My Lifelong Friendship With Elvis Presley

The Beginning of a Remarkable Friendship

It was the summer of 1956 when I first laid eyes on the enigmatic young man who would forever change my life. Elvis Presley, a charismatic and talented musician, had just started making waves in the music industry, and little did I know that our paths would cross in the most unexpected way.

At the time, I was working as a local DJ in a small radio station in Memphis. One evening, as I was about to finish my shift, a knock on the studio door startled me. Opening the door, I came face-to-face with the one and only Elvis Presley himself.

Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley

by Jerry Schilling (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13709 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	381 pages

FREE

He was humble and soft-spoken, nothing like the electrifying performer he was on stage. We struck up a conversation, and as we talked about our shared love for music, I sensed an instant connection between us. Little did I know, this was the start of a lifelong friendship that would take us on an incredible journey.

An Unbreakable Bond

From that day forward, Elvis and I became inseparable. We spent hours talking about music, life, and everything in between. His down-to-earth nature and genuine interest in others made it easy to forget his larger-than-life persona.

Our friendship blossomed even further when Elvis invited me to join him on his tours. Whether we were traveling across America or performing on stage together, I was lucky enough to witness the magic of Elvis Presley up close and personal. The love and admiration from his fans were overwhelming, and it was surreal to witness the impact he had on people's lives.

Despite his fame and success, Elvis remained grounded and true to his roots. He never let his stardom define him. Instead, he used his platform to spread love, joy, and positivity to everyone he encountered. He was a force of nature, but his genuine heart shone through every interaction.

The Trials and Tribulations

As Elvis's career soared to new heights, we faced numerous challenges along the way. The pressures of fame, the relentless media scrutiny, and the demands of an ever-changing music industry took a toll on both of us.

There were moments when the weight of the world seemed too much to bear, but we always found solace in each other's company. Elvis had an ability to make everyone around him feel loved and accepted, and I was no exception. He was my rock, my confidant, and the person I could always rely on.

Through the highs and lows, our friendship remained unbreakable. We supported each other through thick and thin, and even when life took us in different directions, we never lost touch.

A Lasting Legacy

In August 1977, the world was left in shock with the news of Elvis's untimely passing. Losing my dear friend was devastating, and words cannot fully express the emptiness I felt. Elvis had touched the lives of so many, and his presence in the world was irreplaceable.

However, his legacy lives on. The impact he made on music, popular culture, and the hearts of millions is immeasurable. His timeless music continues to captivate new generations, and his influence can still be felt in the industry today.

Looking back on our extraordinary friendship, I am filled with gratitude for the moments we shared. Elvis Presley was not just a legendary figure, but also a dear friend who left an indelible mark on my life.

"The greatest thing about our friendship was the unconditional love and support we had for each other. Elvis will forever hold a special place in my heart." - John Smith

In

My lifelong friendship with Elvis Presley was more than just an incredible journey; it was a testament to the power of genuine connections. Through the years, we laughed, cried, and grew together, and I will forever cherish the memories we created.

Elvis was not just the King of Rock and Roll, but also a compassionate and kind-hearted human being. His impact on the world extends far beyond his music, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been a part of his life.

To this day, I am reminded of our friendship whenever I hear his iconic songs on the radio or see his electrifying performances on screen. Elvis may no longer be with us, but his legacy lives on, and so does the friendship we shared.

Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley

by Jerry Schilling (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13709 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	381 pages

FREE

On a lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teenager whose first record, "That’s All Right," had just debuted on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world’s biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his "Memphis Mafia," and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later, in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities — from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film. But more than anything else he was Elvis’s close friend and confidant: Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats, he asked Jerry to drive him and Priscilla to the hospital the day Lisa Marie was born and to accompany him during the famous "lost weekend" when he traveled to meet President Nixon at the White House. Me and a Guy Named Elvis looks at Presley from a friend’s perspective, offering readers the man rather than the icon — including insights into the creative frustrations that lead to Elvis’s abuse of prescription medicine and his tragic death. Jerry offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis’s inner circle and an emotional recounting of the great times, hard times, and unique times he and Elvis shared. These vivid memories will be priceless to Elvis’s millions of fans, and the compelling story will fascinate an even wider audience.