Elvis Presley’s Best Friend Shares His Favorite Memory Of ‘The King’
on Apr 19, 2016 • Updated May 31, 2019
As one of the world’s most popular celebrities, Elvis Presley was constantly in the spotlight. Due to his immense fame, a large portion of his life was captured on cameras for all the world to see.
Though it is always enjoyable to look back at old pictures and videos of Elvis, his loved ones’ personal memories are some of the most interesting parts of his history.
One person who developed a strong relationship with Elvis over the years was music industry professional Jerry Schilling. Starting in 1954, Jerry formed a close friendship with Elvis which earned him a place in “The King’s” innermost circle, known as The Memphis Mafia.
In December 1970, Jerry joined Elvis on a trip to the White House, where Elvis met with President Richard Nixon. A photograph taken from that day of Elvis shaking hands with President Nixon has since gone on to become the most-requested photo in the National Archives.
On this day in 1970, the president met the king. #Elvis #Nixon pic.twitter.com/AgwMGMr9ij
— Graceland (@VisitGraceland) December 21, 2018
Jerry later went on to serve as the executive producer on a film about that same historic meeting. The film, called Elvis & Nixon, is a comedic take on Elvis’ meeting with President Nixon, and was released in April 2016.
Jerry spoke to People at the Tribeca Film Festival about the film, but he also took the time to share his favorite memory of Elvis:
“My favorite time with Elvis was when it was just the two of us. Staying up all night, maybe at Graceland, just talking – about girls, then politics, religion, astrology, numerology. He was so interesting. I’ve had a lot of special moments with him publicly, but that’s what I really miss.”
There’s no denying the unbreakable bond that Elvis and Jerry shared. Jerry’s admiration for his friend shows through in his words, and especially through his new film. You can check out the official trailer below.
It is through Jerry’s memories that a little bit of “The King” continues to live on today.
