Revelations From The Memphis Mafia

[The King's Queen]

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]".

From everything that I know of Elvis...it seems to me that it was understood that he was a very "private" person. So much has been said about how he tried to keep his drugs, ect., hid...how could anyone associated with him "not know" that they were expected to keep quiet...? Sorry Getlo...I'm not one to argue...but it just doesn't make sense to me...

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.

I never say that "everything" they put out there are lies...but I do believe that they sort of 'stretch' the truth from time to time...after all, they are making money from it and sensationalism sells...

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.

Ahhh Getlo...again we differ...(this is becoming a habit, isn't it?) lol. See, I feel that his "being so exposed" did a great deal of damage to an already bad situation with Elvis. Unfortunately...I don't think that had he lived another five years or more, their book would have helped him to recover or get back on track. Books or anything else that sheds a negative light on someone who relies on a "following", so to speak, do damage. I don't know how they (Red and Sonny) really felt about Elvis while they were writing the book...for their sakes I really hope that they had the best of intentions, because if they didn't, I would think that it would be hard to live with the fact that you had so obviously hurt someone that you cared so much for, so close to the end of their life.

[0349054]

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.

Well said.

Of course some will forever believe that they had a mystical hold over Elvis and fed him copious amounts of drugs while sitting back and doing absoloutely nothing about it.

People who beleive the MM did nothing to help Elvis and that they are all shallow people forget one thing.........Elvis chose them........and Elvis kept them around him. They may want to think about what Elvis would have been like to be around should they have such a low opinion of the people he chose to hand about with.

[Merry]

Well said.

Of course some will forever believe that they had a mystical hold over Elvis and fed him copious amounts of drugs while sitting back and doing absoloutely nothing about it.

People who beleive the MM did nothing to help Elvis and that they are all shallow people forget one thing.........Elvis chose them........and Elvis kept them around him. They may want to think about what Elvis would have been like to be around should they have such a low opinion of the people he chose to hand about with.

After they running down Lisa! Betraying him! (Behind his back, again telling).

In my opinion, I'd like to be a fly on the wall when they catch up with each other.

Heads will roll!

[Getlo]

After they running down Lisa! Betraying him! (Behind his back, again telling).

In my opinion, I'd like to be a fly on the wall when they catch up with each other.

Heads will roll!

The MM are entitled to their opinion of Lisa, as is everyone else. And they are more than entitled to give that opinion if someone approaches them for it.

Lisa was nine when he died; her memories are clouded at best. And I know I'm not exactly the Lone Ranger when I state that I think Elvis would be the first to kick Lisa's *** if he came back today, what with her obnoxious carryings on.

And what do you mean by "catch up with each other" - who, the MM?

[jak]

You mean What Happened, or this recent one??

Revelations.

[jak]

Well said.

Of course some will forever believe that they had a mystical hold over Elvis and fed him copious amounts of drugs while sitting back and doing absoloutely nothing about it.

People who beleive the MM did nothing to help Elvis and that they are all shallow people forget one thing.........Elvis chose them........and Elvis kept them around him. They may want to think about what Elvis would have been like to be around should they have such a low opinion of the people he chose to hand about with.

Very well said.I am one of those that believe being around Elvis may not have equalled the fantasy image built around him.Im sure Elvis was a lot more like the guys he kept around than people want to believe.
Jak

[franny]

I haven't read this book, yet...I don't have a problem with reading what the MM wrote, as long as it's the truth! Let's not close our eyes to Elvis' drug problem, it did exist!

I agree, Elvis chose to have the MM around, love or hate them, it was his choice!

franny

[Getlo]

Very well said.I am one of those that believe being around Elvis may not have equalled the fantasy image built around him.Im sure Elvis was a lot more like the guys he kept around than people want to believe.
Jak

I agree. I've often thought what it would be like hanging around him and the guys. I reckon I could've done one tour, or a week screwing around at Graceland with them, but no more than that.

I think I'd have been very bored, very quickly. It wasn't exactly the most intellectual of atmospheres, and I think the "good ole boy" antics would've driven me nuts all too soon.

[jak]

I agree. I've often thought what it would be like hanging around him and the guys. I reckon I could've done one tour, or a week screwing around at Graceland with them, but no more than that.

I think I'd have been very bored, very quickly. It wasn't exactly the most intellectual of atmospheres, and I think the "good ole boy" antics would've driven me nuts all too soon.

The one thing that I have always thought about that group of guys was how cocky and arrogant they must have been.A big bunch of male chauvanists getting allowed to act like fools and children.They created their own little fantasy world.Im sorry folks but Elvis was the master of ceremonies.I put him right in there with the rest of them.
Jak

[Diane]

I agree with you there Jak, Elvis did create a fantasy world with the MM, I don't think anyone can doubt that but I think it got out of hand even for him thus the hiding away in his room more and more and the greater intake of drugs.

I think that the "good old boy" mentality never was enough for Elvis even at a young age and brought up in it. He had too curious a mind. I think he reached out for more, wanting to learn more and they weren't responding or interested in sharing that with him. He was part of them and yet not part of them.

I wish he had found the strength to break loose from all of it.

Diane

[presley31]

I wish the same diane, he would of been better off.

[jak]

I agree with you there Jak, Elvis did create a fantasy world with the MM, I don't think anyone can doubt that but I think it got out of hand even for him thus the hiding away in his room more and more and the greater intake of drugs.

I think that the "good old boy" mentality never was enough for Elvis even at a young age and brought up in it. He had too curious a mind. I think he reached out for more, wanting to learn more and they weren't responding or interested in sharing that with him. He was part of them and yet not part of them.

I wish he had found the strength to break loose from all of it.

Diane

Diane
It seems to me that Elvis never tried expanding his horizons.He just got lazy and satisfied for lack of a better term.I've always wondered why he didnt try to "shake things up" in his life.His career was the same way.He just seemed to go with the flow rather than make something happen.Elvis was a very powerfull person while he was alive.He could have done anything he wanted.Dont ever think Elvis had others holding him back from anything.He was the man back then and the whole world was at his feet.Why he just semed to to let himself fade away I cant understand.
Jak

[TurnpikeTaylor]

mmmm........looks as usual at this stage of the debate that we are back to that question again.........why Elvis why?

[Diane]

I don't think we'll even be able to understand that Jak. I have two theories: one that he inherited some of his dad's apathy to life in some ways and another is that he may very well have had a problem with depression as others have stated.

In either case, it is sad and a terrible loss.

Diane

[ilovelvis]

I have an adjective, shall keep it to myself.

Kim

Ooh, ooh, ooh!! I'll bet I have that same adjective!!

[ilovelvis]

Diane
It seems to me that Elvis never tried expanding his horizons.He just got lazy and satisfied for lack of a better term.I've always wondered why he didnt try to "shake things up" in his life.His career was the same way.He just seemed to go with the flow rather than make something happen.Elvis was a very powerfull person while he was alive.He could have done anything he wanted.Dont ever think Elvis had others holding him back from anything.He was the man back then and the whole world was at his feet.Why he just semed to to let himself fade away I cant understand.
Jak

I agree with this. Elvis had to be the one to say "this is it. I'm changing things up". Too bad he didn't.

[rawkinlvs]

it's worth a read , and i think its great the way it was done with all of them being asked the same question and having their answers, on the same subjects. It was a real big deal at the time it was published[alot of fans had bad things to say about 2 of the membres -lacker and fike ] who have bin hated for years, i'm sure glad that BILLY was included- i think you can pretty much believe anything he says, some tough questions were dealt with , as were some great myths expelled.

[Himselvis]

To each his own concerning Elvis books....if you ask 20 different Elvis fans you generally get 20 different answers. I really enjoyed the MM book. It is actually one of the better I've read and I've read a bunch. If you don't trust what Billy has to say then you can pretty much not believe anything that has ever been written about elvis. Whether people want to discredit the MM for whatever reason the fact remains the 3 that wrote this book were there through almost all of it. Who better to tell the story than these guys and Red and Sonny. You expect to believe what Priscilla says? Give me a break. As far as Vernon was concerned he was always around but I don't think he was considered one of the MM. He certainly enjoyed all the perks that they did and then some, but he was Elvis' dad. The others were his friends. From what i've heard and gathered, Vernon did not like most of the guys and really hated when Elvis bought them expensive gifts and treated them like family. Just like any group of people, say 10 to 12 or so, your going to have trustworthy , honest and hardworking. You are also going to have backstabbing, jealousy and dishonesty. So goes the Memphis Mafia. Those on here who like to knock Red...what was he out for when he saved Elvis from getting his *** kicked at Humes High numerous times? If ever Elvis had a brother it was Red and maybe Billy towards the end. Those guys loved Elvis and cared for him deeply. That is a fact. Revelations is a good read in my opinion full of funny stories and also stuff that will really show you the human side of Elvis. I think it is essential for any Elvis fan.

[Himselvis]

I was not trying to take away from the memory of Jesse Garon, Elvis older brother, I was just stating that Red and Billy were like brothers to him during his lifetime.

[KPM]

In my opinion it is like all books about Elvis-it has a distinct point of view it is trying to get across and it has some self justification by those telling the storys. Any book you read it seems the authors claim as they tell their storys that they (and only they)were Elvis's best friends and confidants-the most trusted advisors above all. They told Elvis "how it was" when he needed to hear it.... IMO All these books have truth in them but the perspective is often slanted toward what "audience" they are writing for. Look at the adjectives they use as they spin their story-you can see what audience they are going for.