Elvis Presley - Lamar Fike Memphis Mafia Member Interviewed

Elvis Presley - Lamar Fike Memphis Mafia Elvis Friend Interviewed by Joe Krein
Telephone Interview
Fike was a member of Elvis Presley’s inner circle, known as the “Memphis Mafia”. He was born on November 11, 1935 in Cleveland, Mississippi, USA and died on January 21, 2011 at the age of 75 due to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 1. Fike held various roles with Presley, including as a lighting director, bodyguard and managing Presley’s music publishing group. After Presley’s death in 1977, Fike continued to work as an entrepreneur in the music business in Nashville, Tennessee, in music publishing, managing artists and brokering music and memorabilia deals 1. He was also an actor and production manager for some of Elvis’ films 2.
Collecting King Elvis

[@raffaelesellaro5890]

Always enjoyed Lamar speaking about Elvis, this one he must have been in a mood ,congrats for trying and keeping with it.

[@saphireblue3563]

Lamar, along with the others, only worse than them spread vicious lies about Elvis after he died, and later, when they saw that it made the fans hate them instead of Elvis, they tried to remake their images as "those guys who loved Elvis". They were all dirtbags, Lamar being probably the worst.

[@emmap2328]

Boy Lamar was difficult to talk to in this interview. You handled it well though joe!

[@ChantillyLace-77]

I think I understand now why Elvis teased Lamar, lol. He was a spitfire, lol. Good job, Joe. Love these interviews! Love your channel!

[@jeffmitchell9863]

Good job! This must have been done before he became more vocal about a few things. Because I met him in 93-94 and he was very outspoken on anything he had to say. Especially about the Tom Parker issues. Lamar himself is the reason Lamar was around.

[@mapachehombre1581]

Lamar cared about Elvis & he wasn't afraid of the Colonal when Elvis passed away he said to the Colonal 'well you finally run him into the ground

[@saphireblue3563]

Lamar did not care about Elvis. When Elvis died, he was one of the ones who spread the most degrading lies about Elvis. He was the one who gave the most material for the Goldman book and some of his lies were awful.

[@richardsoderkvist6383]

Thank you that was a very good interview.

[@cynderella3465]

This interview felt SO uncomfortable. Lamar was SO confrontational. I think Lamar should not have done this interview. MAJOR props to Joe for being so nice and respectful.

[@HappyFjord-jw9em]

...good interviewer, he has lots of patience. After all he spoke with Lamar and learned for himself how this old bidy of Elvis was.

[@AndrewVOdom]

@@HappyFjord-jw9em he struck me as a bit of an amateur.

[@saphireblue3563]

How is he confrontational?

[@opencurtin]

I’d like to have heard him talk about the Aloha concert and Elvis on tour but I think Lamar liked dollar signs to answer the tricky Qs … Lamar was one of the main sources of info for the Albert Goldman book .. well done Joe for handling the interview so well …

[@carikent7345]

He had no problem dishing the dirt to Albert, did he.

[@saphireblue3563]

He was a creep. Hopefully burning in hell now.

[@saphireblue3563]

@@carikent7345 Yes and mostly lies. Strange how in later years they all made over their images as the guys who loved Elvis and dumb fans buy it.

[@linapagliari8003]

Really enjoyed this interview joe Lamar a very candid man love it Ty for sharing 😁🇨🇦

[@boxerfan2]

Lamar is one of the few originals who was there in the beginning up until the end .

[@paulandrew6457]

I've never worked out what his job was

[@cherylbusch6236]

Lamar went ahead of the band to work out all the logistics of the venue, making sure everything was as seamless as possible. Lamar was already on site of Elvis’ last concert, when he got the call Elvis had passed. Above all, a Friend and Elvis wanted him around because his Mother told Elvis he could always trust Lamar.

[@Della624]

@@cherylbusch6236 Lamar Fike has stated he was in Parker's Office when he got word Elvis had passed away because he said he took great delight telling Parker he'd finally worked Elvis into the ground. Charlie Hodge worked out the Logistics of the Venue, where the lights and the band would be and so on; since he was part of the band. Lamar had left Elvis to work at Hill and Range with Tom Parker that's how he came to be in spitting distance of Parker when he heard Elvis Presley had passed away. Lamar Fike might have been blunt and to the point but many a time he was dishonest with his answers - he would base a lot of assumption with some of his answers but make them sound like he'd been in the know.

