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Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
An intimate memoir of a friendship with the greatest artist in rock and roll history, taking you from late-night parties at Graceland to the bright lights of Hollywood sets and glittering stages of Vegas
On a lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teenager whose first record, “That’s All Right,” had just debuted on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world’s biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his “Memphis Mafia,” and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later, in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities—from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film. But more than anything else he was Elvis’s close friend and confidant: Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats, he asked Jerry to drive him and Priscilla to the hospital the day Lisa Marie was born and to accompany him during the famous “lost weekend” when he traveled to meet President Nixon at the White House.
On a lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teenager whose first record, “That’s All Right,” had just debuted on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world’s biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his “Memphis Mafia,” and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later, in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities—from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film. But more than anything else he was Elvis’s close friend and confidant: Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats, he asked Jerry to drive him and Priscilla to the hospital the day Lisa Marie was born and to accompany him during the famous “lost weekend” when he traveled to meet President Nixon at the White House.
Me and a Guy Named Elvis looks at Presley from a friend’s perspective, offering readers the man rather than the icon—including insights into the creative frustrations that lead to Elvis’s abuse of prescription medicine and his tragic death. Jerry offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis’s inner circle and an emotional recounting of the great times, hard times, and unique times he and Elvis shared. These vivid memories will be priceless to Elvis’s millions of fans, and the compelling story will fascinate an even wider audience. BACKCOVER: Advance Praise for Me and a Guy Named Elvis
“This book kept me up late into the night as I turned the pages, reliving every situation and every story as if I were there all over again, until I finished. Jerry Schilling’s words brought tears to my eyes, making me smile and nod as it filled my head with things I had forgotten but thankfully he remembered. Jerry tells his story with the freshness and purity of a man who truly loved his friend. Me and a Guy Named Elvis is not only authentic, honest, and truly moving—it is a marvel.”
—Priscilla Presley
“Jerry had the keys to the kingdom, the keys to the King’s houses, to the King’s cars, to the heart of what made Elvis a King in the first place. Here he unlocks every door and his own heart to boot. In this book, Jerry Schilling brings grace to Graceland.”
—Bono
“Jerry Schilling has captured the beauty of my father’s spirit in a way that has never been done before. I will admit that I was nervous to read another book on this subject, especially by a friend (there are not many who remain in my life from this time period, as Jerry does), but this book is by far my favorite. It is a captivating, well-written, and un-crucifying account of many historic moments that shows the real birth and evolution of Rock and Roll and how it bridged the racial divide. Jerry tells his story of a young boy growing up poor with no real family before fate changed his life during one Sunday afternoon game of football—and he tells it with humility, honesty, and dignity.”
—Lisa Marie Presley
“What Jerry Schilling has written in Me and a Guy Named Elvis is an account of one man’s experience, a personal memoir that, while it places its narrator squarely in the midst of historic events, never claims credit for those events in the way that so many self-serving memoirs are inclined to do. It is a balanced treatment of a complex subject . . . What I think distinguishes the book most of all, though, is its emotional honesty, the generosity of spirit with which Jerry seeks to emulate his friend and mentor.”
—Peter Guralnick, author of Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
339 people are currently reading
1858 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
August 16, 2024
My wife read this book last summer, and she couldn't stop telling me about how good it is and that I should read it. After letting it sit a year, so it seemed more removed from all the stories she related to me from it, I decided it was time.
From the moment I started reading, Schilling makes the reader feel he is tagging along on every one of his experiences. This book is great on so many levels. Of course it is an 'Elvis' book, but not just any book about Elvis. From meeting by chance at a pick-up football game at a Memphis park just as Elvis is starting his music career, to Presley's final days, Schilling is a full participant. Schilling not only writes about Elvis, but vividly captures the early days in Memphis, filming movies in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and the days of concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Schilling incorporates his own life experiences beyond being a member of the Memphis Mafia. This includes his personal relationships and experiences working as a film editor, actor, and later working with the Beach Boys and Billy Joel. Unlike some other books, Jerry seems to write from a perspective without a personal agenda. Priscilla, and Lisa Marie both read and approved of Schilling's book. If you're an Elvis fan, or like a heartfelt story of a remarkable friendship this book is for you. This is one of those few books that now that I've finished it, I'm sad that journey is over.
From the moment I started reading, Schilling makes the reader feel he is tagging along on every one of his experiences. This book is great on so many levels. Of course it is an 'Elvis' book, but not just any book about Elvis. From meeting by chance at a pick-up football game at a Memphis park just as Elvis is starting his music career, to Presley's final days, Schilling is a full participant. Schilling not only writes about Elvis, but vividly captures the early days in Memphis, filming movies in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and the days of concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Schilling incorporates his own life experiences beyond being a member of the Memphis Mafia. This includes his personal relationships and experiences working as a film editor, actor, and later working with the Beach Boys and Billy Joel. Unlike some other books, Jerry seems to write from a perspective without a personal agenda. Priscilla, and Lisa Marie both read and approved of Schilling's book. If you're an Elvis fan, or like a heartfelt story of a remarkable friendship this book is for you. This is one of those few books that now that I've finished it, I'm sad that journey is over.
August 27, 2016
I have a teacher friend who has the uncanny ability to make me feel better about myself than I ever should. He is a born diplomat, cheerleader, sage. Every single time I have lunch with him, go see a movie or a football game, I realize how lucky I am to have him as a friend. If I were to die, he would probably give a praiseworthy eulogy at my funeral, maybe even write my uneventful biography.
And I'm no Elvis. Far from it. I am just an average teacher in a modest suburb in Virginia, but somehow I managed to find this gem of a guy and try to appreciate him each and every day.
This is exactly how I pictured Jerry Schilling after finishing his book "Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley".
It is a slow start, to be sure, and at times the reader starts to wonder if this is a book about Jerry Schilling or Elvis Presley. The answer, of course, is that it is both. It is an account of two good-ole-boys from Memphis who begin their journey orchestrating touch football games, but end up touching each other's lives meaningfully even beyond the tragic death of the man known as the King. And sure, some of the details Jerry depicts -- from Elvis' generosity to his drug addiction -- are common knowledge, but it is his simple prosaic style and ability to make those around him shine that makes this account a gem. By the time I read the epilogue, detailing Jerry's undying devotion for the King's legacy, I got teary-eyed. His loyalty and devotion to Elvis and his family are virtues all of us should aspire to.
Something else: So many rock biographies read the same. So and so had a horrible childhood, fell in with the wrong crowd, found music (and drugs), made it big, fell to abysmal depths, then (hopefully), cleaned up and discovered life in a more meaningful way. Elvis, however, veered from this script in that he had a loving, caring upbringing (though poor), and maintained religion and spirituality on his journey through stardom. And man was the guy generous, to a fault. Yes, the pills took their toll on him, but sometimes the reader got the feeling that disappointment was Elvis' depressive, his cross to bear, his anchor.
Jerry Schilling highlighted Elvis as an entertainer and a man. His late night bull sessions, his generous gifts, his family loyalty. They complimented each other and sometimes conflicted. But as Jerry gave as his reason for leaving Elvis a few years before his death: I did not want to be a yes man or an asshole. He valued his friendship that much, and Elvis knew it.
One of the hardest scenes to read follows Jerry's discovery that Elvis has died. He boards Elvis's plane, finds no one on board, and holds one of the King's nightshirts to his chest as a mother to an infant. He says he does not know what life will be like without his best friend, and even breaks his hand trying to come to grips with the passing of that good-looking quarterback from 20 years ago who was nice enough to invite him to a game of touch football.
Thank you, Jerry Schilling, for being so loyal to a man who may have lost his way by the end of his life. You, like my friend, have the uncanny ability to make people look better than they really are. In this case, the man who would die way too young and change the course of your life forever.
And I'm no Elvis. Far from it. I am just an average teacher in a modest suburb in Virginia, but somehow I managed to find this gem of a guy and try to appreciate him each and every day.
This is exactly how I pictured Jerry Schilling after finishing his book "Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley".
It is a slow start, to be sure, and at times the reader starts to wonder if this is a book about Jerry Schilling or Elvis Presley. The answer, of course, is that it is both. It is an account of two good-ole-boys from Memphis who begin their journey orchestrating touch football games, but end up touching each other's lives meaningfully even beyond the tragic death of the man known as the King. And sure, some of the details Jerry depicts -- from Elvis' generosity to his drug addiction -- are common knowledge, but it is his simple prosaic style and ability to make those around him shine that makes this account a gem. By the time I read the epilogue, detailing Jerry's undying devotion for the King's legacy, I got teary-eyed. His loyalty and devotion to Elvis and his family are virtues all of us should aspire to.
Something else: So many rock biographies read the same. So and so had a horrible childhood, fell in with the wrong crowd, found music (and drugs), made it big, fell to abysmal depths, then (hopefully), cleaned up and discovered life in a more meaningful way. Elvis, however, veered from this script in that he had a loving, caring upbringing (though poor), and maintained religion and spirituality on his journey through stardom. And man was the guy generous, to a fault. Yes, the pills took their toll on him, but sometimes the reader got the feeling that disappointment was Elvis' depressive, his cross to bear, his anchor.
Jerry Schilling highlighted Elvis as an entertainer and a man. His late night bull sessions, his generous gifts, his family loyalty. They complimented each other and sometimes conflicted. But as Jerry gave as his reason for leaving Elvis a few years before his death: I did not want to be a yes man or an asshole. He valued his friendship that much, and Elvis knew it.
One of the hardest scenes to read follows Jerry's discovery that Elvis has died. He boards Elvis's plane, finds no one on board, and holds one of the King's nightshirts to his chest as a mother to an infant. He says he does not know what life will be like without his best friend, and even breaks his hand trying to come to grips with the passing of that good-looking quarterback from 20 years ago who was nice enough to invite him to a game of touch football.
Thank you, Jerry Schilling, for being so loyal to a man who may have lost his way by the end of his life. You, like my friend, have the uncanny ability to make people look better than they really are. In this case, the man who would die way too young and change the course of your life forever.
July 31, 2024
“I’m a fan of anyone who’s the best at what they do.”
- Elvis Presley introducing Wilt Chamberlain at a concert.
==============
I didn't list enough quotes to give His Majesty enough justice, but WOW. Had no idea Elvis was such a voracious reader -- or had a photographic memory -- or was an incorrigible lothario -- or a Self-Realization Fellowship devotee -- or so generous with money -- or a karate fanatic -- and especially the number of white people who physically assaulted him for singing black music. But just glimpse how a teenage Elvis turns one ambush around :
“Hit me from the left side.”
“Why?”
“I got a few bones over there that aren’t broken yet,” said Elvis. The big guy started laughing. He was laughing hard enough that he didn’t have the strength to steam-roll Elvis. Now the big guy was all smiles. “Sure did enjoy the game. Hope there aren’t any hard feelings.” Elvis just shrugged. “No hard feelings.”
As Elvis signed autographs for their wives, it all came together for me… He would have ended up with some more enemies. Instead, he took a little punishment and ended up with four new fans, something I witnessed over and over again. A lot of people thought they had something against Elvis, but I never saw anybody who spent any time with him walk away not liking him.”
More quotes :
-----------
“Memphis was also home to WDIA, the first station in the whole country to have a black on-air staff, even though the station itself was white-owned... jockeyed by the likes of a very young guitar player named B.B. King.”
“… To a lot of people Elvis Presley was nothing more than white trash playing black music… The general feeling of conservative old school Memphis was that the city should be more embarrassed by Elvis than proud of him.”
“Those were the early days of what would soon be called the ‘youth culture.' For all the kids who first got excited about the sound of rock and roll, there were twice as many who thought it sounded just horrible.”
“It was when Elvis took the stage that the place just about exploded… As soon as Elvis started moving, the energy that came off that stage was even bigger than anything the crowd was throwing back at him… He handled the show like a real pro, working the crowd masterfully.”
“… A couple of guys had blind-sighted Elvis, pretending to come to him for an autograph… swing at him when they got close enough… throwing a punch and then driving away.”
“His reliance on medication was getting out of control again.”
“Elvis was buying me a house! My hands started shaking so badly that I dropped the check. ‘Elvis, this is… this is too much.’ He leaned forward with a smile, picked up the check, and put it back in my hands. How many friends buy you a house?… ‘Jerry, your mother died when you were a year old. You never had a home. I wanted to be the one to give it to you.’ ”
“Elvis was the first Monty Python fanatic I knew.”
