Steve Dunleavy (1938–2019)

This is my second or third time reading this book and I still enjoy this revealing American tragedy told from the inside by three of E's bodyguards that knew him and worked him for many years. In some cases, the relationship goes back to high school. Those early days are alluded to in the book, but this work was published after Elvis let Sonny & Red West go and in the early 70s when he was in decline yet still alive. More of the book's content is losing Priscilla to Mike Stone and the drug show more excesses largely during a time when Elvis was more movie star than performer. show less

as told to the author by Red & Sonny West and David Hebler, former body guards and roadies for Presley. Given, they had an ax to grind as they were fired by Vernon Presley as he felt they were leeches and a bad influence on Elvis. Influence or influenced? Elvis had some very bad habits before these boys became employed, however, they undoubtedly contributed to his problems and made millions from this tell-all. Pretty sad story of a very gifted performer. Some of his antics would not be show more tolerated today--such as a proclivity for 15-18 year old girls. Most of this information can be confirmed with other accounts of Presley's life. show less

This book by Elvis's crowd of bodyguards and assistants was completed shortly before he died. It describes a lot of high jinks and shows the relationship of "the King" to these buddies from their perspective.