Me and a Guy Named Elvis

My Lifelong Friendship With Elvis Presley

By: Jerry Schilling, Chuck Crisafulli

Narrated by: William Dufris

On a lazy Sunday in 1954, 12-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch-football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a 19-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teen 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 13 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' close friend and confidant. Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats; he also 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 led to Elvis' abuse of prescription medication and his tragic death. Jerry offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis' 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 for Elvis' millions of fans, and the compelling story will fascinate an even wider audience.

©2006 Jerry Schilling (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Schilling's heartfelt narrative makes this more than just another piece of Elvis product." (Publishers Weekly)
"Me and a Guy Named Elvis is not only authentic, honest, and truly moving, it is a marvel." (Priscilla Presley)
"Jerry Schilling has captured the beauty of my father's spirit in a way that has never been done before....This book is by far my favorite." (Lisa Marie Presley)

a candid honest look at two friends

Jerry's relationship with the Presley family span five decades
truly a brother from another mother

I didn’t want it to end

Being a lifetime fan of Elvis and loving the new movie, I was excited to hear Jerry Schilling’s perspective about his friend and employer. Who was Elvis? What was it like to be around the King?
This book did not disappoint! I really enjoyed hearing about his best friend, who was always there for him…whom he loved like family. I didn’t want it to end. I was 8 years old when Elvis passed away. I was devastated and still wish he were alive. How could the biggest star be gone? I hope Elvis realizes how much he is still loved. Thank you to the author for this loving tribute which shows the human side of an amazing man. RIP Elvis; you are missed.

excellent book with amazing stories

thanks Jerry for your stories of your friend Elvis. I am a huge fan so I enjoyed it thoroughly but I know that anybody would be interested in knowing more about the man not just the Entertainer. so thank you for sharing your memories with us. it was great hearing stories all the way from high school until the very sad premature and of his life. I love Elvis but even more now. thank you

The Best On Elvis I Ever Read or Heard

This book is phenomenal. if you want to really know the man Elvis Presley. Jerry really opens that door. How Elvis saw himself & explains his open heart for those around him. His intellectual side, creative side & spiritual side. I love this book & the beautiful relationship Jerry had with Elvis.

Great listen for true Elvis fans

I enjoyed listening to Jerry Schilling’s side of the story, I especially enjoyed the beginning when Jerry first met Elvis

Lifelong Fan

Thank you for writing this book Mr Schilling. I am a huge fan of Elvis, Lisa and now yours after watching/hearing you speak at Graceland on January of this year. My husband and I were there to celebrate MY birthday which is also January 8! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and my husband is going to read it too.

Greatly enjoyed

I appreciated the portrayal of Elvis by Jerry Schilling. There have been negative stories about him through the years and I'm sure some of them were probably true and understandable with the life he led. But Jerry chose to highlight the positive - the generous spirit Elvis had, the love for family and friends, and understanding of those who were sad or hurting. He has truly been a great friend to Elvis during and after his life on earth. This is a special book, uplifting and interesting. A good read.

Jerry's Best Friend Elvis

I stayed up practically all night reading this book it was so good. It's so cool and I find it sweet. Jerry was a twelve year-old kid playing football with the future King of Rock N Roll. Then he finds himself trying to become his friend and ends up being his best friend. The best stories start off with the most humble conditions. I really enjoyed this one.

Schillings ' honest and unbiased truth of Elvis

I loved this story! I cryed, I laughed and I gained a new perspective of the while lifestyle of the King!
I have read other elvis books including Elvis What Happened and Sonny West 2nd book etc. But, this read was such a great, refreshing perspective. One that had a balance and an independent approach. He has that perspective because, he knew when to walk away from Elvis and live on his own terms. Even though, growing up he was totally enamerged by Elvis. Funny how rhings work out.
I think Elvis noticed Jerry always had his best interest and respected his independent heart. That's why the remained loyal friends. And the best was the bonus material! ! I was left with such a greay feeling after listening to this book, im afraid to read another in fear of spoiling it! Jerry Schilling you are a very special person with a heart of GOLD!! Thank you!

Excellent

I really liked this book because the author writes from the heart. So much of Elvis personal life was explained with the events of the start of his career to the end. Although seen through the authors eye you still get a good sense of Elvis character off stage and the friendship they had. Plus the love Elvis had for all those people who had contact with him.Recommend to all Elvis fans. I was sad when the book ended I wanted more because it was that good.