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Sonny West FINALLY Tells All: Up Close & Personal with Elvis | Memphis Mafia Insider

The EP Vault

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Sonny West was one of Elvis Presley's closest and longest-serving friends — a founding member of the Memphis Mafia who was there from the beginning, through the Hollywood years, the Army, the Vegas comeback, and everything in between.

In this rare, wide-ranging interview, Sonny opens up about what life with Elvis was really like — the parts the books don't always capture.

Topics covered:
• How Sonny West first met Elvis in 1958
• Life inside the Memphis Mafia — day to day with the King
• Behind the scenes of G.I. Blues and Flaming Star
• Elvis's encounter with Muhammad Ali
• The infamous Nixon White House badge story
• Parties, pranks, and private moments with Elvis
• What Elvis was really like as a person — unfiltered

Sonny West passed away in 2017. This interview stands as one of the most candid firsthand accounts from someone who was truly inside Elvis's world.

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#ElvisPresley #SonnyWest #MemphisMafia #ElvisInterview #Elvis #Graceland #ElvisHistory #TheKingOfRockAndRoll #RockAndRoll #MusicHistory #ElvisLegacy #RareInterview

19 Comments

@karengilbert9016 4 years ago

The world not been the same the day he died 💕.He’s with twin brother and mother father and grandson now bless you lovely ELVIS 💕

@diannaplumb6285 2 years ago

Elvis was and still is the best singer that ever walked.. there will NEVER be abe another Elvis

❤

@Sheilamarie2 4 years ago

We all have that love for Elvis in common... After all these years, we still love and miss him. RIP Elvis

@boldchick101 4 years ago

Elvis was the epitome of brotherly love, a pristine example of who and how the King he worshipped advised all of us to be.

Everyone loves Elvis for radiating and living love.

What a class act!

@tomholdren1015 4 years ago

I seen the Elvis movie with Tom Hanks I loved it but after hearing Sonny I loved the movie so much more. I never met him I never knew him but as of late I miss the hell out of him

@Roby4u 1 year ago (edited)

There's not a doubt in my mind that Sonny loved Elvis. That's why he was devastated when Vernon fired him without notice and onky 2 weeks pay. Even Marty Lacker said that Sonny would have taken a bullet for Elvis without hesitation. He and Red both deserved better. If anyone should be blamed for ruining their lifelong friendship with Elvis, it''s Vernon. I hope all "the guys" have reunited in heaven.

@Arandomperson_online 2 years ago

I see why they shared these stories such a beautiful soul Elvis was genuine

@charlottebarnes6761 4 years ago

Sonny had one wife for so long and that's great being an actor and so handsome.

@casino_gregg 1 year ago

Of all the members of the Memphis Mafia, this man would have to be my favorite, followed by "Diamond Joe." Elvis was, and still is, the greatest entertainer this world has ever seen. Those who were lucky enough to have seen him in person, I am beyond envious. Thank you, Sonny, for sharing your incredible memories of working and living with the King! RIP, brother!

@Imagodfollower 4 years ago

Elvis will always be loved & remembered as the greatest entertainer the world has ever known. He has a awesome voice & sound & had a great big heart full of love & he honestly cared & loved people. R.I.P Elvis you will always be loved & missed. R.I.P memphis mafia.

@richardespinoza9978 3 years ago

Sonny , Elvis , the whole crew that worked for Elvis were great people they all are apart of history with Elvis. Enjoyed listening to all the stories. Imagine the rest of the people that were part of Elvis they are all missed . Rest In Peace Elvis team.

@ShirleyMooney-f6p 2 years ago

Elvis was a wonderfal human bean so kind and friendly ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@bellestar5960 3 years ago

I’ve seen this before but never the extended version. I’m sad too find out he passed away. R.I.P too the King and the rest of his Memphis mafia.

@marshahaas4837 3 years ago

I love hearing these stories! I remember when he married Priscilla.They married on my 7th birthday. My brother was a big fan and wore his hair like his. My brother Lance was in high school and 17 back then. My brother taught me to dance and our favorite Elvis song was jail house rock.

@battles1861 4 years ago

ITS SO TRUE WHEN THEY SAY ALL THE GOOD ONES DIE YOUNG. I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING TO BEEN BORN BACK IN THE 40'S JUST TO BE ABLE TO HANG OUT WITH ELVIS AND BE AROUND HIM. HE TRUELY WAS A GIFT FROM GOD. YOU CANT HELP YOURSELF BUT TO GET LOST IN THE MOMENTS WHEN WATCHING OR LISTENING TO ELVIS

@clhwheeler 3 years ago

Elvis was a Mississippi boy, of course he had good manners! That's how we are raised!

@stege9979 4 years ago

I hope you and Red sorted everything with Elvis in the great Beyond. "I am what I am today because of Elvis". Words like that matters Mr West. I sure hope the Almighty agrees.