Elvis Presley’s music carried him to unprecedented levels of fame and success. He had 18 songs go to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and his albums sold rapidly. Just a few short years before his ascension to stardom, though, few people knew he liked to sing. Elvis said he even failed his music class in school.
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
Very few people Elvis knew loved music
Elvis grew up singing in church and around his home, but he didn’t speak of his hobby at school. He was quiet, so few of his peers knew much about him.
“I first realized that I could sing at about two years of age,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick, later adding, “People would listen to me around the housing project where I lived, [but at school] nobody knew I sang.”
Elvis Presley | Earl leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images...
- 5/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the years of Priscilla Presley’s relationship with Elvis Presley, she dealt with constant, well-placed concerns about his infidelity. When they first started dating, Elvis’ girlfriend, Anita Wood, had the same concerns. She was aware that Elvis had met someone in Germany, and that this girl was sending letters to her boyfriend. Elvis told her that she had nothing to worry about, though.
Elvis told Anita Wood that Priscilla Presley shouldn’t concern her
When Elvis left for Germany with the army, he was dating Wood. They continued their relationship when he returned to the United States, after he met and began pursuing Priscilla. Wood discovered this after finding a letter from Priscilla.
“In the letter there was something to the effect of — ‘You need to call my daddy and talk him into letting me come over. I want to come really bad,’” Wood recalled, per the book Careless...
Elvis told Anita Wood that Priscilla Presley shouldn’t concern her
When Elvis left for Germany with the army, he was dating Wood. They continued their relationship when he returned to the United States, after he met and began pursuing Priscilla. Wood discovered this after finding a letter from Priscilla.
“In the letter there was something to the effect of — ‘You need to call my daddy and talk him into letting me come over. I want to come really bad,’” Wood recalled, per the book Careless...
- 4/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1966, Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, decided he needed to exercise stronger control over his celebrity client. Elvis’ drug use had ramped up, something everyone in his life was aware of, and he fell and hurt himself while under the influence. Parker warned Elvis that if he didn’t take his advice, he would lose everything.
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
Elvis’ manager told him he would lose everything after he fell and hit his head
In 1966, Elvis’ friend, Joe Esposito, came to pick the singer up to go to the studio. He found him in the house, woozy, with a sizable lump on his head.
“Into 1966, he started taking downers more heavily, gradually at first,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he started heavy into them more and more as he got more and more bored. Around about that time, he fell very badly...
- 4/24/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent much of his time with his bodyguards and entourage. They followed him on tours, vacations, and even between his houses. When one bodyguard, Sonny West, spent just a month away from Elvis, he was shocked upon his return. Elvis looked so unwell that West gathered other bodyguards to pray for him.
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
Elvis Presley’s appearance shocked his bodyguard
After Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley, those close to him grew concerned for his well-being. He frequently saw a doctor for problems with his throat, took increasing doses of drugs, and slept very little. All of this began to wear on him.
“I tell you,” Sonny said in the book Elvis, What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “I was going nuts looking after him with his actions.”
Elvis and bodyguards | Tom Wargacki/WireImage
In 1974, West was away from Elvis for a month to do work with Colonel Tom Parker. When...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley made a fortune over the course of his life, but this didn’t stop his father from worrying about his finances. Elvis spent nearly as quickly as he earned, funneling money into hobbies, vehicles, and gifts for his friends and family. He also purchased expensive presents for strangers. He once gave someone a life-changing gift after reading about them in the newspaper.
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley had enough star power that he was able to meet with high-ranking politicians with very little scheduling in advance. He appeared at the White House to meet Richard Nixon and he had his sights set on gifting Spiro Agnew a gun. Not long afterward, Elvis wanted nothing to do with Agnew.
Elvis turned on a politician he once met
Elvis liked surrounding himself with authority figures like law enforcement and politicians. Therefore, when he heard Agnew was in Palm Springs, he made it a point to meet with him. He was intent on giving Agnew a gift.
“The Vice-President was staying in Palm Springs when Elvis was there,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Anyway, he set up a meeting with him. We all went to the house he was staying at and Elvis had bought a gold inlaid .357 Magnum revolver.
Elvis turned on a politician he once met
Elvis liked surrounding himself with authority figures like law enforcement and politicians. Therefore, when he heard Agnew was in Palm Springs, he made it a point to meet with him. He was intent on giving Agnew a gift.
“The Vice-President was staying in Palm Springs when Elvis was there,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Anyway, he set up a meeting with him. We all went to the house he was staying at and Elvis had bought a gold inlaid .357 Magnum revolver.
- 4/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced, he began a relationship with Linda Thompson. These were among the most significant romantic relationships in his life. His bodyguards liked both Priscilla and Thompson, and they got to know them well enough to take note of the differences between them. They said Thompson was more comfortable with Elvis’ lifestyle than Pricilla.
Elvis’ friends said there was a key difference between Priscilla Presley and Linda Thomspon
Priscilla met Elvis when she was 14 years old and entered into an over-ten-year relationship with him. She moved to Graceland in the early 1960s and quickly began to feel lonely and confined. This feeling grew more intense over the years. Elvis was away from her for weeks at a time and, when he was home, he kept nocturnal hours and liked to stay in the house. She began to feel that she could never grow as a person...
Elvis’ friends said there was a key difference between Priscilla Presley and Linda Thomspon
Priscilla met Elvis when she was 14 years old and entered into an over-ten-year relationship with him. She moved to Graceland in the early 1960s and quickly began to feel lonely and confined. This feeling grew more intense over the years. Elvis was away from her for weeks at a time and, when he was home, he kept nocturnal hours and liked to stay in the house. She began to feel that she could never grow as a person...
- 4/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley began dating Linda Thompson after his divorce from Priscilla Presley. The couple was together for years, and their relationship was serious enough that Thompson would have liked to get married. Elvis had no interest in that, though. He wanted Thompson to be aware that she wasn’t the only woman in his life.
Elvis Presley wanted Linda Thompson to know he was dating other women
When Elvis and Priscilla were together, he took great pains to deny his infidelity. While she was aware it was going on, he would never admit to it. He took a different approach with Thompson. While they were together, he openly dated other women, like Sheila Ryan.
