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Robert Gene "Red" West (March 8, 1936 – July 18, 2017) was an American actor, film stuntman and songwriter.[1] He was known for being a close confidant and bodyguard for rock and roll singer Elvis Presley. Upon his firing, West co-wrote the controversial Elvis: What Happened?, a tell all book about Elvis co written with two other Presley associates and Steve Dunleavy, a Rupert Murdoch journalist; the book was published in May 1977 in UK and later in USA (just two weeks before Presley's August 1977 death).[a][2]

Key Information

West was also known to American film audiences for his role as Red in Road House, alongside Patrick Swayze. West appeared to critical acclaim in the 2008 independent film Goodbye Solo as William.[3]

Early life

[edit]

West was born in Memphis, Tennessee, to Lois and Newton Thomas West.[4] West was the cousin of actor 'Sonny' West.[5] While attending high school in Tennessee, West and Sonny met Elvis Presley.[6]

An athlete and U.S. Marine, West played football for his high school and junior college at Jones County Junior College teams and was a boxer in the Golden Gloves championships.[7]

In 1961, West married his wife Pat Boyd who was Elvis' secretary.[6] Together, they had two children.[7]

West and Presley

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Songwriting career

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West collaborated with Elvis Presley on two songs in 1961 and 1962,[7] which Elvis got a token credit on, "That's Someone You Never Forget" and "You'll Be Gone".[8]

"That's Someone You Never Forget" is the final track on the 1962 album Pot Luck. The song was released as a 45-rpm B-side single in 1967 and features on the Artist of the Century compilation.[9] "You'll Be Gone" is a bonus track on the Girl Happy soundtrack LP. West co-wrote "If You Think I Don't Need You" with Joey Cooper for the motion picture Viva Las Vegas.[8] He teamed up with Joey Cooper again on "I'm A Fool", which Ricky Nelson recorded,[10] and which was later a hit for Dino, Desi and Billy (the partnership of Dean-Paul "Dino" Martin, Desi Arnaz Jr., and William "Billy" Hinsche).[10]

West cowrote the song "Separate Ways" with Richard Mainegra for Elvis in 1972,[11] and "If You Talk in Your Sleep" with Johnny Christopher for Presley's 1975 album Promised Land.[12] Red wrote "If Every Day Was Like Christmas", recorded by Presley in 1966.[7]

In addition to writing for Elvis, Red had songs recorded by Pat Boone, Rick Nelson, Johnny Burnette, Johnny Rivers, Dino, Desi & Billy, Petula Clark, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Andre Kostelanetz and His Orchestra, and Little Milton, among others.[citation needed]

Elvis' entourage and firing

[edit]

In 1976, West was criticized in the media for his involvement in a series of heavy-handed incidents with fans in Las Vegas.[7] Elvis's father fired West, his cousin Sonny, and bodyguard David Hebler.[5]

The three subsequently looked for publishers to make money by writing the tell all book Elvis: What Happened?

Acting and stuntman career

[edit]

When Presley was making films in the 1960s in Hollywood, Red West appeared in small roles in sixteen of the star's films.[13] During this time, West became good friends with actor Nick Adams and his physical abilities got him hired on as a stuntman on Adams' television series, The Rebel.[4]

From there, West went on to do more stunt work in film as well as developing a career as an actor in a number of motion pictures and on television. He frequently served as a stuntman and occasional actor (often playing a henchman) in the CBS TV series The Wild Wild West and was personally friendly with that show's primary star, Robert Conrad. West was one member of a group of stuntmen used frequently by the show. West was credited in S3 E14 "The Night of the Iron Fist" as playing Roy (1967). He played Klaxton in S3 E18 "The Night of the Vipers" (1968). West was severely injured in a stunt gone awry while filming the episode "The Night of the Avaricious Actuary";[14] according to Conrad and the show's stuntman and choreographer Whitey Hughes, West had broken his skull during one incident on the show[15] (but they do not specify during the filming of which episode that this injury occurred). The show was ultimately eventually cancelled because of pressure from President Lyndon B. Johnson, members of Congress, and concerns from the public over violence on television, which all of whom were concerned was causing, or would cause, an increase in violence across the country.[16][17]

