Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business: Memories and Insights About Elvis Presley From His Friend and Bodyguard

Mr. West was whisked into an unusual life thru his association with Presley. Most normally he would have ended up going a predictable way and living out the style of his friends and family. But, West voided that life when he signed on with Elvis Presley. This book gives all an idea of what that decision led him to and where that led his own life. Thru it all you can see he was an honest guy and a decent person. He wasn't a fake, pimp, addict or some nut working Elvis for something. West was just the sum of his parts; a down to earth, honest southern boy who got one hell of a ride out of his choice to 'ride with the King'.West is now gone, he passed away in 2017 in his 70s. He had been having health issues for years. Not getting any 'real' money out his life in showbiz or with Elvis he was pretty much broke near the end. Seemed like the only person who had any time around Elvis wound up broke. Except for Joe Esposito, who was a slick operator and managed to work both ends against the middle to parlay his association with Presley into a mild nest egg. Whereas West and others were true and loyal to Elvis 'Slick Joe' went to highest bidder. In his case, that was EPE.That said, and not to pick on Esposito (who died in November, 2016), it just illustrates a point about Sonny West: he was an honest guy, really loved and cared about Elvis and was a true friend to the end. And, after you buy and read this book, you'll see why that's true. The book is a upfront, true and measured description of his 'life with Elvis' and it warrants a reading from Elvis fans and anyone else who has an interest in the subject.

I think one should read Peter Guralnick's 2 volume book to get an overview on Elvis. This book gives more of an insiders view of the good and the bad. Another reviewer talked about how Sonny talked about himself a bit too much but I think differently. Sonny wanted to show that he tried to be an individual and have his own life and wife. Elvis did some pretty crummy things like moving in on other guys' girls but there were moments of extreme charity that no one ever heard about. I will not read Ginger Alden's book because I think if she checked on Elvis after 2 hours of him being in bathroom, maybe he'd still be alive. I read Nancy Rook's book which was good but limited. This book was a page turner and am glad I read it.

I LOVE this book! Somehow, I just believe that Sonny West was one of those men who just told the truth. I think that was also true about Red West. I have adored Elvis Presley since I was 12 years old...and now, over 50 years later, knowing that Elvis was human, with faults just like all of us, I STILL ADORE HIM! This book is amazing because the love that Sonny West felt for Elvis shines brightly throughout the entire book. I laughed. I cried. It made me happy. It made me sad. More than anything though, it made me realize that Elvis Presley was more amazing, more human, than we ever knew...a truly rare treasure! If you are an Elvis Presley fan, you will want to read this book!

Great book!!! I really wish I had read Elvis and The Memphis Mafia by Allana Nash first. That is a great starter book that answers all questions about his childhood, parents until his death. This book would be a good to read after. You can really tell Sonny was trying to set the record straight with a lot of fake stories going around or things that were flat not true. I just love Elvis and really enjoy the stories from different Mafia members. I know Sonny and a few others really loved Elvis and I truely believe they tried to save him. You have to be a "yes" only person to keep a job with any celebrity or you will be fired. Glad I read this because it does clear up a lot of things.

I was pleasantly surprised at how readable this Elvis book is. I had put off reading it because at one time I felt Sonny & Red were not loyal to Elvis. This book helped me understand more of their position. I enjoyed it. I’ve read many Elvis books and while not my favorite, but it was definitely worth my time.

I have read both volumes of Peter Guralnick's books on Elvis several times and I just wanted a different view from someone who was there and would tell the truth. I feel that this book did that.

Elvis punching horses and chimpanzees???? If that was the case then the man goes down rapidly in my estimation. Clearly not able to control anything from the outset let alone his life. Sonny West certainly had a problem with quite a few people in the circle not just Elvis. Tom Parker appears to be the best thing since sliced bread. Mmmmm. Even Lisa Marie comes under fire. I learnt little about Elvis the person other than stuff that if I actually believed most of it, would make me dislike Elvis Presley intensely. Elvis obviously had many flaws but his biggest was surrounding himself with the likes of the Memphis Mafia who appeared to have quite readily gone scuttling back with their tail between their legs after falling-out with Elvis. Says it all really, it was a good free ride on Elvis's generosity while it lasted and each of them knew it and milked it while they could, then brought out the vitriol when they were disposed of and it obviously still rankles.

Its hard to summarise this book, but what I will say is, if you are afraid of hearing cold, hard facts from Sonnys perspective then it may not be for you, still I would highly recommend reading this with fresh eyes and lose all pre-conceptions.I enjoyed it thoroughly but found it hard when it comes to the removal of Sonny, Red and Dave from Elvis life, such a sad time in Elvis life and particularly for Red and Sonny to risk their friendship with Elvis.I have moved on from Elvis What Happened as I assume most fans have, as we know now much more than we were prepared to accept first time around and what comes through in this book is the love and devotion that they had for each other, in spite of the last few years.

I am a massive fan of Elvis Presley so anything to do with him I would rate! ❤️ I enjoyed this book by Sonny West (now deceased). It gives us an insiders peek into the world of The King! If you are a fan, go and get this book, you won't be disappointed!

Great read

Brilliant could not put it down enjoyed reading all about elvis and what he got up to when making all his films and what better person to tell it all than sonny west who was with him on that journey I truly believe sonny loved him and only wanted to help elvis get straight if your an elvis fan like myself this book is a real insight into his life that you will enjoy reading about