[@tolistolis8277]

The only who not fear to cross words with elvis

[@sandralybrand9425]

Anything that needed to be done, but mainly going ahead a few days before Elvis came to make sure rooms were booked and whatever arrangements needed were taken care of.

[@scruffyleartist]

Man turns up for interview and is shocked to find that it involves answering questions.

[@s198203]

Right it’s annoying to listen to

[@theresaterry164]

I think this guy is the shadiest of the Memphis Mafia. I wouldn’t believe too much of what he says.

[@user-ec1jc6oe9l]

I will disagree with your guys he was very very close to Elvis he was one of very profound friends of Elvis his was very disturb what happened to Elvis and never recovered he lost very Close friend and is hard to pick up your life after that he doesn’t mean anything bad he was important in Elvis life !

[@theresaterry164]

@@user-ec1jc6oe9l watch more videos of Lamar… he is a pig!

[@srbeaut]

@@user-ec1jc6oe9l Maybe so but doesn’t have to be a dick!Poor Joe. What does he think the questions will be.He could use some tact.It’s about Elvis!

[@NOVEMBER5TH2024]

Because every individual that was connected to Elvis has a different story when it comes to his death. Elvis fans want to hear from each and every individual who was connected to him. It doesn't matter that the narrative remains the same. The bottom line is, Elvis fans want all the information whether it's good or bad. These individuals experience that we did not. Joe keep up the great interviews and keep supplying us with great information. Because it will never end.

[@margarettaylor8107]

Elvis did not die from an overdose.Every doctor performing his autopsy stated he died from valsavar maneuver which led to a heart attack.His hospital doctors and personal physicians were aware of his long standing medical conditions.He had none, all of which he took prescription meds to treat.

[@saphireblue3563]

Yes but it is not all real. Lamar told the most vicious stories.

[@gracieg7601]

I’ve never heard Lamar tell vicious stories.

[@saphireblue3563]

@@gracieg7601 You haven't looked back far enough. Read ELVIS by Albert Goldman.

[@andrewmiller4885]

I love Lamar Fike, I think he called a spade a spade. He was definitely a straight shooter. However, he is not revealing too much here, his answers are things we already know, and have known for years. He was very cautious, when asked about Priscilla meeting Elvis, and how they responded to each other that first night. Marty Lacker on the hand has a lot to say about Priscilla when asked in interviews or Q and A's. Marty had a web site I think called "Ask Marty.", and people would ask Marty a myriad of question that he responded to very openly and honestly, he held absolutely nothing back. Marty got a good many questions about Cilla. He described her as Cold, calculated, manipulative and greedy. Thank you for this interview, we the fans want to hear all we can about the greatest entertainer the world has ever had, and the likes of which we shall never see again. WE appreciate his friends who tell their stories as a result of their close relationships with him. I have always liked Lamar a great deal he was an intelligent and articulate man and he never hesitated to tell Elvis what he thought. Rest in peace dear Lamar. I for one have come to the conclusion all these men that made up what became known as the Memphis Mafia, were NOT leachers and hangers-on. I believe they genuinely loved Elvis and did their best to look out for him. Their experience with Elvis Presley was unique, and I don't think a day went by after Elvis's death that they didn't think of him, right up till the day they themselves passed on. I just get the feeling they are all together now. They have met on that Beautiful Shore. Once again thank you so much for this bringing us this interview.

[@sandralybrand9425]

Like Marty said they gave up time that should have been spent with their families being at Elvis beck and call. They didn't make that much money for the time the gave up for personal lives. Most all were divorced except for Billy Smith and Marty Lacker and Sam Thompson.

[@roselamoure]

Even Elvis said that Priscilla is super cold and reserved and way to discipline. I believe that‘s why Elvis cheated on her. She might have been a pretty lady, but sadly that‘s all there was to her. Priscilla is very arrogant, self absorbed, money hungry and greedy and narcissistic and very two faced. I feel like even her kindness is fake and just a facade I don’t know, even if she can be kind at times, I think it‘s clear the person Priscilla loves the most is herself. She is incredibly selfish, I can see it in her face and I can see it from her behavior and how she treated others.

