Memphis Mafia
Several members filled practical roles; for instance, they were employed to work for Presley as bodyguards or on tour logistics and scheduling.
Over the years they were joined on the payroll by Alan Fortas, Richard Davis, Marty Lacker, Jimmy Kingsley, "Chief" Ray Sitton, Jerry Schilling, Mike Keeton, Dave Hebler, Sam Thompson and numerous others.
[citation needed] Presley and his friends and employees also adopted the acronym TCB which meant "Taking Care of Business".
Elvis came up with the phrase after hearing the 1973 hit song “Taking Care of Business” by the Canadian rock band, Bachman–Turner Overdrive, also known as BTO.
[9] Rolling Stone journalist William Otterburn-Hall describes the men as close around the star "like a football scrum after a loose ball".
[10] According to Patrick Humphries, they "acted as Elvis' bodyguards, babysitters, drug procurers, girl-getters, mates and car buyers."
The author also mentions other functions of the guys: "various members of the Memphis Mafia had ... played vital roles in keeping Elvis' numerous dirty secrets out of the public eye.
Nick Adams and his gang came by the suite all the time, not to mention the eccentric actor Billy Murphy, longtime friend of John Wayne and Robert Mitchum".
[13] Guralnick adds "The Colonel joked that they looked like a bunch of old men, but the Memphis Mafia had become almost as well known around town as Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack" and that Elvis and his guys were all "living on speed and tranqs".
"[15] When Presley emerged as a major celebrity in 1956, he was constantly besieged by adoring fans and the press, making a normal lifestyle impossible.
[17] For both his security needs and touring support, Presley hired people chosen from among those he could trust and depend on to manage his public appearances.
This entourage included first cousins and several of Presley's friends from his boyhood in a poor Memphis housing project plus junior and senior high school friends and early employees from Memphis such as Alan Fortas, nephew of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas.
Many people were employed with the group through the years but some of the more prominent members were Joe Esposito, Lamar Fike, Alan Fortas, George Klein, Marty Lacker, Billy Smith, Richard Davis, Red West, Sonny West, Dave Hebler, Al Strada, Dr. Nick, Larry Geller, Charlie Hodge, Jerry Schilling, Sam Thompson and Gene Smith.
Joe Esposito served as Presley's chief road manager and personal aide for 17 years, handling money and extensive travel arrangements.
(although Red West also had a talent for writing songs, including some recorded by Elvis such as "If Everyday Was Like Christmas" and then "Separate Ways").
Marty Lacker was a brutally honest "sounding board" advisor[18] Jerry Schilling gave advice about what other groups were using for audio equipment etc., and Billy Smith was a "Jack of All Trades".
Some members of this inner circle became close friends who served as replacements for the normal everyday friendships Presley's fame would not allow.
[citation needed] Elvis' expenses were increasing at an alarming rate, and there were complaints and threats of lawsuits about the manner in which the Wests interacted with fans.
[citation needed] Elvis Presley reportedly spent days and nights with his friends and employees from the Memphis Mafia.
"Some of the Memphis Mafia would buy up to $15,000 worth of fireworks in today's money, including skyrockets, baby giants, firecrackers, and chasers, which moved rapidly and unpredictably until they exploded.
Since the emphasis was on large and potentially lethal fireworks, everyone had to wear air force jump-suits plus gloves, helmets, and goggles.