“He would often alternate taking them on tour with him,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “One time he would take Linda, then the next time he would take Sheila.
Elvis Presley wanted Linda Thompson to know he was dating other women
When Elvis and Priscilla were together, he took great pains to deny his infidelity. While she was aware it was going on, he would never admit to it. He took a different approach with Thompson. While they were together, he openly dated other women, like Sheila Ryan.
“He would often alternate taking them on tour with him,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “One time he would take Linda, then the next time he would take Sheila.
- 4/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley’s career started taking off, he realized his fame and good looks won him points with women. While he didn’t date many people before fame, he had multiple flings after he became a celebrity. Presley’s friend said he relied on a persona that wasn’t all that truthful after his rise to success.
Elvis Presley leaned into a persona to pick up women
In the early 1950s, Elvis was extremely polite with women and followed a strict code of conduct with dating. By the middle of the decade — when Elvis’ music career had taken off — his bodyguard, Red West, doubted his manners were completely genuine.
“But then as Elvis got older it became part of his patter,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He really developed that professional country-boy act with women. In the later years it was no longer natural,...
Elvis Presley leaned into a persona to pick up women
In the early 1950s, Elvis was extremely polite with women and followed a strict code of conduct with dating. By the middle of the decade — when Elvis’ music career had taken off — his bodyguard, Red West, doubted his manners were completely genuine.
“But then as Elvis got older it became part of his patter,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He really developed that professional country-boy act with women. In the later years it was no longer natural,...
- 4/19/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After Elvis and Priscilla Presley divorced, he invited her to one of his shows. His girlfriend, Sheila Ryan, was also in attendance, and he had the women sit together. While this was likely a little uncomfortable, Elvis’ behavior during the show would have made them forget about any awkwardness between them. He monologued about both women, and his bodyguard said they each looked very embarrassed.
Elvis embarrassed Priscilla Presley and his new girlfriend with his monologuing
During a Las Vegas performance in the 1970s, Elvis got to perform in front of his ex-wife and new girlfriend.
“It was weird,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He had Priscilla and Sheila sitting in a booth next to one another.”
Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
In between songs, he spoke about the jewelry he’d gifted Ryan and...
Elvis embarrassed Priscilla Presley and his new girlfriend with his monologuing
During a Las Vegas performance in the 1970s, Elvis got to perform in front of his ex-wife and new girlfriend.
“It was weird,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He had Priscilla and Sheila sitting in a booth next to one another.”
Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Archive Photos/Getty Images
In between songs, he spoke about the jewelry he’d gifted Ryan and...
- 4/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley achieved a massive level of success early in his career and maintained his fame for two decades. While he eventually grew more accustomed to fame, his level of celebrity shocked him at first. He could hardly believe the effect he had on people and he found it a bit overwhelming. He said that he felt a bit scared of his success.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
Elvis Presley said his level of success frightened him
Elvis began his music career in the early 1950s when he recorded songs as a gift for his mother. By 1956, he had cemented his celebrity status.
“[1956 was] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Fans wept their way through Elvis’ shows and he jumped into a film career.
- 4/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the mid-1950s, Elvis Presley learned that his fame gave a huge boost to his dating life. Before this, though, he didn’t have many girlfriends. According to his bodyguard and friend, Red West, Elvis had a set of rigid rules for his romantic life. West described him as every mother’s dream.
Elvis had strict rules for dating
In the early 1950s, Elvis had two serious girlfriends. He would later date around, but West said he never did this before fame.
“Up until he went into the army, he pretty much was only involved with two real girlfriends, both Southern, both charming, and both very pretty,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “One was Dixie Locke and the other girl was a lady named Anita Wood. He never took advantage of who he was.”
Anita Wood and Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty...
Elvis had strict rules for dating
In the early 1950s, Elvis had two serious girlfriends. He would later date around, but West said he never did this before fame.
“Up until he went into the army, he pretty much was only involved with two real girlfriends, both Southern, both charming, and both very pretty,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “One was Dixie Locke and the other girl was a lady named Anita Wood. He never took advantage of who he was.”
Anita Wood and Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty...
- 4/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In many of his concerts, Elvis Presley tossed sweat-soaked scarves to his eager fans. People rushed forward for a chance to get one of the scarves, which quickly became a problem for the singer’s bodyguards. During one show, they witnessed one fan get in the middle of a vicious fight for a concert souvenir.
Elvis’ bodyguards saw fans fight over a scarf
When Elvis performed, audience members could count on having a chance to bring home a keepsake. Elvis would wipe his face with a scarf before tossing it out to the roiling crowd below. While this was a nice idea, it caused arguments, particularly when two people grabbed hold of the same scarf.
Daily Advertiser writer Dominick Cross recalled watching two women fight viciously over a scarf. Elvis’ bodyguard Red West witnessed a similar scene. Unfortunately, there was a woman caught in the middle.
“It looped around her...
Elvis’ bodyguards saw fans fight over a scarf
When Elvis performed, audience members could count on having a chance to bring home a keepsake. Elvis would wipe his face with a scarf before tossing it out to the roiling crowd below. While this was a nice idea, it caused arguments, particularly when two people grabbed hold of the same scarf.
Daily Advertiser writer Dominick Cross recalled watching two women fight viciously over a scarf. Elvis’ bodyguard Red West witnessed a similar scene. Unfortunately, there was a woman caught in the middle.
“It looped around her...
- 4/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley understood how to rile up his fans, something his bodyguards knew all too well. They watched people scream, cry, and gyrate through the singer’s shows for years. While they watched the audience with mild perturbation most of the time, they found some behavior downright frightening. One bodyguard recalled a frightening show during which audience members stormed toward the stage.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer’s fans sometimes frightened him
At Elvis’ concerts, fans had the chance to walk away with a souvenir: a scarf the singer used to mop his brow. He tossed out many of these each show, and people fought over them. At one concert, bodyguard Dave Hebler said so many people rushed for a scarf that it terrified him.
“Well, Elvis has reached the part of his act where he throws out about fifty scarves into the audience,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened?...
- 4/14/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was only married once, but he had many romantic partners in his lifetime. His entourage sought out women for him after shows, and he often pursued his co-stars. When looking for a romantic partner, Elvis wanted to avoid women with one physical characteristic.
