has been verified by others in various interviews, books, and documentaries in the years since. But because this was the first book to describe the negative aspects of Elvis's later years, it was seen as a betrayal regardless of how accurate it was. Later books that corroborated this one were not seen the same way.
The betrayal is another lens. This book hurt Elvis, no doubt about it. Some of his secrets were revealed, and his image was negatively impacted. Those of us who care about Elvis can see it as a source of pain for him. Some have seen it as a contributing factor in his death which may be true emotionally if not medically. Because he died relatively soon after its publication, Elvis never had a chance to effectively respond to the book--legally, journalistically, or personally.
Does that mean the book is factually wrong? No, and that leads to another lens. As a historical document, pretty much everything they said has been verified by others in various interviews, books, and documentaries in the years since. But because this was the first book to describe the negative aspects of Elvis's later years, it was seen as a betrayal regardless of how accurate it was. Later books that corroborated this one were not seen the same way.
The betrayal is another lens. This book hurt Elvis, no doubt about it. Some of his secrets were revealed, and his image was negatively impacted. Those of us who care about Elvis can see it as a source of pain for him. Some have seen it as a contributing factor in his death which may be true emotionally if not medically. Because he died relatively soon after its publication, Elvis never had a chance to effectively respond to the book--legally, journalistically, or personally.
September 29, 2023
This is the book that came out just before his death and was written by his former friends and bodyguards/members of his “Memphis Mafia” whom he had fired: Red and Sonny West. Sour grapes? Many believe that this book was the last straw for Elvis. It broke the true story about his excessive prescription drug use and painted a highly unflattering portrait of him. It was tres juicy, but I remember crying throughout when I read it (at 16 years old). And then, mere months later, he was gone.
Joe Esposito shares the last year of Elvis's life struggles. Highlights:
Joe, "After the contents of that book (Elvis, What Happened), I believe a large part of his spirit just gave up. He lost his will to fight. The book did not literally kill Elvis of course, but it's arrival came at a point in his life when it's impact was greater than his damaged spirit could bear. As Elvis poured over the pages, reading the most salacious things he could ever imagine anyone saying about him, he became ashen. He was devastated. He was convinced this book would destroy his whole life. And in a way, I really believe it did. You have to put the situation in proper perspective to fully appreciate the devastated effect the thought of this book coming out had on Elvis's psyche. He already had enough problems. His hospitalizations, weight struggles, and drug dependency were taking their toll. He was stigmatized with his age ever since he turned forty a year and a half earlier. He had just split with Linda, a decision that saddened all of us. He was highly stressed over his relationship with Ginger, a young girl he was infatuated with, and it was frustrating the hell out of him, and now this crushed his spirit, destroyed his self esteem. You must consider the fact that this incident occurred at a time when a scandal such as this would destroy an entertainer’s career, not enhance. Today, celebrities blow the whistle on themselves for the media attention and free publicity such controversy generates for them."
From Elvis Straight Up, by Joe Esposito.
Joe Esposito shares the last year of Elvis's life struggles. Highlights:
Joe, "After the contents of that book (Elvis, What Happened), I believe a large part of his spirit just gave up. He lost his will to fight. The book did not literally kill Elvis of course, but it's arrival came at a point in his life when it's impact was greater than his damaged spirit could bear. As Elvis poured over the pages, reading the most salacious things he could ever imagine anyone saying about him, he became ashen. He was devastated. He was convinced this book would destroy his whole life. And in a way, I really believe it did. You have to put the situation in proper perspective to fully appreciate the devastated effect the thought of this book coming out had on Elvis's psyche. He already had enough problems. His hospitalizations, weight struggles, and drug dependency were taking their toll. He was stigmatized with his age ever since he turned forty a year and a half earlier. He had just split with Linda, a decision that saddened all of us. He was highly stressed over his relationship with Ginger, a young girl he was infatuated with, and it was frustrating the hell out of him, and now this crushed his spirit, destroyed his self esteem. You must consider the fact that this incident occurred at a time when a scandal such as this would destroy an entertainer’s career, not enhance. Today, celebrities blow the whistle on themselves for the media attention and free publicity such controversy generates for them."
