Sonny West
Sonny West Appears with Big Elvis
May 18th
Former ‘Memphis Mafia’ Bodyguard
Autographs New Elvis Book
LAS VEGAS – Sonny West, Elvis Presley’s longtime bodyguard and one of the last remaining members of the “Memphis Mafia,” will appear with Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee Friday, May 18th at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon (formerly the Barbary Coast) on the Las Vegas Strip to speak about his relationship with Elvis and to sign his new book “Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business.” This is a great honor as the Big Elvis Show
is the only Elvis Tribute Show
in Las Vegas where this
renowned speaker, writer and
confidante of the late King of
Rock ‘n Roll will appear on his
book tour.
The Viva Las Vegas, Elvis Presley Fan Club, in conjunction with
publicists for Sonny West chose the Big Elvis Show because of
Pete Vallee’s admiration and respect for his namesake, devotion to the King’s persona, loyalty to Elvis fans and lifelong career as an Elvis tribute artist. West will be a special guest with Vallee during the Big Elvis Show in the Lounge between 3 PM and 7:15 PM.
Released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Presley’s death, the book is the long-awaited follow-up to “Elvis: What Happened?,” which West co-wrote with his cousin Red West and Dave Hebler in 1977. West said the reason for writing two books are 180 degrees apart – the first book was as a challenge to Elvis to change his prescription drug habits because West felt the King was in total denial and could not see where he was headed. The latest book is based on the love, memories and total commitment West has of Elvis, which West does not believe the first book adequately conveyed. Co-author Marshall Terrill describes the book as a very balanced, sensitive and moving memoir about the greatest entertainer who ever lived.
West was with Elvis Presley from 1960 to July 1976, when he was fired, despite being a charter member of the infamous “Memphis Mafia.” A Las Vegas newspaper reporter coined the nickname in the early ‘60s when she saw the man from Tupelo and his group of confidants wearing mohair suits and sunglasses emerge from two black limousines at a Strip hotel.
