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Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business: Memories and Insights About Elvis Presley from His Friend and Bodyguard
Still Taking Care of Business is arguably the most authentic, no-holds-barred depiction of the greatest entertainer who ever lived. This is the book that the estate doesn't want you to read—it's a balanced, respectful, and insightful look by a true Presley insider and carter member of the infamous Memphis Mafia. Sonny West, Presley's close friend and bodyguard for nearly two decades, provides a firsthand account of the King's lavish spending sprees and many charitable acts, as well as the many affairs Presley conducted with his costars. Among all of Elvis Presley's close associates, no one tells stories that are more entertaining than Sonny West—he can mesmerize audiences for hours with his Elvis tidbits.
- GenresBiographyMusicNonfiction
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2007
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May 22, 2024Sonny West was Elvis Presley’s friend and bodyguard. They met in high school, and when Elvis’s career took off, Sonny became part of what was called the Memphis Mafia, a group of men whose loyalty to Elvis was based on friendship and employment. Sonny’s story includes a fair amount of axe-grinding about not only Elvis but others in Elvis’s orbit. My favorite section of this book involved Elvis’s Hollywood years, the period when he was making mostly forgettable movies but otherwise stayed out of public view. Sonny was there and tells how Elvis spent his time during the era when he was the most popular entertainer in the world while languishing artistically. Sonny’s version of Elvis’s decline was first told in 1976’s Elvis: What Happened?, the sensational paperback that detailed the drug abuse and debauchery. This book includes the aftermath of that scandal, including West’s banishment from Elvis World and his reflections on Elvis’s untimely but completely predictable death at age 42.
June 7, 2017
Read this a few years ago and thought it had some good Elvis stories. Not exactly the best book on Elvis, but far from the worst.
August 22, 2022
There are anecdotes that I'm aware of, as well as some others that are new to me and most likely true. Not surprisingly, no love lost between him and Lisa and Priscilla.
p. 351 He insists that Elvis is dead, and as evidence he claims that there is NO WAY he would have allowed his daughter to date, much less marry
Michael Jackson; that that would certainly have brought him out of hiding, but he doesn't say why. (Cannot locate quote)
P. 176 Holiday in Amarillo
208 he claims that the divorce settlement forbade Priscilla using the name Presley in show business, but that she resumed using it after his death. No evidence that she used that name Beaulieu after the divorce. She and her daughter have managed to keep the name through thick and thin.
235 claims opening night Elvis wore a "dark blue Cossack suit and macrame belt."
245 Barbara Leigh also dated Steve McQueen.
340 Funny anecdote about Elvis getting locked inside the compound where the gang was staying. Didn't know how to call a cab, didn't know how what street the place was on, and couldn't open the gate when the cab got there. Told Sonny to give the driver $100.
p. 351 He insists that Elvis is dead, and as evidence he claims that there is NO WAY he would have allowed his daughter to date, much less marry
Michael Jackson; that that would certainly have brought him out of hiding, but he doesn't say why. (Cannot locate quote)
P. 176 Holiday in Amarillo
208 he claims that the divorce settlement forbade Priscilla using the name Presley in show business, but that she resumed using it after his death. No evidence that she used that name Beaulieu after the divorce. She and her daughter have managed to keep the name through thick and thin.
235 claims opening night Elvis wore a "dark blue Cossack suit and macrame belt."
245 Barbara Leigh also dated Steve McQueen.
340 Funny anecdote about Elvis getting locked inside the compound where the gang was staying. Didn't know how to call a cab, didn't know how what street the place was on, and couldn't open the gate when the cab got there. Told Sonny to give the driver $100.
October 12, 2015
Of all of the books that I have read on Elvis Presley this one seem to be the most genuine. Sonny West seem to write about Elvis's life and his life without making it all either totally bad or totally good. Mr. West talks about Elvis's generosity and his humor but also talks about his drug usage and his hard headedness with an openness that tells us they tried to help him but also with a "feel sorry" for him attitude. As many stars who make it big then start that decline downhill Elvis turned to drugs and it is a shame because even after his death he is still "king" to a lot of people. His music has lived on.
Mr West doesn't come across as a "I'm a big shot" guy but truly as a friend who cared very deeply for Elvis and seem to truly wanted what was best for him. Most of the time people want to be around stars for the money or what they can get from them. Mr. West seems to have stayed around for their deep friendship and his love for his long time friend, Elvis.
Mr West doesn't come across as a "I'm a big shot" guy but truly as a friend who cared very deeply for Elvis and seem to truly wanted what was best for him. Most of the time people want to be around stars for the money or what they can get from them. Mr. West seems to have stayed around for their deep friendship and his love for his long time friend, Elvis.
