Elvis and the Memphis Mafia

Quote a review of this book from 2003: "Inconsistent, incoherent ramblings of mere witnesses to a life which even they had no capacity to understand - just because your in the group doesn't mean you know what is going on in the leader's mind"

You know, as I read these negative reviews of this and other books on Elvis authored by people related to him and/or employed by him, who actually KNEW him on a personal level, these negative reviews come off the same: "Thats NOT the real Elvis! They know nothing of Elvis!". I cant help but think, "Oh, and YOU do?" I mean, for goodness sake, these people only worked for and WITH Elvis, they slept, drank (well, maybe not drank as Elvis didnt care for alcoholic beverages), ate with him, traveled with him, lived with him (God, how much I would've LOVED to have lived at Graceland all those years when he was still alive! What Elvis fan doesn't?), and played with him, etc, 24/7 till the day he died.

Their memories and recollections may be hazy, and may occasionally contradict each other, but I think that can be blamed on the passage of time. I cant even begin to recall with complete accuracy who I talked to about what last week, much less several decades ago. So we're lucky to be told what they do remember. Sometimes the Memphis Mafia guys were misled. In one hilarious instance in this book, one of the Memphis Mafia members recalls something or other about Elvis, something Elvis told him, only to be contradicted by one of the others, making the guy realize that he was lied to by Elvis and still believed that lie all these years, even after his death. They may made a mistake or two in their recollections, but its not out of animosity. Instead, its just common honest mistakes (that is IF there are any mistakes in the book). But again, they were THERE. They were the proverbial fly on the wall during most of Elvis' waking moments. So obviously they can definitely speak with authority as to what Elvis thought, felt, and wanted. A greater authority than what you and I can claim (in my case, WISH I could claim).

I never met Elvis, I'm sorry to say (never saw him personally in concert too, unless you count the concert movie/video footage of him I've seen). I was all of 8 years old when he died in August 1977 and grew up in the 70s and 1980s watching his movies on tv. So I have to make do learning all about him by reading all these many books by people who did indeed know him on a very personal level. You get a much more well rounded picture of Elvis once you read alot of these books instead of just one or two. Though I do sometimes get tired of the "I was Elvis' most favorite and trusted person in the whole wide world and everybody else was a leech" theme that is contained in some of these books.

As much as I have learned about Elvis from these books, I know it is still not the same as having known him personally. So its for that reason I would hesitate to call myself a better authority on Elvis than those few VERY LUCKY people (relatives, employees, love interests, and close personal friends) who were a part of his inner circle, a part of his life, and proudly so.

Long live the King.

Many quotes from "insiders" have been in other books I've borrowed or purchased from my local library. Yet, Alanna Bash has tied for the gifts of Elvis Presley in the press So far, so good! His Yahama purchased is quite a signal that online tv is the Best!

Oh That Old saying : "MONEY TALKS" ! No wonder Elvis just wanted to be loved, and felt people loved him for his money and his name, and just for whatever anyone could get from him ! Isn't it funny how when Elvis was alive, not one of his so called "friends", would cut him up, They were afraid the $'s would stop. Sonnie and Red only wrote there book on all Elvis dirt for the $'s, because they were fired, and needed a buck ! And anyone who would have stopped getting everything from Elvis would do the same, for a dollar. Elvis always felt everyone was around him for his name and his money, not for who he really was as a person, and oh how right he was. I think it's so sad.........to love anyone for money, and not for there heart, and the person they are. With "friends" like this, Elvis sure did'nt need enemies. I sure don't know how these people sleep at night------Oh ya.........I know............IT's FOR THE MONEY !!!!!!!! Dina

well put together from a lot of sources. the book on kindle was a real page turner - it was well put together for kindle and the content was a well researched and composed bit of writing well done ms nash.

I chose the book mainly before his cousin Billy give info on Elvis the man. I felt he would know more about Elvis than the other two because he was family. I really did enjoy this book but really felt really sad how Elvis had to live his life after becoming famous.

I would recommend this book to everyone

The single best book about Elvis Presley, and I've read all too many of the others.
A warning: humorless or insecure fans will be upset, perhaps horrified. Sorry.
By the way, "Elvis died for your sins". (Look it up, it's a website.)

im still reading this book but so far everything I have read is very interesting. elvis was a wonderful person who had a great life. im enjoying reading about his life from people who were very close to him.