Conrad himself also suffered a concussion falling from a chandelier in "The Night of the Fugitives" (and other injuries at various points of the series' production, including a "6-inch fracture of the skull, high temporal concussion, [and] partial paralysis.";[15] after this, CBS insisted that he defer to a stunt double. "[W]hen I came back for the fourth season, I was limited to what I could do for insurance reasons," Conrad explained. "So I agreed and gradually I did all the fights but couldn't do anything five feet off the ground and of course that went out the window."[18][15] After this incident, the show began using a common stunt technique, which filmmakers refer to as "the Texas Switch", in which a stuntman would start the stunt before the main star appeared at its end to continue the show.,[19] was often used by Ross Martin and his double, Bob Herron. Conrad criticized congressional pressure for years afterwards, but in other interviews he admitted that it probably was time to cancel the series because he felt that he and the stuntmen were pushing their luck. He also believed the role had hurt his craft.[20]

West also played the role of Sheriff Tanner of Alcorn County, Mississippi in the 1973 film Walking Tall. He also reprised the role in the 1975 film Walking Tall Part 2.[21]

West played the ornery, sometimes violent Master Sergeant Andy Micklin on Black Sheep Squadron.[22] He guest starred twice on the CBS hit detective series Magnum, P.I. as different characters, as five different ones on The A-Team, the Knight Rider pilot episode "Knight of the Phoenix", on The Fall Guy, Simon & Simon and in "The Once and Future King", an episode of The Twilight Zone which concerned Presley.[6][23] In 1989, West appeared in the action film Road House with Patrick Swayze as Red Webster, the auto parts store owner.[2]

West played the lead role in the 2008 independent film Goodbye Solo as William, an elderly depressed man who befriends a Senegalese man in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.[3] The film received positive reviews and critic Roger Ebert remarked that "West isn't playing himself, but he evokes his character so fully that he might as well be. West's face is a map of hard living".[3]

His last film role was in the 2013 film Safe Haven as Roger, an elderly store clerk in Southport, North Carolina.[24]

Death

[edit]

West died on July 18, 2017, aged 81, from an aortic aneurysm, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in his native Memphis.[13]

His death occurred less than two months after the death of his cousin, actor Sonny West, in May 2017.[5] His funeral and burial at Memorial Park Cemetery was held on July 24 in Memphis.[25]

[edit]

In John Carpenter's 1979 film Elvis, West was portrayed by Robert Gray. West was also portrayed by his son John Boyd West in the 2005 Golden Globe winning CBS mini-series Elvis and in the 21st episode of the fifth season of Quantum Leap, Memphis Melody.

Selected filmography

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Red West

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Robert Gene "Red" West (March 8, 1936 – July 18, 2017) was an American actor, stuntman, songwriter, and bodyguard best known for his decades-long association with as a member of the singer's inner circle, the . Born in , West befriended Presley at Humes High School, where he intervened to protect the future star from bullies, forging a bond that led to West serving as Presley's driver, protector, and confidant from the mid-1950s onward. West's loyalty extended through Presley's rise to fame, military service, and Hollywood career, during which he appeared in 18 of the singer's films, often as a stuntman or extra, while also pursuing acting roles in productions like Road House (1989) and Walking Tall (1973). As a songwriter, he penned several tracks recorded by Presley, including "Separate Ways" (1972), "If You Talk in Your Sleep" (1974), and "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees" (1971), as well as co-writing "You'll Be Gone" and "That's Someone You Never Forget" with Elvis himself. His songs also found success with other artists such as Pat Boone and Ricky Nelson. In 1976, West and fellow bodyguard Sonny West were dismissed by Presley's manager, , amid efforts to reduce entourage expenses, despite their efforts to curb the singer's escalating drug use and associations with dangerous suppliers. This prompted West, along with Sonny West and Dave Hebler, to co-author Elvis: What Happened?, a tell-all book published in August 1977—shortly after Presley's death—that detailed the star's prescription drug dependency, paranoia, and health decline, intended as a final intervention to compel Presley to seek help. Though the exposé drew accusations of betrayal from some fans and Presley's estate, West maintained it stemmed from genuine concern for his friend's life, stating, "I wrote it for money and to try to help him." West continued acting until his death from an aortic dissection in 2017, leaving a legacy intertwined with Presley's but marked by candid revelations about the perils of fame.