November 11, 2025
I have always viewed Elvis Presley as a special person, not just because of his historical significance and achievements, but also because of his unique character. He is an enigma, to be sure. I have found that it is wholly inadequate to read one or two books about his life and consider yourself well informed. The details seem to change a little or a lot depending on who is telling the story. I don’t think this is accidental as I believe Elvis had the extraordinary ability to present himself in different ways to those around him. Sonny West was one of the original Memphis Mafia (MM) and this book has many interesting anecdotes about Elvis and others with whom Sonny came in contact over the years. I like to learn about the writer’s own life as it gives me a better sense of the veracity of their stories. Sonny does not shy away from telling the good and the bad stories about himself or Elvis, which I feel shows his own humility. I was pleasantly surprised to feel an actual connection to and affection for both men through Sonny’s sharing of those experiences. There is a sense of brotherly love and caring between them. I also think Sonny wrote this book to right some wrongs from his previous collaboration with fellow MM members Red West and Dave Hebler and writer Steve Dunleavy in 1976-77. I have the disadvantage of not having read “Elvis What Happened?” but I’ve heard enough to get the gist of what was said and how Elvis fans reacted to it. It was the first book written about Elvis by members of his inner circle and it did not paint an entirely good picture of one of the most beloved entertainers of the 20th century. Needless to say, it set the standard for many other books that followed, as those authors also felt they had to address the various elephants in the room, whether or not they had any real knowledge on the matters. However, call it intuition, but I think “Elvis What Happened?” accomplished what it set out to do and it wasn’t the betrayal that some believed it to be. The fact that we fans continue to argue over the details of all of these books almost 50 years later is testament to the notion that Elvis is someone who made an impact on our lives and continues to do so in myriad ways. Therefore, an unforeseen outcome of Red, Sonny and Dave’s book is that it HAS made Elvis immortal. His life story became a tragedy in addition to the previously familiar rags-to-riches success story. I do love Sonny’s humor. The way he lets you know who was trustworthy and who wasn’t, using his charming subtlety. His personality shines through in these moments. Do I agree with everything he says or his guesses as to why Elvis did what he did? As with every book about Elvis the Enigma, I learn something new yet take it all in with a huge dose of skepticism. Then I read between the lines, or lies, and make my own decisions. This book is no different, in that respect, but an enjoyable read.
May 20, 2022
A book you should have in your Elvis Library.
Entertaining and kept me engaged. I don’t fully believe everything as truth, not because I think Sonny is lying but bc it is from his memory and perspective. He only knew a part of Elvis just like each of his MM did and others in his orbit.
You can’t know all of him unless you were each member of the MM, married to him, dated him, was a mistress, gate girl, maid, his mom, dad, cousin, uncle, Minnie Mae, Aunt Delta, movie executives, leading ladies, Colonel Parker and others along the way ALL AT ONCE including the man himself.
Otherwise, each person has only a tiny piece of him and their memories with him to tell. This was another book about a tiny piece and I did enjoy their piece and view.
However, I do believe it is what Sonny saw, felt and experienced and his reality of it. He did have some great stories, and I agreed with some of his opinions on things. I do not like the putting some down due to being hurt by them, but many of the MM and people around Elvis seem to do that.
Overall it was good and I am glad he wrote it. Also I do appreciate him explaining about Albert Sachs book sounding like Albert didn’t like Elvis. I always felt the same thing and thought maybe I was making that up. Maybe I read it wrong.
Do read the book.
Entertaining and kept me engaged. I don’t fully believe everything as truth, not because I think Sonny is lying but bc it is from his memory and perspective. He only knew a part of Elvis just like each of his MM did and others in his orbit.
You can’t know all of him unless you were each member of the MM, married to him, dated him, was a mistress, gate girl, maid, his mom, dad, cousin, uncle, Minnie Mae, Aunt Delta, movie executives, leading ladies, Colonel Parker and others along the way ALL AT ONCE including the man himself.
Otherwise, each person has only a tiny piece of him and their memories with him to tell. This was another book about a tiny piece and I did enjoy their piece and view.
However, I do believe it is what Sonny saw, felt and experienced and his reality of it. He did have some great stories, and I agreed with some of his opinions on things. I do not like the putting some down due to being hurt by them, but many of the MM and people around Elvis seem to do that.
Overall it was good and I am glad he wrote it. Also I do appreciate him explaining about Albert Sachs book sounding like Albert didn’t like Elvis. I always felt the same thing and thought maybe I was making that up. Maybe I read it wrong.
Do read the book.
February 11, 2022
The first 13 chapters of this book are almost painful. Ihad to will myself to continue reading it, and it took me a long time to get through.