I am truly shocked anyone can give credence to these unfounded claims by his friends. Considering it all he was quite kind. \Marty, Billy, and Lamar are not credible as their earlier clams (kinder of course) directly contradict this work. How come their stories get so much "better" over time? Hopefully one-day people will realize who Elvis really was.

Nash may do a great book on Elvis yet, she does love him musically

Almost sorry I put money in their pockets on this one. Lamar and Marty tell things about Elvis no one needs to know - if they are true. Lamar is such an exaggerater, I don't think half of what he says is true. But Billy Smith was so close to Elvis - he straightens out a lot of what Lamar says. L and M obviously didn't like Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, or George Klein...the ones who were his true friends - and they don't tell what I'm sure they really know. Their books are pretty positive about Elvis. If Elvis was upset about Red and Sonny West's book way back, imagine what he would say about one like this. There were so many good things about Elvis and what he did for others - these guys were just "hanging" onto E and his popularity, and all they did was complain and let him down. They would have been nowhere without Elvis. It is so sad that they had to go and write such crap about E. We all know E had problems - but it is easy to see where his frustration came from - he was so mismanaged. He was such an incredible talent - and we still love him - just sad that he had "friends" like that. I'm sure Billy Smith loved him. It's good he was in the writing of this book because he brings out a lot of the positive. I just cannot say enough about the TRASH Lamar was and Marty was - It's interesting how those with the class and education were the ones they did not like! I know Lamar is no longer living - and I hope E gave Lamar a tongue-lashing (if) L made it to heaven! I would love to know why Steve Binder could no longer get in touch with Elvis after the '68 Comeback, why Elvis only made the one album with American Sound Studios...who was behind cutting these people off from him - the ones who saw and appreciated his talent. Elvis' story is so sad the last few years - a man who had it all but could not get past the things that brought him down. And, obviously, Priscilla left when the going got rough - and now she says "I'll defend him to the end" ... ??? Where was she when he really needed her. To give so much of himself to others, to have them "take" it and "expect" it, and then let him down so in the end...where were they!! It just sound like Elvis was surrounded with a bunch of goons - except for George, Jerry, Billy and
Joe (and a few others). Yes, there were things he brought on himself; but, he was a complicated personality from a very secluded and uneducated upbringing, and I just think we have to love him and who he really was, and understand his faults (some as a result of his upbringing. I know God forgives and blesses you Elvis and you are in the company of your loved ones now. Finally, at peace for all eternity.

Alanna Nash let the tape roll on three members of the "Memphis Mafia," the coterie of friends and relations that were closest to the King of Rock n Roll. There are a number of other recollections from family and friends as well, which blows the lid off the real life of Elvis, and what he turned into.

The stories seem a bit disjointed as the boys think back, but Nash has done well to assemble them and take us through a timeline of Elvis' early life, his career false starts, the rocket ride to superstardom and the tragic crash landing.

Elvis was indeed a talent, a great singer and performer and was indeed one of the pioneers of rock. Unfortunately he was also all too human; a small town Mississippi boy who never got rid of some of his prejudices, his love of southern food (and its odd combinations), his spiritual quest, and his descent into drug abuse.

Elvis like many great artists was an addictive personality--when he was into something, he threw himself into it, good and bad. The insiders followed Elvis through his varied vices (many wondering how they lived through it), and all the other things.

There were indeed moments of great generosity and giving, but Elvis could also be notoriously mean, controlling, and violent. His shooting out televisions was nothing, as readers will find.

Priscilla does not come off well; she is depicted as an ambitious, conniving creature who cared little for Elvis, but lusted after his money and anything else she could get out of him. Many relatives sponged off him, too, as did Colonel Tom Parker, the manager who enriched himself with what seems to be little caring for Presley's addictions and downward spiral.

The highs and lows are all here; believe it or not, the stories tend to ring true of many who achieve stardom and are not ready to deal with it.

Don't believe what negative things you hear about this book. The inconsistencies are only when someone is referring to what an associate outside of the book's sources said. The jewish thing for instance came from Larry Geller and another book, not this one. One of these guys was just pointing it out as an untruth. The reason this book was written was because these guys wanted to dispel the untrue rumors and made up stories that had been put out about Elvis. I do think the price put on it is appalling though. However, you'll never find a better written book about Elvis. There are times when the subject matter does change but it's all related to what was going on with Elvis' life at the same time. Remember, this man was dealing with so many things at once throughout his life. You will never find a better Elvis book than this if you're looking for the truth as told by people who loved him and knew him better than anyone. If you're looking for another book that never focuses on the drugs, or Elvis' darker side, as well as the darker side of the other Memphis Mafia members, then go get something else. If you want Elvis and the guys like it really was....GET THIS BOOK!