Early Life

Childhood and Education

Robert Gene West, known as "Red" West, was born on March 8, 1936, in , to parents Lois West and Newton Thomas West. He grew up in Memphis alongside his cousin Sonny West, with whom he later shared connections in the entertainment industry. Limited public records detail his early family life, but West's athletic build and earned him the nickname "Red" during youth. West attended Humes High School in Memphis, where he played football for the school's Memphis Tigers team and participated in Golden Gloves boxing competitions. It was at Humes that he first befriended Elvis Presley, protecting the smaller Presley from schoolyard conflicts due to his own imposing 6-foot-2 stature. After high school, West briefly pursued higher education and athletics at Jones County Junior College (now Jones County Junior College) in Ellisville, Mississippi, joining the football team as a Bobcat player in 1955. His time there marked the extent of his formal postsecondary education before transitioning to military service.

Athletic and Military Background

Robert Gene West, known as Red West, excelled in American football during his youth and early adulthood. He played as a standout at Memphis Central High School and later at Jones County Junior College, where he was a member of the Bobcats football team. West enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1956, serving until late 1958. During his enlistment, he was stationed in , a posting that facilitated ongoing communication with , who was concurrently serving in the United States Army in . This period honed West's physical discipline and combat skills, which later informed his role as a .

Relationship with Elvis Presley

Formation of Friendship and Early Roles

Robert Gene "Red" West met at Humes High School in , in the early 1950s. West, a a year younger than Presley, intervened when a group of bullies planned to forcibly cut Presley's distinctive pomaded hair in the school bathroom, protecting the initially shy and friendless Presley from harassment. This incident established the foundation of their lifelong friendship, with West taking on an informal role as Presley's protector during their high school years. As Presley began his music career, their bond strengthened following the release of his debut single "" in July 1954, after which West accompanied him on personal trips and provided continued support. In 1955 and 1956, West drove the bus for Presley's southern U.S. touring shows, handling and amid growing fan crowds. He also contributed backup vocals to early recordings like "." Before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956, West's roles emphasized personal protection and companionship during Presley's rapid ascent to local fame. West's military service from 1956 to 1958 interrupted direct involvement, but Presley's mother, Gladys, requested in early 1958 that he "look after my boy" as Presley faced his own army induction. This early phase of West's association with Presley transitioned from schoolyard defense to professional-grade support, setting the stage for his full-time employment as a upon Presley's discharge in March 1960.

Membership in the Memphis Mafia

Red West became one of the original members of the , Elvis Presley's inner circle of friends and associates, through their high school friendship at Humes High School in Memphis, where West protected Presley from physical confrontations. His involvement began formally in 1955 when he served as Presley's driver during tours with , marking the start of his long-term role in the entourage. The group, dubbed the "Memphis Mafia" by media in the for their black attire and sunglasses, consisted of core figures including West and his cousin West, who provided companionship, , and logistical support during Presley's rise to fame. As a key figure in the , West transitioned to primary duties following Presley's discharge from the U.S. Army in 1960, assuming responsibility for personal security during films, tours, and residencies. He coordinated protection efforts, such as during performances where threats necessitated heightened vigilance, often employing techniques for readiness. West's role extended to maintaining group morale through shared pranks and activities, reflecting the informal, loyal dynamic of the entourage that traveled with Presley for over two decades. His status as a underscored the trust Presley placed in him, distinguishing core members from later additions. West's membership exemplified the Memphis Mafia's blend of friendship and professional service, with his athletic background and family ties to Sonny West bolstering the group's protective capabilities. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in minor roles in sixteen of Presley's films, further embedding his presence in the star's professional life while prioritizing security over other tasks. This enduring commitment highlighted the personal bonds that defined the group's operations, free from formal hierarchy but guided by Presley's directives.

Songwriting Contributions

Red West began providing songs to in the early 1960s, leveraging his intimate knowledge of Presley's tastes to craft ballads, gospel numbers, and seasonal pieces, often incorporating ideas from Presley or collaborators like Charlie Hodge. His writing process typically involved quick drafts at hotels or studios during tours, with Presley offering feedback during informal sessions rather than formal co-authorship in most cases, though credits sometimes reflected Presley's input on titles or concepts. Key early contributions include "That's Someone You Never Forget," recorded on June 21, 1961, for the album , where Presley suggested the title and West expanded it into a melancholic about lost love, with West present during the studio take. "You'll Be Gone," an from March 18, 1962, sessions later released on the 1995 album Walk a Mile in My Shoes: The Essential '70s Masters, was developed over a year of jamming; co-credited to Presley, West, and Hodge, who recommended a two-chord beat for rhythmic appeal, with lyrics adapted from an earlier melody after objections from Cole Porter's estate. "If You Think I Don’t Need You," co-written with Joe Cooper and featured in the 1964 film , drew inspiration from ' "" for its upbeat plea. West's holiday songs proved enduring hits, such as "If Every Day Was Like Christmas," penned solely by him in 1966 and recorded that as a single, completed in 90 minutes and overdubbed by Presley in a Nashville . "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees," recorded in May 1971 for the album Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas, was another festive track Presley favored. His gospel work included "Seeing Is Believing," from the 1971 album He Touched Me, which West noted Presley enjoyed singing for its spiritual depth akin to energy. Later efforts addressed personal turmoil, like "Separate Ways," written by West (with Richard Mainegra) about relational strain, recorded in October 1968 for the album of the same name and adapted to evoke Presley's separation from , changing a lyric to reference their daughter Lisa Marie. "If You Talk in Your Sleep," co-written with and included on the 1974 album , stemmed from Presley's real-life sleep-talking anecdotes shared during a 1973 tour stop. These tracks, spanning 1961 to 1974, highlight West's role in supplying Presley with material that aligned with his evolving personal and musical phases.

Bodyguard Responsibilities and Key Incidents

Red West assumed formal bodyguard duties for in 1960, following Presley's discharge from the , becoming a core member of the informal group known as the . His primary responsibilities included providing physical protection during tours, film productions, and public appearances; managing aggressive crowds of fans; and mitigating threats ranging from overzealous admirers to more serious dangers. West often coordinated with his cousin Sonny West to ensure discreet exits from venues, heightened stage security such as brighter lighting and closer positioning, and constant vigilance, particularly in high-risk environments like performances. These efforts extended to driving Presley in the mid-1950s prior to his official role and handling logistics to shield him from intrusions during personal outings. Key incidents underscore West's proactive approach to protection, though his methods occasionally drew criticism for being heavy-handed. In the 1950s at Humes High School in Memphis, West intervened to prevent three boys from forcibly cutting Presley's hair in a restroom, an early act of that solidified their and foreshadowed his protective . During a late 1960s or early 1970s engagement, West and Sonny responded to a credible pre-show by bolstering measures, including positioning themselves onstage; Presley proceeded with the performance, briefly adopting a defensive stance amid the tension. Another notable event occurred during a Las Vegas show when an aggressive female fan rushed the stage toward Presley; West physically restrained her, inadvertently causing her dress to come undone in the process, which briefly amused the audience but highlighted the physical demands of crowd control. Throughout Presley's career, West's tactics prioritized immediate threat neutralization, contributing to Presley's sense of security despite the era's escalating fame-related risks, such as those later referenced in comparisons to incidents like the attempted assassination of John Lennon.

Departure from Presley's Circle

The 1976 Firing

On July 13, 1976, Red West, his cousin Sonny West, and bodyguard Dave Hebler were dismissed from their roles protecting by Presley's father, Vernon Presley. The terminations were delivered abruptly, with Vernon citing the need to reduce expenses amid Presley's mounting financial pressures, including high payroll costs for the entourage known as the . Underlying the official rationale were complaints about the bodyguards' aggressive methods in crowd control and fan interactions, which had resulted in multiple lawsuits and settlements against Presley for alleged assaults. Vernon had previously voiced concerns over these incidents, viewing them as excessive and liability-inducing, though West maintained that such tactics were necessary to shield from overzealous admirers and potential threats during tours and public appearances. Presley himself avoided direct involvement in the dismissals, reportedly delegating the task to his father to evade personal confrontation with longtime associates. West, who had served Presley loyally since their high school days in the mid-1950s, expressed shock at the impersonal handling, learning of his termination through a intermediary rather than Presley directly. The firings severed a two-decade bond, prompting West to later reflect on them as a cost-driven measure rather than a reflection of Presley's personal wishes, though tensions over the bodyguards' interventions in Presley's lifestyle had simmered for years. No formal severance or reconciliation occurred immediately, leaving West to seek new opportunities outside Presley's inner circle.

Co-Authorship of "Elvis: What Happened?"

Red West, along with his cousin Sonny West and bodyguard Dave Hebler, co-authored Elvis: What Happened?, a exposé published on , 1977, by . The narrative was compiled from interviews conducted by journalist , who shaped the accounts of the three former members into a cohesive volume detailing Elvis Presley's declining health, extensive prescription drug dependency, and erratic behavior during the mid-1970s. West, who had known Presley since their high school days in Memphis, contributed personal anecdotes spanning over two decades, emphasizing Presley's transformation from a disciplined performer to one reliant on amphetamines, barbiturates, and other pharmaceuticals supplied by physicians. The impetus for the book stemmed from the trio's dismissal on July 13, 1976, by Presley's father, Vernon Presley, officially attributed to financial constraints amid the entertainer's mounting expenses. Following their termination, West and the others attempted to contact Presley directly to urge intervention for his issues, but these efforts were rebuffed, prompting them to proceed with the publication as a means to publicize what they described as a desperate bid to compel Presley or his inner circle to address the crisis. The text includes West's recollections of specific incidents, such as Presley's near-fatal overdose attempts and paranoid episodes involving firearms, framing these as symptoms of unchecked pharmaceutical abuse rather than mere excesses of fame. Critics and Presley loyalists labeled the book a , given the authors' long-standing loyalty, but West maintained in later reflections that the revelations were intended as a wake-up call, corroborated by the accuracy of its depictions against posthumous accounts of Presley's findings of multiple drug toxicities. The volume's release, mere days before Presley's death on August 16, 1977, amplified its notoriety, selling briskly despite backlash and influencing public perception of the singer's by prioritizing firsthand observations over sanitized narratives. West's contributions underscored his role as both protector and witness, highlighting tensions within the entourage over enabling Presley's habits versus confronting them.

Motivations and Defense Against Betrayal Claims

Red West and his co-authors, Sonny West and Dave Hebler, stated that their primary motivation for co-authoring Elvis: What Happened?—published on August 1, 1977—was to expose Elvis Presley's escalating dependency in hopes of prompting him to seek treatment, viewing it as a last-resort intervention after private efforts failed. Red West explained that he had previously confronted drug suppliers in Elvis's circle, including an incident where he broke a supplier's foot, which contributed to his firing by Vernon Presley on July 13, 1976, ostensibly for cost-cutting but which West attributed to his anti-drug stance. Following the dismissal, the trio approached media outlets before settling on the book to "put right in his face what was going on," combining financial necessity with a protective intent rooted in their decades-long friendship, as West had known Presley since junior high school in the early 1950s. In defense against accusations of betrayal, West emphasized the book's veracity and balanced portrayal, asserting that "everything in that book is the truth" and that approximately 90 percent focused on positive aspects of Presley's life and character rather than solely negatives. He maintained that the revelations stemmed from genuine concern, not vengeance, stating, "I wrote it for money and to try to help him," and reiterated his deep affection: "I loved the man very much." West further argued that earlier attempts to curb Presley's habits through direct confrontation had been rebuffed, positioning the publication as an act of tough love from loyal associates who had served as bodyguards and confidants for over 20 years, rather than disloyalty. Critics, including some Presley family members and fans, countered that the timing—post-firing and pre-death—exploited vulnerabilities for profit, but West's accounts highlight repeated, unsuccessful pleas for change predating the book's serialization in the National Enquirer in July 1977. On October 12, 1976, West spoke with Presley by phone in a recorded conversation, reportedly seeking reconciliation and expressing worry over his health, which West cited as evidence of ongoing care despite the rift.

Independent Career

Transition to Acting

Following his dismissal from Elvis Presley's entourage in October 1976, Red West intensified his efforts in film and television, leveraging prior stunt experience from Presley's movies to establish an independent career as an and . He transitioned by securing recurring television roles, including a co-starring part as Sergeant John Crowe in the series Black Sheep Squadron (1976–1978), which aired 36 episodes and marked one of his earliest substantial acting opportunities outside Presley's orbit. West's stunt work expanded concurrently, drawing on his physical prowess from years as a bodyguard and Marine veteran; he performed stunts in projects like episodes predating his full departure but continued into independent productions post-1976, often involving high-risk action sequences that occasionally resulted in injuries, such as breaking multiple bones during a stunt. This foundation enabled bit parts and supporting roles in films, evolving from uncredited extras in the to credited appearances in 1970s and 1980s features, including uncredited work in Robert Conrad's The Duke (1979). By the 1980s, West's acting gained traction with tougher, authoritative characters suiting his rugged persona, exemplified by his role as Red Dawson, a , in the 1989 Road House, directed by and starring , where he appeared in fight scenes emphasizing his real-world toughness. Subsequent credits included supporting parts in The Rainmaker (1997), directed by , and a lead role as the depressed elderly William in the independent drama Goodbye Solo (2008), directed by , which premiered at the and highlighted his dramatic range late in his career. These roles, spanning over 100 credits until 2015, underscored a gradual shift from peripheral stunts to character-driven performances, sustained by persistence amid limited mainstream breakthroughs.

Stunt Work and Film Appearances

After departing from Elvis Presley's circle in 1976, Red West sustained his career as a while increasingly taking on acting roles in television and film, drawing on his physical prowess and industry connections from earlier decades. He performed stunts and appeared as Andy Micklin, a Marine Corps mechanic, in the series (also titled Black Sheep Squadron), featuring in episodes aired between 1976 and 1978, including one he was filming on the day of Presley's death in August 1977. West also contributed to stunts on the series, building on prior experience with projects. In 1979, West acted in Conrad's short-lived series The Duke, further establishing his television presence independent of Presley affiliations. His film roles gained prominence with the portrayal of Red Webster, an enforcer for the antagonist Brad Wesley, in the 1989 action thriller Road House, opposite as a nightclub bouncer; the character participated in brutal confrontations, showcasing West's tough-guy persona honed from real-life bodyguard duties. West continued appearing in supporting capacities across genres, including the mall guard in Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers (1994), a jury member in Francis Ford Coppola's The Rainmaker (1997), and the store clerk Roger in Nicholas Sparks adaptation Safe Haven (2013). Other credits encompassed Walking Tall (2004 remake), Glory Road (2006 basketball drama as a coach), and Goodbye Solo (2008 independent film). Throughout these years, he maintained stunt work in various productions, though specific post-1976 credits emphasized his acting transitions over pure stunts.

Later Life and Death

Personal Life and Family

West was born Robert Gene West on March 8, 1936, in , to parents Lois West and Newton Thomas West. He had one brother, Harold West, and his cousin Sonny West also served in Elvis Presley's entourage. On July 1, 1961, West married Pat Boyd, a former secretary to ; the ceremony took place at Holy Trinity Church in Memphis, with Presley originally slated as best man but arriving late. The couple had two sons: John Boyd West, an actor based in , and Brent West, who resided in Memphis. Their lasted 56 years until West's in 2017.

Health Decline and Passing

Red West suffered an on July 18, 2017, leading to his death later that evening at Baptist Hospital in . His wife, Pat West, reported that he experienced pains in the afternoon before the sudden onset of the condition proved fatal. At the time of his passing, West was 81 years old and had no publicly documented chronic health conditions contributing to the event.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition

Red West is remembered as one of Elvis Presley's earliest and most loyal companions, having met him in high school and served as his protector and confidant for over two decades as part of the . His co-authorship of the 1977 book Elvis: What Happened?—written with Sonny West and Dave Hebler—has been viewed by some as a courageous, if controversial, attempt to alert the public to Presley's escalating dependency in hopes of prompting intervention, though critics at the time accused the authors of betrayal following their 1976 firing. West maintained in later interviews that the disclosure stemmed from genuine concern rather than financial gain, emphasizing his repeated private pleas to Presley and his associates about the dangers, which were ignored amid the entourage's enabling dynamics. As a songwriter, West's contributions to Presley's catalog endure, with credits on tracks like "Separate Ways" (1972), which reached No. 20 on the Hot Country Singles chart, and co-writes such as "If You Talk in Your Sleep" and "You'll Be Gone," the latter featuring Presley on unissued vocals from 1960 sessions. His compositions were also recorded by artists including , , and , underscoring his broader influence in mid-20th-century pop and . In film and television, West transitioned to stunt work and acting post-Presley, appearing in 18 of the singer's movies (often in bit roles) and later gaining notice for parts in Road House (1989), Walking Tall (2004 remake), and the series Black Sheep Squadron, where he played a regular henchman. Following his death on July 18, 2017, from an at age 81, West received tributes highlighting his multifaceted role in Presley's world and beyond. Graceland issued a statement acknowledging his 20 years of service to Presley, including driving, bodyguarding, and creative input, positioning him as a foundational figure in the singer's inner circle. Obituaries in outlets like and Deadline praised his evolution from to accomplished and songwriter, while fan memorials emphasized his authenticity and protectiveness toward Presley. An unfinished , Red & Elvis, was in progress at the time of his passing, intended to further detail their friendship.

Controversies and Perspectives

Criticisms of Elvis's Drug Use and Entourage Dynamics

In the 1977 book Elvis: What Happened?, co-authored by Red West, Sonny West, and Dave Hebler, Elvis Presley's former bodyguards detailed his escalating abuse of prescription drugs, including heavy consumption of amphetamines such as Dexedrine for energy during performances and barbiturates like Placidyl and Seconal for sleep, which they claimed began in the late and intensified through the . The authors alleged that Presley obtained these substances primarily from physicians, including Dr. George Nichopoulos, who prescribed them under the guise of treating ailments like and , leading to dependencies that caused erratic behavior, such as hallucinations and violent outbursts. West specifically recounted incidents where Presley's drug intake resulted in near-fatal overdoses, including a severe reaction to Placidyl that required hospitalization, emphasizing that such episodes were concealed from the public to protect his image. The book portrayed the —the informal entourage of friends and employees surrounding Presley, including West himself—as complicit in enabling this addiction through a culture of unquestioning loyalty and deference to Presley's authority as both employer and idol. Members often participated in or facilitated use, with some admitting to sharing uppers and downers to match Presley's grueling schedule of tours and recordings, which discouraged open confrontation despite private concerns. West criticized this dynamic as fostering a "yes-men" environment where suggestions for intervention, such as reducing prescriptions or seeking rehabilitation, were rebuffed, as Presley viewed criticism as disloyalty; he reportedly fired West, West, and Hebler on , 1976, after physically confronted a supplier in an to curb access. The authors argued that this insularity prevented effective help, with Presley's inner circle prioritizing and access to his generosity over enforcing boundaries, a pattern that West later reflected upon as a of tough despite repeated, unsuccessful pleas for Presley to address his health. These revelations drew immediate backlash from Presley's estate and fans, who accused the authors of betrayal for monetary gain, though the book's timing—just weeks before Presley's on August 16, 1977, from linked to involving at least 10 prescription drugs—lent retrospective empirical weight to the claims of unchecked . West maintained that the exposé was a last-resort intervention after years of futile internal efforts, underscoring how entourage dynamics amplified Presley's vulnerabilities by insulating him from external accountability while internal voices were silenced.

Balanced Views on Loyalty and Intervention

Red West's tenure with , spanning over two decades from their high school meeting in the 1950s until his firing on July 13, 1976, exemplified a profound personal loyalty, marked by protection from physical threats, contributions as a songwriter—including hits like "Separate Ways" in 1973—and participation in the inner circle known as the . Critics of West's later actions argue that true loyalty demanded silence on Presley's escalating dependency, which involved amphetamines, barbiturates, and other medications, as public exposure risked tarnishing his image and enabling the code of within the entourage. This perspective frames the 1977 book Elvis: What Happened?, co-authored with Sonny West and Dave Hebler, as an act of motivated partly by financial need after abrupt dismissal—ostensibly for cost-cutting but amid tensions over West's confrontations with drug suppliers. Conversely, West maintained that intervention constituted the ultimate expression of , rooted in a fraternal bond where Presley was "closer to me than my own brothers." He recounted direct efforts to curb Presley's self-destructive habits, such as physically assaulting a supplier by breaking his foot to halt deliveries, actions that precipitated his termination by Presley's , Vernon, who handled the firing to avoid direct confrontation. The book, serialized weeks before Presley's death on August 16, 1977, was intended as a stark warning to jolt him into reform, with West stating, "I wrote it for money and to try to help him... I loved the man very much," emphasizing that 90 percent of its content highlighted positive aspects while addressing the crisis head-on. Sonny West echoed this rationale, noting the aimed to "scare the hell out of Elvis to the point where he does something about his problem," posing the dilemma: "How do you protect a man from himself?" These perspectives underscore a tension between a friend's —Presley often denied the severity of his , attributing symptoms to gastrointestinal issues—and moral imperatives to intervene against evident decline, including hospitalizations like the one in October 1973 for drug-related complications. While the book's timing fueled accusations of , selling over 3 million copies posthumously, its authors positioned it as a final, desperate measure after private pleas failed, reflecting a view that passive perpetuated harm whereas candid exposure prioritized long-term preservation. This debate persists among Presley associates and biographers, weighing entourage discretion against for behaviors that contributed to his fatal overdose.

References

  1. https://bestclassicbands.com/red-west-obituary-7-20-17/
  2. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/interview-with-red-west.shtml
  3. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/red-west-dead-actor-songwriter-elvis-presley-confidant-was-81-1022733/
  4. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/red-west-writing-for-the-king.shtml
  5. https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Red%2BWest&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  6. http://www.elvis-history-blog.com/elvis_biography.html
  7. https://musicrow.com/2017/07/lifenotes-elvis-presley-associate-red-west-passes/
  8. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/west-red-1936-robert-red-gene-west
  9. https://mabumbe.com/people/red-west-biography-age-net-worth-family-more/
  10. https://soulrideblog.com/2017/08/15/red-west-one-of-the-good-ones/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0922307/bio/
  12. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/news/red-west-elvis-friend-and-actor-has-died.shtml
  13. https://www.leader-call.com/news/local/ex-bobcat-football-player-elvis-bodyguard-actor-red-west-dies-at-81/article_60b9ca82-9e23-5e65-947d-b82bac3bda3e.html
  14. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2017/07/20/red-west-school-friend-elvis-presley-obituary/
  15. https://www.elvisinfonet.com/interview_red_west.html
  16. https://memphismagazine.com/features/elvis-presley-red-west/
  17. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-friday-edition-1.4175475/remembering-red-and-sonny-west-members-of-elvis-famous-memphis-mafia-1.4175480
  18. https://www.yours.co.uk/leisure/nostalgia/man-who-betrayed-elvis/
  19. https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/elvis-has-left-the-library-identifying-forged-annotations-in-a-book-of-mormon
  20. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/book-elvis-what-happened.shtml
  21. https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/elvis-presley-biography37.htm
  22. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/elvis-presley-broken-heart-for-sale-60629/
  23. http://www.elvis-history-blog.com/elvis-personal.html
  24. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7178107/Scandalous-tell-book-revealed-Elvis-Presleys-drug-addiction-just-days-died.html
  25. https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/2017/07/19/red-west-elvis-friend-and-actor-dead/493330001/
  26. https://www.khou.com/article/entertainment/music/red-west-elvis-presleys-friend-and-film-and-tv-actor-dies/285-458251662
  27. https://ourdailyelvis.wordpress.com/2018/10/13/the-red-west-phone-call-1976/
  28. https://deadline.com/2017/07/red-west-dies-road-house-actor-stuntman-songwriter-dead-1202131834/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0922307/
  30. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/red-west/credits/3000302828/
  31. https://www.televisionacademy.com/bios/red-west
  32. https://www.graceland.com/elvis-news/posts/remembering-red-west
  33. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/news/book-news-red-west-autobiography-2018.shtml
  34. http://www.classicbands.com/SonnyWestInterview.html
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