Elvis Presley became immensely famous in the 1950s and, while his career went through periods of decline, he remained a superstar for the rest of his life. The pressures of fame wore on Elvis, and he struggled to adapt to the popularity that sustained his career. While he didn’t necessarily enjoy being a public figure, he knew his life would be markedly different if he wasn’t. He once told a friend that he’d likely be locked up if it wasn’t for his status.
Elvis told a friend his life would be different if he wasn’t famous
Throughout the 1970s, Elvis’ behavior grew increasingly unpredictable. He was quick to anger and often let out his frustration by shooting a gun without warning. He grew bored with his career and took growing amounts of drugs.
Nearly everyone in Elvis’ life began to worry about his well-being. While...
Elvis told a friend his life would be different if he wasn’t famous
Throughout the 1970s, Elvis’ behavior grew increasingly unpredictable. He was quick to anger and often let out his frustration by shooting a gun without warning. He grew bored with his career and took growing amounts of drugs.
Nearly everyone in Elvis’ life began to worry about his well-being. While...
- 3/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley began performing residencies in Las Vegas in 1969. These shows saved his sagging career and reignited his love of performing. Before long, though, they began to bore him to tears. This boredom transformed Elvis, twisting his initial excitement into something spiteful and defensive. His friend shared how unpleasant things became while Elvis and his entourage were in Las Vegas.
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
Elvis’ boredom caused him to lash out while in Las Vegas
By the early 1970s, Elvis had tired of his Vegas shows. He played two shows a day for weeks at a time, leaving him exhausted and irritable. He also played the same show over and over.
“Going in about the third year, there was no challenge,” Elvis’ friend Jerry Schilling said in the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It was the same songs, and the same audience, and we stayed up all night, and slept all day. We...
- 3/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s entourage supported him in many ways: they ordered him food, vacationed with him, rushed to his side when he needed them, and, apparently, convinced him to bathe. According to several members of his entourage, Elvis preferred to rely on deodorant tablets to keep himself smelling fresh. Those who knew him said they weren’t all that effective.
Elvis Presley’s entourage had to talk him into bathing
By 1975, Elvis’ health had deteriorated significantly. He dealt with physical symptoms exacerbated by his drug use, but he also had mood swings and rising paranoia. According to his entourage, Elvis began to refuse to bathe.
Per The Washington Post, Elvis wiped down his “armpits and crotch” when necessary. He also relied on deodorant tablets to kill any odor.
Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection/Getty Images
“They’d kill any type of body odor from bad breath to butt,” his cousin,...
Elvis Presley’s entourage had to talk him into bathing
By 1975, Elvis’ health had deteriorated significantly. He dealt with physical symptoms exacerbated by his drug use, but he also had mood swings and rising paranoia. According to his entourage, Elvis began to refuse to bathe.
Per The Washington Post, Elvis wiped down his “armpits and crotch” when necessary. He also relied on deodorant tablets to kill any odor.
Elvis Presley | Stanley Bielecki Movie Collection/Getty Images
“They’d kill any type of body odor from bad breath to butt,” his cousin,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After a series of career disappointments, Elvis Presley finally came across a deal that excited him. He received a high-paying offer to perform outside North America, something he had never done despite his massive success. When his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, turned down the deal, Elvis looked deeply shaken.
Elvis seemed horrified after a lucrative deal collapsed
By the mid-1970s, Elvis had suffered a series of career disappointments. The latest was that negotiations for him to appear in A Star Is Born had fallen apart. Elvis wanted the role, but Parker demanded too much money and control; Kris Kristofferson got the part instead. Though Elvis felt disappointed, a new offer buoyed his spirits.
Per the book The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley by Alanna Nash, Saudi billionaires Adnan and Essam Khashoggi offered Elvis $5 million to perform at the Pyramids of Giza. Parker turned...
Elvis seemed horrified after a lucrative deal collapsed
By the mid-1970s, Elvis had suffered a series of career disappointments. The latest was that negotiations for him to appear in A Star Is Born had fallen apart. Elvis wanted the role, but Parker demanded too much money and control; Kris Kristofferson got the part instead. Though Elvis felt disappointed, a new offer buoyed his spirits.
Per the book The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley by Alanna Nash, Saudi billionaires Adnan and Essam Khashoggi offered Elvis $5 million to perform at the Pyramids of Giza. Parker turned...
- 3/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1975, Elvis Presley received an offer to act in the film A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. The opportunity excited him greatly. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969’s Change of Habit and was growing bored of his endless schedule of performances. A new film could have reestablished him as an actor. Ultimately, though, when negotiations fell through, Elvis’ friend the singer hadn’t been sure he could pull off the role.