From Elvis Straight Up, by Joe Esposito.
April 2, 2020
I liked this book, and for any Elvis fan who has read books on Elvis, will see some stories in this book that was later retold through others’ books. Some of this material in this book was also mentioned in George Klein’s book, Jerry Schilling’s book, and Linda Thompson’s, etc. So that makes the material in this book most likely true, but little subtle details vary between them all. However, what makes this fascinating is this book came out in July of 1977, just a few weeks before Elvis passed. Some say this was a money grab, some say revenge, some say both. The boys who wrote this book with Steve Dunleavy said they simply hoped it would wake Elvis up to his unhealthy behavior and prescription abuse. Whatever the case, I’m glad I read it, and I have no better or worse opinion of Elvis. But what I do have is a better understanding that although we love Elvis the superstar, Elvis was also a human being. Who knows how each of us would handle and live the remarkable fame and success that Elvis had? But the bottom line after reading this book is this: Elvis was remarkably and unbelievably talented, loved, and adored. He was human & he had his own struggles whether he was in denial or not, and yes, Elvis was in a very steep decline mainly to what seemed to be due to his prescription drug use for the most part, which wasn’t only affecting him physically, but just as much psychologically, emotionally and mentally. Elvis was so wrapped up in being Elvis that the lines between that and reality were blurred, but only Elvis could of saved Elvis.
November 23, 2016
This was and still is a pathetic book. While Elvis was no angel his 'friends' certainly made no attempt to protect him. They say they could not walk away but really as grown adults they were just as guilty if not more so in supporting his habits and whims. if you are a 'good friend' which they all claim to be you do not hope to 'help' someone but displaying every weakness to the world. Glad I only paid $2 for a copy. Anyone who wants a clear view of Elvis and his slow descent into despair should read Careless Love.
February 7, 2023
Country boys caught up suddenly in the tornado of fame. None of them, especially Elvis, could handle it. Elvis was not mature or sophisticated enough to get control of his career, let alone himself, so he died on the floor of his bathroom at age 42. Elvis comes across as racist, boorish, vain, sexist, egotistical, delusional in this book.....hard to determine how much of his behavior was attributed to drugs and how much was attributed to his self- centered personality. Interesting portrait of an American icon: my instincts tell me it's pretty accurate, sadly.
August 25, 2012
First of all, what people still need to realize is that this book was actually written by Steve Dunleavy---NOT SONNY, RED AND DAVE HEBLER! All three of them were absolutely SHOCKED when they read the previews of the book in the National Enquirer because what they actually told Dunleavy to put in the book was taken and twisted and sensationalized so that the National Enquirer could sell more issues! The reason I say this is because Dunleavy was a writer/journalist for the National Enquirer at the time the book was written so I take what is in the book, of which there ARE some true events, with a grain of salt.
August 31, 2019
This was on bucket list,. So glad I read it. I learnt a lot
January 4, 2022
I picked this one up in a trade paperback edition just shy of two dollars at the Salvation Army thrift store in Santa Monica. It was a bargain for such (as I was later to find out) a bombshell of a book. I mainly bought it for the comical fat-Elvis-on-amphetamines cover and because I enjoy the occasional literary “slumming” into harmless camp. For me, It’s a good way of clearing the palate after some particularly heavy reading a la Beauvoir, Becket, Kafka etc.
While the book was undoubtedly a tell all inside look of self-destruction, hillbilly rags to riches, southern boy gone to the big time, it was also very well constructed and thoroughly engrossing. As soon as I finished the first chapter I was hooked. And what a walloping good time this read turned out to be! I especially enjoyed Red’s tales of Elvis’ foray and the occult obsessions which preoccupied so much of his time. The parts about autosuggestion and faith healing has me in stitches. As far as memoirs go, the Memphis Mafia have enough anecdotes to keep you stewing in one of Elvis Presley’s sweat soaked proverbial scarves forever. This biography of the King, like a brand new Cadillac, is just something too good to pass up.
