Paul McCartney and John Lennon were on decidedly bad terms after The Beatles broke up. McCartney sued his bandmates to take control of their catalog from their manager, Allen Klein. The other three Beatles resented him for this, and their interactions following the split were chilly. After a phone argument with Lennon, McCartney made a mistake that only made things worse.
Paul McCartney made an uncomfortable mistake after a fight with John Lennon
As the former members of The Beatles worked their way through the lawsuit, Lennon made it clear to them that he wanted indemnity. He reportedly had over $1 million in personal debts and wanted protection. McCartney spoke to his lawyer, John Eastman, then called Lennon to tell him he could have indemnity.
The conversation began friendly enough, but when McCartney began to talk about business, Lennon’s mood soured.
“John said, ‘F***ing indemnity. F***ing this, f***ing that.
Paul McCartney made an uncomfortable mistake after a fight with John Lennon
As the former members of The Beatles worked their way through the lawsuit, Lennon made it clear to them that he wanted indemnity. He reportedly had over $1 million in personal debts and wanted protection. McCartney spoke to his lawyer, John Eastman, then called Lennon to tell him he could have indemnity.
The conversation began friendly enough, but when McCartney began to talk about business, Lennon’s mood soured.
“John said, ‘F***ing indemnity. F***ing this, f***ing that.
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When Dolly Parton met Cas Walker, she promised him she’d work hard if he gave her a spot on his radio show. Walker agreed to hire a young Parton, who stayed true to her word. He was endlessly impressed by the dedication she showed.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
Dolly Parton’s boss said she was a hard worker
Parton knew she wanted to be a singer from a young age. When she was just 10 years old, she began to appear on Walker’s Farm and Home Hour. By the time she was in high school, Parton was appearing on the show three times a day.
“I didn’t pay much attention to Dolly’s singing when she was little, ’cause that was just part of our family,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “But when she was ten or eleven, I saw she was just determined to be a singer.
- 5/25/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s flirtatious nature has been a part of her public image for years. She has an easy rapport with interviewers and talks openly about her celebrity crushes. According to Parton, though, men did not approach her all that often. Her guitarist said that when they did, she seemed irritated.
Dolly Parton didn’t like it when men got too flirtatious with her
Parton is beautiful, friendly, and magnetic. She connects well with many people and enjoys flirting, but she never liked it much when men were overly suggestive with her.
“I’ve never seen a man get physical with her, but I’ve seen men get very suggestive after one too many drinks,” her guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I know it really, really tees her off, but you’d never know it until afterwards, when she says, ‘That son of a...
Dolly Parton didn’t like it when men got too flirtatious with her
Parton is beautiful, friendly, and magnetic. She connects well with many people and enjoys flirting, but she never liked it much when men were overly suggestive with her.
“I’ve never seen a man get physical with her, but I’ve seen men get very suggestive after one too many drinks,” her guitarist Tom Rutledge said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I know it really, really tees her off, but you’d never know it until afterwards, when she says, ‘That son of a...
- 5/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on lengthy tour legs with members of her band. They traveled together by bus and spent weeks at a time away from home. Though Parton was married by this point, it didn’t take long before people began to whisper rumors of her flirtations with members of her band. Her former guitarist spoke about the affectionate way she treated people.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
Dolly Parton was affectionate with members of her band
When Barbara Walters interviewed Parton in 1977, she asked the singer if there was any “hanky-panky” on the tour bus.
“Well, that depends on what you mean by hanky-panky,” Parton responded, per the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “We do a lot of celebratin’ on the bus. Let’s put it that way. If there’s really something to celebrate, if we want to stop and buy some wine or some champagne, if there’s somethin’ really nice.
- 5/8/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Dolly Parton’s family members did a great deal to champion her career. They helped her on her rise to success and supported her after she achieved success. Still, they grew accustomed to her stardom. Her aunt said that this led them to take her for granted.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
Dolly Parton’s family said they got used to her fame
Parton began performing in front of audiences as a child and started recording her music when she was still in school. By the 1970s, she was a star. Through her rise, her family members grew accustomed to knowing a famous musician. It no longer felt like a major deal to see her in concert.