Elvis Presley reportedly didn’t think he would be a good fit in a film
In 1975, Streisand offered Elvis $500,000 and 10% of profits to star as rock star John Norman Howard in A Star Is Born. After the initial meeting with Streisand, Elvis’ friends recalled that he seemed excited about the part. The role was of a rock star whose career was on the decline. It was the sort of dramatic and complicated part Elvis had...
Elvis Presley reportedly didn’t think he would be a good fit in a film
In 1975, Streisand offered Elvis $500,000 and 10% of profits to star as rock star John Norman Howard in A Star Is Born. After the initial meeting with Streisand, Elvis’ friends recalled that he seemed excited about the part. The role was of a rock star whose career was on the decline. It was the sort of dramatic and complicated part Elvis had...
- 3/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s mother died shortly before the father of his friend, Red West. Both men returned to Memphis to mourn their parents. West said that the loss of Gladys Presley was extremely hard on Elvis given the closeness of their relationship. Still, Elvis made a point to be there to support West in his grief.
Elvis Presley supported his friend not long after his mother Gladys died
While Elvis was in basic training, he received word from his father that his mother’s health had taken a sharp downturn. He returned to Memphis to see her but, shortly after his arrival, she died of a heart attack.
West, who knew the Presley family well, tried to take emergency leave to pay his respects. While his commanding officer did not approve this, West soon learned that his father was ill. His commanding officer granted him emergency leave and, when he arrived in Memphis,...
Elvis Presley supported his friend not long after his mother Gladys died
While Elvis was in basic training, he received word from his father that his mother’s health had taken a sharp downturn. He returned to Memphis to see her but, shortly after his arrival, she died of a heart attack.
West, who knew the Presley family well, tried to take emergency leave to pay his respects. While his commanding officer did not approve this, West soon learned that his father was ill. His commanding officer granted him emergency leave and, when he arrived in Memphis,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was so famous that he became a God figure to many of his fans. People worshiped him in his lifetime and continue to be dedicated fans even decades after his death. According to Elvis’ bodyguard, Red West, the singer liked being treated this way. West said Elvis wanted people to treat him as though he were a god.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer liked being a ‘God figure’
Elvis was incredibly generous to the people in his life. He gave away lavish gifts — houses, horses, cars, and more — without thinking twice about it. Still, he reportedly didn’t pay his entourage all that much considering how much money he made. West, who knew Elvis for years, believed this was intentional.
“I have seen him give away some of the most incredible gifts imaginable. In later years he was to give away clothes and cars and rings, and even airplanes and houses,...
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer liked being a ‘God figure’
Elvis was incredibly generous to the people in his life. He gave away lavish gifts — houses, horses, cars, and more — without thinking twice about it. Still, he reportedly didn’t pay his entourage all that much considering how much money he made. West, who knew Elvis for years, believed this was intentional.
“I have seen him give away some of the most incredible gifts imaginable. In later years he was to give away clothes and cars and rings, and even airplanes and houses,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards were like family to him. They often lived with him, took trips with him, and were there whenever he needed them. In the earliest years of Elvis’ career, they did all of this for very little money. One of his longtime bodyguards, Red West, said this led to an embarrassing moment for him in a New York City bathroom.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard felt embarrassed while in New York
In 1956, Elvis traveled to New York City and made an appearance on Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey’s Stage Show. Afterward, he went to dinner at the Brown Derby restaurant.
“Now, there were the two of us, ‘E’ and me, at the classy Brown Derby,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were fresh out of Memphis, and we both looked like real rednecks, real hicks.”
West went to the bathroom at the restaurant,...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard felt embarrassed while in New York
In 1956, Elvis traveled to New York City and made an appearance on Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey’s Stage Show. Afterward, he went to dinner at the Brown Derby restaurant.
“Now, there were the two of us, ‘E’ and me, at the classy Brown Derby,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “We were fresh out of Memphis, and we both looked like real rednecks, real hicks.”
West went to the bathroom at the restaurant,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent his 41st birthday upset with his entourage. He took his group of friends and employees to Colorado for a ski trip and spent much of their time together in a miserable mood. After a disappointing birthday celebration, he scolded his friends. One bodyguard said he behaved like a spoiled child.
Elvis Presley spent 1 birthday terrorizing his entourage
After a draining run of performances, Elvis brought his entourage to Colorado for what everyone hoped would be a relaxing vacation. Instead, the trip was incredibly stressful.
“He took us to Vail, Colorado, for what he said was going to be a dream vacation,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Well, it was a nightmare. He was heavy into pills.”
