Revelations From The Memphis Mafia

[Merry]

Something I've always wondered:

Was Vernon considered a member of the Memphis Mafia? Thoughts?

Weeeeeellllll,

From my impressions from Marty Lacker, reading AEK, the "MM" that would have been who he likes, who doesn't correct what he says, and who he considered were "MM", because they were there when he was there (no-one after). (So of course, that would be the definition, according to that person).


Kim

[Merry]

rocknroll...this is a good question! I think that when Vernon married Dee, things changed between he and Elvis. They always loved each other, but there was a strain there between them. IMO, I wouldn't consider Vernon part of the MM. I think Vernon was standing in the shadows most of the time...trying to figure out how to control an uncontrollable situation WITH the MM. I think it is fair to say that there was "no love lost" between Vernon and many of the MM. Just my thoughts on it...

Thanks Queenie, so much.

Hugs,
Kimmi

[TurnpikeTaylor]

It all gets a bit complicated though does`nt it? Because if the MM are the scum and jerks a lot of fans like to think they are........what does that make Elvis for having them around?

[Donut]

This is one of the best books I?ve read on Elvis.

[Getlo]

there is sometimes a little too much info they reveal 'bout Elvis.

There can never be "too much" info released about Elvis, so long as it's the truth ... even if it paints him in a negative light. It's been 30 years since he died. I say, let everyone tell their stories.

[Getlo]

Were you here Getlo, under another name?

Pardon? If you have something to say, Jess, then say it. No need to be cryptic ...

If my posts resemble in spirit those of another poster, then perhaps he / she and I think alike?

It's not impossible, you know.

[Getlo]

l don't like the mm, elvis was better off without them using and abusing him.

He needed the MM, whether fans like it or not.

They were his friends ... his family, almost.

Elvis was nasty to them sometimes (especially Lamar ... just how many "fat" jokes is one man supposed to take in life?), and the "use" and "abuse" often went both ways ...

[Getlo]

They contradicted each other all the way through (telling)

How so? Specific examples from the book?

[Getlo]

It all gets a bit complicated though does`nt it? Because if the MM are the scum and jerks a lot of fans like to think they are........what does that make Elvis for having them around?

Great point, TT.

The MM, while certainly having their faults both before and after death, are often painted in an unfair light by blinkered fans who refuse to see some truths.

Elvis needed them around. They were his best friends, like it or not ...

[Merry]

It all gets a bit complicated though does`nt it? Because if the MM are the scum and jerks a lot of fans like to think they are........what does that make Elvis for having them around?

All their justification, further books, "the circuit", television and radio interviews, came after he was gone, makes it worse doesn't. Telling.

[Merry]

How so? Specific examples from the book?

Go to AEK, do a search for Rick and Marty.

[Burning_Love]

Loved the book.
When reading it, i feel closer to Elvis as it went into lots of depth and know more about him. I doubt his own cousin would lie about him..

I, personally, liked it

[Burning_Love]

Great point, TT.

The MM, while certainly having their faults both before and after death, are often painted in an unfair light by blinkered fans who refuse to see some truths.

Elvis needed them around. They were his best friends, like it or not ...

[The King's Queen]

It all gets a bit complicated though does`nt it? Because if the MM are the scum and jerks a lot of fans like to think they are........what does that make Elvis for having them around?

For me, it is not a question of what they were when Elvis was alive...it is how they have conducted themselves since his death. No doubt, they would "tow the mark" while Elvis was around..he was the boss after all. I just find it sad that they have chosen to put so much out there, some of which, they should have kept private out of loyalty to Elvis. Just my opinion...

There can never be "too much" info released about Elvis, so long as it's the truth ... even if it paints him in a negative light. It's been 30 years since he died. I say, let everyone tell their stories.

Getlo...I beg to differ. I too think that there can be too much info released. Regardless of whether or NOT these things are true...it is a matter of loyalty. Personally, I wouldn't care how long a person has been dead, some things just need to be kept out of the public eye. One must wonder how much of these "supposed" truths were sworn to be kept 'hush hush' among the group while Elvis was alive... Does the fact that someone passes on give people the right to forget about promises they made, or give them the right to showcase things that were said to them or done with them present while the person was considered a trusted confidante?? All it boils down to with me is plain ol' loyalty...and it seems as if very few of them have remained loyal...

[jak]

The MM book is held in high regard amongst knowledgeable fans.The book is a must read for those wanting to know more about Elvis.It would be in the top 5 of books written about Elvis.
Jak

[Burning_Love]

The MM book is held in high regard amongst knowledgeable fans.The book is a must read for those wanting to know more about Elvis.It would be in the top 5 of books written about Elvis.
Jak

Thanks For Sharing Jak, Can Totally Agree !!

[Getlo]

Does the fact that someone passes on give people the right to forget about promises they made ...

In short ... yes.

Besides, I don't think Elvis ever said to the MM or whoever, "Hey, don't tell anyone I take so much medication" or "You gotta promise you'll never tell anyone how I really feel about [insert your own thing here]".

Also, putting aside people's opinions on the MM for a second, consider life from their point of view.

If EPE and certain fans are giving - as the MM sees it - untruths, then it's their right to set the record straight, even if some fans don't like what they hear.

As strained as the EP-MM relationships inevitably became, no one could seriously suggest that everything they said about Elvis was a lie. Some things, perhaps - and arguably - but not everything. No way, no how.

And I don't care what anyone says, I do not believe for one single second that the only reason Red, Sonny and Dave contributed to Elvis, What Happened was revenge. Sure, it must've played a part. But Red and Sonny loved Elvis ... I just wish more fans would acknowledge that ... and they saw the book as a way of exposing Elvis' life to the world. '

What a pity EP never lived to reap the benefits of being so exposed, and then being forced to get his life back on track.

[Getlo]

The MM book is held in high regard amongst knowledgeable fans.The book is a must read for those wanting to know more about Elvis.It would be in the top 5 of books written about Elvis.
Jak

You mean What Happened, or this recent one??

[Burning_Love]

In short ... yes.

Besides, I don't think Elvis ever said to the MM or whoever, "Hey, don't tell anyone I take so much medication" or "You gotta promise you'll never tell anyone how I really feel about [insert your own thing here]".

Also, putting aside people's opinions on the MM for a second, consider life from their point of view.

If EPE and certain fans are giving - as the MM sees it - untruths, then it's their right to set the record straight, even if some fans don't like what they hear.

As strained as the EP-MM relationships inevitably became, no one could seriously suggest that everything they said about Elvis was a lie. Some things, perhaps - and arguably - but not everything. No way, no how.

And I don't care what anyone says, I do not believe for one single second that the only reason Red, Sonny and Dave contributed to Elvis, What Happened was revenge. Sure, it must've played a part. But Red and Sonny loved Elvis ... I just wish more fans would acknowledge that ... and they saw the book as a way of exposing Elvis' life to the world. '

What a pity EP never lived to reap the benefits of being so exposed, and then being forced to get his life back on track.

Yes Getlo, totally there with you.
Have you seen the interview with Sonny And Dave ? Sonny is talking about Elvis and Red saying that Red tried to get to Elvis and talk to him about his drug addiction and Elvis said "I need it man, i need it", but they still tried to help, they tried to show him..
I believe first of all, it was about revenge, but mostly and truly, about helping the man they have knew for so long, trying to bring him back to how he was in the 50's, in his prime.

[Getlo]

Have you seen the interview with Sonny And Dave ? Sonny is talking about Elvis and Red saying that Red tried to get to Elvis and talk to him about his drug addiction and Elvis said "I need it man, i need it", but they still tried to help, they tried to show him..

Yes, I've seen the full interview. Also, the one with Joe on the Definitive Elvis boxed set, among others.

Some fans just won't believe or admit that the MM tried many times to get Elvis off the drugs. Of course, their critics will say "Oh, well then why didn't they leave Elvis if they thought it was so bad being around him?", but they miss the point.

Real friends stay and try to help and addict in trouble - which is precisely what Elvis Presley was, as distasteful as that is to face.

As far as I'm concerned, most of the MM have come in for too much unfair criticism over the years.