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Elvis and the Memphis Mafia
A monumental oral biography filled with raucous joy, aching loss and terrible poignancy, Elvis & the Memphis Mafia is the first book to capture the King – the man and the phenomenon – in his full complexity. Through revealing interviews with three of Elvis’s closest friends, who were also his protectors and rescuers, Nash achieves the first true mapping of Elvis’s psyche.
Billy Smith – Elvis’s first cousin and the person he reputedly loved most after his own mother – Marty Lacker – best man at his wedding and foreman of the ‘Memphis Mafia’, the King’s handpicked group of gatekeepers and confidants – and Lamar Fike – the touring crew member who accompanied him into the Army – were with Elvis from his teens to his final days and provide unique access to the greatest of all rock and roll legends. The revelations cut through every aspect of Elvis’s life, from the childhood seeds of his drug dependency, through his fear for his mother’s life and his plan to change his identity, to his bizarre self-mutilation. No one who reads this symphonic blending of three proud, ribald, sad and ultimately wistful voices can fail to be profoundly moved.
Billy Smith – Elvis’s first cousin and the person he reputedly loved most after his own mother – Marty Lacker – best man at his wedding and foreman of the ‘Memphis Mafia’, the King’s handpicked group of gatekeepers and confidants – and Lamar Fike – the touring crew member who accompanied him into the Army – were with Elvis from his teens to his final days and provide unique access to the greatest of all rock and roll legends. The revelations cut through every aspect of Elvis’s life, from the childhood seeds of his drug dependency, through his fear for his mother’s life and his plan to change his identity, to his bizarre self-mutilation. No one who reads this symphonic blending of three proud, ribald, sad and ultimately wistful voices can fail to be profoundly moved.
- GenresBiographyMusicNonfiction
806 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1995
282 people are currently reading
830 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 3, 2024
This is a huge book… close to 800 pages. The author did a great job capturing the experiences of the guys that knew Elvis best who were extensively interviewed for this book. I just don’t know how to feel - It definitely changed how I think about him. It’s very dark and very in-depth, and sometimes too much information was shared. For example do I really need to know that Elvis wasn’t circumcised? I definitely feel very differently about Elvis now I’ve read it - I can’t look at him the same knowing his sexual preference for very young (14 years old) teenage girls. It really gave me the huge ick to hear the people that were closest to him say that Elvis preferred short (around 5” 2 or less) and very young girls who weren’t very intelligent and wouldn’t answer back; because he liked to totally control and dominate females.. he also hit and kicked women that ‘upset it annoyed him’. I know it was a different time but that’s repulsive behaviour.. As a piece of oral history work though, this book was extremely well done. If you want to get to know Elvis, all sides of him - go for it. But if you don’t want the glittering image of the legend to be tarnished beyond repair, I would give it a big miss.
October 15, 2012
Like just about any other book written about a famous person, be prepared to learn about the person behind the public image. Sometimes this is a good thing, and sometimes it's bad, and there is about an equal amount of each in this book. The whole thing about the drugs is finally put into a proper perspective, but you also get to see that the bad effects of the drugs had been dealt with for a much longer period of time than the public realized.
I also don't think that so much of Elvis's sex life or his sexual likes and dislikes should have been here. But I also understand that everything in this book was written to finally get everything straight after years of half-truths and outright lies that were written by former friends and associates of Elvis. And that's the main point of the book, for better or worse, so I would really think hard about how much you really want to find out about the man behind the myth.
For me, this was a must-read, because I have read Marty Lacker's other book several times, and I still prefer it to this one, because even though there were a few dark moments, it mostly showcased the lighter side of Elvis. This book is more or less the opposite, having a few light moments in a mostly dark book. It's still a good book, though, especially if you are a fan of Elvis, like I am.
I have to repeat this one more time, because it's important to keep in mind while you are reading this book. Everything in this book is here to clear up the half-truths and outright lies that other people had written about Elvis up until this book came out. As long as you can remember that one point, you will get a very good look inside the private life of one of the world's favorite entertainers, and maybe even come to understand him a little better as a human being instead of as a revered star on a pedestal that must be constantly worshipped.
Trust me, the real man was much more interesting than the legendary public image, and this is a book that could only be told by those who were the closest. His cousin Billy Smith lends this book a significant amount of credibility, because almost everybody who was ever involved with Elvis says that Billy is the person that Elvis was the closest with, all of the way up until Elvis died.