While the book was undoubtedly a tell all inside look of self-destruction, hillbilly rags to riches, southern boy gone to the big time, it was also very well constructed and thoroughly engrossing. As soon as I finished the first chapter I was hooked. And what a walloping good time this read turned out to be! I especially enjoyed Red’s tales of Elvis’ foray and the occult obsessions which preoccupied so much of his time. The parts about autosuggestion and faith healing has me in stitches. As far as memoirs go, the Memphis Mafia have enough anecdotes to keep you stewing in one of Elvis Presley’s sweat soaked proverbial scarves forever. This biography of the King, like a brand new Cadillac, is just something too good to pass up.
October 24, 2021
This is a great book. Though often maligned by some " Elvis fanatics" as being a hit piece, I see this book through a much different lens. Elvis was a complex and troubled soul. And I think this book captures some of the darker side of the cost of Fame. People tend to forget that Elvis was the not only the first musician to rise to his level of fame and success, but possibly the first person ever who rose to that level, short of Jesus Christ. Jesus had the benefit of being holy and transcending of time and space. Elvis, not so much.
This book humanizes Elvis. I think that's why so many speak badly of it. I don't think it tarnishes the good in Elvis or the good things he did. What I do believe it does is break some people's illusions, and that's what a good biogeographical book should do.... Let you see all sides of a human being.
If you love Elvis, rock n roll, or just good books on historical figures... This is must read.
This book humanizes Elvis. I think that's why so many speak badly of it. I don't think it tarnishes the good in Elvis or the good things he did. What I do believe it does is break some people's illusions, and that's what a good biogeographical book should do.... Let you see all sides of a human being.
If you love Elvis, rock n roll, or just good books on historical figures... This is must read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2012
I had just turned 7 a month before he passed but remember it(my memory goes back until I was 2), anyway, at 7 I was already into music... kinda strange that along side Star Wars toys I also wanted 45's. So my mom had all the Elvis stuff from his death(magazines, random stuff...etc.) so by junior high I read this book for the first time and didn't get all the drug references until I read it again years later. WOW, how he lived as long as he did is beyond me. A must read if your able to find it since it's been long, long out of print. If you see it, grab it.
December 31, 2019
I'd wanted to read this book for many years but it was extremely difficult to obtain a copy! My hubby got hold of a copy and gave it to me for Xmas.
I can see how this book would've created a storm when released in 1977. It confirms that Elvis was using prescription drugs, could have a temper, and had a love for the ladies, but there is nothing new or shocking to learn from this book, reading it in 2019. I was expecting it to portray Elvis in a much harsher light, considering the backlash it received.
I can see how this book would've created a storm when released in 1977. It confirms that Elvis was using prescription drugs, could have a temper, and had a love for the ladies, but there is nothing new or shocking to learn from this book, reading it in 2019. I was expecting it to portray Elvis in a much harsher light, considering the backlash it received.
January 16, 2023
A very sad, but very honest version of the Elvis history. Had this had been written after Elvis’ death I would have assumed that this was a cash grab, but because Elvis was alive to read it we must assume that it’s just the worst part of the truth. When trying to decide what Elvis books to read this is a must on the list, but we also have to remember that it was written by very upset friends and had they known that Elvis would die shortly after the publishing, I don’t think that it would have come out.
April 22, 2020
I read this when it first came out and since it’s been a while I wanted to go through it again. It definitely shows a different side to Elvis and the Colonel than the other book I read recently and this one makes for an interesting read. Time has shown that the bodyguard’s account rings of authenticity regarding Elvis’ downward spiral. Too much too soon indeed.
April 2, 2022
As a big Elvis fan, this book used contributions from three of those closest to Elvis for a number of years. That being said, it is likely the closest anyone will get to knowing him and understanding how the pressures and responsibilities took a toll on him mentally and physically.
January 19, 2023
So Glad I read it
Wasn’t going to read it but I decided to give it a try and I am Glad I did
For the most part I believe what they say
Still Am Obsessed with Elvis but as Cilla says He was human
Thanks
Wasn’t going to read it but I decided to give it a try and I am Glad I did
For the most part I believe what they say
Still Am Obsessed with Elvis but as Cilla says He was human
Thanks
June 11, 2013
Would love to make this into a movie using hamsters w/ bad voice overs. . .
