Elvis Remembered: Interviews With the People Who Knew Him Best

Shelly Powers married an Elvis impersonator she met in Las Vegas. Over 12 years, she became involved with Elvis International and interviewed Elvis' friends and associates, including his personal photographer, Ed Bonja. The book includes 11 interviews with Elvis' intimates, accompanied by period photographs, movie posters, concert memorabilia, and unusual memories. Interviewees include Ed Bonja, Cynthia Pepper, Darleen Thompkins, Patti Perry, Myrna Smith, Joe (Diamond Joe) Esposito, Sonny West, Jerry Schilling, Larry Geller, and Jimmy Velvet.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

When Shelly Powers was just seven years old, she made a bold proclamation to her mother: "When I grow up, I will marry Elvis Presley." Little did she know that her dream would eventually come true, albeit in a surprising way. As fate would have it, she met an impersonator, a tribute artist named Elvis, in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Over the course of her 12 years residing in Vegas, Shelly became deeply involved with Elvis International, a company dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the legendary Elvis Presley. One of her key responsibilities at Elvis International was conducting interviews with Elvis' friends and associates. The first person she had the privilege of interviewing was his personal photographer, Ed Bonja.

What began as a single interview blossomed into a series of captivating conversations, fostering numerous friendships within Elvis' circle. Each of the 11 individuals interviewed in this book has a remarkable story to share, accompanied by a treasure trove of period photographs, movie posters, concert memorabilia, and unique memories that every diehard Elvis fan will cherish. Among the interviewees are Ed Bonja, who served as Elvis' tour manager and official photographer from 1970 to 1977; Cynthia Pepper, a co-star in the movie Kissin' Cousins; Darleen Thompkins, who worked closely with Elvis on Blue Hawaii and maintained a close bond until his passing; Patti Perry, who met Elvis at the age of 17 and became the sole female member of the Memphis Mafia; Myrna Smith, who was Elvis' backing singer from 1969 to 1977; Joe (Diamond Joe) Esposito, a lifelong friend, bodyguard, and best man at Elvis' wedding to Priscilla; Sonny West, a lifelong friend of Elvis and a trusted bodyguard; Jerry Schilling, a lifelong friend and manager of iconic artists such as the Beach Boys, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Lisa Marie Presley; Larry Geller, a spiritual advisor and personal hair stylist who played a significant role in shaping Elvis' iconic look; and Jimmy Velvet, a friend for 20 years and the owner of an Elvis memorabiliamuseum in Memphis.

Packed with an abundance of stunning photographs, this book will serve as a cherished resource for Elvis fans and an engaging read for anyone with an interest in the extraordinary life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.

Weight: 1168g
Dimension: 222 x 273 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228104506