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Elvis: My Best Man: Radio Days, Rock 'n' Roll Nights, and My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
When George Klein was an eighth grader at Humes High, he couldn’t have known how important the new kid with the guitar—the boy named Elvis—would later become in his life. But from the first time GK (as he was nicknamed by Elvis) heard this kid sing, he knew that Elvis Presley was someone extraordinary. During Elvis’s rise to fame and throughout the wild swirl of his remarkable life, Klein was a steady presence and one of Elvis’s closest and most loyal friends until his untimely death in 1977.
In Elvis: My Best Man, a heartfelt, entertaining, and long-awaited contribution to our understanding of Elvis Presley and the early days of rock ’n’ roll, George Klein writes with great affection for the friend he knew—about who the King of Rock ’n’ Roll really was and how he acted when the stage lights were off. This fascinating chronicle of boundary-breaking and music-making through one of the most intriguing and dynamic stretches of American history overflows with insights and anecdotes from someone who was in the middle of it all. From the good times at Graceland to hanging out with Hollywood stars to butting heads with Elvis’s iron-handed manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to making sure that Elvis’s legacy is fittingly honored, GK was a true friend of the King and a trailblazer in the music industry in his own right.
From the Hardcover edition.
In Elvis: My Best Man, a heartfelt, entertaining, and long-awaited contribution to our understanding of Elvis Presley and the early days of rock ’n’ roll, George Klein writes with great affection for the friend he knew—about who the King of Rock ’n’ Roll really was and how he acted when the stage lights were off. This fascinating chronicle of boundary-breaking and music-making through one of the most intriguing and dynamic stretches of American history overflows with insights and anecdotes from someone who was in the middle of it all. From the good times at Graceland to hanging out with Hollywood stars to butting heads with Elvis’s iron-handed manager, Colonel Tom Parker, to making sure that Elvis’s legacy is fittingly honored, GK was a true friend of the King and a trailblazer in the music industry in his own right.
From the Hardcover edition.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2009
75 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 3, 2019
I'm not really sure what to make of this book. There were some great insights to Elvis that I think only someone close to him could offer and there was quite a lot of love and respect that came through in the reading. There were also some things I learned about Elvis that I never knew before. But, at times I just felt that GK, as he was mostly referred to by Elvis, was holding back a little. I felt that he was writing and telling his story of his relationship with Elvis, with other people in mind and perhaps was being a bit diplomatic. But, this final passage in the book, won me over, "Elvis was the most talented man I've ever known, the most generous man, the smartest man I've ever known. On a personal level, what I loved most about Elvis Presley was the amazing quality of his friendship. I've never felt as cared for, supported, and accepted as I did with him. There'll never be another Elvis."-George Klein.
Overall a must read, in my opinion, by fans of this wonderful man.
Overall a must read, in my opinion, by fans of this wonderful man.
March 11, 2018
Honestly Elvis
I felt George Klein provided interested readers a detailed account into the history of ELvis. Readers are taken back to the very beginning of Elvis' career and are shown the man, Elvis Presley, in his everyday life whether on stage or off. GK digs into the many personalities that constantly surrounded Elvis. I enjoyed learning more about Tom Parker, and Caroline Kennedy was a real surprise! Mr. Klein offers a heartfelt view of a long term friendship between two men who shared a love of music and respect for those less fortunate. But more than that, this book tells about the life of a Jewish radio man and his enduring love and respect for the king of rock and roll. I found the book to be highly entertaining even for those who weren't Elvis fans. As for me, Elvis will always be the king of rock and roll!
I felt George Klein provided interested readers a detailed account into the history of ELvis. Readers are taken back to the very beginning of Elvis' career and are shown the man, Elvis Presley, in his everyday life whether on stage or off. GK digs into the many personalities that constantly surrounded Elvis. I enjoyed learning more about Tom Parker, and Caroline Kennedy was a real surprise! Mr. Klein offers a heartfelt view of a long term friendship between two men who shared a love of music and respect for those less fortunate. But more than that, this book tells about the life of a Jewish radio man and his enduring love and respect for the king of rock and roll. I found the book to be highly entertaining even for those who weren't Elvis fans. As for me, Elvis will always be the king of rock and roll!
July 3, 2019
It really shows a perspective of Elvis' life through someone who knew him really well and was around him a lot. Very good book with great insight!
July 17, 2012
I have read a number of books on Elvis. This book was just ok for me. It really doesn't tell us many stories that we have not read elsewhere, and glosses over a lot of things about Elvis that were not so flattering. I appriciate the effort that George Klein made here in telling his Elvis story, although I have enjoyed other books by Elvis' Memphis Mafia a lot more.
July 14, 2018
This memoir impressed me because it's very clear that George Klein was a close friend of Elvis Presley until the day he died and George was quite candid about many of the stories he shared about Elvis.
I like the setup particularly because the prologue begins in a more advanced state of the timeline of GK and Elvis' friendship and then reverts back to the beginning and eventually reaches back to the point of the prologue to then continue the rest of the story.
There were some anecdotes that literally made me laugh out loud at some of the antics Elvis, GK, and the rest of the Memphis Mafia created and it was evident that they were all a tight group.
GK presents the happy and dark moments in Elvis' life and the life of a celebrity rockstar in general: the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad, etc. He portrays a very real image of Elvis--as humanistic as possible-- rather than a giant, untouchable idol that people might automatically think of. It's sad and poignant yet heart-warming.
"I've come to believe that if Mrs. Presley had loved a full life, Elvis would be with us today."
That's the line that stuck with me the most because it was so heartfelt and sad. Sometimes I get caught on the "what-ifs" and "what could have beens" so, naturally, it's the one line I can't get out of my head from this one.
Readers will a absolutely hate the Colonel even more. And probably wonder why someone as fiesty and spirited as Elvis would listen to the guy. But, GK does also help you see why the Colonel was good at what he did.
I like the setup particularly because the prologue begins in a more advanced state of the timeline of GK and Elvis' friendship and then reverts back to the beginning and eventually reaches back to the point of the prologue to then continue the rest of the story.
There were some anecdotes that literally made me laugh out loud at some of the antics Elvis, GK, and the rest of the Memphis Mafia created and it was evident that they were all a tight group.
GK presents the happy and dark moments in Elvis' life and the life of a celebrity rockstar in general: the good, the bad, the ugly, the sad, etc. He portrays a very real image of Elvis--as humanistic as possible-- rather than a giant, untouchable idol that people might automatically think of. It's sad and poignant yet heart-warming.
"I've come to believe that if Mrs. Presley had loved a full life, Elvis would be with us today."
That's the line that stuck with me the most because it was so heartfelt and sad. Sometimes I get caught on the "what-ifs" and "what could have beens" so, naturally, it's the one line I can't get out of my head from this one.
Readers will a absolutely hate the Colonel even more. And probably wonder why someone as fiesty and spirited as Elvis would listen to the guy. But, GK does also help you see why the Colonel was good at what he did.
March 7, 2024
Ever since the film came out last year, I’ve been wanting to learn more about Elvis from firsthand accounts.
George Klein’s memoir about his time with Elvis is surprisingly honest. In moments where he looks back with regret, Klein shares those sentiments with readers just as much as the moments he’s the most proud of. Klein expertly weaves his own stories into the memoir (he was a successful disc jockey and television host in his own right), and I found the stories of his own successes and failures to be equally compelling alongside his wild Elvis tales.
Much like Priscilla’s memoir, there is a lot of hero worship here. With all due respect, as I know these were two of the people Elvis was genuinely closest to, I wish there was more of a willingness to see Elvis’s own faults, rather than just the faults of everyone around him.
Still, a beautiful story from start to finish, and a unique look at Elvis’s full journey from a very poor high school kid who was getting threatened in high school to The King of Rock & Roll, and everything that came after.
George Klein’s memoir about his time with Elvis is surprisingly honest. In moments where he looks back with regret, Klein shares those sentiments with readers just as much as the moments he’s the most proud of. Klein expertly weaves his own stories into the memoir (he was a successful disc jockey and television host in his own right), and I found the stories of his own successes and failures to be equally compelling alongside his wild Elvis tales.
Much like Priscilla’s memoir, there is a lot of hero worship here. With all due respect, as I know these were two of the people Elvis was genuinely closest to, I wish there was more of a willingness to see Elvis’s own faults, rather than just the faults of everyone around him.
Still, a beautiful story from start to finish, and a unique look at Elvis’s full journey from a very poor high school kid who was getting threatened in high school to The King of Rock & Roll, and everything that came after.
August 27, 2024
I've read a fair amount on Elvis, including Peter Guralnick's 2 volume biography. George Klein's version is a worthy addition. He sounds like a great guy (passed away in 2019) who was a true, loyal friend to Elvis, While he was on and off on the Presley payroll, he very much lived his own life and career, and was not so "dependent" on Elvis as some of the other "Memphis Mafia" were. The writing style is very homey and at times amateurish, which also makes it seem authentic at times. Klein had a very interesting life himself, working in radio & TV that caused his path to intersect with many other legendary performers. His feelings towards Elvis seem genuine and touching, including his sadness at Elvis' decline and death. A fun read; mostly celebratory of the high points in Presley's life, as well as the early days of rock n roll, and American culture and society that paralleled those years. Rest in peace, George!
March 18, 2024
Love, love this book I love Elvis Presley to death so I knew I had to read this book. The only parts that were a little boring was whenever GK went a little bit more into detail about himself and sorry, but I’m just not interested. I specifically read this book to know about Elvis Presley. He definitely did a good job doing that, but there were some little bits where he talked about his life and his job as a radio host and it just wasn’t that interesting to me. I would skim through those parts and it was definitely worth it to read about Elvis and his inside life and it really just makes you love him even more. It definitely makes him more relatable instead of just like a big star just know that had a personality and a very funny, loving one at that. It’s also great that it showed a great friendship over many years. Overall a good book rest in peace to the King EP and GK. 🕊️🕊️
July 20, 2025
Lately I've read many books about Elvis Presley.
This is the story of one of his best friends. It's the story of Elvis Presley's life with big chunks missing because it's told from the point of view of his friend and he wasn't always present.
Along the way you read about the author's own story as well which makes it interesting and puts things in perspective on the one hand but also makes it a tad boring as well.
The last chapter before the epilogue where Elvis dies is the hardest to read, as every time I read about him dying it feels like I'm reliving the loss all over.
All in all I'm glad his best friend wrote this book before he died himself and from the way he tells the story you can feel the love and the great respect he had for Elvis.
Definitely a book worth reading for any Elvis fan.
This is the story of one of his best friends. It's the story of Elvis Presley's life with big chunks missing because it's told from the point of view of his friend and he wasn't always present.
Along the way you read about the author's own story as well which makes it interesting and puts things in perspective on the one hand but also makes it a tad boring as well.
The last chapter before the epilogue where Elvis dies is the hardest to read, as every time I read about him dying it feels like I'm reliving the loss all over.
All in all I'm glad his best friend wrote this book before he died himself and from the way he tells the story you can feel the love and the great respect he had for Elvis.
Definitely a book worth reading for any Elvis fan.
November 1, 2022
This was the third & final book loaned to me by my Elvis loving friend. It was the best of the three and most satisfying. It really gave me a better feel for Elvis, the man, vs Elvis the husband of Priscilla, the cousin of Donna & the son of his mother & father.
George Klein, GK, was a good friend of Elvis and knew him since they were about 9 years old. GK gave a cohesive history of their years with believable dialog and realistic events and emotions. It was truly the easiest to follow and believe. If I stop reading books on Elvis at this point, I think I will feel satisfied. I may continue on the subject of this larger than life charismatic man, but have no plans to do so right now.
George Klein, GK, was a good friend of Elvis and knew him since they were about 9 years old. GK gave a cohesive history of their years with believable dialog and realistic events and emotions. It was truly the easiest to follow and believe. If I stop reading books on Elvis at this point, I think I will feel satisfied. I may continue on the subject of this larger than life charismatic man, but have no plans to do so right now.
March 24, 2018
“ ELVIS “ Multi-talented, Original & Unique, yet humble.
I admire the manner the author chose to relate his relationship
With Elvis Presley starting with the last two years in High School
In Memphis, TN up to the day of Elvis’s demise in 1977.
Where some would be boastful, this author named George Kline
Relays the story in a humble fashion often stating he was ever so
Fortunate Elvis chose to like and be a good friend to him.
The major portion of the book transpires in the late 1950’s.
I can^t recall reading anything surprising, it was interesting to
Find the many everyday problems that face all of us regardless
Of our assets and life style.
I admire the manner the author chose to relate his relationship
With Elvis Presley starting with the last two years in High School
In Memphis, TN up to the day of Elvis’s demise in 1977.
Where some would be boastful, this author named George Kline
Relays the story in a humble fashion often stating he was ever so
Fortunate Elvis chose to like and be a good friend to him.
The major portion of the book transpires in the late 1950’s.
I can^t recall reading anything surprising, it was interesting to
Find the many everyday problems that face all of us regardless
Of our assets and life style.
May 11, 2019
A decent account of Elvis’ personal life from someone who clearly knew him well. However the author comes across as wanting to stay in the good books of the remaining living Presley’s with comments around Elvis and Priscilla’s marriage and then being very loving partners and glossing over his less attractive traits like how he treated women, his controlling behaviour etc. It didn’t need to be a tell-all of all his bad traits, but it goes too far the other way.
March 26, 2023
There will always be a mystery about The King but I think the best way to get to know him and understand him is through the people who loved them the most. George Klein's telling of his past and memories with Elvis allows you to understand Elvis as a person and an artist. George Klein loved his best friend Elvis and it truly shows in his writing. Elvis: My Best Man is a good read to get to know Elvis before he was THE KING.
June 24, 2019
This book brought Elvis back for me. He is truly the greatest of all singers. George was a loyal and devoted friend and he did justice to Elvis by writing this book. It is written compassionately and loving. He never criticized and always gave definition to what Elvis did. I learned a lot and had my eyes opened to alot. Truly miss the "King". RIP Elvis.
July 30, 2017
A good read. Informative and revealing, but not disrespectful or sordid. On some points, there is a bit of doubt as to how true some of Klein's claims are, but those aren't enough to take away from the overall enjoyment of the subject, or of the author's presentation of it.
February 21, 2018
This book was written by a long time friend who was with Elvis from 8th grade till his death. Very touchingly written. Didn’t go into sordid details but seemed to be truthful. It was a treat to read the details of how Elvis was a true friend and how much he enjoyed being Elvis.
February 26, 2018
Great Book
Have been a Elvis can all my life and have read every book on Elvis that I could get my hands on,but this book by far is the best!! I read a lot of books, when you feel like you are right there, you know it is well written. Thank You GK
Have been a Elvis can all my life and have read every book on Elvis that I could get my hands on,but this book by far is the best!! I read a lot of books, when you feel like you are right there, you know it is well written. Thank You GK
June 29, 2020
Interesting read. I suggest reading Priscilla Presley’s book first, so that you have another perspective while reading the stories in this book. If you’re blissfully ignorant about Elvis Presley and his life, I suggest you put this book down and stay that way.
July 24, 2022
Yes... I saw the movie. However, I have been on an Elvis journey to get to know the man behind the icon and the legend. This book was so tasteful and so intimate, a good read for an Elvis fan or someone who likes memoirs!
September 11, 2023
Super
This is a very very loving tribute to Elvis. GK as he is known wrote with such insight and kindness that make the reader feel such love for their long and enduring friendship. GK and Elvis were truly great friends . Thank you for sharing your memories, GK.
This is a very very loving tribute to Elvis. GK as he is known wrote with such insight and kindness that make the reader feel such love for their long and enduring friendship. GK and Elvis were truly great friends . Thank you for sharing your memories, GK.
September 6, 2025
Very interesting look inside the life of Elvis, someone I knew very little about. Definitely was a different time, he probably would have been controversial today. Although, in a different way to how he was controversial back then.
February 27, 2018
Very entertaining. Easy to read. Interesting anecdotes from someone who obviously over The King.
March 3, 2018
Fantastic!!
If you are an Elvis fan, you will love this book! The absolute best one I have read! Kept my attention from beginning to end. Enjoy!
If you are an Elvis fan, you will love this book! The absolute best one I have read! Kept my attention from beginning to end. Enjoy!
March 5, 2018
Interesting to read about Elvis from the perspective of a friend of his. I know there was another book published by 3 other people but it was unfavourable and widely panned.
March 15, 2018
Love
Great book. Loved the insider view. Big Elvis fan. Can't wait to go to Memphis and see the sites I read about.
Great book. Loved the insider view. Big Elvis fan. Can't wait to go to Memphis and see the sites I read about.
March 27, 2018
Best book I’ve read about Elvis
I’ve read a few books about Elvis and I found this one to be the best because it was written by a friend.
I’ve read a few books about Elvis and I found this one to be the best because it was written by a friend.
February 10, 2022
Was a good read but felt there was more about klien than Elvis was really disappointed not enough information on Elvis for me
September 21, 2023
Loved it. The long time friendship!!
May 1, 2024
I enjoyed the perspective from George Klein who was Elvis’s front since high school. It was nice hearing about Elvis as an everyday person and not the celebrity persona.
December 21, 2024
I love GK for keeping this book about Elvis positive!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews