The Memphis Mafia and its hold on Elvis Presley

Who were the Memphis Mafia?

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

The Memphis Mafia was a close-knit circle of friends, associates, and employees of Elvis Presley. Pictured with Elvis are core members of the group: Billy Smith, Lamar Fike, Jerry Schilling, Elvis' father Vernon Presley, Charlie Hodge, Sonny West, George Klein, and Marty Lacker. Seated are Dr. George Nichopoulos, Elvis, and Red West. Also pictured are sheriffs Bill Morris and Roy Nixon. The group had just been presented with honorary law enforcement badges.  

Just a few buddies

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

In those early days, there wasn't a crowd, just a few guys that the rising young star would hang out with to share jokes and conversation. But as his fame grew, Elvis was surrounded by the first wave of what would become known as the Memphis Mafia. 

Meeting George Cline

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Among Presley's closest friends was George Kline. He met Elvis Presley in the eighth grade at Humes High School in Memphis, and they remained friends until Presley's death in 1977. Klein had a long and successful career as a Memphis radio DJ and TV personality. 

Elvis in the military

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army in 1958. He served in the military as an active duty soldier for two years. Here, Presley is being sworn into the ranks on March 24, 1958, at Fort Chaffee. 

Meeting Charlie Hodge

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

While in the army, Elvis also got reacquainted with Charlie Hodge. The two first met in 1955 while Hodge, a musician, performed in a gospel quartet. Hodge would later be the stage manager and a musician of 'The Elvis Presley Show' when Presley returned to live performances in 1969. 

Origins of the name

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

The 1960s saw Elvis Presley abandon live concert appearances for Hollywood. His principal bodyguards were often photographed surrounding the singer wearing dark glasses as fans converged on film sets. It's during this time that the media began to call Presley's cohorts the "Memphis Mafia." Their use of black limos with smoked glass windows further promoted the nickname. 

A talent for writing an acting

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Both Sonny and Red West acted in a number of Elvis movies. They were also hired as stuntmen. In addition, Red West composed songs for Elvis, including 'That's Someone You Never Forget,' which appeared on the 1962 album 'Pot Luck with Elvis,' and 'You'll Be Gone,' a track co-written with Charlie Hodge that appeared on 1965's 'Girl Happy' soundtrack LP. 

Elvis and his bodyguards

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Throughout the 1970s, Memphis Mafia regulars Red West, Sonny West, Charlie Hodge, and Joe Esposito were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Lamar Fike, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson, and numerous others.   

Duties and responsibilities

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Other members also had specific duties. Lamar Fike handled Elvis' stage lighting while Marty Lacker was essentially a foreman, keeping everybody in check. Jerry Schilling, meanwhile, offered advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment, and Billy Smith was a gofer, a "Jack of All Trades."

Unhealthy influence

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

The Memphis Mafia had become almost as well-known around town as Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack." Its members partied, rubbed shoulders with celebrities, and protected Elvis from unwanted intrusion. To many outsiders, however, the Memphis Mafia wielded an unhealthy influence over its lord and master. 

Elvis in decline

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

By the mid-1970s, Elvis' international popularity had begun to wane. He still commanded a loyal fan base, but the music world was moving on. Presley's cultural significance was being questioned as his record sales slumped.  

Health concerns

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Presley's health was also cause for concern. His weight ballooned and rumors were rife about an increasing dependence on prescription medication. 

Hurt and betrayed

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

The Wests, together with Hebler, subsequently wrote a "tell-all book" about Elvis called 'Elvis: What Happened?' It detailed the singer's relationship with the three men and also told of incidents relating to his private life, drug use, and musical career. Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, feeling hurt and betrayed by those he had previously called friends.   

Faithful friend

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Loyal to the end, Joe Esposito assisted a grieving Vernon Presley from the crypt after the service. Elvis' body was later reinterred in the grounds of 'Graceland.'

Sonny West (1938–2017)

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

After 1977, Sonny West appeared in a number of documentaries, wrote several books, and made public appearances at Elvis related conventions and gatherings, speaking out about his time working for Presley and their relationship. He passed away on May 27, 2017.  

Charlie Hodge (1934–2006)

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Charlie Hodge's post-Elvis Presley life and career were subsequently dedicated to the deceased music legend, traveling the world annually to speak at Elvis Presley events and sometimes perform music. He succumbed to cancer on March 3, 2006. 

George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016)

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Dr. George C. Nichopoulos, Elvis' personal physician, confirmed the death of the singer at a hospital news conference on August 16, 1977. Nichopoulos was later indicted on 14 counts of overprescribing drugs to Elvis Presley. In 1980, the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners found him guilty of overprescription and imposed three months' suspension of his license and three years' probation. He died on February 24, 2016. 

Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Who were the Memphis Mafia?, Just a few buddies, Meeting George Cline, Elvis in the military, Meeting Charlie Hodge, Origins of the name, A talent for writing an acting, Elvis and his bodyguards, Duties and responsibilities, Unhealthy influence, Elvis in decline, Health concerns, Hurt and betrayed, Faithful friend, Sonny West (1938–2017), Charlie Hodge (1934–2006), George C. Nichopoulos (1927–2016), Joe Esposito (1938–2016)

Joe Esposito spent the rest of his life as an author and publisher of several Elvis books. One of the most respected former members of the Memphis Mafia, Esposito was a consultant on multiple Elvis projects and was considered one of the most trusted sources on Elvis. He died on November 23, 2016. 

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