Did Red West write a book about Elvis Presley?

In 1977, Red West, alongside his cousin Sonny West and bodyguard David Hebler, co-authored “Elvis: What Happened?”.

This book, though not solely his creation, became a significant tell-all memoir about Elvis Presley, focusing on his private battles with drug abuse.

Their intent was clear: to shed light on Elvis’s addiction struggles, aiming for intervention and awareness. However, their motives were questioned after they were dismissed from Elvis’s circle just before the book’s release.

Tragically, the accuracy of their revelations was starkly affirmed when Elvis succumbed to a drug overdose merely two weeks after the book hit shelves. Despite controversies, “Elvis: What Happened?” skyrocketed to bestseller status, selling over three million copies.

Red West’s involvement in unraveling Elvis’s struggles played a crucial role in the book’s impact. It sparked vital conversations about addiction and the immense pressures celebrities face under the spotlight.

While Red West may not have penned a solo account of Elvis’s life, his collaboration on this expose undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Elvis’s legacy, reminding us of the perils hidden behind fame and success.