(L-r, standing) Billy Smith, former sheriff Bill Morris, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Sheriff Roy Nixon, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein,...
Elvis Presley spent 1 birthday terrorizing his entourage
After a draining run of performances, Elvis brought his entourage to Colorado for what everyone hoped would be a relaxing vacation. Instead, the trip was incredibly stressful.
“He took us to Vail, Colorado, for what he said was going to be a dream vacation,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Well, it was a nightmare. He was heavy into pills.”
(L-r, standing) Billy Smith, former sheriff Bill Morris, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Sheriff Roy Nixon, Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s close friend Lamar Fike reveals that the King of Rock and Roll’s intense relationship with his mother, Gladys Presley, dominated not only their lives but their deaths, too. Mother and son were extraordinarily close, leading to an eerie circumstance surrounding the end of their lives.
Elvis Presley’s life and death were rooted in his relationship with his mother
In a story reported by Express, Lamar Fike, one of Elvis Presley’s best friends, believed Presley’s life and death were rooted in his relationship with his mother. Fike said Gladys Presley was the most critical relationship in Elvis’ life.
“Basically, Elvis’ personality was that of Gladys’. There wasn’t a dime’s worth of difference between them,” he revealed.
Mother and son’s close relationship was complicated because Gladys was reportedly so protective of Elvis that she never let him out of her sight. He,...
Elvis Presley’s life and death were rooted in his relationship with his mother
In a story reported by Express, Lamar Fike, one of Elvis Presley’s best friends, believed Presley’s life and death were rooted in his relationship with his mother. Fike said Gladys Presley was the most critical relationship in Elvis’ life.
“Basically, Elvis’ personality was that of Gladys’. There wasn’t a dime’s worth of difference between them,” he revealed.
Mother and son’s close relationship was complicated because Gladys was reportedly so protective of Elvis that she never let him out of her sight. He,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Elvis Presley did not seem egotistical in the early years of his career, his bodyguards said he became big-headed as time passed. Their once polite, easygoing boss became demanding and prone to anger. By the 1970s, everyone had to be very careful with the way they behaved around the singer. They shared why this was so sad to see.
Elvis began to seem big-headed as the years went by
While Elvis always had a bit of a temper, Elvis’ bodyguards rarely saw it in their early years with the performer. By the 1970s, though, they were well acquainted with his fits of rage.
“At first, man, we would only see flashes of those rages. But later on it was terrible,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He would go into rages when things didn’t go his way. He would wreck...
Elvis began to seem big-headed as the years went by
While Elvis always had a bit of a temper, Elvis’ bodyguards rarely saw it in their early years with the performer. By the 1970s, though, they were well acquainted with his fits of rage.
“At first, man, we would only see flashes of those rages. But later on it was terrible,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He would go into rages when things didn’t go his way. He would wreck...
- 1/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s friends were often also his employees. The members of his entourage provided Elvis with company, but also filled roles such as road manager or security guard. They were willing to do whatever Elvis asked of them, but he wasn’t always an easy person to have as a boss or a friend. Elvis often flew into fits of rage that verged on violence. Afterward, he always tried to find a way to make it up to the target of his anger.
Elvis gave his friends elaborate gifts after flying into a rage with them
When someone did something nice for Elvis, he rarely said thank you. Instead, he would find them gifts as a way of saying thank you. These presents were typically expensive and elaborate.
“He likes to watch your reaction when he gives you something, but he doesn’t harp on it,” his bodyguard Red West...
Elvis gave his friends elaborate gifts after flying into a rage with them
When someone did something nice for Elvis, he rarely said thank you. Instead, he would find them gifts as a way of saying thank you. These presents were typically expensive and elaborate.
“He likes to watch your reaction when he gives you something, but he doesn’t harp on it,” his bodyguard Red West...
- 1/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley rarely went anywhere without his entourage. They traveled with him, protected him, and kept his nocturnal schedule. They also had to put up with his ever-changing moods. Elvis sometimes flew into rages, fired his gun at the television, and made outrageous demands. All of this seemed normal to his entourage until they talked to people outside of Elvis’ circle.
Elvis’ entourage realized they were not living normal lives
Elvis typically went to bed in the early morning, slept for roughly 14 hours, and woke up in the late afternoon. When he arose, he was often groggy and irritable, which meant everyone around him had to be on high alert. If he saw something he didn’t like on television while he ate his breakfast, he was likely to fire his gun at the screen.
The members of his entourage grew used to this behavior, even teasing Elvis about it.