Sonny gives rather snarky descriptions of other people in Elvis’ entourage, including of Joe Esposito & Priscilla, among many others. The chapters are much more a biography of himself in Hollywood, who he knew. It is rather a who’s who of the famous people herubbed shoulders with, where they ended up, and what he thought of them as opposed to a biography of ELVIS.
Hedoes give good descriptions of Elvis’ movies, which will be a helpful guideto determining which ones I want to see. With the movies, as with the people he met, the author gives a very slanted, opinionated telling of the story rather than a factual account of what happened.
And so because of his snarky comments, Sonny does NOT paint a positive picture of himself. The snarkiness makes himself look bad.
Sonny gives rather snarky descriptions of other people in Elvis’ entourage, including of Joe Esposito & Priscilla, among many others. The chapters are much more a biography of himself in Hollywood, who he knew. It is rather a who’s who of the famous people herubbed shoulders with, where they ended up, and what he thought of them as opposed to a biography of ELVIS.
Hedoes give good descriptions of Elvis’ movies, which will be a helpful guideto determining which ones I want to see. With the movies, as with the people he met, the author gives a very slanted, opinionated telling of the story rather than a factual account of what happened.
And so because of his snarky comments, Sonny does NOT paint a positive picture of himself. The snarkiness makes himself look bad.
December 29, 2019
A Must Read!
Its hard to summarise this book, but what I will say is, if you are afraid of hearing cold, hard facts from Sonnys perspective then it may not be for you, still I would highly recommend reading this with fresh eyes and lose all pre-conceptions.
I enjoyed it thoroughly but found it hard when it comes to the removal of Sonny, Red and Dave from Elvis life, such a sad time in Elvis life and particularly for Red and Sonny to risk their friendship with Elvis.
I have moved on from Elvis What Happened as I assume most fans have, as we know now much more than we were prepared to accept first time around and what comes through in this book is the love and devotion that they had for each other, in spite of the last few years.
Its hard to summarise this book, but what I will say is, if you are afraid of hearing cold, hard facts from Sonnys perspective then it may not be for you, still I would highly recommend reading this with fresh eyes and lose all pre-conceptions.
I enjoyed it thoroughly but found it hard when it comes to the removal of Sonny, Red and Dave from Elvis life, such a sad time in Elvis life and particularly for Red and Sonny to risk their friendship with Elvis.
I have moved on from Elvis What Happened as I assume most fans have, as we know now much more than we were prepared to accept first time around and what comes through in this book is the love and devotion that they had for each other, in spite of the last few years.
April 6, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is apparent the author loved Elvis as a very close friend. But while the author’s love and admiration for Elvis is apparent, it does not blind him to Elvis’ darker side. He does not pull punches but he also doesn’t delve into a lot of dirty sensational details either. I think this was a very even handed and loving memoir of one of her greatest entertainers of all time. You’ll learn things about Elvis and I think you’ll come to respect Sonny West too.
October 27, 2022
Looking for the Truth and nothing but the Truth about Elvis
I liked the book because it told many good and warm things about Elvis' personality. But I still d
on't really believe that the reason for the book "Elvis What Happened" was written for any reason but the money it made for Red, David and Sonny. And after all he did for all of them how they could smear him is a mystery to me. Money talks and Bullshit walks. I feel they wanted revenge and money with that book.
I liked the book because it told many good and warm things about Elvis' personality. But I still d
on't really believe that the reason for the book "Elvis What Happened" was written for any reason but the money it made for Red, David and Sonny. And after all he did for all of them how they could smear him is a mystery to me. Money talks and Bullshit walks. I feel they wanted revenge and money with that book.
April 21, 2023
Entertaining
This is the 11th book I have read about Elvis! Each books just adds to the man and the entertainer,of who this man ,called Elvis ,was. Everyone who knew Elvis saw a different side of him ,giving a clearer picture of the man,. Sonny west, I believe, was a good and loyal friend of Elvis. One can tell that he truly love him as a best friend and brother. Highly recommend this hook.
This is the 11th book I have read about Elvis! Each books just adds to the man and the entertainer,of who this man ,called Elvis ,was. Everyone who knew Elvis saw a different side of him ,giving a clearer picture of the man,. Sonny west, I believe, was a good and loyal friend of Elvis. One can tell that he truly love him as a best friend and brother. Highly recommend this hook.
September 2, 2023
I loved this book. Well-written and heart-warming, Sonny succeeds in giving us real insight into the man Elvis was and his battle with prescription drugs. The ending was heartbreaking and I truly felt his anguish at how things ended between him and Elvis and his love for the man. Definitely one of the better and more credible Elvis books I have read.
July 7, 2020
Excellent read! A very thorough and honest account of Sonny West’s life/friendship with Elvis Presley. It wasn’t sugar coated but very respectful. I have a deep respect for Mr. West. May he rest in peace. Sonny and Elvis hanging out again.
July 27, 2021
Un livre que j'ai adoré ! Bien raconté, rempli d'anecdotes positives et de détails intéressants. Sans contredit, l'auteur a réussi à decrire de façon positive la vie extraordinaire d'Elvis .
May 11, 2022
I enjoyed every page. I felt is was an honest, and loving memory which I appreciated.
February 15, 2023
It was very interesting & informative
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June 16, 2023Elvis is King
While Elvis was alive in my lifetime I read this to know more about him. Sonny West was there and gives a honest account. A good read.
While Elvis was alive in my lifetime I read this to know more about him. Sonny West was there and gives a honest account. A good read.
December 7, 2023
Pretty good bio on Elvis from his long time bodyguard Sonny West
June 26, 2018
Pc
Sonny certainly took care of business when he wrote this book, he Is very thorough In retelling his life with Elvis. It's sad that those who were either friends or actually worked for him are all gone, minus maybe a few. But overall it's worth buying, it's worth every penny.
Sonny certainly took care of business when he wrote this book, he Is very thorough In retelling his life with Elvis. It's sad that those who were either friends or actually worked for him are all gone, minus maybe a few. But overall it's worth buying, it's worth every penny.
September 28, 2024
Sonny West was one of Elvis's close friends and his bodyguard for 16 years.
Throughout the book, he showed tenderness toward Elvis's memory and truly cherished it. His love and care for Elvis were evident on every page. A deeply heart-breaking book.
Throughout the book, he showed tenderness toward Elvis's memory and truly cherished it. His love and care for Elvis were evident on every page. A deeply heart-breaking book.
December 16, 2014
Loved this book--couldn't get enough of all the antidotes about Elvis's life.
Sonny West was one of his bodyguards and head of security, until a year before Elvis's death. He and his cousin Red West were fired in July of 1976, because they had tried to stop Elvis from taking so many prescription drugs, and Elvis didn't like this at all. From Sonny's account, Elvis did exactly what he pleased, and you had to be totally with him. He didn't like people telling him anything negative about his life. This book talks about all the various movies, and his costars, and whom he had affairs with on the movie sets. I like biographies, that have the benefit of hindsight and I really enjoyed reading one.
Sonny West was one of his bodyguards and head of security, until a year before Elvis's death. He and his cousin Red West were fired in July of 1976, because they had tried to stop Elvis from taking so many prescription drugs, and Elvis didn't like this at all. From Sonny's account, Elvis did exactly what he pleased, and you had to be totally with him. He didn't like people telling him anything negative about his life. This book talks about all the various movies, and his costars, and whom he had affairs with on the movie sets. I like biographies, that have the benefit of hindsight and I really enjoyed reading one.
March 22, 2014
Among the many memoirs by people who knew the King, this ranks at the top level. His stories about working for Elvis in Memphis and Hollywood/LA are all interesting; only his few personal complaints about some people along the way retract from the overall effect. He seems correct, however, in his assertion that some others have exaggerated their roles in the Presley saga while he attempts to avoid that pitfall. Avid Elvis fans may find the absence of certain individuals from this account to be curious, whether intentional or just unknown to West. Notably, he details the insanity Elvis plunged himself into by abusing pills for many years. And he is adamant that Elvis is really dead.
December 17, 2016
Great insight into their lives
I chose this rating because the book is well written and has a lot of details. The only critique, if any, is that he chose to justify some of the claims and at times defend himself over the previous book. Bottom line is that Elvis was great entertainer who had a great career and then allowed drugs to take over his life. He was no different than any other celebrity with an addiction. This is a great read. Thanks.
I chose this rating because the book is well written and has a lot of details. The only critique, if any, is that he chose to justify some of the claims and at times defend himself over the previous book. Bottom line is that Elvis was great entertainer who had a great career and then allowed drugs to take over his life. He was no different than any other celebrity with an addiction. This is a great read. Thanks.
March 26, 2010
This book was incredible. I couldn't put it down and I was legitimately upset when i finished it because I didn't want it to end. Sonny west did an amazing job illustrating elvis's life to the point where it felt like you were there with him. You become so emotionally attached to Elvis because this books makes you love him and hate him sometimes. It's seriously fantastic!
June 28, 2011
Could not put it down - a great look into life on the "inside" of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis' most trusted buddies.
February 28, 2012
Did I really want to know every single one of Elvis's girls and their love affairs?
August 14, 2015
"
Excellent, very informative. You can tell that Sonny West really cared for Elvis, this made the book much more believable.
Excellent, very informative. You can tell that Sonny West really cared for Elvis, this made the book much more believable.
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