MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: The legendary Elvis Presley not only captivated the world with his music but surrounded himself with a close-knit group of friends, famously known as the Memphis Mafia. From the group's nickname to the members' unwavering loyalty, each one of them contributed to the unique camaraderie that defined Presley's inner circle.
The Memphis Mafia, a tight-knit brotherhood surrounding Presley, supported him in personal and professional endeavors. Over the years, new individuals joined the ranks of the Memphis Mafia while others fell out of it. Despite these changes, the group's unwavering devotion to Presle remained a constant throughout his life.
Who were the Memphis Mafia?
The moniker "Memphis Mafia" was coined by a newspaper reporter who observed the group's impeccable attire, as Presley required them to wear dark Mohair suits for a more respectable appearance. Interestingly, the guys themselves affectionately referred to their circle as the "Guys," which Presley found amusing and embraced it. The members of the Memphis Mafia, Presley's close circle, would go to great lengths to arrange meetings between the rock 'n' roll icon and his young female admirers who gathered near the gates of Graceland.
These enthusiastic fans would catch the attention of the group, who would carefully select a young and attractive girl and extend an invitation for her to meet Presley inside. Kathy Tatum, 16, caught the attention of the Memphis Mafia in 1969. Elvis, 34, had recently become a father, met up with her, and apparently showered her with kisses and compliments. But soon, he was taking her to a pair of motel rooms he rented permanently, and they shared a relationship for almost two years. Tatum claimed that the singer would fondle her constantly as he talked with friends in the room. She even said that Presley had promised to marry her a few years after he got a divorce.
Notable members of the Memphis Mafia
Marty Lacker: A longtime friend, the co-best man at Presley's wedding, and foreman of the Memphis Mafia, Lacker played a pivotal role in the star's life. From influencing Presley's return to the top of the charts to advocating for the renaming of Highway 51 to Elvis Presley Boulevard, Lacker's impact has been profound.
Gene Smith: Presley's cousin and close childhood friend, Gene, was a trusted companion during the early days of his career. While they had a temporary falling out in 1962, their bond endured, and Gene continued to visit Presley at Graceland.
Junior Smith: Another cousin of Presley, Junior's passing deeply affected him, who held a strong affection for the singer.
Billy Smith: Apparently, Presley's favorite cousin, Billy, grew up under the singer's watchful eye. The star hoped for Billy's growth into a virtuous man, and their close bond persisted until Presley's final days.
George Klein: A fellow graduate of Humes High School, Klein maintained a lifelong friendship with Presley. While pursuing a successful career in radio, Klein also traveled with Presley during the early stages of his music journey.
Bobby "Red" West: An All-Memphis football player and loyal friend, West played various roles in Presley's life, from acting as a driver and security personnel to contributing as a songwriter.
Lamar Fike: Joining the group in 1957, Fike's relationship with Elvis had its ups and downs. Despite occasional disagreements, Fike remained a steadfast presence in Presley's life, working with him until the end.
Alongside the above-mentioned individuals, numerous other remarkable personalities left their mark on Presley's life. Joe Esposito, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, and many more played crucial roles within the Memphis Mafia, contributing their talents, loyalty, and friendship to the iconic singer, as per Elvis.com. The legendary singer seemingly maintained a zero-tolerance policy for troublemakers, promptly removing them from his inner circle. Dishonesty and theft were also behaviors that Presley detested, further emphasizing his commitment to integrity within his group of friends.