“One of the saddest truths of Elvis’s career was crystal clear to me. The pills he took were only Band Aids. What was sucking the life out of Elvis Presley was creative disappointment.”
“There were nights on the road when Elvis was still every bit the master entertainer. But there were other times when you could sense just how tired he’d become of night after night of one-night stands, and when you could see what a toll it had taken on him. His stage jumpsuits had originally been designed to accommodate his intensely physical performances. The way he moved on stage, he’d rip regular clothing to shreds.”
“… He bought an out-of-service Convair 880 jet… He immediately rechristened it the Lisa Marie… the interior was refurbished to his very specific design requirements. He bought another plane to make those trips, a smaller Lockheed jet star. Elvis wanted a seating area, a conference room, and a private bedroom on the plane, with space for an in-flight reading library. He picked fabrics, decided on color schemes, chose the on-board audiovisual system, and even okayed the gold fixtures in the bathrooms… The same design team working on the Lisa Marie also customized Air Force One.”
“Myrna hadn’t seen (the film), and so Elvis acted it out for her. I don’t mean he told her the story and quoted a few lines of dialogue. He began to act out the whole movie. Setting up each scene and then presenting just about every line of dialogue in the script. He brought each character to life with walks, vocal mannerisms, and the subtleness of gestures. It was bravura performance, and Elvis drew upon that photographic memory of his…”
“Off the slopes, Elvis spent a lot of time with … Denver policemen he had met on past trips to the city. They had always been supportive of Elvis, even welcoming him into their own inner circle of police officers. And during this trip, Elvis bought them all Cadillacs as thank you gifts.”
“ ‘Elvis is dead.’, she said. I hung up the phone. Started to cry. I went back out on the balcony. It started to rain.”
“Thousands and thousands of people lined both sides of the street, standing in solemn respectful silence as the procession passed by. I saw children crying, grandparents crying, cops standing at attention with their hats over their hearts…”
.
- Elvis Presley introducing Wilt Chamberlain at a concert.
==============
I didn't list enough quotes to give His Majesty enough justice, but WOW. Had no idea Elvis was such a voracious reader -- or had a photographic memory -- or was an incorrigible lothario -- or a Self-Realization Fellowship devotee -- or so generous with money -- or a karate fanatic -- and especially the number of white people who physically assaulted him for singing black music. But just glimpse how a teenage Elvis turns one ambush around :
“Hit me from the left side.”
“Why?”
“I got a few bones over there that aren’t broken yet,” said Elvis. The big guy started laughing. He was laughing hard enough that he didn’t have the strength to steam-roll Elvis. Now the big guy was all smiles. “Sure did enjoy the game. Hope there aren’t any hard feelings.” Elvis just shrugged. “No hard feelings.”
As Elvis signed autographs for their wives, it all came together for me… He would have ended up with some more enemies. Instead, he took a little punishment and ended up with four new fans, something I witnessed over and over again. A lot of people thought they had something against Elvis, but I never saw anybody who spent any time with him walk away not liking him.”
More quotes :
-----------
“Memphis was also home to WDIA, the first station in the whole country to have a black on-air staff, even though the station itself was white-owned... jockeyed by the likes of a very young guitar player named B.B. King.”
“… To a lot of people Elvis Presley was nothing more than white trash playing black music… The general feeling of conservative old school Memphis was that the city should be more embarrassed by Elvis than proud of him.”
“Those were the early days of what would soon be called the ‘youth culture.' For all the kids who first got excited about the sound of rock and roll, there were twice as many who thought it sounded just horrible.”
“It was when Elvis took the stage that the place just about exploded… As soon as Elvis started moving, the energy that came off that stage was even bigger than anything the crowd was throwing back at him… He handled the show like a real pro, working the crowd masterfully.”
“… A couple of guys had blind-sighted Elvis, pretending to come to him for an autograph… swing at him when they got close enough… throwing a punch and then driving away.”
“His reliance on medication was getting out of control again.”
“Elvis was buying me a house! My hands started shaking so badly that I dropped the check. ‘Elvis, this is… this is too much.’ He leaned forward with a smile, picked up the check, and put it back in my hands. How many friends buy you a house?… ‘Jerry, your mother died when you were a year old. You never had a home. I wanted to be the one to give it to you.’ ”
“Elvis was the first Monty Python fanatic I knew.”
“One of the saddest truths of Elvis’s career was crystal clear to me. The pills he took were only Band Aids. What was sucking the life out of Elvis Presley was creative disappointment.”
“There were nights on the road when Elvis was still every bit the master entertainer. But there were other times when you could sense just how tired he’d become of night after night of one-night stands, and when you could see what a toll it had taken on him. His stage jumpsuits had originally been designed to accommodate his intensely physical performances. The way he moved on stage, he’d rip regular clothing to shreds.”
“… He bought an out-of-service Convair 880 jet… He immediately rechristened it the Lisa Marie… the interior was refurbished to his very specific design requirements. He bought another plane to make those trips, a smaller Lockheed jet star. Elvis wanted a seating area, a conference room, and a private bedroom on the plane, with space for an in-flight reading library. He picked fabrics, decided on color schemes, chose the on-board audiovisual system, and even okayed the gold fixtures in the bathrooms… The same design team working on the Lisa Marie also customized Air Force One.”
“Myrna hadn’t seen (the film), and so Elvis acted it out for her. I don’t mean he told her the story and quoted a few lines of dialogue. He began to act out the whole movie. Setting up each scene and then presenting just about every line of dialogue in the script. He brought each character to life with walks, vocal mannerisms, and the subtleness of gestures. It was bravura performance, and Elvis drew upon that photographic memory of his…”
“Off the slopes, Elvis spent a lot of time with … Denver policemen he had met on past trips to the city. They had always been supportive of Elvis, even welcoming him into their own inner circle of police officers. And during this trip, Elvis bought them all Cadillacs as thank you gifts.”
“ ‘Elvis is dead.’, she said. I hung up the phone. Started to cry. I went back out on the balcony. It started to rain.”
“Thousands and thousands of people lined both sides of the street, standing in solemn respectful silence as the procession passed by. I saw children crying, grandparents crying, cops standing at attention with their hats over their hearts…”
.
March 9, 2020
Oduvijek sam voljela Elvisa, premda ne mogu reći da sam neki top fan. Volim taj stari nostalgični zvuk 50-tih i 60-tih godina prošlog stoljeća, a on je jedan od najvećih začetnika upravo takvog zvuka i glazbe. Početkom veljače imala sam prilike posjetiti Graceland, Elvisov dom u Memphisu. Sami dolazak u Graceland, šetnja kućom i dvorištem gdje je Elvis živio, zaista su mi pobudili emocije i zainteresiranost, te sam odlučila malo više kopati i istražiti njegov život. U gift shop-u preko puta Gracelanda, nalaze se knjige i biografije raznih autora koje opisuju kako je Elvis provodio svoje dane. Upravo ova mi je zapela za oko. Svi otprilike znamo priču oko Elvisa. Slava, novac, droga, kako to uostalom već i ide sa velikom većinom glazbenika. Jerry Schilling, autor ove knjige, imao je priliku upoznati Elvisa kao dječak na igralištu u Memphisu, kada ga je Elvis pozvao da s njime zaigra nogomet. Par godina kasnije, prvi put je došao u Graceland kao Elvisov gost, a nedugo nakon toga postao je i Elvisov najbliži suradnik i jedan od najboljih prijatelja. Iz Schillingove knjige, Elvisa upoznajemo kao zapravo jednu vrlu jednostavnu osobu, koja je puno držala do svoje obitelji i obiteljskih vrijednosti, ali isto tako osobu koja je po meni bila pomalo bipolarna i prilično eksplozivna. Ono što me oduševilo jest saznanje da je Elvis bio strastveni čitalac. Schilling Elvisa naravno opisuje kao "dobrog tipa", ali isto tako ne osporava da je kralj od samih početaka bio ovisan o tabletama. U mnogim recenzijama drugih Elvisovih knjiga, a posebno one Priscille Presley, pročitala sam da ga Schilling opisuje u malo boljem svijetlu od onoga kakav je zaista bio. Inače su mi glazbene biografije jedne od najdražih knjiga i zaista obožavam na neki način ući u život ljudi čiju glazbu svakodevno slušam. Moram priznati da sam uživala u Elvisovom životu, premda autor na momente dosta piše o svojem životu, što mi je ponekad znalo malo ići na živce, ali eto, ipak je on autor, pa mu čovjek valjda ne može zamjeriti. :) Ako volite Elvisa, svakako preporučam, no mislim da bi svakako trebala pročitati i Priscillinu knjigu i vidjeti onu "drugu" stranu priče.
Ocjena 4/5
Ocjena 4/5
December 1, 2009
There were some interesting points about this book. I found the insight to Elvis never really socializing outside of his inner circle, the first hand personal side of Elvis, and the Beatles meeting very interesting. I thought Schilling himself going to UCLA while working for Elvis was interesting, especially since I grew up in the area and could picture him walking up and down the hill along Sunset.
But there was some off putting stuff in the book as well. Schilling is very full of himself and tries to paint himself in the best picture possible. He is a narcissist. It comes through in the book. He talks about cheating on his wife once. Once? Really? I don't think so. Try the time he got caught. He holds back the real seediness of his life. I felt he never really laid it on the line about Priscilla. I understand the latter. He is still friends with her and wants to stay connected to Elvis through her. I don't blame him for this, but I hope he has the real book in a safety deposit box to be released upon his death, but I won't hold my breath. This life is looked through with rose covered glasses. But if you are an Elvis fan (as I am) then this is still worth a read for some more insight that will bring you closer to the King.
But there was some off putting stuff in the book as well. Schilling is very full of himself and tries to paint himself in the best picture possible. He is a narcissist. It comes through in the book. He talks about cheating on his wife once. Once? Really? I don't think so. Try the time he got caught. He holds back the real seediness of his life. I felt he never really laid it on the line about Priscilla. I understand the latter. He is still friends with her and wants to stay connected to Elvis through her. I don't blame him for this, but I hope he has the real book in a safety deposit box to be released upon his death, but I won't hold my breath. This life is looked through with rose covered glasses. But if you are an Elvis fan (as I am) then this is still worth a read for some more insight that will bring you closer to the King.
July 25, 2022
This book just about left me speechless! It was fantastic.
January 12, 2012
I am 42 and have been an Elvis fan for over 35 years. During that time I have read quite a few Elvis biographies; however, this one stands out at the top of the list due to Jerry Schilling’s sincerity and close tie to Elvis Presley -the man- as well as the entertainer. As a close insider, Jerry Schilling is able to give some very detailed accounts of his years as one of Elvis' best friends and most trusted Memphis Mafia members.
Jerry does a very admirable job of giving fans a chance to really see Elvis not as just a superstar entertainer but also as a man who had personal dreams, vulnerabilities, doubts, and challenges as a human being. There is a common theme of how Elvis was a very generous and spiritual person who throughout his trials and tribulations remained loyal to his family, friends and fans.
I highly recommend this book to Elvis fans and non-Elvis fans alike. The book keeps you entertained throughout the journey from first page to last giving you as a reader the uncanny feeling of being a fly on the wall during Elvis' astounding career.
-Eddie
Jerry does a very admirable job of giving fans a chance to really see Elvis not as just a superstar entertainer but also as a man who had personal dreams, vulnerabilities, doubts, and challenges as a human being. There is a common theme of how Elvis was a very generous and spiritual person who throughout his trials and tribulations remained loyal to his family, friends and fans.
I highly recommend this book to Elvis fans and non-Elvis fans alike. The book keeps you entertained throughout the journey from first page to last giving you as a reader the uncanny feeling of being a fly on the wall during Elvis' astounding career.
-Eddie
August 20, 2022
Let me begin by saying that I find most of the Memphis Mafia members problematic. I understand that Elvis chose these folks to be around him, so he had a saying in who was around him, and yet, the majority of these men were happy to be yes men to him, happy to mooch on his generosity and enablers of his poor choices. Jerry Schilling, Joe Esposito, and George Kline were the less problematic, in my opinion.
It's been 45 years since Elvis' death, and I'm currently enjoying the Elvis "Revival" that Baz Luhrmann's movie has brought. This revival has triggered me to go into another Elvis rabbit hole, and to live my best Elvis life at the moment.