There are some grumblings about Colonel Tom Parker and members of Elvis's family, but there is also great insight into them as well, and this helps to paint a more complete picture of everything that Elvis was dealing with on a constant basis.
I have already read this book twice since I got it, and I imagine that I will be reading it several more times in the future!
I also don't think that so much of Elvis's sex life or his sexual likes and dislikes should have been here. But I also understand that everything in this book was written to finally get everything straight after years of half-truths and outright lies that were written by former friends and associates of Elvis. And that's the main point of the book, for better or worse, so I would really think hard about how much you really want to find out about the man behind the myth.
For me, this was a must-read, because I have read Marty Lacker's other book several times, and I still prefer it to this one, because even though there were a few dark moments, it mostly showcased the lighter side of Elvis. This book is more or less the opposite, having a few light moments in a mostly dark book. It's still a good book, though, especially if you are a fan of Elvis, like I am.
I have to repeat this one more time, because it's important to keep in mind while you are reading this book. Everything in this book is here to clear up the half-truths and outright lies that other people had written about Elvis up until this book came out. As long as you can remember that one point, you will get a very good look inside the private life of one of the world's favorite entertainers, and maybe even come to understand him a little better as a human being instead of as a revered star on a pedestal that must be constantly worshipped.
Trust me, the real man was much more interesting than the legendary public image, and this is a book that could only be told by those who were the closest. His cousin Billy Smith lends this book a significant amount of credibility, because almost everybody who was ever involved with Elvis says that Billy is the person that Elvis was the closest with, all of the way up until Elvis died.
There are some grumblings about Colonel Tom Parker and members of Elvis's family, but there is also great insight into them as well, and this helps to paint a more complete picture of everything that Elvis was dealing with on a constant basis.
I have already read this book twice since I got it, and I imagine that I will be reading it several more times in the future!
May 3, 2015
There's a ton of material here-but it's intriguing from beginning to end. I've read a lot of Elvis "stuff" but I can't believe how little I actually knew about his crazy tragic life. Here are three people who were on the inside for his whole career, spilling their guts for the sake of people knowing the true story. And it's a crazy one…
May 13, 2022
I had a bit of a love hate relationship with this book but in the end I actually found a lot more to like about it than not to. I am a fan of Alanna Nash's work and have read all her other books about Elvis. This was slightly different in that it was actually a first hand account of three of the original members of Elvis's inner circle, the Memphis Mafia as they came to be known, who were basically telling us of their memories and experiences with Elvis. Billy Smith, his first cousin, Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. It is as much their story I suppose as it is Elvis's. There is a lot in this book that can only come from those that were closely involved with Elvis but there are a lot of contradictions here as well. Things remembered differently or not at all. I suppose it is inevitable that would be the case as Elvis himself could be a walking contradiction. It was quite a surreal world the Elvis world but what came through here was that in spite everything Elvis loved and was loved by these three guys. Did I want to know everything that was revealed here...probably not, do I believe everything here..I'm not sure but in the end there was much more to like and learn here than I expected. To me the most genuine voice out of the three men was Billy Smith's. Perhaps taken "with a grain of salt" this is a valuable read to get another perspective on both Elvis the entertainer and Elvis the man, father and friend.
April 24, 2019
Ive been falling in love with autobiography again. Its great to reread some books that you forgot you read
August 1, 2019
Elvis, warts n all
Oh my, I read this book some time back, at a time perhaps when I was naive enough to believe Elvis was some form of deity, to me he still is but in a very different way.
The honesty that pervades throughout the book is compelling, harrowing, enlightening, awe inspiring at times but most of all a "Must Read" for anyone who has interest in the life of Elvis, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, believe me, it has it all.
Elvis like us all, had his share of issues and sometimes those around felt it and felt it hard but you know their Love for him as Elvis, whether it be as a Friend, Employer, Family, Confidante, Adviser, whatever always won through, the Love was ALWAYS there from both sides.
Elvis ain't no saint and god forbid that he was, you gotta enjoy the spoils of what you put in, what he is and will always be is, Supremely Talented, Humble, Beautiful in Spirit and Mind, A Bar Setter and a Bar Raiser and pretty much 1st to do what everyone these days wants to achieve.
A wonderful and often sad journey experienced by those closest to him, shared by the excellent Alanna Nash is the greatest, most honest book I have ever read and I have read many on Elvis, I am a fan and will be to my grave and I'm humbled to be allowed to read some of those times.
You will not regret reading this book, be open minded and put yourself in their and Elvis place!
Unless you walked in that mans shoes.........
Oh my, I read this book some time back, at a time perhaps when I was naive enough to believe Elvis was some form of deity, to me he still is but in a very different way.
The honesty that pervades throughout the book is compelling, harrowing, enlightening, awe inspiring at times but most of all a "Must Read" for anyone who has interest in the life of Elvis, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly, believe me, it has it all.
Elvis like us all, had his share of issues and sometimes those around felt it and felt it hard but you know their Love for him as Elvis, whether it be as a Friend, Employer, Family, Confidante, Adviser, whatever always won through, the Love was ALWAYS there from both sides.
Elvis ain't no saint and god forbid that he was, you gotta enjoy the spoils of what you put in, what he is and will always be is, Supremely Talented, Humble, Beautiful in Spirit and Mind, A Bar Setter and a Bar Raiser and pretty much 1st to do what everyone these days wants to achieve.
A wonderful and often sad journey experienced by those closest to him, shared by the excellent Alanna Nash is the greatest, most honest book I have ever read and I have read many on Elvis, I am a fan and will be to my grave and I'm humbled to be allowed to read some of those times.
You will not regret reading this book, be open minded and put yourself in their and Elvis place!
Unless you walked in that mans shoes.........
May 11, 2019
I’m a huge Elvis fan but also realize there’s a big difference to his public vs private persona. I’ve read many books on him from those who knew him and while I liked this book I felt there was a lot of bitterness from the guys who collectively told the story - especially from his cousin Billy who ended up as a Graceland tour guide after his death. A lot of jealousy towards Joe Esposito and George Klein, in addition towards Priscilla and even snide comments about Lisa Presley’s lack of talent. I would take what’s in here with a grain of salt, seems like sour grapes from the guys who didn’t accomplish much after their meal ticket was gone.
November 23, 2022
Everlasting Elvis
This book more than any other exposes the great ness, the weaknesses and the sheer brilliance of a giant star. He lives in every line and page as no other character has ever done Despite his faults and there were many the underlying beauty of his soul shines through the story. He life, loves and sins destroyed him but above all he was the greatest star who ever lived and his men showed that in the care they showed him and the loss he left behind.
This book more than any other exposes the great ness, the weaknesses and the sheer brilliance of a giant star. He lives in every line and page as no other character has ever done Despite his faults and there were many the underlying beauty of his soul shines through the story. He life, loves and sins destroyed him but above all he was the greatest star who ever lived and his men showed that in the care they showed him and the loss he left behind.
May 23, 2008
i wonder if...you're lonesome tonight.
August 1, 2017
Of all of the Elvis biographies I have read, this one feels the most truthful and heartfelt.
September 9, 2022
I looooooved Billy’s portions and feel like what he says can be trusted. Marty was okay. I thought Lamar was a pompous goat and I don’t care for his portions at all.
April 15, 2021
At almost 800 pages, this book requires something of a commitment. I found it fascinating though. Celebrity biographer Alanna Nash writes some of the context for the chapters, but the book is mostly an oral history of life with Elvis Presley as told by three of his long-time employees: Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, and Lamar Fike. Each has a distinctive voice and unique perspective. Lacker was sometimes in charge of Elvis’s “Memphis Mafia,” and he comes across as someone you could trust in tough situations. Smith was Elvis’s cousin who knew The King from poverty through depravity. Fike was Elvis’s wise-cracking, rotund buddy and often the butt of his jokes. Sometimes these guys disagree with each other about whether certain events actually happened or what they meant, which I found interesting, but when they agree on something, it is likely solid information, even if it’s borderline unbelievable.
The most illuminating sections for me were from the 1960s—the movie years—when Elvis was rich, bored, artistically unchallenged, and prone to risky behavior. By the end of the book, we see Elvis as a pill-addicted tragic figure who frequently takes the stage as a barely functional parody of himself but who is still idolized like no other musician before or since. This book can also be read as a Southern Gothic tale replete with bizarre behavior; quirky, dangerous relatives and friends; strange religious interpretations; and a central figure who is both larger than life but ultimately subject to life's limitations.
I can’t resist saying something about this book’s poor design. I purchased my copy new in 1995 at a book signing with Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. (They both seemed like great guys and answered several of my questions about Elvis.) In the twenty-some years since then, the pages have yellowed much more than other books I own from that era. Also, the cover features a shoddily reproduced picture of Elvis with five members of his entourage, not just the three co-authors. (The original dust jacket is different from the one shown on Goodreads.) The book’s ample spine—prime real estate for a book jacket—shows Joe Esposito, someone who the book does not portray in a particularly positive light. The jacket cover should have been handled by someone with a better understanding of the book and its subjects.
The most illuminating sections for me were from the 1960s—the movie years—when Elvis was rich, bored, artistically unchallenged, and prone to risky behavior. By the end of the book, we see Elvis as a pill-addicted tragic figure who frequently takes the stage as a barely functional parody of himself but who is still idolized like no other musician before or since. This book can also be read as a Southern Gothic tale replete with bizarre behavior; quirky, dangerous relatives and friends; strange religious interpretations; and a central figure who is both larger than life but ultimately subject to life's limitations.
I can’t resist saying something about this book’s poor design. I purchased my copy new in 1995 at a book signing with Marty Lacker and Lamar Fike. (They both seemed like great guys and answered several of my questions about Elvis.) In the twenty-some years since then, the pages have yellowed much more than other books I own from that era. Also, the cover features a shoddily reproduced picture of Elvis with five members of his entourage, not just the three co-authors. (The original dust jacket is different from the one shown on Goodreads.) The book’s ample spine—prime real estate for a book jacket—shows Joe Esposito, someone who the book does not portray in a particularly positive light. The jacket cover should have been handled by someone with a better understanding of the book and its subjects.
March 10, 2013
Never meet your heroes as they say! Although I really enjoyed this book and its insight into the life of Elvis and his entourage, I must admit that my romantic idyllic image of Elvis has been well and truly destroyed although I will always love his music (and films). He comes across as a very mixed-up individual who faced challenges all his life. It shows how the drug taking started really early on so his untimely death was perhaps inevitable. I certainly have changed my impression of the relationship between him and Priscilla but maybe this is due to the contributions to the book coming from his close male friends. Maybe I should read something from her to see her perspective....?
April 14, 2024
What a book! A very long, detailed read, but it certainly delved deep into Elvis' life. The text is a series of interviews given to the author, by those who were closest to Elvis, from the very start. These men lived and worked with Elvis, day in and day out. They knew all his secrets, his thoughts and his actions, which they told us about with candour and honesty. They told it as it was, and offered their understanding of events. Sometimes they contradicted one another in some details, but this helped the reader to get the all round view of Elvis and the way that he interacted with people. These men were giving their truth of events, how they remembered things.
The book is one long tragedy. We see Elvis as the man that he really was. Unfortunately, we see sides to him that are abhorrent. He lied, cheated, manipulated, abused and lived his life in pursuit of his own gratification. He groomed young girls and he slept with them when they were years below the age of consent. I found it hard to understand how those adults who lived in the house alongside him enabled him to do this. The girls' parents even allowed it. His cousin's wife even used to vet them before they were sent up to his bedroom. She knew the type he liked and would only send up the nice girls! Elvis' drug use was off the scale. It was a way of life for him and the members of his team. He even gave the drugs to the young girls. How he lived as long as he did was a miracle, but the drugs clearly had a significant effect on his mental health. His actions during the last few years of his life were chilling and almost unbelievable.
Having said that, these men clearly loved and looked after him. He treated them dreadfully, in turn, but they understood him and clearly cared deeply about him. They would do anything for him, and he loved them in return. They showed the loving side of him, his loyalty, his generosity, his religious and spiritual side. The great talent that this man was. This book explores it all, in the words of those who shared his life. I found the last part of the book harrowing, in the days leading up to his death. The details of his passing brought me to tears. The emotion from these men was hard to read. He changed their lives for ever.
This book affected me greatly. I idolised Elvis when I was growing up. I bought his records, had his pictures on my bedroom wall. I still listen to and love his songs, especially the gospel songs. What a talent! What a voice! How do I feel now? Upset. Disappointed. Enlightened. I am glad that I read the book, because I believe that this is the most accurate account of his life that is available, out of all the books that have been written about him. He did many bad things, but I also believe that he was a victim of his success and his life certainly was not easy. It is a tribute to this book that we are left to make up our own minds about him. The facts are all there.
The book is one long tragedy. We see Elvis as the man that he really was. Unfortunately, we see sides to him that are abhorrent. He lied, cheated, manipulated, abused and lived his life in pursuit of his own gratification. He groomed young girls and he slept with them when they were years below the age of consent. I found it hard to understand how those adults who lived in the house alongside him enabled him to do this. The girls' parents even allowed it. His cousin's wife even used to vet them before they were sent up to his bedroom. She knew the type he liked and would only send up the nice girls! Elvis' drug use was off the scale. It was a way of life for him and the members of his team. He even gave the drugs to the young girls. How he lived as long as he did was a miracle, but the drugs clearly had a significant effect on his mental health. His actions during the last few years of his life were chilling and almost unbelievable.
Having said that, these men clearly loved and looked after him. He treated them dreadfully, in turn, but they understood him and clearly cared deeply about him. They would do anything for him, and he loved them in return. They showed the loving side of him, his loyalty, his generosity, his religious and spiritual side. The great talent that this man was. This book explores it all, in the words of those who shared his life. I found the last part of the book harrowing, in the days leading up to his death. The details of his passing brought me to tears. The emotion from these men was hard to read. He changed their lives for ever.
This book affected me greatly. I idolised Elvis when I was growing up. I bought his records, had his pictures on my bedroom wall. I still listen to and love his songs, especially the gospel songs. What a talent! What a voice! How do I feel now? Upset. Disappointed. Enlightened. I am glad that I read the book, because I believe that this is the most accurate account of his life that is available, out of all the books that have been written about him. He did many bad things, but I also believe that he was a victim of his success and his life certainly was not easy. It is a tribute to this book that we are left to make up our own minds about him. The facts are all there.
March 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It seemed like these three men (Marty, Billy and Lamar) knew Elvis well as they were with him for the longest time. It was depressing as he went downhill so fast in the 70's. No one could have helped him as he was too egotistical and believed that he was okay as long as these were prescription drugs. It is amazing that he could perform (some of the time) as he was so high on so many drugs. It is also amazing that he canceled so many performances, or quit in the middle of a performance. It is weird that so many places continued to hire him for a performance until about 1976 and then he was not being asked for some appearances. He was also getting negative press as well.
I also truly believe that the Colonel put him in his grave. The way that he continually pushed Elvis to do so many performances, especially doing two performances for 4 weeks without a day off in Vegas had to have worn on Elvis over the years. And the fact that he took 50% or more of all of Elvis' earnings and then doing the merchandise and taking most of that money as well.
Elvis never had any financial advice and never invested any of his money. He just spent it and wasted it on cars and jewelry for others. Colonel was always needing money because of his gambling addiction. Elvis always needed money because of his free spending. Then he would get into manic episodes where he would buy everyone cars or motorcycles, or trailers, or jewelry. It was strange that he never paid the guys enough on his Memphis Mafia. And Vernon didn't want anyone to get money away from Elvis. It was a nasty world that Elvis lived in between Vernon and Colonel. No wonder he became so addicted to meds.
I also truly believe that the Colonel put him in his grave. The way that he continually pushed Elvis to do so many performances, especially doing two performances for 4 weeks without a day off in Vegas had to have worn on Elvis over the years. And the fact that he took 50% or more of all of Elvis' earnings and then doing the merchandise and taking most of that money as well.
Elvis never had any financial advice and never invested any of his money. He just spent it and wasted it on cars and jewelry for others. Colonel was always needing money because of his gambling addiction. Elvis always needed money because of his free spending. Then he would get into manic episodes where he would buy everyone cars or motorcycles, or trailers, or jewelry. It was strange that he never paid the guys enough on his Memphis Mafia. And Vernon didn't want anyone to get money away from Elvis. It was a nasty world that Elvis lived in between Vernon and Colonel. No wonder he became so addicted to meds.
January 9, 2024
I've read a few books on Elvis hoping to gain an insight (as much as you ever can) of what he and his life were really like. I have to say, with this book, I got more (good & bad) than expected.
Regardless there is a real sense of honesty from the 3 boys (Billy, Marty & Lamar). At times they contradict themselves as well as each other, expressing both positive and negative opinions on Elvis.
They relay tales which made me smile, get teary, cranky and some things I would have probably preferred not to have known.
However, the boys absolute need and love for Elvis is so obvious it literally jumps off the page. Elvis was their drug.
As I can imagine with the majority of Elvis fans, we always wish we could go back in time and save him. This book makes you realise that you probably couldnt. I still would try though, and would be armed with this book as it maybe one of the few around which may have done the trick.
Ultimately I highly recommend this book but be prepared to read about the man, warts and all. To quote Elvis himself, the image is one thing and the human being is another. But what an amazing human he was!
Now I'm off to rewatch the 68 Comeback Special so I can remember "my" Elvis.
Regardless there is a real sense of honesty from the 3 boys (Billy, Marty & Lamar). At times they contradict themselves as well as each other, expressing both positive and negative opinions on Elvis.
They relay tales which made me smile, get teary, cranky and some things I would have probably preferred not to have known.
However, the boys absolute need and love for Elvis is so obvious it literally jumps off the page. Elvis was their drug.
As I can imagine with the majority of Elvis fans, we always wish we could go back in time and save him. This book makes you realise that you probably couldnt. I still would try though, and would be armed with this book as it maybe one of the few around which may have done the trick.
Ultimately I highly recommend this book but be prepared to read about the man, warts and all. To quote Elvis himself, the image is one thing and the human being is another. But what an amazing human he was!
Now I'm off to rewatch the 68 Comeback Special so I can remember "my" Elvis.
January 17, 2018
After finishing this nearly 800 page book, I can safely say that it would have worked better as a documentary.
I am a big fan of the King and was excited to learn more about Elvis, considering I'd never read any books regarding him or his life. Unfortunately, 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia' doesn't contain much information that is not already in the public sphere. We all know he took a hell of a lot of drugs, liked to womanise and was frivolous with money. This book confirms those facts with sometimes amusing, sometimes tedious anecdotes from three members of Elvis's inner circle.
The book itself read directly like a transcript of a conversation, which lead me to the previous stated belief that it could have been condensed and made into an effective documentary instead of a too-lengthy book.
The biggest take away from this book is just how much the drugs effected Elvis and how much control his manager, Tom Parker, had over his life.
I rate this book a 3.5/5 and would recommend to die hard Elvis fans with the forewarning of not to expect any bombshells.
I am a big fan of the King and was excited to learn more about Elvis, considering I'd never read any books regarding him or his life. Unfortunately, 'Elvis and the Memphis Mafia' doesn't contain much information that is not already in the public sphere. We all know he took a hell of a lot of drugs, liked to womanise and was frivolous with money. This book confirms those facts with sometimes amusing, sometimes tedious anecdotes from three members of Elvis's inner circle.
The book itself read directly like a transcript of a conversation, which lead me to the previous stated belief that it could have been condensed and made into an effective documentary instead of a too-lengthy book.
The biggest take away from this book is just how much the drugs effected Elvis and how much control his manager, Tom Parker, had over his life.
I rate this book a 3.5/5 and would recommend to die hard Elvis fans with the forewarning of not to expect any bombshells.
July 21, 2022
This was an excellent book. Written in the form of a documentary between Elvis' trusted group. This was filled with insider secrets, drama, history, and memories. I truly enjoyed reading this...even through the hard parts. I truly wish someone could have helped Elvis with the therapy and detox he truly needed. So sad to see how so many people took advantage of him and how many people he in turn also took advantage over because of his fame. Ye be warned that not all things you read are things you wished to know or hear about this legend. Either way this book is a Rollercoaster ride.
July 27, 2022
Hands down the best Elvis memoir ever written.
Not sure what else to say. These three men knew Elvis as well as anyone. In this book they tell their stories in incredible detail. It’s the level of detail that really brings this to life. They don’t always agree either which adds to the authenticity of this book. Their individual characters come through and it’s like being a fly on the wall in Elvis’s life.
Alanna Nash did an incredible job in turning their thoughts memories and recollections into a highly readable book.
Absolutely essential reading. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Not sure what else to say. These three men knew Elvis as well as anyone. In this book they tell their stories in incredible detail. It’s the level of detail that really brings this to life. They don’t always agree either which adds to the authenticity of this book. Their individual characters come through and it’s like being a fly on the wall in Elvis’s life.
Alanna Nash did an incredible job in turning their thoughts memories and recollections into a highly readable book.
Absolutely essential reading. It doesn’t get any better than this.
October 28, 2022
I'm a huge Elvis fan so have been looking forward to reading this one as it has been known to be one of the greatest Elvis biographies out there. However, I didn't feel that way entirely. I felt that Marty, Lamar and Billy had some sort of attitude throughout the whole book and didn't really have a good word to say about anyone else in the Elvis world.
There were some good anecdotes that I enjoyed but like all books about Elvis, we have to take everything with a pinch of salt as he's not here to defend himself or back these stories up.
There were some good anecdotes that I enjoyed but like all books about Elvis, we have to take everything with a pinch of salt as he's not here to defend himself or back these stories up.
July 27, 2025
I really struggled with this. I think it took me like 6 months to read. I've read about 5 Elvis books at this point, and each one, although essentially the same story, was honestly pretty riveting. But this one was giving gossip column. I wish the entire book was like the end, which I did start to like. The "Aftermath" chapter discussing each of the guys and their lives after Elvis's death was eye-opening and truly showed the impact he had on them. I just wish it felt that way throughout the other 700-something pages.
March 5, 2023
Very insightful
This book revealed the real Elvis ( in private) that no one knew! It was very insight to Elvis's character. Made everyone see that he had flaws like all us do. The book also shows the loving and giving side of elvis's personality. Really enjoyed this book . Highly recommend it for another perspective of Elvis from those who really knew him! May he rest in peace.
This book revealed the real Elvis ( in private) that no one knew! It was very insight to Elvis's character. Made everyone see that he had flaws like all us do. The book also shows the loving and giving side of elvis's personality. Really enjoyed this book . Highly recommend it for another perspective of Elvis from those who really knew him! May he rest in peace.
April 3, 2023
You learn a lot about Elvis that you never knew before told by the men that were always close to him his inner circle The Memphis Mafia the drug problem is handled well as you see how his friends tried to save Elvis from self destruction Alanna Nash has always been one of my favorite writers in the Elvis field and her books are always very enjoyable and this one won't disappoint the millions of Elvis fans it's a definite read
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March 13, 2025This book has absolutely every detail to the point that I feel saturated. It has every inside story like there is nothing left to to tell. I was not feeling well during the time as I was reading this book and as he began to descend I honestly felt like I was dying too. I felt I had to finish the book in order to survive and it was a long very depressing experience. I will never touch another book about Elvis again, I have read it all. Dear Elvis, Rest in Peace.
February 2, 2020
Elvis Aaron Presley: Revelations From the Memphis Mafia by Alanna Nash with Billy Smith (Harper Collins 1995) (3419). This is a tell-all-and-cash-in by three former members of Elvis' posse of homeboys which was known as “The Memphis Mafia.”
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My rating: 7/10, finished 02/01/20 (3419).
August 12, 2020
It was an amazing read! The interviews from Elvis's closest people are compiled into a very coherent and compelling story. There is no judgement from the author, just the memories of his beloved ones for better or worse. It was hard to get through some parts, as I hadn't known about Elvis's rough edges before. But it was truly eye opening to a lot of facts about his life.
February 9, 2023
The King….warts and all.
If there are better books on Elvis there aren’t many. This is a book narrated by some of the closest of the all time Elvis employees. They’re known as the Memphis Mafia. It’s a fascinating inside look at Elvis’s life and his inner circle and doesn’t always paint a pretty picture. I highly recommend this book.
If there are better books on Elvis there aren’t many. This is a book narrated by some of the closest of the all time Elvis employees. They’re known as the Memphis Mafia. It’s a fascinating inside look at Elvis’s life and his inner circle and doesn’t always paint a pretty picture. I highly recommend this book.
March 3, 2021
This book contains all the jealousy and greed of MM towards Elvis. I absolutely did not like it and already on the first pages wrong statements were found, which one uncovered years later, So Mrs. Nash cannot have investigated too well.
July 20, 2023
I absolutely hated this book because it didn’t talk about Elvis in a good light- AT ALL. That being said, it was riveting and like a train wreck that I couldn’t peel my eyes away from. I didn’t give it 5 stars because it made me mad. But dang, was it good!
September 8, 2023
I am a huge Elvis fan. Reading this book was at times painful. First , men he loved and trusted betrayed him. To share such intimate secrets about him seems shameful. But in the other hand it shows us that behind the amazing gifts of his talent and his Great successes, he was a flawed human being.
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