[@andrewmiller4885]

@@roselamoure I could not agree more with what you have stated. Priscilla in my opinion was exceptionally beautiful. However, I'm afraid her face was her only asset. She certainly didn't have a great figure she was very short. Her stats on the internet put her at 5 feet 4 inches tall. In actuality Cilla's true height was 5 feet 1 inches tall. I have friends who crossed her path during Elvis's performances in Las Vegas at the International Hotel from 1970 to 1971. My friend's wife was 5 feet 4 tall and Cilla who they were very close to in seating arrangements, said she was tiny in height compared to his wife. when everyone stood up. In any case there are other reports that have her at 5 feet 1 inch in height. Hec man did Elvis like them short? Cilla looked like nothing more than a very pretty little girl, my friend said. You are so right about her character Priscilla was not beautiful on the inside, quite the contrary. IF Elvis's true love was his audience as has been said, Priscilla Beaulieu's true love was Priscilla Beaulieu. She became extremely wealthy riding on the Presley name, the Presley Child, and the Presley estate, but she is a pathetic and rather sad figure to me. She never found lasting happiness with anyone, and boy oh boy did she have a battalion of men in her bed after Elvis.

[@roselamoure]

@@andrewmiller4885oh you absolutely have to read the book „Child Bride“ by Suzanne Finstad. It exposes Priscilla and her family and who they really were! Priscilla looks super short to me and I always felt like she was shorter than what was actually written on google. Priscilla did have a beautiful face I have to say (unfortunately) but Elvis did mock her nose for being to upturned and he said Priscilla‘s legs are super short and he wanted her to get surgery to lengthen them, Elvis liked petite girls I think but Priscilla was definitely WAY to short for Elvis, her figure is terrible and I know many many people who said the same. Her legs were super chunky and short. Elvis also said that she is plain looking without makeup so he wanted her to wear heavy makeup around the eyes. I just find it sad because Elvis loved Priscilla‘s bone structure and that‘s legit the only reason he dated her, he told I believe Larry that out of all the women he loved, Priscilla had the most beautiful facial features but never was there EVER a mention about her personality. Elvis constantly criticized her personality and hated it. He told Linda that Priscilla is cold and reserved, to disciplined and he tried to teach her to be warm or kind but he realized that you can’t turn somebody into something they are not. He told so many people that Priscilla‘s personality is awful and that she is mean and cold. To me it seems like Elvis tried to give personality to an empty shell with a pretty outlook. The only thing she possessed was a pretty face and that‘s it and that was literally the only reason he kept her around, he used Priscilla as decoration but their personalities were complete opposite and they had nothing in common. Elvis never loved Priscilla but the molded version of her what he created. He loved her looks and how she was willing to do everything for him but even that changed. Elvis told Billy Smith that he never found his soulmate and that he would never re-marry Priscilla and that his marriage was terrible. He never wanted Priscilla back, he wanted Ann Margret back. Elvis was way superficial at times and he should have never dated Priscilla. Priscilla is super vain and bitter and incredibly selfish because to this day, she acts like she was the love of Elvis‘s life and his soulmate, she constantly lies and perpetuated a narrative that is completely false just so that she can go down in history for being the wife of the king of rock n roll. Ever since Elvis died she made it all about herself and she did so many nasty things to Lisa and Billy Smith. She kept suing Elvis for money and he was forced to put a lien on Graceland to pay the witch. Not many people know this, but Elvis told his daddy and others that if something ever happens to him, he wants Priscilla to stay away from his estate and have nothing to do with it. He even called her a non good for anything greedy b*tch because she kept suing for more money. She was all about money from day 1. I loathe her and always will, she is the devil in disguise and I always got bad evil witch vibes from her!

[@roselamoure]

@@andrewmiller4885I completely agree with everything you said and oh boy she dated around like there is no tomorrow😂 she is literally the biggest w*ore I have ever seen. She had so many men it‘s insane, I like to call that a human drive in through for absolutely everyone to drive inside and leave, she absolutely disgusts me and that fake girly sweet angelic personality and demeanor she sold to Elvis was all fake. She was never a virgin when she met Elvis and she exchanged sex with Currie Grant in order to make her meet Elvis which he did and he even teached her how to behave and act so that Elvis would fall for her. She only ever loved Elvis the rockstar, never the human. She had SO many men before, during and after Elvis. She slept with Elvis‘s backup dancer from the 68‘ comeback special, she flirted with men and had affairs, she had sex with her dance instructor called Mike and she even thought of other men on her honeymoon with Elvis after the wedding which indicates she had many many more men. She started an affair with Mike Stone who‘s wife was expecting a baby and was pregnant and made him leave his wife which is literally the most pathetic disgusting thing anyone could do, that‘s the lowest thing anyone could do. She is a home wrecker and she threw herself at Elvis although he was in a relationship with Anita. Priscilla never waited like the sweet decent woman she portrayed herself to be to Elvis and was running around with men. She never cared for Elvis or his health all she wanted was sex with as many men as she can have. Mike Stone even said that he wasn’t interested in Priscilla but she threw herself at him like she always does. She even had an affair with Jerry Schilling which is why he left later and she threw herself at Sonny West as well. Priscilla was constantly begging and whining for sex to all the men she could find! Elvis felt like she was having an affair with Jerry! Elvis wasn’t heartbroken about the divorce but rather his ego was hurt both doubt about that! She is a witch and it’s only karma that all the men she dated after Elvis used her for money and fame and that was her karma. She is a narcissist who only loves herself! Thank you for your comment and sharing that story with your friend🙏🏻

[@ruthjesse6759]

Great interview!!!!!! Lamar is quite a Guy, and so funny. I truly enjoy each person U interview and there personal conversation and each one personal perspective of Elvis and there relationship with him and the yrs they spent with him.

[@davefk]

I love Lamar, I could listen to him all day long, he had an amazing voice. RIP Lamar...

[@kayeemerson6892]

Lamar Fike RIP,! I don't think Lamar was being a smart Arse, I think it was just him being him. I appreciate his talks& his attitude also,bc I am alot like him.

[@sandralybrand9425]

My son is the same. He prides himself on being honest, but his delivery sucks! He's so blunt with it, that people get their feelings hurt.

[@user-yz2em5tf3w]

Elvis,was,the,real,,deal,he,had,everything,,,voice,and,looks,,

[@sandralybrand9425]

That wasn't all. He was a generous and compassionate human being!

[@NOVEMBER5TH2024]

I thought Marty did a fantastic job with his interview with Joe. I don't think he was abrasive whatsoever. But honestly Lamar Fike was a crotchety old man. He acts like Joe lived with Elvis like he did. Joe was only asking honest questions. Lamar should have never done this interview. I think he acted like a jerk honestly. Lamar had the mindset that Joe is supposed to know everything. We didn't live with Elvis, he did. So lamar has all the answers.

[@82566]

Agree

[@NOVEMBER5TH2024]

Great interview Joe, I've always loved Lamar Fike

[@ryleeaaron2740]

I enjoy all these videos please continue them for us lots of these things I have never heard thank u

[@jkrein82]

Coming close to the end . I have tapes i can not find but will keep looking.

[@TCB0816]

In another interview he told the Colonel " you finally ran him to the ground" and he said he left so he kept himself from knockin' his teeth out. So in this interview here he says he got along good with the Colonel. That doesn't add up. I heard him telling about Colonel's gambling and I read he once got in an argument when he met the Colonel in the beginning and he never spoke much with him again cause he didn't like him. So now he says he OD. I'm wondering what's true now cause doctors say he didn't. And I did find it rude...he's one of the closest members left at that time and tired of answering the questions, then why giving interviews at all ?? At least he should have stucked with what he said in his past interviews.

[@thomasandersen2938]

Elvis did od

[@TCB0816]

@@thomasandersen2938 how do you know ? The results say he didn't die of overdose

[@abc-wv4in]

I have no doubt his overuse and abuse of Rx drugs led to his early death, but I don't think he technically died of an overdose. @@TCB0816

[@thomasandersen2938]

They found 22 different drugs in his system

[@TCB0816]

@@thomasandersen2938 no, 14

[@user-sq1gk9tc4u]

Как я благодарна вам за это интервью.Большое вам спасибо ❤

[@jamesjuke7505]

Priceless.... Thank you.

[@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883]

Elvis as a child ran in his neighborhood with a group of boys and carried that into his adulthood.