Jerry's book is heartfelt and it provides a good insight into what life with Elvis was, the good times at Graceland (basically, a frat house), and some of the challenges Elvis experienced at the end. As expected, Jerry emphasizes the good parts and doesn't go very deep into the problematic issues. He addressed some of them, but lightly. He is best friends with Priscilla, so we only get tiny fragments of her in the memoir and all of them are positive. No mention at all of how her affair with Mike Stone had a detrimental role at the end of their marriage. I mean, we all know that Elvis was unable to be faithful to any woman, but "Cilla" wasn't also a fragile victim.
This memoir also covers the bizarre event when Elvis visited President Nixon to get his badge. Jerry was the person who Elvis chose to help him in this quest.
I enjoyed learning about him outside of being an Elvis man and his desire for becoming an independent person outside the Mafia. He ended up having a real career as manager of The Beach Boys and briefly to a young Billy Joel. His personal life is also presented in what I suspect to be a better light than it probably was, only confessing to being unfaithful to his wife once. I have a hard time this was the case with the incredible amount of beautiful women that constantly surrounded them. But, I wasn't there.. so it's just me being skeptical.
The end of Elvis' life is always tragic. There is no way to sugarcoat the events that lead to his untimely death. I felt so sad to know that Jerry wasn't around when this happened. He had not been around Elvis in the last 6 months of his life. You can read the despair and grief he felt when he was notified of the event. This is what moved my review from 3 to 4 stars. I couldn't contain my tears coming as I read the last few pages. It's probably the most honest chapter in the book.
This is a good book to expand your quest of understanding Elvis and his world. It's flawed as all memoirs are, but it's informative and well written.
It's been 45 years since Elvis' death, and I'm currently enjoying the Elvis "Revival" that Baz Luhrmann's movie has brought. This revival has triggered me to go into another Elvis rabbit hole, and to live my best Elvis life at the moment.
Jerry's book is heartfelt and it provides a good insight into what life with Elvis was, the good times at Graceland (basically, a frat house), and some of the challenges Elvis experienced at the end. As expected, Jerry emphasizes the good parts and doesn't go very deep into the problematic issues. He addressed some of them, but lightly. He is best friends with Priscilla, so we only get tiny fragments of her in the memoir and all of them are positive. No mention at all of how her affair with Mike Stone had a detrimental role at the end of their marriage. I mean, we all know that Elvis was unable to be faithful to any woman, but "Cilla" wasn't also a fragile victim.
This memoir also covers the bizarre event when Elvis visited President Nixon to get his badge. Jerry was the person who Elvis chose to help him in this quest.
I enjoyed learning about him outside of being an Elvis man and his desire for becoming an independent person outside the Mafia. He ended up having a real career as manager of The Beach Boys and briefly to a young Billy Joel. His personal life is also presented in what I suspect to be a better light than it probably was, only confessing to being unfaithful to his wife once. I have a hard time this was the case with the incredible amount of beautiful women that constantly surrounded them. But, I wasn't there.. so it's just me being skeptical.
The end of Elvis' life is always tragic. There is no way to sugarcoat the events that lead to his untimely death. I felt so sad to know that Jerry wasn't around when this happened. He had not been around Elvis in the last 6 months of his life. You can read the despair and grief he felt when he was notified of the event. This is what moved my review from 3 to 4 stars. I couldn't contain my tears coming as I read the last few pages. It's probably the most honest chapter in the book.
This is a good book to expand your quest of understanding Elvis and his world. It's flawed as all memoirs are, but it's informative and well written.
May 19, 2022
I picked this up on audiobook because I'm KIND OF excited about that Elvis biopic coming out by Baz Luhrmann (yes, Romeo + Juliet Luhrmann). Turns out, the movie isn't based on any book.
BUT, I actually enjoyed this look into Elvis's life.
Jerry Schilling does a great job talking about what Elvis was like OFF the stage, how kind he was (maybe a little too kind with his money), and how progressive Elvis was with his interests (egs. karate, Yogananda).
Without being disrespectful, Jerry also shares some of the less celebratory sides of Elvis's life. The women on the side, the access to opiate prescriptions. We also learn a bit about Elvis's attitude towards his movie career (Elvis knew his movies were crap, but seems stars didnt have the pull they do today).
Jerry also made it a point to mention how influential black R&B music was to Elvis and to him personally, even during the time of "separate but equal" .... in Memphis, TN.
EDIT: Since Tom Hanks is playing him in the movie, Jerry also talks about The Colonel and I had never heard of the Colonel outside of this book. Jerry portrays him as a guy who you could trust on a "handshake" deal. Seems the Colonel was fairly influential, yet old school. Elvis would have some wild desire but the Colonel might not like them because they would not bring in a lot of money or might be too difficult (egs. word tour, a bit more artistic movies). Elvis wouldnt really do anything to bring it to fruition. on the other side, the Colonel seemed to have pull in those circles to not have anything move forward, so the Colonel seemed to have things this way. There was maybe one mention of a closed-door meeting with Elvis and the Colonel, which the Colonel came out the victor.
BUT, I actually enjoyed this look into Elvis's life.
Jerry Schilling does a great job talking about what Elvis was like OFF the stage, how kind he was (maybe a little too kind with his money), and how progressive Elvis was with his interests (egs. karate, Yogananda).
Without being disrespectful, Jerry also shares some of the less celebratory sides of Elvis's life. The women on the side, the access to opiate prescriptions. We also learn a bit about Elvis's attitude towards his movie career (Elvis knew his movies were crap, but seems stars didnt have the pull they do today).
Jerry also made it a point to mention how influential black R&B music was to Elvis and to him personally, even during the time of "separate but equal" .... in Memphis, TN.
EDIT: Since Tom Hanks is playing him in the movie, Jerry also talks about The Colonel and I had never heard of the Colonel outside of this book. Jerry portrays him as a guy who you could trust on a "handshake" deal. Seems the Colonel was fairly influential, yet old school. Elvis would have some wild desire but the Colonel might not like them because they would not bring in a lot of money or might be too difficult (egs. word tour, a bit more artistic movies). Elvis wouldnt really do anything to bring it to fruition. on the other side, the Colonel seemed to have pull in those circles to not have anything move forward, so the Colonel seemed to have things this way. There was maybe one mention of a closed-door meeting with Elvis and the Colonel, which the Colonel came out the victor.
August 28, 2022
Another book I read out of curiosity after watching the new Elvis biopic. And I’m glad I read this one, because it had such a lovely story to tell: that of a close friendship between the author, Jerry Schilling, and Elvis, that spanned their entire adult lives. There was such genuine care between these two, that at times I found myself truly moved. I even got choked up when Jerry described learning that Elvis had died. As a friend, it seems like Elvis was generous and thoughtful, and Jerry is a talented writer who turned an icon into a person anyone could find relatable.
October 17, 2011
I wanted to read a biography about Elvis before I went to Graceland, and chose this book. I learned a lot about Elvis the person. I thought the author did a great job of describing the kind of person Elvis was, not just all of his accomplishments.
January 9, 2023
5★: ELVIS WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY FRIEND‼️ In 2022, one of my reading themes was friendship. Within that theme, it was mostly non-fiction, but it wasn’t all self-help or how-to books either. There were a handful of memoirs that highlighted friendships of famous people, and this was one of them. Even though it was published in 2006, my county library did not own an audio copy, so I had to recommend they purchase it. And even though I made that recommendation early in the year, it wasn’t approved until late November (along with about seven other of my recommendations... ALL AT ONCE!) So I paused my hold until Christmas, and then just fell flat on my year-end reading push. I didn’t start this book until a 5-hour road trip on January 6, 2023 and had no intention of finishing it on what would have been Elvis’ 88th birthday on January 8th. But it is a pretty darn good coincidence! Happy Birthday Elvis! 🎂
Elvis died before I was even born, but his star will shine bright for generations to come. He is a legend whose likeness is forever engraved in our American culture. He has touched my life along the periphery for decades -- sometimes as superficially as a costume appearance at Halloween or an impersonator in Las Vegas, but then later as the pop culture phenomena that was his only child’s marriage to the King of Pop or my must-do visit to his Graceland home on a cross-country road trip. I don’t own many music CDs anymore, but his ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits album is among them. I grew-up eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and still cannot believe I didn’t have a fried one until Graceland -- the man was a genius! He is one of my preset SiriusXM channels in my car, and my kids can recognize him by his voice when quizzed. I don’t know when I first associated the phrase “Thank you... thank you very much” to Elvis, but I can’t hear it without automatically replaying it in his voice. It amazes me that it’s taken me this long to read a book or even watch a documentary on him. By the time Warner Bros rolled out their biopic of Elvis in mid-2022, and even though it starred the beloved Tom Hanks as The Colonel, I opted for the depth of a book and the lens of friendship. And Memphis Mafia member and author Jerry Schilling did not disappoint!
I knew Elvis had a great voice and was a critically and commercially successful musician. I knew he brought something new to the music scene and was at times controversial. I knew he was a movie star and had served in the military. I knew Priscilla was young when they met, and he only had one child. I heard rumors about drug use, and I knew he died very young. It’s still fairly easy to find the classic conspiracy theory that he didn’t actually die (complete with various accounts of sightings). Some of the things I did NOT know were:
Of course there are a LOT more tidbits in the book, but the main focus was his and Jerry’s friendship. Elvis treated his friends EXTREMELY well. He had several of them on the payroll in various roles like security, personal assistants, drivers, etc... but not all endured the pace and pressure. Those who did were treated to motorcycles, Cadillacs, horses, vacations, homes, and jewelry. Most of his “Memphis Mafia” (inner circle) lived at Graceland with him or across the street. And it wasn’t just material things, he doled out wisdom for them too. He kept them close and expected loyalty. He let Jerry’s dad visit and participate, and brought Jerry’s wife into the fold once he got married. He supported Jerry’s career experiments and always offered to help. Jerry was ridiculously lucky, but his path wasn’t always determined by luck. When it came down to choosing between working for Elvis and maintaining his friendship with Elvis (which he did more than once), he chose nervously but wisely. And for all of Elvis’ shortcomings, Jerry did not overly dramatize them or make it sensational. He also confessed to his own shortcomings so as not to be a hypocrite. Jerry recognized that what he had with Elvis was precious, and so he didn’t just lose the King of Rock and Roll on August 16, 1977 like most of the rest of the world -- he lost his best friend.
It is highly likely that I will read more books on Elvis some day to get additional perspectives. I know some ‘insiders’ are still out to cash-in on his fame when they spill details (whether it be in a book or in film), but I might still get glimpses of the legendary truth here and there. 👀❤👑🎵
Elvis died before I was even born, but his star will shine bright for generations to come. He is a legend whose likeness is forever engraved in our American culture. He has touched my life along the periphery for decades -- sometimes as superficially as a costume appearance at Halloween or an impersonator in Las Vegas, but then later as the pop culture phenomena that was his only child’s marriage to the King of Pop or my must-do visit to his Graceland home on a cross-country road trip. I don’t own many music CDs anymore, but his ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits album is among them. I grew-up eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches and still cannot believe I didn’t have a fried one until Graceland -- the man was a genius! He is one of my preset SiriusXM channels in my car, and my kids can recognize him by his voice when quizzed. I don’t know when I first associated the phrase “Thank you... thank you very much” to Elvis, but I can’t hear it without automatically replaying it in his voice. It amazes me that it’s taken me this long to read a book or even watch a documentary on him. By the time Warner Bros rolled out their biopic of Elvis in mid-2022, and even though it starred the beloved Tom Hanks as The Colonel, I opted for the depth of a book and the lens of friendship. And Memphis Mafia member and author Jerry Schilling did not disappoint!
I knew Elvis had a great voice and was a critically and commercially successful musician. I knew he brought something new to the music scene and was at times controversial. I knew he was a movie star and had served in the military. I knew Priscilla was young when they met, and he only had one child. I heard rumors about drug use, and I knew he died very young. It’s still fairly easy to find the classic conspiracy theory that he didn’t actually die (complete with various accounts of sightings). Some of the things I did NOT know were:
⚡ His music was altered without his approval
⚡ He felt very frustrated in his acting career
⚡ He never got to tour outside the U.S.!
⚡ He got into Rx drugs early in his career
⚡ His dad and grandma were alive when he died
⚡ He was a voracious reader
⚡ He actually studied Karate
⚡ He was interested in spirituality
⚡ He was badged law enforcement
⚡ His sideburns were inspired
⚡ How he impacted black music
⚡ How the TCB logo came about
Of course there are a LOT more tidbits in the book, but the main focus was his and Jerry’s friendship. Elvis treated his friends EXTREMELY well. He had several of them on the payroll in various roles like security, personal assistants, drivers, etc... but not all endured the pace and pressure. Those who did were treated to motorcycles, Cadillacs, horses, vacations, homes, and jewelry. Most of his “Memphis Mafia” (inner circle) lived at Graceland with him or across the street. And it wasn’t just material things, he doled out wisdom for them too. He kept them close and expected loyalty. He let Jerry’s dad visit and participate, and brought Jerry’s wife into the fold once he got married. He supported Jerry’s career experiments and always offered to help. Jerry was ridiculously lucky, but his path wasn’t always determined by luck. When it came down to choosing between working for Elvis and maintaining his friendship with Elvis (which he did more than once), he chose nervously but wisely. And for all of Elvis’ shortcomings, Jerry did not overly dramatize them or make it sensational. He also confessed to his own shortcomings so as not to be a hypocrite. Jerry recognized that what he had with Elvis was precious, and so he didn’t just lose the King of Rock and Roll on August 16, 1977 like most of the rest of the world -- he lost his best friend.
It is highly likely that I will read more books on Elvis some day to get additional perspectives. I know some ‘insiders’ are still out to cash-in on his fame when they spill details (whether it be in a book or in film), but I might still get glimpses of the legendary truth here and there. 👀❤👑🎵
January 25, 2025
One step closer to becoming a certified Elvis expert!!
Through reading various books about Elvis's life, my goal is to try and understand him more as a person and not just an entertainer. It's very easy to see him as The King that he was, but Jerry Schilling does an amazing job at putting Elvis into a real-life perspective. My favorite quote in this book is, "Viewing Elvis as some kind of rock-and-roll superhero doesn't do justice to his very human struggle, his talent, his life, or his legacy."
Jerry painted a very real picture of life with Elvis, showcasing truly who he was as a person. More than that, I loved getting to know more about Jerry - his childhood, friendships, relationships, worldview, professional successes, and most importantly, his understanding that Elvis, more than anything, was a person with a lasting legacy.
"In death, Elvis had done what he'd always sought to do in life - he'd brought us together."
Fantastic read.
Through reading various books about Elvis's life, my goal is to try and understand him more as a person and not just an entertainer. It's very easy to see him as The King that he was, but Jerry Schilling does an amazing job at putting Elvis into a real-life perspective. My favorite quote in this book is, "Viewing Elvis as some kind of rock-and-roll superhero doesn't do justice to his very human struggle, his talent, his life, or his legacy."
Jerry painted a very real picture of life with Elvis, showcasing truly who he was as a person. More than that, I loved getting to know more about Jerry - his childhood, friendships, relationships, worldview, professional successes, and most importantly, his understanding that Elvis, more than anything, was a person with a lasting legacy.
"In death, Elvis had done what he'd always sought to do in life - he'd brought us together."
Fantastic read.
February 15, 2024
This took me so long to finish because it kept making me emotional every chapter. In my honest opinion, this is THE definitive Elvis Presley book. Jerry’s writing is so enthralling you can picture everything so clearly in your head. I’ve always appreciated Jerry’s insights on the King and his life, but this book just feels straight from his heart onto the page, you truly believe this was a great friendship.
Sidenote: I was at an Elvis on screen concert a few years back and I spotted Jerry in the downstairs audience and I was so excited to see him there because I truly love his loyalty and respect for my hero.
Sidenote: I was at an Elvis on screen concert a few years back and I spotted Jerry in the downstairs audience and I was so excited to see him there because I truly love his loyalty and respect for my hero.
June 1, 2016
3.5 jumpsuits out of 5
November 16, 2023
As a lifelong Elvis fan, I've listened to countless recordings, watched every film, and read every book and article about him that I could find. So, when I picked up Jerry Schilling's memoir, I wasn't expecting to learn anything new, but boy, was I in for a surprise!
The story begins in Memphis, TN where 12-year-old Jerry starts playing football with a group of neighborhood teenagers, which happens to include a 19-year-old truck driver named Elvis. Even though Jerry was a younger kid, Elvis went out of his way to include him in the group, and over time, they developed a genuine friendship.
Jerry is one of the very few people who had the opportunity to know Elvis long before he became "the king," and he spent over two decades as a member of Elvis's most trusted group of friends - the Memphis Mafia. Along with Joe Esposito, Red West, Sonny West, Charlie Hodge, and Marty Lacker, Jerry dedicated his life to helping and protecting his friend. The group traveled together, lived together, and grew up together - never leaving Elvis's side.
As a result, Jerry was a firsthand witness to every major event in Elvis's life. He was there when Elvis's mother died, when he was drafted into the Army, when he met Priscilla, and when he became a father. In fact, it was Jerry who drove Elvis and Priscilla to the hospital when Lisa Marie was born. Jerry even stood beside Elvis in the oval office when he first met President Richard Nixon.
After reading the book, I must say that Jerry Schilling is, by far, one of the luckiest man on planet earth. How many people can say that they hung out with Elvis and the Beatles all at the same time? Jerry is one of the precious few. He also shares memories of the time he spent with Ann-Margret, Colonel Parker, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Chuck Berry, Billy Joel, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).
What makes "Me and a Guy Named Elvis" most extraordinary is the deep level of love and friendship the two men shared. Only Jerry can tell us what it was like to be with Elvis at every stage of his life, and what it was like for his friends and family when Elvis was gone. I now understand why Priscilla and Lisa Marie remained friends with Jerry and continued to think of him as part of their family. He was much more than a member of the Memphis Mafia, Jerry was the closest thing to a brother Elvis ever knew.
The story begins in Memphis, TN where 12-year-old Jerry starts playing football with a group of neighborhood teenagers, which happens to include a 19-year-old truck driver named Elvis. Even though Jerry was a younger kid, Elvis went out of his way to include him in the group, and over time, they developed a genuine friendship.
Jerry is one of the very few people who had the opportunity to know Elvis long before he became "the king," and he spent over two decades as a member of Elvis's most trusted group of friends - the Memphis Mafia. Along with Joe Esposito, Red West, Sonny West, Charlie Hodge, and Marty Lacker, Jerry dedicated his life to helping and protecting his friend. The group traveled together, lived together, and grew up together - never leaving Elvis's side.
As a result, Jerry was a firsthand witness to every major event in Elvis's life. He was there when Elvis's mother died, when he was drafted into the Army, when he met Priscilla, and when he became a father. In fact, it was Jerry who drove Elvis and Priscilla to the hospital when Lisa Marie was born. Jerry even stood beside Elvis in the oval office when he first met President Richard Nixon.
After reading the book, I must say that Jerry Schilling is, by far, one of the luckiest man on planet earth. How many people can say that they hung out with Elvis and the Beatles all at the same time? Jerry is one of the precious few. He also shares memories of the time he spent with Ann-Margret, Colonel Parker, Sammy Davis Jr., Tom Jones, Chuck Berry, Billy Joel, and The Beach Boys (to name a few).
What makes "Me and a Guy Named Elvis" most extraordinary is the deep level of love and friendship the two men shared. Only Jerry can tell us what it was like to be with Elvis at every stage of his life, and what it was like for his friends and family when Elvis was gone. I now understand why Priscilla and Lisa Marie remained friends with Jerry and continued to think of him as part of their family. He was much more than a member of the Memphis Mafia, Jerry was the closest thing to a brother Elvis ever knew.
August 4, 2023
Kind of dreaded reading it, afraid it will be a dry slog of general Elvis history, but it was quite entertaining, and a different view of Elvis and his friendships with people. He touched upon the drugs, other women, odd behavior, but didn't stain Elvis's memory at all. He clearly loved Elvis and sounds like Elvis respected him most amongst his friends. The book "Elvis: What Happened?" by his other friends, now that one is much more incendiary.
September 24, 2023
AUDIOBOOK: for someone whose read A LOT about Elvis this was a interesting POV. Audio reader had great narration- super engaging and fun to listen to. Not super gossipy, but full of fond memories and interesting stories about being Elvis’s friend. A little long winded on the same subjects but you could tell the author really loved to tell these stories. Stopped about halfway through….Couldn’t imagine 6 more hours and was feeling sort of repetitive so decided to stop listening.
June 22, 2022
4.5*
This was a very enjoyable memoir to listen to and felt very personal. I appreciated it a lot, but one must remember that it is most likely a very biased portrayal of Elvis, Jerry, and other people mentioned.
I haven’t read any other biographies or memoirs about Elvis, but I’ve seen a bunch of documentaries and this book aligns well with what I know based on other sources which makes me trust in its content more.
This was a very enjoyable memoir to listen to and felt very personal. I appreciated it a lot, but one must remember that it is most likely a very biased portrayal of Elvis, Jerry, and other people mentioned.
I haven’t read any other biographies or memoirs about Elvis, but I’ve seen a bunch of documentaries and this book aligns well with what I know based on other sources which makes me trust in its content more.
April 26, 2017
Great read on the life on Elvis Presley from the perspective of one his closest friends. It's a little longer than it needs to be, and there are definitely parts that are biased towards making Elvis out as positive as possible, but still an enjoyable and informative bio.
June 1, 2022
I know he dies at the end, but it still made me cry. This books let’s you get to know Elvis as a person, not a character.
April 10, 2023
Jerry brings Elvis to life with wonderful stories from childhood to his passing. Excellent read!
July 25, 2025
If I wasn’t born in 2002 I would have been his friend too
December 7, 2025
i love elvis so much…. miss him… (wasn’t alive when he was but u know)
January 14, 2025
my all time favorite book on elvis. i cry every single time i think about it. how can one not love jerry schilling? such a humble & beautiful soul. no wonder he was best friends with elvis, another humble & beautiful soul. jerry writes about elvis with such genuine love, grace, & respect focusing more on the human side of elvis, detached from the usual focus of him as performer, star, & celebrity. jerry is one of the rare few who was simply there for elvis’s friendship & not for his status and money. he worked hard for his own success without anyone’s aid & even mentions those endeavors & experiences. his own involvement in music history separated from elvis was so interesting to read about as well. overall, you can tell just by the way jerry speaks of elvis how much jerry truly cherished their friendship.
November 19, 2008
I love Elvis...and I like to hear what went on between him and his friends. However...Jerry Schilling is such a sap...it's hard to believe they were just "friends." (I'm just sayin')
January 3, 2020
Don't seek the salacious here. What you will find is an honest, warm appraisal of a complex and largely misunderstood icon but a close friend. A good read!
October 10, 2012
ok book told by a friend of Elvis'. He seemed like a real nice guy in this story, which is a little different than the book written by his ex-wife. Got it at Graceland when I went with Maria.
April 17, 2013
It was an ok book,found it a little boring at times.Read a lot about Elvis and this was not the best.
June 25, 2017
I'm a huge Elvis fan and have read a few books written about him through the years. I especially wanted to read this from one of the guys who was part of the inner circle and who continues to be so involved with the legacy to see how he might spin it and if he would have anything new to tell us. I think one of the things I really appreciated about the way Schilling tells the story is that he - like most - was a fan, was enamored with Elvis from the beginning and genuinely loved him. And while he became a friend and confidant, it doesn't appear that the luster ever really wore off. Even at times when Elvis was unreasonable or selfish, there was a lot of grace extended because of his admiration and love for Elvis. I think I still search for an understanding of why those closest to him refused to confront what now can be seen as obvious red flags. Had they been addressed, had they been more proactive, perhaps this would have had a different ending. But in Jerry's book you can also see how careful everyone was with Elvis. I used to think it was because they simply didn't want to lose their job or their place in the inner circle - and maybe that's true for some - but you can also see in this book how perhaps their lack of confrontation or telling hard truths might also have had to do with an unwillingness to hurt someone they loved, someone who was a fragile soul in so many ways. Their entire world, upbringing almost - because they were all kids when they started hanging out - was about protecting Elvis. So confronting him would have been seen as hurtful or even cruel and that kept them from doing so. I loved hearing a lot of new stories and insider information. Schilling stays away from much of the lascivious details that might malign Elvis but explains how life on the road and the environment did not make for a good home life - for Elvis and Priscilla or any of the guys. I don't think the intent was to chronicle every single detail of his day-to-day with E but to give a sense for the real man and the friendship. I think he does this admirably and well. If you're a fan, I highly recommend. One of my bucket list requests would be to one day get to spend a day - or two - just hearing all the stories from those who knew him best. I feel like I got a little of that from this book. Thanks Jerry!
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