The Memphis Mafia was the name given by the media to Elvis’ group of friends, bodyguards, employees, cousins, and relatives, whose functions were to accompany, protect, serve, share hobbies, and cover all his needs, both personal and artistic. , from the beginning of his career in 1954 until his death in 1977. Logically it was a changing group, the members changed over time. Although some of them accompanied him almost all his life.
They were a kind of brotherhood, his inner circle. They shared laughter, games, jokes. Elvis surrounded himself with them because he always felt lonely. Everything he had to face in his life was very difficult for him and he needed to alleviate his loneliness and feel supported.
This photo was taken on December 28, 1970. Sonny West’s wedding day, at Graceland.
Members of the Memphis Mafia surround Elvis, displaying the insignia they had just received from Seriff Nixon.
Above.
From left to right:
His cousin Billy Smith, Sheriff Bill Morris, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Sheriff Roy ‘Skip’ Nixon, his father Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein and Marty Lacker.
Below:
From left to right:
Dr. George Nichopoulos, Elvis and Red West.
