ELIOT: How much truth is there to the books written by Red and Sonny West, Albert Goldman and
that type?
DAVID STANLEY: Red and Sonny West's book was accurate. That's what made it so difficult to
deal with.
They exposed his drug problem and temper. 95% of that was true.
Albert Goldman's problem was that he had a prejudice approach towards Presley and anybody from
the South.
ELIOT: But were those problem real?
DAVID STANLEY: Goldman's book was truth mixed with much sensationalism!
The problems were so real---that Elvis Presley died of a drug overdose—
it took his life. Everybody wants to blame Col. Parker, Priscilla, me, etc...
But Elvis killed Elvis. He was responsible.
ELIOT: What was Elvis' favorite movie he made?
DAVID STANLEY: He liked "Love Me Tender" and "Flaming Star"--both films that showed
he DID know how to act! He was typecast in those musical travelogues otherwise!!!
ELIOT: What about his own favorite recording?
DAVID STANLEY: He loved Gospel music. Anything that was Gospel.
ELIOT: Would Elvis approve of the museum and merchandising at Graceland?
DAVID STANLEY: I don't think he would approve of the merchandising going on.
ELIOT: I just think it would have been a real experience touring with Elvis in the early years as a
musician.
DAVID STANLEY: The musicians in later years were isolated from Elvis.
The inner-circle, the "Memphis Mafia" was very close to him. He had his own jet, his own security---I
started traveling with him at 16. It was very exciting!!!
ELIOT: Why didn't this very rich man ever go traveling (not necessarily touring)
to Europe, Japan, France????
DAVID STANLEY: Elvis never went anywhere but Germany during the Army.
He wanted to tour Europe. The Colonel thought it would be too unsafe.
Elvis never wanted to really go traveling. I wish he would have!
ELIOT: How large was Elvis' guitar collection and how often did he actually record with them?
DAVID STANLEY: Elvis didn't go out and buy guitars...
he had a couple of Gibsons. Towards the last few years--he had a Martin
D-28, two D-45s. He didn't have a real love for the guitar.
He really loved the piano.
He had great potential with that but never pursued it!
ELIOT: Do you ever talk with Priscilla or other family members?
DAVID STANLEY: Haven't talk to Priscilla in many years..
I was very loyal to Elvis. When they split, my loyalty was to Elvis.
I don’t dislike her...but I have no reason to hang out with her.