March 13, 2015
I was expecting more shocking information. I was surprised by Elvis was so rude to some of his groupies. I was under the impression he was a gentleman. That was the only shocker for me.
February 27, 2016
Very poorly written and completely disorganized.
June 9, 2018
The Memphis Mafia boys claimed this was a plea to Elvis to get help. They got some help, with the money grab...
December 15, 2022
They should have hired a fact checker.
August 6, 2022
To me, this book reads like three grown men butthurt they were fired and taking it out on their employer that they didn’t save money (and/or create an actual contract with their employer to be paid regularly).
The entire time I was reading, I was disgusted these guys who claim to “lOvE Elvis sOoO mUcH” and “bE sUcH gReAt FrIeNdS” of Elvis would be writing a book as a way to “encourage” him to get help. No… this book was a way for them to cash out. (The epilogue with the ALLEGED phone convo between Elvis and lil Red Riding Hood makes me wanna gag. Lil Red says “It was a shock. We were broke. I sold my house. Hated to do that.” ~Allegedly Elvis responds.~ Then lil Red says “Oh, yeah, I sold my house, hated to do that. It was a bad time by all.” If you wanted Elvis to feel sorry for you and give you money/a new house because you didn’t budget appropriately or get a job within a decent timeframe, just say that. This convo is also what gives credit to my belief this book was a way for the storytellers to get $$$.)
These guys could have said absolutely anything about Elvis. (Don’t get me wrong… I know Elvis took drugs, I know he had anger problems, and that shit probably happened that the general public didn’t know about. But who is to say that these things really happened like these three guys claim without another witness coming forward [who wasn’t getting paid] or some physical evidence?) For several of the “stories”, they couldn’t remember a timeframe for when it happened or exactly where it happened. (WeLl ThEy WeRe AlL oN dRuGs… Which is a supporting argument for me because these guys could be remembering things inaccurately.)
Quotes regarding "Colonel" Tom Parker:
"And man, I got to respect that ole boy."
"He made Elvis the fortunes that he got from
unbelievable contracts.”
HAH! Red West was a sorry lil SOB. So much information has come out about Tom Parker and how shitty he was, but Red really “respected” him. If Red respected him, that should tell you something about the guys giving these stories.
Let’s be real. These guys wanted to make themselves seem cooler than they are. They were jealous of Elvis being famous, and pissed that they were fired from their 🌈terribly difficult🌈 jobs (because driving a car, hanging out with a friend, getting free shit, and living off another man was so hard). With many of the stories, the guy would describe what he (the storyteller) allegedly did/said/thought, and my thought would be “he sure is a sissy, he’s supposed to be grown and thinks he can’t walk away.”
Maybe some of these stories were partly true, maybe some were completely true. After all we’ve found out years later about how terribly Elvis was treated by others, I take the stories in this book with a grain of salt. There was no real new information in this book for me, because this book has been used to create documentaries, movies, and TV shows basically dragging Elvis for years. Personally, I was curious what his “friends” had to say and borrowed this book from the library (I won’t pay money for Elvis slander).
Aside from the actual content of the book, this was written atrociously. It jumps back and forth with no real timeline. One chapter they’re talking about Elvis in high school, the next they are talking about the later years, then the early years, back to high school, back to the early years. Like, put it in order… *sigh*
There are several times the authors tries *so* hard to sound Southern/Country that it’s cringy. Being from the south, it gave me a stank face when I came across it.
Some of the stories were repeated several times, like this author really wanted to push certain stories in the readers face to make sure they remembered it. In the beginning of the book, they told a story how **ALLEGEDLY** Elvis wanted one of the storytellers to find a hit man to kill some dude named Mike Stone. Randomly throughout the book, it would mention this again in a quote from one of the storytellers, as if they were saying “Hey! Don’t forget about the hit man story! It’s how we grabbed your attention in the beginning and now we want to remind you because we’ve been through several stupid ass chapters with no proof or context other than what these three dudes say!” Like, we get it… this guy claims Elvis wanted you to get a hit man and you were just soooo mesmerized by Elvis and would do anything he asked because you “loved” him so much that you considered it.