Elvis avoided romantic partners with a specific physical trait
As Elvis’ entourage sought out women to set him up with, they became well acquainted with the singer’s type. He preferred petite, feminine brunettes, much like Priscilla Presley. Elvis’ desire for a smaller woman meant he specifically avoided partners with large feet.
“He likes them about five foot four, five foot five, and there is one thing that really turns him off and that is chicks with big feet,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis Presley | Steve Morley/Redferns
Elvis believed big feet did not fit into...
Elvis avoided romantic partners with a specific physical trait
As Elvis’ entourage sought out women to set him up with, they became well acquainted with the singer’s type. He preferred petite, feminine brunettes, much like Priscilla Presley. Elvis’ desire for a smaller woman meant he specifically avoided partners with large feet.
“He likes them about five foot four, five foot five, and there is one thing that really turns him off and that is chicks with big feet,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis Presley | Steve Morley/Redferns
Elvis believed big feet did not fit into...
- 4/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s career brought him immense wealth, but he spent money nearly as quickly as he earned it. He racked up expenses for fleeting hobbies and gifted friends, family members, and even strangers lavish presents. Elvis also turned his generosity on his fans. During one concert, he gave away so much expensive jewelry that he embarrassed his jeweler. This didn’t concern him much, though.
Elvis alarmed his jeweler when he gave a large amount of money to an audience
In the 1970s, Elvis thought the crowd at one show was a little too quiet. To win them over — and pitch them into the frenzy at which he liked his audiences to operate — he brought his jeweler onstage. Elvis began reaching into the case and handing out the expensive items inside, much to his jeweler’s horror.
“He started taking pieces of jewelry out of the case and going...
Elvis alarmed his jeweler when he gave a large amount of money to an audience
In the 1970s, Elvis thought the crowd at one show was a little too quiet. To win them over — and pitch them into the frenzy at which he liked his audiences to operate — he brought his jeweler onstage. Elvis began reaching into the case and handing out the expensive items inside, much to his jeweler’s horror.
“He started taking pieces of jewelry out of the case and going...
- 4/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley built a fan base that supported him for years. They bought his records, watched his films, and let loose at his concerts. While Elvis loved the way his fans showed their devotion to him, his bodyguards did not. They believed the behavior of the audiences at the singer’s concerts was shocking.
Elvis’ entourage said fans behaved appallingly during concerts
Elvis’ bodyguards were on hand at concerts to make sure the singer was safe during his performances. Ultimately, though, they said they had to watch out for the safety of the audience more than they did Elvis.
“I swear I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it’s a miracle somebody hasn’t been killed.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann...
Elvis’ entourage said fans behaved appallingly during concerts
Elvis’ bodyguards were on hand at concerts to make sure the singer was safe during his performances. Ultimately, though, they said they had to watch out for the safety of the audience more than they did Elvis.
“I swear I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it’s a miracle somebody hasn’t been killed.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann...
- 4/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley grew accustomed to performing to screaming audiences of fans who would do anything to get closer to him. While the crush of their enthusiasm concerned his bodyguards and venue security, Elvis reveled in it. When he got in front of a particularly polite and quiet audience, he realized he had to do something to rile them up. His solution was an incredibly expensive one.
Elvis gave away expensive jewelry to one audience
When Elvis’ bodyguards raised their concerns about audience behavior at his concerts, he told them not to worry. “When they stop attacking me, I’m dead,” he said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. It bothered him greatly, then, that one 1973 audience was comparatively quiet.
“He was in the dressing room and he told me that the audience wasn’t worth a damn,” bodyguard Red West said. “They weren’t responding, which wasn’t really true.
Elvis gave away expensive jewelry to one audience
When Elvis’ bodyguards raised their concerns about audience behavior at his concerts, he told them not to worry. “When they stop attacking me, I’m dead,” he said, per the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. It bothered him greatly, then, that one 1973 audience was comparatively quiet.
“He was in the dressing room and he told me that the audience wasn’t worth a damn,” bodyguard Red West said. “They weren’t responding, which wasn’t really true.
- 4/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley played shows in Las Vegas for years, and it didn’t take long for him to tire of playing the same songs each night. By the early 1970s, Elvis was restless and distracted during his residencies in the city. He spent increasing amounts of time chatting with his audience as a way to shake up the monotony. According to his friend, Elvis didn’t even bother to learn the lyrics to many of the songs he performed.
Elvis wasn’t interested in learning his songs later in his career
After a sweepingly successful return to live performances in Las Vegas, Elvis signed on to play five years of shows at the International Hotel. It revitalized his career and made him excited about music again. This feeling lasted over a year, but the monotony of his schedule began to muddy his contentment. He lost his interest in his performances and the songs he played.
Elvis wasn’t interested in learning his songs later in his career
After a sweepingly successful return to live performances in Las Vegas, Elvis signed on to play five years of shows at the International Hotel. It revitalized his career and made him excited about music again. This feeling lasted over a year, but the monotony of his schedule began to muddy his contentment. He lost his interest in his performances and the songs he played.
- 4/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was one of the biggest celebrities in the world during his lifetime, but the death threats he received proved that not everyone was a fan. Elvis’ bodyguards said many of the threats the singer received were easy to write off as hoaxes. Sometimes, though, they took them quite seriously. They spoke about one that frightened them so badly they involved the FBI.
Elvis received one particularly distressing death threat
When Elvis began playing shows in Las Vegas after a break from live performances, he was closer to his fans than he’d been in years. This brought increased attention to him. With that came an influx of threats.
“We tried to keep most of it away from Elvis,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “but there was a lot of serious stuff coming down that he had to know about.”
One...
Elvis received one particularly distressing death threat
When Elvis began playing shows in Las Vegas after a break from live performances, he was closer to his fans than he’d been in years. This brought increased attention to him. With that came an influx of threats.
“We tried to keep most of it away from Elvis,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy, “but there was a lot of serious stuff coming down that he had to know about.”
One...
- 4/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For much of his career, Elvis Presley felt proud of the creative control he exercised over his music. It frustrated him to no end when executives tried to override his decisions. By the end of his career, though, he could hardly be bothered to get in the studio. A member of his entourage said Elvis hardly cared about making one of his final albums.