This book was originally released in the mid-90's as "Revelations from the Memphis Mafia". I'm a huge Elvis fan but am not scared to read the darker side events of his life either. Some people want to white wash his image but to me I love the man along with the legend and if you truly love a person you'll accept them for all faults, not just the good times.

Anyway, Alana Nash does a good job of presenting the stories in chronological order. I like how Billy Smith was able to fill in the early years with Lacker and Fike providing a great insight to the later ones. I was sad to read about his state right after the Aloha show and what Joe Esposito did to him by suing him over the loss of money concerning the raquetball courts. I met Esposito at an Elvis event in '96 and he didn't deny the events but also said that whole book "was crap", so go figure. There are two sides in the Elvis world; the Graceland corporate side and the real side. The corporate side is the money side. It's the side that houses the likes of Jerry Schilling, Esposito, Priscilla etc. that looks to protect Elvis' image for marketing purposes. Then there's the real side that isn't afraid to let the facts be known about what was really going on. That crowd has been cast out of the inner circle and no longer allowed within any of the EPE confines. This is where you'll find these guys. Elvis was a real human being with many faults like each and every one of us but he was also an amazing talent that his fans want to know everything about.

There are things that are disturbing to read but at the same time events that are awesome to learn that have been withheld for many years. This is not a "dish the dirt" storybook as many people will say. It recalls the stories as they are told by the people who lived through it. Remember too that Priscilla did plenty of dirt dishing in "Elvis and Me" but all of a sudden that seems forgotten about. Never heard again how he "raped" her in the Vegas hotel room. Time heals wounds sometimes but it doesn't erase pages. READ THIS BOOK !!!

The value of this wonderfully lengthy book is in its presentation of raw dialogue, the kind you would get by sitting down and talking with members of the Memphis Mafia. The author is to be credited with presenting her material in this manner and resisting the temptation to reorganize, editorialize and otherwise digest it into something else. Never mind that there may seem to be inconsistencies in the statements made or that the conversations wander beyond chapter guidelines. What is important is hearing what these people have to say right off the cuff. In that respect, this book stands out above all the others on the life of Elvis Presley. My only significant negative remark is that the index could have been more complete. Perhaps there were practical difficulties in doing this, given the nature of conversations which might touch on an individual or subject many times in fleeting passages.

If you never read another "Elvis" book,read this one!It is a monumental work.I read it in two days,while on vacation.The paperback version is over 900 pages.It is so riveting,one simply can't put it down.The book isn't written in typical biographical style.It is based on interviews with three members of the "Memphis Mafia." The reader feels as if he were in the room with them,as they reminisce about their lives with the King.I have gone back to the book,many times.This is without a doubt,the definitive book,on Elvis Aaron Presley!If you don't have it,get it.I guarantee,you will not be disappointed.This reader has read more than his share of Elvis tomes,and this one is the penultimate!

Alanna Nash has written some of the best books every written about Elvis Presley, Colonel Parker, and those who knew/loved him.

Each member of the Memphis Mafia had their own life experiences and were as diverse a group of men (i.e. personalities, religious background, etc.) as one could ever assemble. Yet they were (literally) firsthand witnesses to the life, onstage and off, of the greatest entertainer who ever lived...Elvis Aron Presley.

Far too many people do not put the relationship between the members of the Memphis Mafia into context. Working for, and being with, Elvis was unlike any other job in the World as it was 24/7 and ranged the spectrum from Hollywood - to Las Vegas - to recording studios - to riding horses - to Elvis wearing his emotions on his "sleeve" - to jealously inside the group and out - to Elvis' shortcomings - and to Elvis greatness.

Hence, anyone writing a book on this subject (i.e. Elvis and the Memphis Mafia) is instantly in a "Catch 22" situation.

However, Alanna Nash has written a very good book that provides much needed insight into Elvis' relationship with these men of quality who shared (good and bad) much of their lives with Elvis.

Worth noting is that each member of the Memphis Mafia had a distinct deeply personal relationship with Elvis and these relationships went from being very close - to distant - to involving (in some cases) legal claims which then involved concerns from the two men who Elvis relied on so much; Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis' Father Vernon Presley.

Elvis was not always "right" about his opinions, the decisions he made, etc. and neither were the members of the Memphis Mafia and this book strikes a fine balance between what really happened and how it affected Elvis and the other members of the group.

I enjoyed this book and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that Elvis Fans Worldwide seek out this book, and own it, along with the other Elvis Presley books Authored by Alanna Nash.

Jeff Schrembs

Don't waste your money purchasing this book...check it out from the library if you feel you must read it. There is no writing style in this book. I'm surprised Ms. Nash has been able to maintain a career in journalism as each and every chapter digresses from the proposed topic for that chapter. It seems that rather than interviewing Mr. Lacker,Mr. Fike, and Mr. Smith,and then developing their stories, she just transcribed the tape recorded interviews. The book was very inconsistent---for 3 people who supposedly were present at the same places and times, there were many, many instances where the "stories" didn't match. The book is a massive epistle of one topic---drug use (both that of the authors and of Elvis), not a sharing of fond memories of the man who so fascinates so many as the title would imply. It seems that that is the only thing the 3 men remember about Elvis or that is the only thing they cared to share (maybe because they hoped it would help the book to sell and so they would benefit financially?). I have read many books about Elvis and this one is truly a disappointment.

I savored this book slowly over several sittings and just finished reading it. Of the 10 Elvis bios I've read, this is my favorite. When Alanna Nash spoke with Lamar Fike, Billy Smith, and Marty Lacker (3 members of the fabled Memphis Mafia who knew Elvis best over the years), the result was a revealing insiders' perspective, neither sugarcoated nor sensationalistic,painting a vivid picture of Elvis as the complex human being he was. At times, the 3 men contradict each other's accounts, but even this is a testament to the validity of their stories, as many people remember details of events differently. Although the book is well over 900 pages long, it's a definite keeper and one that I will read again.

This book is obviously a must for any serious Elvis fan since the three men whose stories are printed were so closely associated with him.

No one can remember every detail and date accurately after decades, which explains many of the inconsistencies of the book. What counts is the fact that they all aim - or at least seem to aim - at truthfulness. It is up to the reader to decide what to believe and what not to believe. The men openly admit to having seen and heard things after Elvis died, for example.

Elvis comes off as a very human being with all kinds of complexes and weaknesses, but most of these have been discussed in earlier books as well. The book reaffirms the notion that Elvis knew little about business (and cared even less) and was exploited by his manager throughout his career. As Elvis was basicly just an uneducated country boy, he never dared to challenge Tom Parker, let alone fire him, and pursue a career that would have included things he wanted to do, but unfortunately never did.

One of the most interesting pieces of information in the book for me is the reason why Ginger Alden was fully dressed when she called downstairs that Elvis was unconscious in his bathroom on August 16, 1977. Read the book and find out!

As the story-tellers appear to be uneducated, some readers may find their language offensive and the men could certainly take some lessons in English grammar, but if that is no problem for you, go ahead and buy the book.

Good book if you can believe the writers. Some issues seem a little too far fetched. The book does make Elvis comes across more human and real. The book does come across as a bunch of classmates getting together to write their own take on things. It is an entertaining book to read.

This is mostly a question. I borrowed this book from the library and at the front the author mentions all these terrific, never before published pictures. However, there is not one picture in the book. I can't see a reference to pics in the table of contents or a place where they might have been torn out. This is the paperback. I wonder if there are pics in the hardback but for some reason not put in the paperback. Does anyone know? Please let me know. I am just curious I guess because she made a point of writing about how great they are.

As for the book, I am not half finished even though I have been skipping about. I think it is interesting but can understand why his family might not want some of these stories told. As for the guys, I think they really did care for him and his problems but I can understand why he could get on their nerves because he expected to be the center of their life always. Maybe he gave them a lot of great times, cars, trailers, etc. but their salaries were not that high and I think they earned everything they got. Interesting how their memories were not always the same...I have noticed that stories vary somewhat depending on the book too. So we can only get at much of the truth but that is true of even people we personally know, I guess.

I would have given it a 5 star review if those terrific pictures had been there. LOL

I recently started to read many books about Elvis and found this one to be the most fascinating and revealing. I couldn't put it down. I certainly have a better understanding of who he was from this book. It gave the most personal information about him. The last few chapters were the most difficult and saddest to read.

Elvis and The Memphis Mafia, by Alanna Nash is, hands down, the best Elvis book I ever read. It is a must-have for the ones who love this great singer, and human being he was. Don't need to be a fan to appreciate it thoroughly. It tells us, with no sugar coating, facts of Elvis' life that will move you, while explains the complexity of his life and persona. Of course, this is possible, not only by the wonderful, skilled, and smart way, it was written by the author, along with three of the guys, who were part of the Memphis Mafia. It is "narrated" in a way you can compare the facts, and their different point of views, while reading. Priceless!

Great book, I keep it in my Elvis collection & refer to it from time to time. Billy Smith, being Elvis' double first cousin, would never have participated in a smear campaign. Like it or not fans, this is a true portrait of our king, flawed but oh so loveable, and long may he reign.

I've ready many books by many different authors on the subject of the life of Elvis Presley. Alanna Nash is by far the best. That includes Peter Guralnick, Albert Goldman, etc. The book is very well researched, and you see Elvis Presley from many viewpoints, good and bad. If you are interested in E.P. buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

It's no wonder Elvis called what the Memphis Mafia did 'the worst betrayal.' Men who supposedly cared for him turned against him and the contents of this book are unbelievable or perhaps in-credible. A reader learns so much about Elvis that he/she is left in a state of shock. and not only that, but the reader is left confused.
Here is the private Elvis none of us knew. Lisa Marie even credits the Memphis Mafia for raking her father's reputation over the coals for the past thirty years and it's true. This book is a compilation of years of interviews by men who were with Elvis at every given hour of the day. The book shows a side of Elvis who tried to be in control but couldn't be his own person, was volatile, expressed his anger, fears, and tears. It showed his likes, dislikes, deepest desires, hopes, dreams, emotions, and even his weaknesses. In other words, we see Elvis as a human. It's obvious in this book as well as others I have read, that Elvis' life was never HIS. Still, though he surrounded himself with these men who were to protect him, he kept a private part of himself from even his closest friends, and his mafia.
Billy Smith, Elvis' first cousin, was far more sympathetic in his revelations than Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker, and it was good that where Fike and Lacker's details were either sketchy or in half truth and sometimes untrue, Billy elaborated on the truth about the real Elvis we all know and love.
To think that Colonel Parker who took 50% of his earnings at one point! To Elvis, I say, Mister Presley, I would have been mad too.' If you are an enemy of Elvis, you will enjoy this book, but if you are a die-hard Elvis fan like myself, you will be offended. The book is in many ways is heartbreaking. Elvis led a sad life and, it left me wondering: Yes, these men perhaps loved Elvis, but sometimes isn't it better to leave the past in the past and let Elvis' life remain the icon that he is (with a bit of mystery that adds to his mystique. Why not let him have his dignity, and let him Rest In Peace?

This is so much fun to read, with exhaustive commentary from arguably the three closest members of Elvis' inner circle: Marty Lacker, Lamar Fike & cousin Billy Stanley. Few punches pulled, so beware.

The re-issue of Alanna Nash's superb oral biography is long overdue. Justifiably acclaimed as one of the best ever books published about Elvis, the 792 page tome presents the recollections, views and emotions of three prominent members of the Memphis Mafia: Billy Smith, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike.

Regardless of the tension sometimes inherent in the differing views presented in Elvis and the Memphis Mafia, it is always engrossing and continually offers us gold nuggets of information which add immeasurably to our understanding of the man who was Elvis Aaron Presley.

There is also great poignancy and sincerity in Elvis and the Memphis Mafia, and the reader's emotions will often flow from joy to laughter to anger and sadness. Such is the wonderful and illuminating way in which Alanna Nash has captured and presented her potent narrative.

I have interviwed all the writers of this book & this short review cannot do justice. Look at the Elvis Info Net website for all the Interviews relevant to this book, which should help you decide.

It is a moving & emotional read. Essential to help real Elvis fans understand his life - Piers EIN.

I enjoyed reading this book by Alanna Nash a very gifted writer. I always wondered what went on between Elvis and his inner circle. The things that bothered me was the frankness of the words spoken about Elvis from people so close to him and claimed to love or is that why because of the love and closeness they felt towards him.