Elvis’ entourage realized they were not living normal lives
Elvis typically went to bed in the early morning, slept for roughly 14 hours, and woke up in the late afternoon. When he arose, he was often groggy and irritable, which meant everyone around him had to be on high alert. If he saw something he didn’t like on television while he ate his breakfast, he was likely to fire his gun at the screen.
The members of his entourage grew used to this behavior, even teasing Elvis about it.
- 1/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley expected his entourage to do everything he asked them to at any time of day. He called them in the dead of night and expected them to go to him at the drop of a hat. He even pushed for them to do drugs with him. If anyone seemed hesitant, he watched them to ensure they swallowed whatever he wanted them to take.
Elvis Presley wanted his entourage to take drugs with him
Elvis Presley had many long days and kept nocturnal hours. In order to keep up with him, his bodyguards often had to take the same drugs Elvis used.
“There was no other way we could keep up with him,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “He would never get any sleep. Then comes six in the morning for an early call, and we would be beat. So he would give us...
Elvis Presley wanted his entourage to take drugs with him
Elvis Presley had many long days and kept nocturnal hours. In order to keep up with him, his bodyguards often had to take the same drugs Elvis used.
“There was no other way we could keep up with him,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? “He would never get any sleep. Then comes six in the morning for an early call, and we would be beat. So he would give us...
- 1/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Many people who got to know Elvis Presley found the constant presence of his entourage off-putting. Other celebrities found it odd that he was never alone, and members of his own band found the group intimidating. While Priscilla Presley liked the entourage, she didn’t appreciate the fact that their constant presence left her practically no alone time with her husband. The entourage sensed her frustration and believed she had it out for them.
Elvis’ entourage saw Priscilla Presley as a threat to them
After their wedding, Elvis and Priscilla left for their honeymoon at their Mississippi ranch home. They were not alone; several other members of the entourage were on the property with them. Priscilla, understandably, found it frustrating to share her honeymoon with her new husband’s friends. In turn, they blamed her for changing the dynamic of their group.
“[She was] conspiring with Vernon [Presley] to find a way to...
Elvis’ entourage saw Priscilla Presley as a threat to them
After their wedding, Elvis and Priscilla left for their honeymoon at their Mississippi ranch home. They were not alone; several other members of the entourage were on the property with them. Priscilla, understandably, found it frustrating to share her honeymoon with her new husband’s friends. In turn, they blamed her for changing the dynamic of their group.
“[She was] conspiring with Vernon [Presley] to find a way to...
- 1/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of Elvis Presley’s closest friends was Jerry Schilling, whom he met when they were both young. Schilling was a key member of Elvis’ entourage and was present for some of the most significant moments in Elvis’ life. Despite the closeness of their relationship, though, Elvis could sometimes push Schilling away. After an argument about rental houses, Schilling decided he needed time apart from the musician. He admitted that this wasn’t easy.
Elvis Presley’s friend said it was difficult to separate himself from the musician’s world
In early 1976, Elvis took his friends on a ski trip in Colorado. At the end of their rental period, he told Schilling to find them a new place to stay so they could extend their vacation. After three days of tireless work, Schilling brought everyone to their new accommodations. As he tried to fall asleep, though, Elvis called him and...
Elvis Presley’s friend said it was difficult to separate himself from the musician’s world
In early 1976, Elvis took his friends on a ski trip in Colorado. At the end of their rental period, he told Schilling to find them a new place to stay so they could extend their vacation. After three days of tireless work, Schilling brought everyone to their new accommodations. As he tried to fall asleep, though, Elvis called him and...
- 12/30/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was a controversial figure. While he helped launch Elvis’ career, he also stifled him in some ways. He controlled many aspects of Elvis’ life, including the dynamic of his entourage. After Elvis hurt himself in a fall, Parker stepped in. The way he handled the entourage left many of them frustrated.
Colonel Tom Parker laid down the law with Elvis Presley’s entourage
In the late 1960s, Elvis’ road manager, Joe Esposito, picked up the musician to go to the studio and noticed that he seemed unsteady on his feet. Elvis admitted that he’d fallen and hit his head on the bathtub, which Esposito believed was the fault of all the pills he was taking.
When Parker learned that Elvis had a concussion, he lashed out at the entourage, asking how they could have let this happen. Two days later, he called...
Colonel Tom Parker laid down the law with Elvis Presley’s entourage
In the late 1960s, Elvis’ road manager, Joe Esposito, picked up the musician to go to the studio and noticed that he seemed unsteady on his feet. Elvis admitted that he’d fallen and hit his head on the bathtub, which Esposito believed was the fault of all the pills he was taking.
When Parker learned that Elvis had a concussion, he lashed out at the entourage, asking how they could have let this happen. Two days later, he called...