Elvis Presley tried to avoid recording music in the 1970s
In the early days of his music career, Elvis was eager to record new albums. He spent long hours in the studio, working excitedly to achieve his creative goals.
“The point is that I know how talented the man can be when he has a challenge,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “In the early days of his recording, he would cut an album in two nights, and that...
Elvis Presley tried to avoid recording music in the 1970s
In the early days of his music career, Elvis was eager to record new albums. He spent long hours in the studio, working excitedly to achieve his creative goals.
“The point is that I know how talented the man can be when he has a challenge,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “In the early days of his recording, he would cut an album in two nights, and that...
- 4/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s work as an actor never fulfilled him in the way he’d hoped, but it brought him into contact with a handful of major stars. Elvis often got along well with his co-stars — he even dated quite a few of them. There was one actor he clashed with, though. While they eventually got along well, Elvis and Barbara Stanwyck had a rocky start to their relationship.
Elvis got off to a rough start with another actor
In 1964, Elvis starred in Roustabout, a musical film in which his character joins a struggling carnival. Stanwyck played the owner of the carnival who gives him a job. When the two actors met, a misunderstanding nearly led to a very uncomfortable on set experience.
“Elvis was a little bit late and Miss Stanwyck was already on the set waiting,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis got off to a rough start with another actor
In 1964, Elvis starred in Roustabout, a musical film in which his character joins a struggling carnival. Stanwyck played the owner of the carnival who gives him a job. When the two actors met, a misunderstanding nearly led to a very uncomfortable on set experience.
“Elvis was a little bit late and Miss Stanwyck was already on the set waiting,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 4/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley did not have a normal life in any sense of the word. He rose to unprecedented levels of fame in his twenties and maintained an army of dedicated fans for the entirety of his life. While this sometimes felt uncomfortable for him — he struggled to find any amount of privacy — Elvis thought of himself as greater than most people. His bodyguard said Elvis saw himself as superhuman.
Elvis Presley tried to elevate himself above normal humans
Elvis long claimed an ability to heal with his touch. While his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, thought Elvis genuinely wanted to help people, he thought the singer also wanted to think of himself as special.
“I think he sincerely wanted to heal someone’s pain. But at the same time he was trying to elevate himself above ordinary humans,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He sort of had this superman complex.
Elvis Presley tried to elevate himself above normal humans
Elvis long claimed an ability to heal with his touch. While his bodyguard, Dave Hebler, thought Elvis genuinely wanted to help people, he thought the singer also wanted to think of himself as special.
“I think he sincerely wanted to heal someone’s pain. But at the same time he was trying to elevate himself above ordinary humans,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He sort of had this superman complex.
- 4/7/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, has faced criticism for the control he exercised over the singer. According to members of Elvis’ entourage, he also exercised control over them. They claimed Parker was able to put them in a state of hypnosis and used it to control their behavior.
Elvis’ manager used hypnosis on the singer’s entourage
Parker had the ability to hypnotize people, a skill he used frequently on members of Elvis’ entourage.
“He had a thing where he would hypnotize me and get me to do crazy things,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, I wasn’t in a trance and I knew what I was doing, but I did them just the same, some really nutty things that always had people in stitches. I would just do whatever he told me. I was hypnotized.”
Colonel Tom Parker...
Elvis’ manager used hypnosis on the singer’s entourage
Parker had the ability to hypnotize people, a skill he used frequently on members of Elvis’ entourage.
“He had a thing where he would hypnotize me and get me to do crazy things,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, I wasn’t in a trance and I knew what I was doing, but I did them just the same, some really nutty things that always had people in stitches. I would just do whatever he told me. I was hypnotized.”
Colonel Tom Parker...
- 4/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley had a strained relationship in the early days of Elvis’ career. Sinatra spoke out against rock music and pointed to Elvis as a corruptive force on America’s youth. The rumors that Elvis was involved with Sinatra’s girlfriend certainly didn’t help things, either. Elvis acted in a film with Juliet Prowse while she was with Sinatra. He came very close to catching the two of them together.
Frank Sinatra nearly walked in on Elvis and Juliet Prowse
In 1960, Elvis and Prowse starred in G.I. Blues, the former’s first after his discharge from the army. At the time, Prowse was with Sinatra. Elvis often pursued his leading ladies, though, and he wasn’t going to let Sinatra get in the way of this. According to his entourage, Elvis and Prowse began spending a great deal of time together in his dressing room as they were shooting.
Frank Sinatra nearly walked in on Elvis and Juliet Prowse
In 1960, Elvis and Prowse starred in G.I. Blues, the former’s first after his discharge from the army. At the time, Prowse was with Sinatra. Elvis often pursued his leading ladies, though, and he wasn’t going to let Sinatra get in the way of this. According to his entourage, Elvis and Prowse began spending a great deal of time together in his dressing room as they were shooting.
- 4/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Elvis Presley returned to live performances after a lengthy break, his audiences reacted as though he’d never left. Eager crowds danced to his songs and fought each other for the scarves he threw from the stage. Elvis’ bodyguards and venue security had to work hard to keep the crowd under control. It came as a shock to them, then, when Elvis told his audience to ignore safety instructions.
Elvis told his audience to ignore police instructions
Crowds at Elvis’ shows often reached a state of hysteria, which Elvis liked. He wanted his audiences to prove their dedication to him. His bodyguards did not like the frenzied reactions, though.
“I swear, I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it...
Elvis told his audience to ignore police instructions
Crowds at Elvis’ shows often reached a state of hysteria, which Elvis liked. He wanted his audiences to prove their dedication to him. His bodyguards did not like the frenzied reactions, though.
“I swear, I don’t know how someone hasn’t been killed at some of these shows,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “There have been a lot of people hurt but it...
- 4/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was at dinner in Hawaii when his friend, Sonny West, joined two performing singers. Elvis laughed through the unexpected performance but quickly turned on him for it. By the following day, Elvis began treating West coldly. West, who had worked for Elvis for several years, did not appreciate the about-face. He began to think of Elvis as “phony.”
Elvis Presley laughed when his friend joined two singers during a dinner
When Elvis shot Blue Hawaii, he took his large entourage to Hawaii with him. While the group was at dinner one night, West wandered to the bar where he had “too many” Mai Tais. As he walked back towards the restaurant where the rest of his group dined, he noticed a couple singing on a bridge.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“On this bridge there was a very attractive man and woman and...
Elvis Presley laughed when his friend joined two singers during a dinner
When Elvis shot Blue Hawaii, he took his large entourage to Hawaii with him. While the group was at dinner one night, West wandered to the bar where he had “too many” Mai Tais. As he walked back towards the restaurant where the rest of his group dined, he noticed a couple singing on a bridge.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“On this bridge there was a very attractive man and woman and...
- 4/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Mary Tyler Moore once called herself the only one of Elvis Presley’s leading ladies who didn’t sleep with him, but the singer reportedly struck out with more than one co-star. Elvis worked with actor Shelley Fabares on three films and reportedly pursued her across all of them. His bodyguards said it came as a major blow to Elvis’ ego when Fabares continually rejected him.
Elvis pursued a co-star who turned him down
After Elvis left the army in 1960, he began making movies at a relentless pace. While he was in a relationship with Priscilla Presley during this period, he still pursued many of his co-stars.
“It pretty much followed the same pattern,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Priscilla was in Memphis, Elvis dated his leading lady and I, as usual, ended up in the movie getting knocked on my a...
Elvis pursued a co-star who turned him down
After Elvis left the army in 1960, he began making movies at a relentless pace. While he was in a relationship with Priscilla Presley during this period, he still pursued many of his co-stars.
“It pretty much followed the same pattern,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Priscilla was in Memphis, Elvis dated his leading lady and I, as usual, ended up in the movie getting knocked on my a...
- 4/3/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley had a team of employees who were willing to step into the line of fire for him. Elvis received death threats, meaning that his bodyguards had to be constantly alert. He also expected them to settle other, non-safety-related grievances for him. After a handful of dangerous encounters, one bodyguard realized that if Elvis wanted to be an avenger, he should be willing to put himself at risk.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard thought the singer should fight his own battles
As Elvis grew bored of his career, he began to think of himself as a righteous defender of justice. He’d long been fascinated with law enforcement, even occasionally joining them on drug raids. He sought out a federal narcotics badge, imagining that he would be able to use it to get drugs off the street. Elvis also sent his bodyguards out on errands to avenge people he believed had been wronged.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard thought the singer should fight his own battles
As Elvis grew bored of his career, he began to think of himself as a righteous defender of justice. He’d long been fascinated with law enforcement, even occasionally joining them on drug raids. He sought out a federal narcotics badge, imagining that he would be able to use it to get drugs off the street. Elvis also sent his bodyguards out on errands to avenge people he believed had been wronged.
- 4/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
By 1962, Elvis Presley was already growing weary of his film career and some of the actors he met. He wanted more substantial, dramatic roles and began to feel embarrassed about the growing list of breezy romances on his resume. Because of this, he grew irritable on set, especially when someone didn’t treat him with the reverence he felt he deserved. Elvis’ bodyguards said the singer consistently spoke poorly about one of his co-stars.
Elvis treated one actor poorly
When Elvis left the army, he began to work his way through a lengthy roster of films. In 1962, he shot Kid Galahad, a film in which his character is a boxer. Charles Bronson played his trainer, and Elvis’ bodyguards admired him for his performance. Elvis did not feel the same way.
“Elvis just did not go for him,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis treated one actor poorly
When Elvis left the army, he began to work his way through a lengthy roster of films. In 1962, he shot Kid Galahad, a film in which his character is a boxer. Charles Bronson played his trainer, and Elvis’ bodyguards admired him for his performance. Elvis did not feel the same way.
“Elvis just did not go for him,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 4/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For two decades, Elvis Presley commanded zealous audiences. He brought people to tears with his performances and kicked up a frenzy that some found alarming. His bodyguards said he had this same effect off the stage as well. Elvis was so charismatic that he almost seemed to have magical control over people.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer could entrance them
Many members of Elvis’ entourage worked for him for years, putting in long hours to do whatever he asked of them.
“I often felt that I’m in the aura of some very special human being. He genuinely believes that he is a prophet and we were his disciples,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He demands fanatical loyalty, expects it. There have been times that I have felt that Elvis bordered on being a bit of a nut, but look at the loyalty we gave the man.
Elvis’ bodyguard said the singer could entrance them
Many members of Elvis’ entourage worked for him for years, putting in long hours to do whatever he asked of them.
“I often felt that I’m in the aura of some very special human being. He genuinely believes that he is a prophet and we were his disciples,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He demands fanatical loyalty, expects it. There have been times that I have felt that Elvis bordered on being a bit of a nut, but look at the loyalty we gave the man.
- 4/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley surrounded himself with people who were willing to do just about anything for him. This was partly because they loved him, partly because he paid them, and partly because he knew how to exercise power over people. His bodyguard said Elvis knew how to get people to bend to his will.
Elvis Presley could make people feel highly uncomfortable
In the early days of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, the singer’s entourage recalled hearing an explosive fight between the couple. After a stretch of screaming and crashing furniture, Elvis left his room and informed bodyguard Sonny West that he was kicking Priscilla out.
“We were about three bedrooms away, but you could hear furniture and things falling all over,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Elvis comes out, and he is extremely calm for someone who has been ranting and raving.
Elvis Presley could make people feel highly uncomfortable
In the early days of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, the singer’s entourage recalled hearing an explosive fight between the couple. After a stretch of screaming and crashing furniture, Elvis left his room and informed bodyguard Sonny West that he was kicking Priscilla out.
“We were about three bedrooms away, but you could hear furniture and things falling all over,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Elvis comes out, and he is extremely calm for someone who has been ranting and raving.
- 3/31/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the early days of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship, she wondered where she stood with him. While he treated her lovingly while they were together, she heard endless rumors about his infidelity. When he left Germany, where they met, Priscilla also went for long stretches without hearing from him. She agonized over the distance between them, but Elvis’ entourage said she had no cause for concern. Though Elvis did not remain faithful, it seemed to them that his mind was always on Priscilla.
Elvis did something he never did while pursuing Priscilla Presley
When Elvis returned to the United States after two years in Germany, he began to speak about Priscilla with his friends. They were concerned about her age — Priscilla was 14 when she met the 24-year-old Elvis — but Elvis paid this little mind.
“He had a girlfriend at the time and I won’t mention her name...
Elvis did something he never did while pursuing Priscilla Presley
When Elvis returned to the United States after two years in Germany, he began to speak about Priscilla with his friends. They were concerned about her age — Priscilla was 14 when she met the 24-year-old Elvis — but Elvis paid this little mind.
“He had a girlfriend at the time and I won’t mention her name...
- 3/31/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley joined the military at a point when his music career was on a seemingly impossible rise. He set records with his new releases and fans practically threw themselves at his feet. When Elvis went to Germany with the army, he worried his career’s momentum would slow. His record label was also worried about losing their big moneymaker. They were so desperate for new Elvis music that they asked him to sing into a regular tape recorder.
Elvis’ record label wanted new music from him while he was in Germany
When Elvis arrived in Germany, hundreds of shrieking fans met him at the docks. Despite the warm greeting, Elvis wanted to be a normal soldier while he was there. This meant taking a step back from his career. His record label, RCA Victor, did not like this. The company did not want his music career to lose any momentum.
Elvis’ record label wanted new music from him while he was in Germany
When Elvis arrived in Germany, hundreds of shrieking fans met him at the docks. Despite the warm greeting, Elvis wanted to be a normal soldier while he was there. This meant taking a step back from his career. His record label, RCA Victor, did not like this. The company did not want his music career to lose any momentum.
- 3/31/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1958, Elvis Presley entered the United States Army. Elvis had been drafted into the military as his career was reaching new heights, something that fans and his record label mourned. Elvis spoke publicly about wanting to prove himself and, for the most part, did his best to achieve this. Occasionally, though, he lashed out at his manager.
Elvis occasionally lashed out about being in the military
In 1958, Elvis went through basic training before traveling to Germany, where he would live for the next two years. He was a major star at this point, so his military service came as a surprise to many.
“There’s no war going on, you’re sitting on top of the world, and all of a sudden you’ve got to go into the army?” Elvis’ friend George Klein said, per the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Elvis Presley...
Elvis occasionally lashed out about being in the military
In 1958, Elvis went through basic training before traveling to Germany, where he would live for the next two years. He was a major star at this point, so his military service came as a surprise to many.
“There’s no war going on, you’re sitting on top of the world, and all of a sudden you’ve got to go into the army?” Elvis’ friend George Klein said, per the book The Colonel by Alanna Nash. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Elvis Presley...
- 3/30/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards protected him from physical threats, but they also wanted to safeguard his reputation. When they learned about a rumor circulating about Elvis, they decided they needed to put a stop to it. One bodyguard decided that the best path forward was to threaten the perpetrator’s life.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard tried to protect him against rumors
When Elvis stayed in Las Vegas to play residencies, he got frequent massages from the same man, whom his bodyguards called Big Bill. Each time, Elvis tipped him $100, which his bodyguards felt was more than generous. They were frustrated, then, when they heard Big Bill was spreading rumors about Elvis’ drug use. They discovered this while talking to a stranger from New York.
“Anyway, it seems that one of these guys from New York was getting a massage, and this Big Bill starts shooting his mouth off to him...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard tried to protect him against rumors
When Elvis stayed in Las Vegas to play residencies, he got frequent massages from the same man, whom his bodyguards called Big Bill. Each time, Elvis tipped him $100, which his bodyguards felt was more than generous. They were frustrated, then, when they heard Big Bill was spreading rumors about Elvis’ drug use. They discovered this while talking to a stranger from New York.
“Anyway, it seems that one of these guys from New York was getting a massage, and this Big Bill starts shooting his mouth off to him...
- 3/30/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley had many talents, and he believed faith healing was among them. The singer, who grew up in the church and remained spiritual for the entirety of his life, thought he could heal ailments and injuries with a brush of his hand. According to his friend, whom Elvis tried to heal multiple times, there was no truth to the singer’s claim.
Elvis believed he was a faith healer
As Elvis’ interest in the metaphysical grew, he became more interested in honing spiritual powers. He was wholly convinced he could heal a person by laying his hands on them. Red West, whom Elvis tried to heal more than once, tried to avoid the singer’s touch.
“Since my days playing football, I’ve always had a bad back, and sometimes at the top of my neck it gives me hell,” he said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis believed he was a faith healer
As Elvis’ interest in the metaphysical grew, he became more interested in honing spiritual powers. He was wholly convinced he could heal a person by laying his hands on them. Red West, whom Elvis tried to heal more than once, tried to avoid the singer’s touch.
“Since my days playing football, I’ve always had a bad back, and sometimes at the top of my neck it gives me hell,” he said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 3/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s dad, Vernon, was his son’s close confidante for years, dealing with the singer’s excessive spending, constantly present entourage, and childlike sense of fun. The last of these could have seriously injured Vernon. Each year, Elvis and his entourage had fireworks wars. Without realizing it, Vernon stepped into the middle of one.
Elvis could have hurt his dad with explosives
Each New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July, Elvis bought fireworks to set off at Graceland. Typically, he and his entourage would fire them at each other as if in battle. Elvis bought many supplies for these “fireworks wars,” including small explosive pellets that, unfortunately, looked a lot like M&Ms.
“They were things that you threw on the ground and they would explode. Or you would put them under someone’s feet, and when they stamped on them, they would explode,” bodyguard Red West...
Elvis could have hurt his dad with explosives
Each New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July, Elvis bought fireworks to set off at Graceland. Typically, he and his entourage would fire them at each other as if in battle. Elvis bought many supplies for these “fireworks wars,” including small explosive pellets that, unfortunately, looked a lot like M&Ms.
“They were things that you threw on the ground and they would explode. Or you would put them under someone’s feet, and when they stamped on them, they would explode,” bodyguard Red West...
- 3/28/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was quite generous with his friends, often buying them expensive gifts without reason. He relied heavily on his entourage and trusted them with his secrets. Because of this, he took it hard when they betrayed him. When Elvis suspected that one of his friends was stealing from him, he chased him down and arrested him as though he was a police officer.
Elvis suspected a friend was stealing from him
In 1973, Elvis hired a man the other members of his entourage referred to as “Fetchum Bill.” He soon joined the group on a trip to Las Vegas. Bill lost the $500 Elvis gave each member of the entourage and they began to suspect he was forging checks. Around this time, Elvis discovered some of his jewelry was missing.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“About this time, there were several rings of Elvis’s missing, and we suspected Bill,...
Elvis suspected a friend was stealing from him
In 1973, Elvis hired a man the other members of his entourage referred to as “Fetchum Bill.” He soon joined the group on a trip to Las Vegas. Bill lost the $500 Elvis gave each member of the entourage and they began to suspect he was forging checks. Around this time, Elvis discovered some of his jewelry was missing.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
“About this time, there were several rings of Elvis’s missing, and we suspected Bill,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley met the future Priscilla Presley while in Germany with the army. He quickly fell for her and, when he returned to the United States, he talked endlessly about Priscilla. When he revealed to his bodyguard, Red West, that Priscilla was still in high school, West was horrified.
Elvis shocked his bodyguard when he talked about Priscilla Presley
When Elvis returned to Graceland following his military service, he began talking about wanting a new girlfriend.
“He had a girlfriend at the time and I won’t mention her name because what Elvis said to us all just might embarrass her,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he said, ‘It’s about time I got a girl who was a bit more sharp.’”
Priscilla Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
West soon realized that Elvis was specifically talking about this because he had met Priscilla.
Elvis shocked his bodyguard when he talked about Priscilla Presley
When Elvis returned to Graceland following his military service, he began talking about wanting a new girlfriend.
“He had a girlfriend at the time and I won’t mention her name because what Elvis said to us all just might embarrass her,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “But he said, ‘It’s about time I got a girl who was a bit more sharp.’”
Priscilla Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
West soon realized that Elvis was specifically talking about this because he had met Priscilla.
- 3/26/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards got to know every side of the singer, and they said he had many. Some days, Elvis was funny, thoughtful, and generous. Others, he was angry and quick to lash out. They shared what it was like to spend time around the megastar.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said his personality could change rapidly
Over the years, the bodyguards who knew Elvis longest noticed a change in him. Dave Hebler, who met Elvis in the 1970s, said he found it shocking that Elvis was so self-destructive.
“It seems he is bent on death. The thing about him is that Elvis doesn’t care. He doesn’t give a f***,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “I can’t find the words to say it strong enough. I mean he is a fascinating person, the most fascinating human I have ever met. He is a composite of contradictions.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said his personality could change rapidly
Over the years, the bodyguards who knew Elvis longest noticed a change in him. Dave Hebler, who met Elvis in the 1970s, said he found it shocking that Elvis was so self-destructive.
“It seems he is bent on death. The thing about him is that Elvis doesn’t care. He doesn’t give a f***,” Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “I can’t find the words to say it strong enough. I mean he is a fascinating person, the most fascinating human I have ever met. He is a composite of contradictions.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1957, Elvis Presley’s career was soaring, but his undeniable success did little to lift his spirits, as he told his minister. Though he was now both a singer, actor, and proud owner of Graceland, everything Elvis had worked hard to achieve seemed on the verge of slipping through his fingers. Here’s what led him to describe himself as completely miserable.
Elvis Presley confided in his minister about success
In 1956, Elvis’ rising career took off in earnest. His music sales were setting records, he had starred in his debut film, and he sparked hysteria wherever he went.
“[1956 was the year] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
Elvis had an enviable career, but it quickly became a stressor.
“[Success] just scares me,” he told reporters,...
Elvis Presley confided in his minister about success
In 1956, Elvis’ rising career took off in earnest. His music sales were setting records, he had starred in his debut film, and he sparked hysteria wherever he went.
“[1956 was the year] when everything took off,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Everything he touched turned to gold, he couldn’t do a thing wrong.”
Elvis Presley | Rb/Redferns
Elvis had an enviable career, but it quickly became a stressor.
“[Success] just scares me,” he told reporters,...
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Elvis Presley was so bored with his career that he began to invent problems for himself. According to Priscilla Presley, he grew obsessed with the idea of cleaning up the streets, even going so far as to offer to “take care” of anyone who bothered her. Elvis himself rarely ventured into dangerous situations. Instead, he sent his bodyguards out to deal with his problems. One of his bodyguards spoke out against this behavior.
Elvis Presley put people in danger to seem ‘macho’
In 1976, Elvis welcomed his bodyguard Red West into his bedroom. Here, West found guns spread all over the floor and a list of people Elvis saw as a threat to the public.
“He had it all planned,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He wanted myself and Dave Hebler and Dick Grob, the former cop, to go out and lure them,...
Elvis Presley put people in danger to seem ‘macho’
In 1976, Elvis welcomed his bodyguard Red West into his bedroom. Here, West found guns spread all over the floor and a list of people Elvis saw as a threat to the public.
“He had it all planned,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “He wanted myself and Dave Hebler and Dick Grob, the former cop, to go out and lure them,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Priscilla Presley fell in love with Elvis Presley when she was a teenager. She spent nearly all her teenage years and a good portion of her early adult years with him. Elvis’ wealth and fame meant Priscilla could have nearly everything she wanted. The one thing she wanted out of her relationship was time with her husband, though. Elvis struggled to give this to her.
Priscilla Presley wanted to spend more time with Elvis
In the years Priscilla and Elvis were together, she spent long stretches of time at Graceland or one of their other homes while he traveled for work. After Elvis began performing residencies in Las Vegas, their time apart increased. He did not want her to travel with him, preferring to spend time with the members of his entourage.
“It was like everything he does,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Priscilla Presley wanted to spend more time with Elvis
In the years Priscilla and Elvis were together, she spent long stretches of time at Graceland or one of their other homes while he traveled for work. After Elvis began performing residencies in Las Vegas, their time apart increased. He did not want her to travel with him, preferring to spend time with the members of his entourage.
“It was like everything he does,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 3/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
After several years of marriage, Elvis and Priscilla Presley rarely saw each other. According to members of his entourage, Elvis frequently spent weeks at a time on the road without seeing his wife. This worked out fine for him — he liked uninterrupted time with his friends and the opportunity to sleep around — but it bothered her greatly. When Priscilla begged Elvis to spend more time with her, he said he wished she would find a lover.
Elvis once wished Priscilla Presley would start up an affair
Elvis often performed residencies in Las Vegas. While Priscilla and the wives of entourage members initially visited their husbands in the city over the weekends, Elvis began to restrict their visits. At first, he confined them to only the opening and closing performances. Before long, he only let Priscilla visit for opening night.
There were times when he wouldn’t see her for maybe seven weeks,...
Elvis once wished Priscilla Presley would start up an affair
Elvis often performed residencies in Las Vegas. While Priscilla and the wives of entourage members initially visited their husbands in the city over the weekends, Elvis began to restrict their visits. At first, he confined them to only the opening and closing performances. Before long, he only let Priscilla visit for opening night.
There were times when he wouldn’t see her for maybe seven weeks,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In Elvis Presley’s early years of fame, he used his money to purchase things like go-karts, fireworks, and roller skates. Some people close to him wondered if he was using his new wealth to enjoy experiences he missed out on as a child. He could be quite reckless with his new toys, though. His bodyguard recalled the injuries everyone got from fireworks, including a time Elvis nearly blew his head off.
Elvis Presley nearly hurt himself while using fireworks
Every year, Elvis purchased fireworks to set off at Graceland on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
“When Elvis first took over Graceland there was a ritual that every New Year and every July Fourth, he would put on these fireworks displays,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Actually, they weren’t so much displays as they were fireworks wars.
Elvis Presley nearly hurt himself while using fireworks
Every year, Elvis purchased fireworks to set off at Graceland on New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.
“When Elvis first took over Graceland there was a ritual that every New Year and every July Fourth, he would put on these fireworks displays,” bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Actually, they weren’t so much displays as they were fireworks wars.
- 3/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley and his entourage were on a road trip to Las Vegas when the singer realized he didn’t have one of his bags with him. Rather than reacting to it as a minor frustration, Elvis lashed out at his entourage for forgetting it. The pills he took were in the bag. Elvis turned the car around and spent the drive back making his entourage regret forgetting the bag.
Elvis was not happy with his entourage on a car trip
In 1960, Elvis and his entourage decided to drive to Las Vegas shortly after the singer wrapped filming for G.I. Blues.
“Well, we take off in high spirits, and halfway there we stop at Barstow,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Elvis asks [his cousin Gene Smith] to give him his kit bag. It was Gene’s responsibility to look after Elvis’s kit bag.
Elvis was not happy with his entourage on a car trip
In 1960, Elvis and his entourage decided to drive to Las Vegas shortly after the singer wrapped filming for G.I. Blues.
“Well, we take off in high spirits, and halfway there we stop at Barstow,” bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Elvis asks [his cousin Gene Smith] to give him his kit bag. It was Gene’s responsibility to look after Elvis’s kit bag.
- 3/18/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s longtime bodyguard Red West met the singer in high school. The first version of Elvis he met was a shy, kind boy who rose to atmospheric success not long after graduation. Over the years, West watched Elvis drift further away from the person he was in his early days of fame. Once, Elvis even admitted to West that he didn’t like the way he was changing.
Elvis Presley discussed how he’d changed with his bodyguard
By 1975, West had grown tired of watching Elvis self-destruct. He was heavily using drugs, had frequent mood swings, and seemed bored with his career. West loved Elvis as though he was family, but he was also angry with him. He finally decided to speak to him about it.
“This night he wasn’t high. He had taken a tranquilizer, and I just sort of came out with it, because when...
Elvis Presley discussed how he’d changed with his bodyguard
By 1975, West had grown tired of watching Elvis self-destruct. He was heavily using drugs, had frequent mood swings, and seemed bored with his career. West loved Elvis as though he was family, but he was also angry with him. He finally decided to speak to him about it.
“This night he wasn’t high. He had taken a tranquilizer, and I just sort of came out with it, because when...
- 3/17/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguard said viewers of one film should be able to see evidence of the fact that the singer was using drugs. He acted in multiple movies over the course of his career and reportedly relied on drugs to keep him going during the long shoots. His bodyguard, Red West, said this began to affect Elvis’ acting very early in his career.
Elvis’ bodyguard said viewers can clock the singer’s drug use starting in 1 movie
Elvis made his on screen debut in 1956 with the film Love Me Tender. After making a number of films, Elvis took a step back from his career in 1958 when he joined the army. It was then that he reportedly began relying on stimulants and sleeping pills.
When Elvis began acting again in 1960, he was still using drugs. West said viewers of his first film after his military service, G.I. Blues, should be able to notice this.
Elvis’ bodyguard said viewers can clock the singer’s drug use starting in 1 movie
Elvis made his on screen debut in 1956 with the film Love Me Tender. After making a number of films, Elvis took a step back from his career in 1958 when he joined the army. It was then that he reportedly began relying on stimulants and sleeping pills.
When Elvis began acting again in 1960, he was still using drugs. West said viewers of his first film after his military service, G.I. Blues, should be able to notice this.
- 3/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley spent two years stationed in Germany with the United States Army. Though he had already achieved fame before his military service, he wanted people to treat him as a regular person throughout his service. This wasn’t entirely possible given his level of fame and recognizability. Elvis found the way one MP treated him to be particularly unfair.
Elvis felt embarrassed by the way an MP was treating him while he was in the army
While Elvis wanted to fit in with his fellow soldiers, he stuck out in several ways. He opted to live off base with his family and received thousands of fan letters each week. He also occasionally attracted unwanted attention because of his status.
“One particular incident I remember was to do with the BMW sports car that Elvis used to drive,” his friend Red West said in Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis felt embarrassed by the way an MP was treating him while he was in the army
While Elvis wanted to fit in with his fellow soldiers, he stuck out in several ways. He opted to live off base with his family and received thousands of fan letters each week. He also occasionally attracted unwanted attention because of his status.
“One particular incident I remember was to do with the BMW sports car that Elvis used to drive,” his friend Red West said in Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 3/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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