TLDR: The three storytellers are sissies with no evidence of the information they provide. They claim to love Elvis while dragging him in this book for money. The author has no context of organization or how a timeline should work. Elvis is the king, even if some of these alleged stories are true.
The entire time I was reading, I was disgusted these guys who claim to “lOvE Elvis sOoO mUcH” and “bE sUcH gReAt FrIeNdS” of Elvis would be writing a book as a way to “encourage” him to get help. No… this book was a way for them to cash out. (The epilogue with the ALLEGED phone convo between Elvis and lil Red Riding Hood makes me wanna gag. Lil Red says “It was a shock. We were broke. I sold my house. Hated to do that.” ~Allegedly Elvis responds.~ Then lil Red says “Oh, yeah, I sold my house, hated to do that. It was a bad time by all.” If you wanted Elvis to feel sorry for you and give you money/a new house because you didn’t budget appropriately or get a job within a decent timeframe, just say that. This convo is also what gives credit to my belief this book was a way for the storytellers to get $$$.)
These guys could have said absolutely anything about Elvis. (Don’t get me wrong… I know Elvis took drugs, I know he had anger problems, and that shit probably happened that the general public didn’t know about. But who is to say that these things really happened like these three guys claim without another witness coming forward [who wasn’t getting paid] or some physical evidence?) For several of the “stories”, they couldn’t remember a timeframe for when it happened or exactly where it happened. (WeLl ThEy WeRe AlL oN dRuGs… Which is a supporting argument for me because these guys could be remembering things inaccurately.)
Quotes regarding "Colonel" Tom Parker:
"And man, I got to respect that ole boy."
"He made Elvis the fortunes that he got from
unbelievable contracts.”
HAH! Red West was a sorry lil SOB. So much information has come out about Tom Parker and how shitty he was, but Red really “respected” him. If Red respected him, that should tell you something about the guys giving these stories.
Let’s be real. These guys wanted to make themselves seem cooler than they are. They were jealous of Elvis being famous, and pissed that they were fired from their 🌈terribly difficult🌈 jobs (because driving a car, hanging out with a friend, getting free shit, and living off another man was so hard). With many of the stories, the guy would describe what he (the storyteller) allegedly did/said/thought, and my thought would be “he sure is a sissy, he’s supposed to be grown and thinks he can’t walk away.”
Maybe some of these stories were partly true, maybe some were completely true. After all we’ve found out years later about how terribly Elvis was treated by others, I take the stories in this book with a grain of salt. There was no real new information in this book for me, because this book has been used to create documentaries, movies, and TV shows basically dragging Elvis for years. Personally, I was curious what his “friends” had to say and borrowed this book from the library (I won’t pay money for Elvis slander).
Aside from the actual content of the book, this was written atrociously. It jumps back and forth with no real timeline. One chapter they’re talking about Elvis in high school, the next they are talking about the later years, then the early years, back to high school, back to the early years. Like, put it in order… *sigh*
There are several times the authors tries *so* hard to sound Southern/Country that it’s cringy. Being from the south, it gave me a stank face when I came across it.
Some of the stories were repeated several times, like this author really wanted to push certain stories in the readers face to make sure they remembered it. In the beginning of the book, they told a story how **ALLEGEDLY** Elvis wanted one of the storytellers to find a hit man to kill some dude named Mike Stone. Randomly throughout the book, it would mention this again in a quote from one of the storytellers, as if they were saying “Hey! Don’t forget about the hit man story! It’s how we grabbed your attention in the beginning and now we want to remind you because we’ve been through several stupid ass chapters with no proof or context other than what these three dudes say!” Like, we get it… this guy claims Elvis wanted you to get a hit man and you were just soooo mesmerized by Elvis and would do anything he asked because you “loved” him so much that you considered it.
TLDR: The three storytellers are sissies with no evidence of the information they provide. They claim to love Elvis while dragging him in this book for money. The author has no context of organization or how a timeline should work. Elvis is the king, even if some of these alleged stories are true.
November 1, 2021
"Well the image is one thing, and a human being is another, you know. So... It's very hard to live up to an image. I'll put it that way."
-Elvis Presley, 1972
If you're wanting to read a book on Elvis, don't read this one first.
Over the past couple of decades, I have tried to read Elvis: What Happened? several times. It never clicked. It could be because of the way the book is organized, criss-crossing backward and forward in time. It could be because of Steve Dunleavy's style of writing. But for whatever reason, it never really engaged me.
I finally read Peter Guralnick's two-volume Elvis biography earlier this year. Having read that, I had the context I needed to make more sense of this one, and this time it was a total breeze. Funny how that happens.
Three of Elvis' former bodyguards/hangers-on -- Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler -- tell all to trash tabloid writer Steve Dunleavy. Their reasoning is that this is the only way to really get Elvis' attention. And while I don't doubt that all three did have a love for Elvis as a person, there is certainly an element of sour grapes over being fired from the entourage, and doubly so for the fact that Elvis relegated this job to his father. (Honestly, as devoted and loyal as they were through the previous two decades, I can't blame them for the sour grapes.)
The West boys had been with Elvis since the 50s whereas Hebler was a more recent addition to the Memphis Mafia. But all three of them -- being in Elvis' inner circle -- saw Elvis at his least guarded, most open, and at times his absolute worst. And they pull no punches in painting a portrait of a miserable, lonely life.
By the late 70s, Elvis' personal life was in shambles. He had a grueling concert schedule (whether Vegas or on the road), his marriage to Priscilla had disintegrated (in large part due to his chronic infidelity and isolating Priscilla), and he was addicted to food and pills. Elvis: What Happened? shows that this wasn't something that just happened, but the end result of an adulthood spent indulging whims. He really does come off like a giant spoiled child. He surrounded himself with the "Memphis Mafia," a group of guys who were there to do his bidding, laugh at his jokes, take the blame, etc. There was nobody in his life who could be totally honest with him, as that was just the kind of thing that could get you exiled.
The ex-bodyguards recount the drug binges, the erratic and dangerous behavior, the hair-trigger temper, the obsession with power, the womanizing, the paranoia, the ego, and the human casualties. They don't absolve themselves from this, and they certainly admit to taking drugs and doing unethical things for Elvis too. They also discuss Elvis' charm and generosity. And while it's true Elvis did shower his 24/7-henchmen with gifts, they weren't really paid much for their services, which left them cash-poor when they were fired.
When Elvis died within weeks of this book's publication, it really brought home the truth in what they were detailing here.
Steve Dunleavy was a tabloid writer, and his at-times sensationalistic writing can be obnoxious to get through. He jumps back and forward in time, to attempt to show comparison/contrasts with Elvis throughout the different phases of his career and to establish that some of his faults weren't a new thing. It can make for a clunky read at times, though it is an interesting concept.
So yeah, I do recommend this one, but with the caveat that a more traditional biography might be a better place to start. It may be a bit trashy, but very little discussed in this book has been disproven.
February 2, 2024
This book was nowhere near as big of a deal as people made it out to be in 1977. Because it was released two weeks before Elvis died, Red, Sonny, and Dave were all blamed for "pushing Elvis into his grave." Yes, the timing was unfortunate, but the book is not at all an attack on Elvis. It simlly tells the truth about the wonderful and horrific sides of the world's most famous entertainer.
One thing is for certain, those men (particularly Red West) practically worshipped Elvis. In fact, Red and Sonny devoted the first half of their lives to him. As Red said, "I grew up with Elvis from a teenage boy all the way to a middle aged man." All three men fought and risked his lives for Elvis on numerous occasions for very little money - and sometimes no money at all. Many fans call them "leeches" and "hangers on," but it couldn't be further from the truth. While those terms certainly fit some of the people who hung around Elvis, neither Red nor Sonny should ever be labeled as such. Yes, they were given jewelry and cars, but that is because Elvis knew they worked 24/7 for very low wages. Those gifts were his way of trying to make up for that because he genuinely appreciated them.