“I know she’s busy, and I don’t push my way around when she’s got fans to see,” her aunt, Estelle Watson, said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash. “I said, ‘Well, I’ll let the other people see her.
- 5/6/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1970s, Dolly Parton embarked on long stretches of tours with her band. While she paid well, the work was hard and took people away from home for weeks at a time. Her band had a high turnover rate, though not because people tired of the schedule. Instead, Parton fired many of her band members in search of the perfect lineup.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
Dolly Parton’s band didn’t feel safe in their jobs
As Parton worked to cross over from a strictly country audience to a mainstream one, she tried to make sure she had the perfect band to back her. This became a major point of concern for the people who joined her on tour. Her former guitarist, Don Roth, said Parton struggled to find people because of her reputation.
“First of all, everybody’s afraid they’re gonna get fired; there’s no stability,” he said in the book Dolly by Alanna Nash.
- 5/5/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley kicked off his acting career with a supporting role in 1956’s Love Me Tender. This would be the only film in which Elvis did not receive top billing. For the next 30 films, Elvis was the lead and main attraction, cementing his status as a movie star on top of his music career. Despite the success, Elvis was not happy. He said he realized he had to stop making movies because it was making him sick.
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
Elvis Presley said his acting career stressed him out to the point of illness
When Elvis began to work as an actor, it was just another step that his manager felt he should take on his rise to success.
“It was work,” he said, per the book Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. “It was a job. I had to be there at a certain time in the morning...
- 5/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley leveraged his fame to score himself many dates. He was charming and generous with his girlfriends, and they were excited to be a part of his world of wealth and celebrity. Still, Elvis wasn’t always an easy partner. He had a number of expectations for his dates, and he grew frustrated if they didn’t adhere to them. Once, he gave his date the silent treatment because she dared to wear pants around him.
Elvis did not like it when his date wore pants
After returning to the United States from Germany, Elvis landed himself in hot water with his girlfriend, Anita Wood. She found letters from a young Priscilla Beaulieu, whom Elvis had met while in the army. Elvis denied he’d been unfaithful, which was not true. Not only had he pursued a relationship with Priscilla, but he was dating other people as well. One of them was Sandy Ferra,...
Elvis did not like it when his date wore pants
After returning to the United States from Germany, Elvis landed himself in hot water with his girlfriend, Anita Wood. She found letters from a young Priscilla Beaulieu, whom Elvis had met while in the army. Elvis denied he’d been unfaithful, which was not true. Not only had he pursued a relationship with Priscilla, but he was dating other people as well. One of them was Sandy Ferra,...
- 4/29/2024
- 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
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
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
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 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’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
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
Following a disastrous year in which Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were mocked on TV, dropped from Spotify, publicly called “f******* grifters,” and landed on the Biggest Losers of 2023 list, the couple has been working on rebranding their image.
The Sussexes began 2024 with appearances at an Invictus Games event in Canada, launched a new and improved website, did speaking engagements about important issues, and the duchess teased her new lifestyle brand. But while the duo are pushing ahead with their rebrand, one royal expert is convinced their future isn’t going to be so bright as history will repeat itself.
Reason royal commentator says future isn’t looking bright for Prince Harry and Meghan
Richard Kay is a well-known journalist in the U.K. who has covered the royals for decades and written for several publications including the Evening Standard, The Independent, Daily Mail, and The Times. He also authored...
The Sussexes began 2024 with appearances at an Invictus Games event in Canada, launched a new and improved website, did speaking engagements about important issues, and the duchess teased her new lifestyle brand. But while the duo are pushing ahead with their rebrand, one royal expert is convinced their future isn’t going to be so bright as history will repeat itself.
Reason royal commentator says future isn’t looking bright for Prince Harry and Meghan
Richard Kay is a well-known journalist in the U.K. who has covered the royals for decades and written for several publications including the Evening Standard, The Independent, Daily Mail, and The Times. He also authored...
- 3/28/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- 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
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
In 1963, John Lennon cracked jokes onstage when The Beatles performed in the Royal Variety Performance. The band nervously took the stage and played for their large, wealthy audience. According to Lennon, they received multiple other requests to play the same show over the years. He shared why they turned all of them down.
John Lennon said The Beatles often turned down requests to play for the royal family
After several years of working together, The Beatles’ popularity took off in 1963. Their fanbase was growing exponentially and, soon, they were performing for the Queen Mother.
“The fame really started from when we played the Palladium,” Paul McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “Then we were asked to do the Royal Command Performance and we met the Queen Mother, and she was clapping.”
The Beatles and the Queen Mother | George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty Images
Lennon said that in the years after their performance,...
John Lennon said The Beatles often turned down requests to play for the royal family
After several years of working together, The Beatles’ popularity took off in 1963. Their fanbase was growing exponentially and, soon, they were performing for the Queen Mother.
“The fame really started from when we played the Palladium,” Paul McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “Then we were asked to do the Royal Command Performance and we met the Queen Mother, and she was clapping.”
The Beatles and the Queen Mother | George Freston/Fox Photos/Getty Images
Lennon said that in the years after their performance,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When The Beatles traveled to India in 1968, Ringo Starr made sure to pack a lot of food. Starr has a multitude of food allergies that limit his diet. He worried about having his food choices out of his control while training with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As a result, he packed an entire suitcase full of beans.
Ringo Starr brought a full suitcase full of this food when The Beatles went to India
The Beatles attended a seminar on transcendental meditation in 1967. They decided to further their education in 1968 with a trip to visit the Maharishi in India. George Harrison had the greatest interest in meditation, but his bandmates all joined him. Harrison took note of Starr’s packing choices.
“John came, and Paul came after him, and then Richard [Ringo] followed with fifteen Sherpas carrying Heinz baked beans,” Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “There was also the world...
Ringo Starr brought a full suitcase full of this food when The Beatles went to India
The Beatles attended a seminar on transcendental meditation in 1967. They decided to further their education in 1968 with a trip to visit the Maharishi in India. George Harrison had the greatest interest in meditation, but his bandmates all joined him. Harrison took note of Starr’s packing choices.
“John came, and Paul came after him, and then Richard [Ringo] followed with fifteen Sherpas carrying Heinz baked beans,” Harrison said in The Beatles Anthology. “There was also the world...
- 3/15/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was a talented performer who captured the hearts of millions of fans with his songs. He had a highly successful career, but he yearned for greater achievements. Elvis grew fascinated with finding his purpose in life, which he believed would lead to spiritual fulfillment. He even believed he held certain metaphysical powers. He once used these to try to take pain away from a woman in labor.
Elvis Presley tried to help a woman in labor
In 1975, Elvis and his girlfriend, Linda Thompson, visited her brother, sister-in-law, and their new baby in the hospital. While they were there, Elvis noticed a woman in labor entering the hospital.
“The next thing I know, Elvis has stopped the emergency charge toward the delivery room and starts talking to the lady,” his bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Here she is in labor, but...
Elvis Presley tried to help a woman in labor
In 1975, Elvis and his girlfriend, Linda Thompson, visited her brother, sister-in-law, and their new baby in the hospital. While they were there, Elvis noticed a woman in labor entering the hospital.
“The next thing I know, Elvis has stopped the emergency charge toward the delivery room and starts talking to the lady,” his bodyguard Dave Hebler said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Here she is in labor, but...
- 3/12/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards spent much of their lives supporting him. While it was not an easy job — Elvis could be quite demanding — they were happy to dedicate themselves to him. According to some of his bodyguards, Elvis had a seemingly supernatural power over people. While his bodyguards sometimes thought this was ludicrous, they couldn’t deny that Elvis seemed to be blessed.
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards thought there was something special about him
Elvis was a majorly successful singer, a stroke of luck he thought was godsent. This didn’t sound like too outlandish of a belief to his longtime bodyguard Red West.
“He believes there was a master plan by God in singling him out for his fantastic success,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, while it does sound a little wacky, I have often given it a lot of thought and...
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards thought there was something special about him
Elvis was a majorly successful singer, a stroke of luck he thought was godsent. This didn’t sound like too outlandish of a belief to his longtime bodyguard Red West.
“He believes there was a master plan by God in singling him out for his fantastic success,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Now, while it does sound a little wacky, I have often given it a lot of thought and...
- 3/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was many people’s celebrity crush. He commanded audiences of screaming fans and had affairs with a number of his co-stars in movies. According to those who knew him, he was the most charismatic person they’d ever met. Still, he didn’t win everyone over right away. One of Elvis’ biggest crushes didn’t think much of him at all before they met.
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
Elvis’ celebrity crush didn’t hold him in high regard before she met him
In 1956, Elvis starred in his debut film, Love Me Tender, alongside Debra Paget. Paget was a glamorous, well-established actor, and Elvis immediately fell for her. He confessed to his friends that he had a massive crush. They believed this crush stuck with him for a while, possibly even influencing his relationship with Priscilla Presley.
“If you look at her in those earlier pictures, you will see she had a decided likeness to Priscilla Presley,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley rarely talked to reporters once he established himself as a megastar, but it was difficult to avoid them in the early days of his career. Reporters constantly visited him on the set of his movies to get a quote from the rising star. Elvis was typically polite and earnest. When he talked to women reporters, though, he got flirtatious.
Elvis Presley flirted with some reporters
When Elvis rose to fame, he was an incredibly controversial figure. Some believed his dance moves were vulgar and capable of corrupting America’s youth. When people talked to him, though, they discovered he was polite, hardworking, and humble.
In conversations with some reporters, he readily admitted to being nervous about the interview and shared his hopes for the future. He also discussed how much it hurt him that people believed he was a bad influence.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“I...
Elvis Presley flirted with some reporters
When Elvis rose to fame, he was an incredibly controversial figure. Some believed his dance moves were vulgar and capable of corrupting America’s youth. When people talked to him, though, they discovered he was polite, hardworking, and humble.
In conversations with some reporters, he readily admitted to being nervous about the interview and shared his hopes for the future. He also discussed how much it hurt him that people believed he was a bad influence.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
“I...
- 2/29/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1965, The Beatles played their largest concert to date at New York’s Shea Stadium. The crowd was enormous, with 55,000 fans in attendance. The show symbolized the height of Beatlemania. The band played surrounded by thousands of people who screamed through the concert. Though they found it incredibly nerve-wracking and overwhelming, they still enjoyed the performance.
The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
On Aug. 15, 1965, The Beatles took the stage at Shea Stadium. At this point in their careers, they were used to playing large concerts and facing the intensity of their fans. Still, they found this show particularly nerve-wracking.
“If you look at the film footage you can see how we reacted to the place,” Ringo Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “It was very big and very strange.”
Their stage was on the baseball field, and fans filled the arena around them. According to John Lennon, they could...
The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
On Aug. 15, 1965, The Beatles took the stage at Shea Stadium. At this point in their careers, they were used to playing large concerts and facing the intensity of their fans. Still, they found this show particularly nerve-wracking.
“If you look at the film footage you can see how we reacted to the place,” Ringo Starr said in The Beatles Anthology. “It was very big and very strange.”
Their stage was on the baseball field, and fans filled the arena around them. According to John Lennon, they could...
- 2/22/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles had a public reputation for their charm, but they could be incredibly unpleasant to those they disliked. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were a close-knit group who were quick to defend one another. The band’s combined disdain could be incredibly unpleasant to its target.
The Beatles quickly turned on people they disliked
Beatles manager Brian Epstein began working with the band early in their career. He liked them and even went on vacation with Lennon. Still, he was slightly afraid of them.
“There was a famous early story; one of those legends that may or may not have been true,” press officer Derek Taylor said in The Beatles Anthology. “I think it was at the Emi studios when Brian said, ‘I think one of you is flat,’ and John said, ‘We’ll do the songs, you keep on counting the percentages.’ Brian told...
The Beatles quickly turned on people they disliked
Beatles manager Brian Epstein began working with the band early in their career. He liked them and even went on vacation with Lennon. Still, he was slightly afraid of them.
“There was a famous early story; one of those legends that may or may not have been true,” press officer Derek Taylor said in The Beatles Anthology. “I think it was at the Emi studios when Brian said, ‘I think one of you is flat,’ and John said, ‘We’ll do the songs, you keep on counting the percentages.’ Brian told...
- 2/20/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was one of the biggest names in the world by 1956, something that likely would have shocked his high school classmates. For the vast majority of his high school career, Elvis was the target of teasing and physical aggression. One of his few defenders shared why Elvis was constantly getting picked on.
Elvis was a target for bullies in high school
Elvis attended high school in Memphis, Tennessee, and was always a bit of an outcast. His future bodyguard, Red West, recalled multiple occasions where classmates and even staff members bullied him.
“It seems that the way I remember it, someone was always picking on him,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Don’t know why. He was easygoing enough, quiet, well mannered, was always respectful of his elders, and he never wised off at anyone. In many ways he was a very good kid,...
Elvis was a target for bullies in high school
Elvis attended high school in Memphis, Tennessee, and was always a bit of an outcast. His future bodyguard, Red West, recalled multiple occasions where classmates and even staff members bullied him.
“It seems that the way I remember it, someone was always picking on him,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Don’t know why. He was easygoing enough, quiet, well mannered, was always respectful of his elders, and he never wised off at anyone. In many ways he was a very good kid,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When The Beatles broke up, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, were on decidedly bad terms. They were embroiled in a legal battle and spoke publicly about their gripes with one another. One of Lennon’s biggest problems with his bandmates was how unwelcoming they were to Yoko Ono. While it angered him, he still said he could understand their frustration.
John Lennon understood why his Beatles bandmates were unhappy with him
Lennon and Ono were incredibly close, both emotionally and physically. She joined him in the studio, to the irritation of the other Beatles.
“He just wanted to go off in the corner and look into Yoko’s eyes for hours, saying to each other, ‘It’s going to be all right,’” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “It was pretty freaky when we were trying to make a track.”
John Lennon and Yoko Ono | Bettmann...
John Lennon understood why his Beatles bandmates were unhappy with him
Lennon and Ono were incredibly close, both emotionally and physically. She joined him in the studio, to the irritation of the other Beatles.
“He just wanted to go off in the corner and look into Yoko’s eyes for hours, saying to each other, ‘It’s going to be all right,’” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “It was pretty freaky when we were trying to make a track.”
John Lennon and Yoko Ono | Bettmann...
- 2/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon brought a connection to former Beatles‘ drummer Pete Best to the cover of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. While Paul McCartney and George Harrison adorned their costumes with their MBEs, Lennon did not want to do this. Instead, he reached out to Best’s family several years after unceremoniously firing him from the group. Here’s how he got a hold of his grandfather’s medals.
John Lennon requested to wear Pete Best’s grandfather’s medals on the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover
In 1962, The Beatles fired their drummer, Best, and hired Ringo Starr. They were too afraid to tell Best themselves, so they had their manager, Brian Epstein, let him go. Lennon admitted this was cowardly.
“We were cowards when we sacked him,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “We made Brian do it. But if we told Pete to his face,...
John Lennon requested to wear Pete Best’s grandfather’s medals on the ‘Sgt. Pepper’ cover
In 1962, The Beatles fired their drummer, Best, and hired Ringo Starr. They were too afraid to tell Best themselves, so they had their manager, Brian Epstein, let him go. Lennon admitted this was cowardly.
“We were cowards when we sacked him,” he said, per The Beatles: The Authorized Biography by Hunter Davies. “We made Brian do it. But if we told Pete to his face,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A new book claims Princess Diana‘s father, the late Earl Spencer, had to “convince” her to marry Prince Charles. Diana almost called off her royal wedding because Charles reportedly didn’t pay her enough attention in their relationship.
The relationship of Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles was rocky from the start
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward claimed in the book My Mother And I that the relationship between Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles was rocky from the start. Their differences were abundantly clear.
“With just over a month to go until she married the heir to the throne, Lady Diana Spencer was looking forward to dancing with her fiance,” Seward wrote in the book, excerpted by The Daily Mail. “Along with the entire royal family, she’d been invited to a party at Windsor Castle to celebrate Prince Andrew’s 21st birthday.”
Diana spent most of the evening alone. Charles...
The relationship of Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles was rocky from the start
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward claimed in the book My Mother And I that the relationship between Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles was rocky from the start. Their differences were abundantly clear.
“With just over a month to go until she married the heir to the throne, Lady Diana Spencer was looking forward to dancing with her fiance,” Seward wrote in the book, excerpted by The Daily Mail. “Along with the entire royal family, she’d been invited to a party at Windsor Castle to celebrate Prince Andrew’s 21st birthday.”
Diana spent most of the evening alone. Charles...
- 2/12/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s entourage spent most of their time with the singer and did whatever he asked of them. This sometimes required going against what they believed was right. After Elvis’ bodyguard watched him treat a party guest horribly, he felt he had to justify his boss’ behavior. He said that everyone in Elvis’ entourage had to do this.
Elvis’ entourage felt they had to support his bad behavior
Elvis hosted a party at his home, and his bodyguard, Sonny West, brought a date. West was in the middle of a game of pool with Elvis when his date asked him to move his car. Elvis, who was already in a bad mood because he was playing poorly, immediately turned on the woman.
He began berating her for interrupting the game. While she was initially apologetic, she eventually snapped as Elvis continued to scold her. “Go to hell, you sonofab****,” she told him,...
Elvis’ entourage felt they had to support his bad behavior
Elvis hosted a party at his home, and his bodyguard, Sonny West, brought a date. West was in the middle of a game of pool with Elvis when his date asked him to move his car. Elvis, who was already in a bad mood because he was playing poorly, immediately turned on the woman.
He began berating her for interrupting the game. While she was initially apologetic, she eventually snapped as Elvis continued to scold her. “Go to hell, you sonofab****,” she told him,...
- 2/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The songwriting relationship between Paul McCartney and John Lennon was one of the most prolific of all time. They began to write on a more individual basis as the 1960s wore on, and their working relationship fell apart entirely when The Beatles broke up. McCartney noticed a shift in their dynamic when Lennon met Yoko Ono. He believed Lennon was intentionally putting distance between them to leave more time for her.
Paul McCartney said it was a bit off-putting to watch John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the studio
When Lennon and Ono began a relationship, they started spending all their time together. He brought her to Beatles recording sessions, which bothered his bandmates.
“Now John had to have Yoko there,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “I can’t blame him, they were intensely in love — in the first throes of the first passions — but it was fairly off-putting...
Paul McCartney said it was a bit off-putting to watch John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the studio
When Lennon and Ono began a relationship, they started spending all their time together. He brought her to Beatles recording sessions, which bothered his bandmates.
“Now John had to have Yoko there,” McCartney said in The Beatles Anthology. “I can’t blame him, they were intensely in love — in the first throes of the first passions — but it was fairly off-putting...
- 2/11/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s bodyguards spent so much time with the singer that they saw all sides of his personality. The Elvis they initially befriended and wanted to protect was kind, generous, and charismatic. He drew people in with an ease that had nothing to do with his fame. Elvis was not always this person, though. According to the people close to him, he could be incredibly manipulative, swinging rapidly from one emotional extreme to the next.
Elvis’ emotions changed quickly, according to his bodyguard
When Dave Hebler met Elvis, he could hardly believe how charming he was. He gifted Hebler a car shortly after meeting him and welcomed him into his entourage.
“Perhaps, now, I see it clearer, but there is no getting away from it. I had never met — before or since — never read of, nor heard of, any man who could so totally disarm you with charm, generosity...
Elvis’ emotions changed quickly, according to his bodyguard
When Dave Hebler met Elvis, he could hardly believe how charming he was. He gifted Hebler a car shortly after meeting him and welcomed him into his entourage.
“Perhaps, now, I see it clearer, but there is no getting away from it. I had never met — before or since — never read of, nor heard of, any man who could so totally disarm you with charm, generosity...
- 2/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of Elvis Presley’s longtime friends and bodyguards got to know the singer’s family well over the years. West worked as Elvis’ bodyguard long before the singer had the need or means to hire more people. His parents were glad about this. According to West, they seemed to have the psychic ability to tell when Elvis was in trouble. Elvis shared similar abilities.
Elvis’ friend and bodyguard thought the Presley family had psychic power
West began working with Elvis early in his career. He grew used to dragging Elvis out of mobs of fans and other sticky situations. He also grew used to Elvis’ mother’s seemingly psychic ability to know when her son was in danger.
“There was always something very eerie about the things she would say like she was psychic or something like it,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
Elvis’ friend and bodyguard thought the Presley family had psychic power
West began working with Elvis early in his career. He grew used to dragging Elvis out of mobs of fans and other sticky situations. He also grew used to Elvis’ mother’s seemingly psychic ability to know when her son was in danger.
“There was always something very eerie about the things she would say like she was psychic or something like it,” West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy.
- 2/10/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley’s guns were among his favorite possessions. He kept many stored in his homes and nearly always had one with him. This became a point of major concern for his bodyguards. While they knew it was important for Elvis to be able to protect himself against people who wished him ill, it was dangerous for everyone else. Elvis loved firing his weapons without warning, and his bodyguards said he was a terrible shot.
Elvis loved guns but was a terrible shot, said his bodyguard
Many of the people in Elvis’ life noted that when he liked something, he struggled to enjoy it in moderation. He liked guns, so he strove to build his own arsenal.
“Elvis is never without a gun,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Mostly he carries two or even three on him. Even when he is on stage,...
Elvis loved guns but was a terrible shot, said his bodyguard
Many of the people in Elvis’ life noted that when he liked something, he struggled to enjoy it in moderation. He liked guns, so he strove to build his own arsenal.
“Elvis is never without a gun,” his bodyguard Sonny West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Mostly he carries two or even three on him. Even when he is on stage,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
For years it was thought that both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were instrumental in Charles’ decision to propose to Princess Diana. But now questions are being raised about whether it was more Prince Philip than the queen who pushed for then-Prince Charles to ask for Diana’s hand in marriage.
That’s because, according to a new book, the late Queen Elizabeth actually wanted Diana to marry another royal instead of her oldest son. Here’s more on that.
Author says Queen Elizabeth wanted Diana to marry someone else
As Express noted, the claim that the late queen wanted the late princess to marry another member of her family instead of Charles was made in the biography My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward. According to the book, Queen Elizabeth would have preferred Diana to marry Prince Andrew, who was only one year older than the princess.
That’s because, according to a new book, the late Queen Elizabeth actually wanted Diana to marry another royal instead of her oldest son. Here’s more on that.
Author says Queen Elizabeth wanted Diana to marry someone else
As Express noted, the claim that the late queen wanted the late princess to marry another member of her family instead of Charles was made in the biography My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward. According to the book, Queen Elizabeth would have preferred Diana to marry Prince Andrew, who was only one year older than the princess.
- 2/8/2024
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Even during some of Elvis Presley’s earliest concerts, audience members practically climbed over one another to get his autograph. The singer captivated audiences and was happy to see the effect he had on them. During one show, he even dodged a violent brawl in order to continue signing autographs for fans.
Elvis continued signing autographs despite his angry audience
During an Elvis show in Texas, a brawl broke out in the audience. What began as a fight between two men suddenly had most of the crowd involved.
“It was like one of those movie scenes that Elvis and I used to do,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Just one incredible brawl with tables and bodies flying everywhere. There must have been more than a hundred people beating the hell out of each other.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As men in the audience brawled,...
Elvis continued signing autographs despite his angry audience
During an Elvis show in Texas, a brawl broke out in the audience. What began as a fight between two men suddenly had most of the crowd involved.
“It was like one of those movie scenes that Elvis and I used to do,” his bodyguard Red West said in the book Elvis: What Happened? by Steve Dunleavy. “Just one incredible brawl with tables and bodies flying everywhere. There must have been more than a hundred people beating the hell out of each other.”
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As men in the audience brawled,...
- 2/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1973, Elvis Presley was in the middle of a performance when a group of four men stormed the stage. His bodyguards had long prepared for a moment like this and immediately jumped into action. Elvis also readied himself for a fight. He used his years of karate training to kick one potential attacker off the stage before collapsing.
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
Elvis helped clear four men off the stage during a concert
During one of Elvis’ performances in Las Vegas, four men climbed on the stage. Elvis had received multiple death threats over the years, so his bodyguards had been readying themselves for the possibility of an attack. Elvis, it seemed, had also prepared himself.
Elvis Presley | Bettmann/Contributor via Getty
As his bodyguards handled three of the men, Elvis took up a karate stance and kicked one of the men off the stage. Afterward, he began shouting, “Come on, you motherf******!” (per...
- 2/2/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
At the peak of The Beatles’ fame, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were the most sought-after people in the world. Fans crowded them wherever they went and other celebrities wanted to be their friend. They met hundreds of new people after their rise to fame. According to Lennon, they didn’t like many of the people they met.
John Lennon said The Beatles didn’t like many of the new people they met
By the mid-1960s, The Beatles were the biggest band in the world. They’d met royalty and celebrities and were always on the invite list to parties.
“Everybody wanted to be The Beatles’ friend,” road manager Neil Aspinall said in The Beatles Anthology. “That’s showbusiness. I’ve always found it very transient. You meet people when you’re doing a gig and you might not meet them again for another six months or a year.
John Lennon said The Beatles didn’t like many of the new people they met
By the mid-1960s, The Beatles were the biggest band in the world. They’d met royalty and celebrities and were always on the invite list to parties.
“Everybody wanted to be The Beatles’ friend,” road manager Neil Aspinall said in The Beatles Anthology. “That’s showbusiness. I’ve always found it very transient. You meet people when you’re doing a gig and you might not meet them again for another six months or a year.
- 1/31/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Visitors to Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home can see how the King of Rock and Roll lived. Entering the Memphis abode allows fans a glimpse into his personal history as they tour some of the home’s most iconic rooms. However, the upstairs remains off-limits to visitors and most staff. Only one person is allowed to maintain and preserve Presley’s bedroom; here are the details.
The 1 person allowed to preserve and maintain Elvis Presley’s Graceland bedroom
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has hundreds of employees working throughout the year. The home’s official website states that 350 people are on staff annually. That number grows to 450 during peak season.
Graceland jobs include ground maintenance, security, tour guides, bus drivers, sales representatives, and many behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the home operational for the millions of visitors who arrive yearly.
But even with that large number of staff roles, only one person...
The 1 person allowed to preserve and maintain Elvis Presley’s Graceland bedroom
Elvis Presley’s Graceland has hundreds of employees working throughout the year. The home’s official website states that 350 people are on staff annually. That number grows to 450 during peak season.
Graceland jobs include ground maintenance, security, tour guides, bus drivers, sales representatives, and many behind-the-scenes jobs that keep the home operational for the millions of visitors who arrive yearly.
But even with that large number of staff roles, only one person...
- 1/31/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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