- 12/29/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent Christmas 1975 at Graceland. On Christmas Day, he took his friends and family up on his private jet, but he remained isolated for most of Christmas Eve. He told his nurse that he woke up from a dream so realistic that it made him want to steer clear of his entourage. All this did was make them feel frustrated with him.
Elvis Presley had a dream about his entourage on Christmas
On Christmas Eve, Elvis woke up from a dream so realistic that he told his nurse, Marion Cocke, he was “in a rage.”
“He had dreamed that no one who worked for him cared anything about him other than for their salary checks,” Cocke said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “He had dreamed that he had gone broke, and when he needed them they walked out on him. In his dream during this turmoil,...
Elvis Presley had a dream about his entourage on Christmas
On Christmas Eve, Elvis woke up from a dream so realistic that he told his nurse, Marion Cocke, he was “in a rage.”
“He had dreamed that no one who worked for him cared anything about him other than for their salary checks,” Cocke said in the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “He had dreamed that he had gone broke, and when he needed them they walked out on him. In his dream during this turmoil,...
- 12/23/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the middle of a ski trip, Elvis Presley’s friend, Jerry Schilling, grew frustrated with him. The musician had made a series of nonsensical demands and refused to explain them. When confronted about this, Elvis grew angry. Though he didn’t say anything to Schilling’s face, Elvis threatened to shoot him for saying anything.
Elvis Presley threatened violence against a friend
After their rental period on a ski trip ended, Elvis decided he wanted to extend the vacation. He instructed Schilling to find them new accommodations, which he did despite the last-minute notice. Once they had all settled into the new rental homes, an exhausted Schilling went to bed. At three in the morning, though, Elvis called Schilling to tell him he wanted to switch houses.
“He said he was coming over, so I moved into the small bedroom to give him the master bedroom,” Schilling said in...
Elvis Presley threatened violence against a friend
After their rental period on a ski trip ended, Elvis decided he wanted to extend the vacation. He instructed Schilling to find them new accommodations, which he did despite the last-minute notice. Once they had all settled into the new rental homes, an exhausted Schilling went to bed. At three in the morning, though, Elvis called Schilling to tell him he wanted to switch houses.
“He said he was coming over, so I moved into the small bedroom to give him the master bedroom,” Schilling said in...
- 12/16/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent most of his adult life surrounded by his Memphis Mafia, a group of friends and employees who did everything with him. They followed Elvis on tour, lived at Graceland, and took vacations with him. While these men were all dedicated to the musician, they could still find him frustrating. One of his close friends, Jerry Schilling, recalled leaving a trip early after Elvis pushed him too far.
Elvis Presley made nonsensical demands of a friend
After performing an exhausting series of concerts, Elvis took an 18-person group to Colorado for a ski trip. He celebrated his 41st birthday and rode around on a snowmobile while everyone skied. Though the group was tired and frustrated, Elvis announced he wanted to extend the trip at the end of the rental period.
Schilling got to work finding them new accommodations at the last minute. When he finally did and got everyone settled in,...
Elvis Presley made nonsensical demands of a friend
After performing an exhausting series of concerts, Elvis took an 18-person group to Colorado for a ski trip. He celebrated his 41st birthday and rode around on a snowmobile while everyone skied. Though the group was tired and frustrated, Elvis announced he wanted to extend the trip at the end of the rental period.
Schilling got to work finding them new accommodations at the last minute. When he finally did and got everyone settled in,...
- 12/11/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley rarely went anywhere without his entourage, a group of friends and employees who catered to his needs. Elvis was generous to his entourage, but he also had a temper. Everyone in his life also knew he was incredibly insecure. Elvis once witnessed two members of his entourage talking and assumed they were speaking poorly about him. When they wouldn’t admit to it, he threatened violence.
Elvis threatened his friend when he thought he was talking about him
One night, Elvis and his entourage had women over, and Elvis flirted with two different people.
“We had all been drinking a bit, so had Elvis,” his friend and bodyguard Sonny West said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Tuesday [Weld] and Elvis are on the couch and I’m talking to this girl. Elvis leans over and kisses her and says, ‘You’re really cute.
Elvis threatened his friend when he thought he was talking about him
One night, Elvis and his entourage had women over, and Elvis flirted with two different people.
“We had all been drinking a bit, so had Elvis,” his friend and bodyguard Sonny West said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “Tuesday [Weld] and Elvis are on the couch and I’m talking to this girl. Elvis leans over and kisses her and says, ‘You’re really cute.
- 12/1/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was close with his father, Vernon, but he relied more on his entourage. The musician rarely went anywhere without his friends and employees. Even Priscilla Presley said she hadn’t married a man; she’d married a group of people. Vernon Presley never fully trusted these men, though. He believed that Elvis’ entourage was taking advantage of him.
Elvis’ father thought the musician’s entourage was taking advantage of him
Elvis’ entourage was made up of his friends, but he relied on them and paid them for their work. Priscilla admitted that the salary was not very high, but Elvis made up for it in other ways.
“They’d ask him if he could help them out with a down payment on a house or the first and last months’ payments on an apartment,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me. “Elvis always came through for them,...
Elvis’ father thought the musician’s entourage was taking advantage of him
Elvis’ entourage was made up of his friends, but he relied on them and paid them for their work. Priscilla admitted that the salary was not very high, but Elvis made up for it in other ways.
“They’d ask him if he could help them out with a down payment on a house or the first and last months’ payments on an apartment,” Priscilla wrote in her book Elvis and Me. “Elvis always came through for them,...
- 11/12/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s cousin Danny Smith disputes Prisiclla Presley’s tearful truth shared during a new interview with Piers Morgan. Smith has a different opinion about Priscilla’s comments regarding Lisa Marie Presley and other aspects of life with Elvis Presley at Graceland.
Elvis Presley’s cousin sets the record straight about his feelings regarding Priscilla Presley’s comments
On his YouTube channel, Memphis Mafia Kid, Danny Smith discusses Priscilla Presley’s commentary to Piers Morgan and gives his point of view regarding it. Here’s what he had to say.
“Some of the going over about how close her and Lisa Marie were, there’s no doubt in my mind,” Smith said. “They were opposites.”
He continued, “They disagreed a whole lot. Now, that was from way back.”
“Nothing I’m fixing to tell you, Lisa didn’t already say herself. Lisa, if she would have had her way,...
Elvis Presley’s cousin sets the record straight about his feelings regarding Priscilla Presley’s comments
On his YouTube channel, Memphis Mafia Kid, Danny Smith discusses Priscilla Presley’s commentary to Piers Morgan and gives his point of view regarding it. Here’s what he had to say.
“Some of the going over about how close her and Lisa Marie were, there’s no doubt in my mind,” Smith said. “They were opposites.”
He continued, “They disagreed a whole lot. Now, that was from way back.”
“Nothing I’m fixing to tell you, Lisa didn’t already say herself. Lisa, if she would have had her way,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Like many other celebrities, Elvis Presley had an entourage. They toured with him, lived with him, and served as dedicated employees. According to the other people in Elvis’ life, they were a little too devoted to the musician. One of Elvis’ backup singers said there was always a level of tension in the room when Elvis’ entourage was around. It wasn’t always clear if Elvis was aware of this.
Elvis’ entourage guarded him closely
Elvis’ piano player, Glen D. Hardin, described the entourage as a “silly boys’ club … Just one big party.” Others viewed it differently, though. Many members of the entourage had known Elvis for years and were willing to defend him by any means necessary. As a result, the musician began receiving assault and battery charges.
Though Elvis wanted them to protect him against assassination attempts, they also kept people in Elvis’ band away from him. Elvis...
Elvis’ entourage guarded him closely
Elvis’ piano player, Glen D. Hardin, described the entourage as a “silly boys’ club … Just one big party.” Others viewed it differently, though. Many members of the entourage had known Elvis for years and were willing to defend him by any means necessary. As a result, the musician began receiving assault and battery charges.
Though Elvis wanted them to protect him against assassination attempts, they also kept people in Elvis’ band away from him. Elvis...
- 11/5/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s entourage worked for him, but each of them was also a friend. He’d met some of them as children, meaning they had close relationships. He spent nearly all his time with his entourage and gave them presents whenever possible. Once, Elvis even gave his longtime friend, Jerry Schilling, a home.
Elvis Presley gave his longtime friend a house
Elvis met Schilling, a key member of his entourage, when they were children. He remained close to Elvis for years, even moving into his Beverly Hills home after his divorce. When Schilling began dating Myrna Smith, one of Elvis’ backup singers, he offered to move into an apartment. He worried about the way Elvis would react to the interracial relationship, but the musician insisted that he stay in the house. Schilling did, but he wanted a home of his own.
Jerry Schilling | George Rose/Getty Images
Eventually, Schilling...
Elvis Presley gave his longtime friend a house
Elvis met Schilling, a key member of his entourage, when they were children. He remained close to Elvis for years, even moving into his Beverly Hills home after his divorce. When Schilling began dating Myrna Smith, one of Elvis’ backup singers, he offered to move into an apartment. He worried about the way Elvis would react to the interracial relationship, but the musician insisted that he stay in the house. Schilling did, but he wanted a home of his own.
Jerry Schilling | George Rose/Getty Images
Eventually, Schilling...
- 11/3/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Priscilla Presley and Elvis Presley lived together for years before they got married. She grew to understand his lifestyle quite well. She knew that he kept late night hours, became obsessed with various hobbies, and didn’t like to do anything without the constant presence of his entourage. While Priscilla didn’t want to change Elvis as a person after they married, she did want to make some changes to his lifestyle. She explained that her hopes fell apart after a few days of marriage.
Priscilla Presley hoped she could change Elvis’ lifestyle
While Priscilla and Elvis were dating, she came to understand that she got surprisingly little alone time with him. When he wasn’t away for work, his large entourage was always around. She hoped that marriage would change this.
“There’s an old Southern belief that holds that a woman goes into a marriage thinking she can change her man,...
Priscilla Presley hoped she could change Elvis’ lifestyle
While Priscilla and Elvis were dating, she came to understand that she got surprisingly little alone time with him. When he wasn’t away for work, his large entourage was always around. She hoped that marriage would change this.
“There’s an old Southern belief that holds that a woman goes into a marriage thinking she can change her man,...
- 10/21/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Lisa Marie Presley was nine, her father, Elvis Presley, died. During his lifetime, though, she spent much of her time at Graceland with Elvis and his ever-present Memphis Mafia. The Memphis Mafia was Elvis’ entourage, and they were with him at all times. She said they made her uncomfortable as a child and infuriated her as an adult. Lisa Marie shared why she found them disgusting.
Lisa Marie Presley slammed Elvis’s Memphis Mafia
While channel surfing, Lisa Marie discovered the E! True Hollywood Story: The Last Days of Elvis. She started watching and realized that many of the former members of Elvis’ Memphis Mafia were on it, talking about the end of his life.
“I couldn’t believe they were trying to take his dignity — Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Red West, all these people that were worse than him,” she told Rolling Stone in 2003, adding, “They scared the...
Lisa Marie Presley slammed Elvis’s Memphis Mafia
While channel surfing, Lisa Marie discovered the E! True Hollywood Story: The Last Days of Elvis. She started watching and realized that many of the former members of Elvis’ Memphis Mafia were on it, talking about the end of his life.
“I couldn’t believe they were trying to take his dignity — Sonny West, Marty Lacker, Red West, all these people that were worse than him,” she told Rolling Stone in 2003, adding, “They scared the...
- 10/18/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Elvis Presley reigned supreme as the king of the Las Vegas strip. However, his peak of over 600 live shows has been broken by a 1970s music icon, who paid tribute to the king of rock and roll at the record-breaking moment.
Which 1970s music icon broke Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas record?
Elvis Presley played 636 shows in Sin City from 1969 through 1976. He was a staple on the Las Vegas strip, with a residency at the International Hotel.
On Sept. 21, 2023, Barry Manilow took the stage to celebrate a record-setting 637 shows. His achievement was formally recognized during his concert as Manilow was presented with the key to the Las Vegas Strip by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom.
Manilow performed a series of shows the weekend he broke Elvis’ record. They benefitted a number of charities, including the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center and Victoria’s Voice.
Which 1970s music icon broke Elvis Presley’s Las Vegas record?
Elvis Presley played 636 shows in Sin City from 1969 through 1976. He was a staple on the Las Vegas strip, with a residency at the International Hotel.
On Sept. 21, 2023, Barry Manilow took the stage to celebrate a record-setting 637 shows. His achievement was formally recognized during his concert as Manilow was presented with the key to the Las Vegas Strip by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom.
Manilow performed a series of shows the weekend he broke Elvis’ record. They benefitted a number of charities, including the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center and Victoria’s Voice.
- 9/28/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It has been 46 years since Elvis Presley‘s death on Aug. 16, 1977. Fans remember the king of rock and roll by visiting his beloved Memphis, Tn home, Graceland, listening to his music, and keeping his memory alive. However, upon news of his passing, grief-stricken fans swarmed Elvis’s home to get close to him one last time.
Elvis Presley photographed in September 1962 in Culver City, California at MGM Studios | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Grieving fans flocked to Graceland upon news of Elvis Presley’s death
Fans flocked to Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard in the Whitefern section of Memphis upon news of his death. They lined up in droves to mourn his passing. Fans’ shared grief turned the private home’s exterior into a memorial for their beloved entertainer.
Variety spoke to Pat Rainer, then a graduate student, who covered Elvis’ funeral procession for a video production company. She shared...
Elvis Presley photographed in September 1962 in Culver City, California at MGM Studios | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images Grieving fans flocked to Graceland upon news of Elvis Presley’s death
Fans flocked to Graceland on Elvis Presley Boulevard in the Whitefern section of Memphis upon news of his death. They lined up in droves to mourn his passing. Fans’ shared grief turned the private home’s exterior into a memorial for their beloved entertainer.
Variety spoke to Pat Rainer, then a graduate student, who covered Elvis’ funeral procession for a video production company. She shared...
- 8/16/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In August 1977, Elvis Presley had several key career events to look forward to. He had become engaged to his girlfriend Ginger Alden and was set to embark on a new series of concert dates. Presley appeared to be settling down as the 70s wound down, leading his cousin to debunk claims the king of rock and roll was “miserable” at the end of his life.
Elvis Presley in concert on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota | CBS via Getty Images Elvis Presley’s cousin Danny Smith reveals the king of rock and roll was anything but ‘miserable’
As the end of the 1970s neared, Elvis Presley continued to tour and record. He became involved in a serious relationship with Ginger Alden and proposed to her in January 1977. A wedding date was scheduled for Christmas Day that same year.
Presley was scheduled to begin a 12-date tour the day after his death.
Elvis Presley in concert on June 21, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota | CBS via Getty Images Elvis Presley’s cousin Danny Smith reveals the king of rock and roll was anything but ‘miserable’
As the end of the 1970s neared, Elvis Presley continued to tour and record. He became involved in a serious relationship with Ginger Alden and proposed to her in January 1977. A wedding date was scheduled for Christmas Day that same year.
Presley was scheduled to begin a 12-date tour the day after his death.
- 7/7/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There’s a live version of “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” from 1969 that captures Elvis Presley in a comical meltdown of uncontrollable laughter. It’s a favorite track for oldies-radio DJs to play during Sunday morning “Breakfast with the King” hours, but it’s rarely been heard in the context of the full concert from which it derives. That August 26th “midnight show” is one of 11 complete shows that make up the new Elvis Live 1969 box set, an 11-disc chronicle that documents Presley’s return to the concert stage after an...
- 8/12/2019
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
How much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? That was the question facing the "Auction Kings" (Wed., 10 p.m. Et on Discovery) when they found themselves handling a piece of pop culture history.
A seller brought them a 14-karat gold bracelet bearing The King's initials, E.A.P. Elvis gave it to his trusted friend Lamar Fike, a member of his so-called Memphis Mafia. Fike passed away in January 2011.
As Paul Brown said, "anyone can find out the price of diamonds and gold ... but for us the value lies in the celebrity ownership."
So, how much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? A cool $10,000.
The treasure-hunting continues on "Auction Kings," Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Et on Discovery.
TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.
A seller brought them a 14-karat gold bracelet bearing The King's initials, E.A.P. Elvis gave it to his trusted friend Lamar Fike, a member of his so-called Memphis Mafia. Fike passed away in January 2011.
As Paul Brown said, "anyone can find out the price of diamonds and gold ... but for us the value lies in the celebrity ownership."
So, how much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? A cool $10,000.
The treasure-hunting continues on "Auction Kings," Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Et on Discovery.
TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.
- 5/10/2012
- by Catherine Lawson
- Huffington Post
How much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? That was the question facing the "Auction Kings" (Wed., 10 p.m. Et on Discovery) when they found themselves handling a piece of pop culture history.
A seller brought them a 14-karat gold bracelet bearing The King's initials, E.A.P. Elvis gave it to his trusted friend Lamar Fike, a member of his so-called Memphis Mafia. Fike passed away in January 2011.
As Paul Brown said, "anyone can find out the price of diamonds and gold ... but for us the value lies in the celebrity ownership."
So, how much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? A cool $10,000.
The treasure-hunting continues on "Auction Kings," Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Et on Discovery.
TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.
A seller brought them a 14-karat gold bracelet bearing The King's initials, E.A.P. Elvis gave it to his trusted friend Lamar Fike, a member of his so-called Memphis Mafia. Fike passed away in January 2011.
As Paul Brown said, "anyone can find out the price of diamonds and gold ... but for us the value lies in the celebrity ownership."
So, how much for Elvis Presley's bracelet? A cool $10,000.
The treasure-hunting continues on "Auction Kings," Wednesdays at 10 p.m. Et on Discovery.
TV Replay scours the vast television landscape to find the most interesting, amusing, and, on a good day, amazing moments, and delivers them right to your browser.
- 5/10/2012
- by Catherine Lawson
- Aol TV.
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