Did the three bodyguards write this book to get back at Elvis for firing them? Yes, and they openly admit it. After spending their entire adult lived with Elvis, Red and Sonny were devastated to be cast off without a real explanation or fair compensation. Who wouldn't be angry?
However, Red, Sonny, and Dave also wrote the book to reveal the truth: Elvis was addicted to prescription drugs, and the pills were killing him. Their hope was that publishing the book would put so much public pressure on Elvis, he would be forced to get some help. Sadly, they were too late.
My only issues with the book are that it is not told in chronological order and there are several mistakes. The book jumps back and forth from the 1970s to the 1950s and the 1960s. This would be confusing for anyone who doesn't know a lot of Elvis' history.
As far as mistakes go, I noticed that they said Gladys died at age 42 when she was actually 46. They also mention that Elvis did 33 films, but he did 31. Although the mistakes are minor, they did make me question the accuracy of other details. Overall, it was well-worth reading. I hope that Elvis, Red, and Sonny have found peace and that they have reunited in the sweet by and by.
One thing is for certain, those men (particularly Red West) practically worshipped Elvis. In fact, Red and Sonny devoted the first half of their lives to him. As Red said, "I grew up with Elvis from a teenage boy all the way to a middle aged man." All three men fought and risked his lives for Elvis on numerous occasions for very little money - and sometimes no money at all. Many fans call them "leeches" and "hangers on," but it couldn't be further from the truth. While those terms certainly fit some of the people who hung around Elvis, neither Red nor Sonny should ever be labeled as such. Yes, they were given jewelry and cars, but that is because Elvis knew they worked 24/7 for very low wages. Those gifts were his way of trying to make up for that because he genuinely appreciated them.
Did the three bodyguards write this book to get back at Elvis for firing them? Yes, and they openly admit it. After spending their entire adult lived with Elvis, Red and Sonny were devastated to be cast off without a real explanation or fair compensation. Who wouldn't be angry?
However, Red, Sonny, and Dave also wrote the book to reveal the truth: Elvis was addicted to prescription drugs, and the pills were killing him. Their hope was that publishing the book would put so much public pressure on Elvis, he would be forced to get some help. Sadly, they were too late.
My only issues with the book are that it is not told in chronological order and there are several mistakes. The book jumps back and forth from the 1970s to the 1950s and the 1960s. This would be confusing for anyone who doesn't know a lot of Elvis' history.
As far as mistakes go, I noticed that they said Gladys died at age 42 when she was actually 46. They also mention that Elvis did 33 films, but he did 31. Although the mistakes are minor, they did make me question the accuracy of other details. Overall, it was well-worth reading. I hope that Elvis, Red, and Sonny have found peace and that they have reunited in the sweet by and by.
July 17, 2022
Given that this book was written and published so soon before Presley’s death, I was always hesitant to pick this up. It is quite sleazy to think that those closest to a mega star would sell his secrets off to the highest bidder just because of a misunderstanding regarding their firing.
However, as hypercritical as this may sound; I do find the book was made with care while pointing out the sloppy slope of destruction their friend found himself on. The authors intent seems decent, as the love and care about Elvis is a through line in every story. They were able to successfully translate the bizarreness of caring about someone whom you no longer recognize.
The writing style of this book is honestly what really raised the rating. It’s written narrative style vs interview, which the latter is more of what I was expecting. It allows the story to read more like a campy, horror story that is almost unreal at points; the very beginning of the book is the perfect example of this.
All in all, I can understand the negative reviews. The stories are damming and devastating from true friends, but it doesn’t make the read any less entertaining.
However, as hypercritical as this may sound; I do find the book was made with care while pointing out the sloppy slope of destruction their friend found himself on. The authors intent seems decent, as the love and care about Elvis is a through line in every story. They were able to successfully translate the bizarreness of caring about someone whom you no longer recognize.
The writing style of this book is honestly what really raised the rating. It’s written narrative style vs interview, which the latter is more of what I was expecting. It allows the story to read more like a campy, horror story that is almost unreal at points; the very beginning of the book is the perfect example of this.
All in all, I can understand the negative reviews. The stories are damming and devastating from true friends, but it doesn’t make the read any less entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews