Sonny West was a friend and bodyguard of the legendary singer Elvis Presley for 16 years, as part of the Elvis entourage known as “The Memphis Mafia”. He died on May 24, 2017, at the age of 78, after a long battle with cancer and other health issues. In this article, we will look at his life, his relationship with Elvis, and his impact on the music industry.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Sonny West was born Delbert Bryant West Jr. on July 5, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee. His parents came from Pontotoc, Mississippi, not far from Tupelo, Elvis Presley’s hometown. West was one of two sons and five daughters. Both West and Elvis grew up in different lower income projects in Memphis and, although living near to one another, never actually met in childhood.
West met Elvis in 1958 at a roller skating rink. After discharge from the U.S. Air Force as an Airman Third Class (E-2), West, working as a washer and dryer repairman, went to work for Elvis as a bodyguard from 1960 to 1976. He also had a brief career as an actor, appearing in some of Elvis’ movies and TV shows.
Working with Elvis
West was more than just a bodyguard for Elvis. He was also a friend, a confidant, and a companion. He accompanied Elvis on his tours, his trips, and his visits to the White House and other places. He witnessed some of the most memorable moments of Elvis’ life and career, such as his marriage to Priscilla Presley, his meeting with President Richard Nixon, and his comeback concerts.
West also saw the darker side of Elvis’ fame and fortune. He was aware of Elvis’ increasing dependence on prescription drugs, his marital problems, and his declining health. He tried to help Elvis overcome his addiction and cope with his personal issues, but he faced resistance from Elvis himself and his father Vernon Presley.
The Controversial Book
In July 1976, Vernon Presley fired West and two other bodyguards, Red West (Sonny’s cousin) and David Hebler, in what was described as a cost-cutting measure, but was rumored to have been caused by concern over Elvis’ drug use and lawsuits against him due to security techniques which caused injury to fans.
The three bodyguards decided to write a tell-all book about their time with Elvis, with the help of tabloid writer Steve Dunleavy. The book was titled Elvis: What Happened? and it exposed some of the shocking details of Elvis’ private life, such as his drug abuse, his affairs, his paranoia, and his erratic behavior. The book was intended to be a friendly plea to Elvis to change his ways, rather than a mere money-making exercise.
The book was published in July 1977, just two weeks before Elvis died of a heart attack at the age of 42. The book sold over three million copies and became a bestseller. However, it also sparked a lot of controversy and criticism from Elvis’ fans, family, friends, and colleagues. Many accused the bodyguards of betrayal, exploitation, and slander. Some even blamed them for contributing to Elvis’ death by causing him stress and depression.
West later expressed regret for writing the book and said that he wished he could have talked to Elvis before he died. He also said that he still loved and respected Elvis as a friend and an artist.
Later Years and Death
After the book’s publication, West continued to work as a security consultant and a motivational speaker. He also wrote several other books about his experiences with Elvis and appeared in many documentaries and interviews about him. He remained loyal to Elvis’ legacy and defended him from any negative or false claims.
West married Judy Jordan in December 1970, with Elvis as best man and Priscilla Presley as matron of honor. They had two children together. West suffered from various health problems in his later years, including stage four cancer of the tonsils, lung cancer, heart trouble, pneumonia, diabetes, kidney failure, high blood pressure, arthritis, gout, neuropathy, sleep apnea, COPD, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, MRSA, shingles, cellulitis, sepsis, blood clots, strokes, seizures, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and COVID-19. He died on May 24, 2017, in Hendersonville, Tennessee..
Legacy and Influence
Sonny West was one of the closest and longest-serving members of Elvis Presley’s inner circle. He witnessed and participated in some of the most important and exciting events of Elvis’ life and career. He also tried to protect and support Elvis through his struggles and challenges. He was a loyal friend and a faithful employee to Elvis until the end.
West also made his own mark on the music industry as a songwriter and a musician. He wrote the early rock classics “Oh Boy!” and “Rave On”, which were hits for Buddy Holly. His songs have been featured on many TV shows and movies, such as “Happy Days” and “Pleasantville”. He is an original inductee into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Sonny West was a legend in his own right, and a key figure in the history of rock and roll. He left behind a legacy of friendship, loyalty, courage, and creativity. He will be remembered and missed by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues. As he once said, I’m sort of a footnote in rock ‘n’ roll history, but I wouldn’t even be a footnote if I hadn’t had the drive and ambition.