[@margarettaylor8107]

@robbiedetroitstigermanviny8883. If you could not go out and be with people without being over run by fans always wanting to be near you,having no privacy, sometimes fans tearing at you, what would you do? You would find a private place to live and bring in friends to be there because you could not go out.These people would need to be trusted and they needed something to do, so you put them to work.If you did not have people like the Memphis Mafia, then you would live all your life alone with no friends, no one to talk to.

[@HappyFjord-jw9em]

...the brothers he never had, Schilling, his little brother. I read the story about how he went to luve in Elvis Graceland home.

[@abc-wv4in]

Schilling was there in the early days but he exaggerates his importance sometimes.@@HappyFjord-jw9em

[@tracythomas8061]

I've noticed that the Memphis Mafia guys seem to think they were the end-all and be-all of info about Elvis. But they completely dismissed his spiritual seeking and the deeper intellect of Elvis. I make an exception for Billy Smith. I think they did a lot of harm with the partying, promiscuity and drug taking.

[@abc-wv4in]

Imo Larry Geller did a lot of harm to Elvis although he may have had good intentions. He encouraged and promoted false religions to Elvis who was a professed Christian. Of course that did NOT lead to "inner peace." It seems the others, with the possible exception of Billy Smith, were not involved in Elvis' Christian interests, which is a shame. Anita Wood stuck to her Christian beliefs but it seems the others, even the Christians, yielded to the influence of non-Christian "ponderings" by Elvis and Geller.

[@jacquelineloveselvis]

I feel exactly the same way about the Elvis Singer Special. It was not a comeback, and I don't call it that either. Joe, that was a hard interview for you. Lamar seemed to need specific questions in order to answer. But one thing I must say is that he was wrong in saying that Elvis OD'd. We all know that wasn't the case. Also, Lamar's disrespect for Priscilla shows how hard it must have been for her. I know she loved Elvis and wanted a family life - I think she thought things would change once they were married, but she had to share him with the guys, knowing how they felt about her. Elvis was not meant to be married.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Uh oh, we’re not going to get another apologist. 😮😊

[@opencurtin]

It was a comeback to live performance he hasn’t performed live on a stage in 8 years .

[@opencurtin]

Elvis OD on numerous occasions and had to be brought back he also nearly choked on his food while eating falling asleep while medicated .

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

@@opencurtin On point. 💯

[@carlmccoy3954]

​@@opencurtinLinda Thompson says she injected Elvis with Ritalin once to keep him from dying

[@dennisbrayboy4089]

Brother this one is a big thumbs up u got the best on KZbin my friend

[@Wowvis-lc9us]

When Elvis was alive Lamar had a Code you don't talk to the media about Elvis 🤫

[@jkrein82]

What happened on that hill stays on that hill as said by Vernon Presley

[@vmaxxxxxxx]

That solidifies it for me I didn’t like Lamar before. It’s a definite, don’t like now. Also, Elvis‘ did not die of a drug overdose look up Hirschsprung’s disease, the barium solution in his intestine after his hospital visit was not completely taken out, and it solidified like cement, and the fact that his colon was in operable pretty much since birth, and he forced pressure which gave him a heart attack because he already had a bad heart first place. When you die of a drug overdose, you look like you’re sweet and Elvis‘ was in a convulsed state.

[@markpestell1413]

Lamar of the old boys who worked for EP has been the most unemotional and in this interview a hard nut. As Lamar was in Germany in 1958, 59 more could have been found out from him. Lamar as with many others who were with EP seemingly was used by Parker, to keep tabs on Presley.

[@AngelaKearney]

I have been an Elvis fan 40 years and watched/read thousands of interviews with those who knew Elvis, and I’ve NEVER seen anyone behave as nasty and rude to an interviewer. Lamar was over the top sh@tty for 30 minutes. Was Lamar paid for the interview? I can’t imagine why he would agree otherwise.

[@kathy73160]

He was rude.

[@jkrein82]

I never paid for one ; none ever asked but Cindy Pepper .

[@thomasandersen2938]

​@@jkrein82Cindy pepper didn't really know elvis

[@jkrein82]

would still have been cool to talk about the movie @@thomasandersen2938

[@markpestell1413]

I enjoyed the interviews and I thank the interviewer and KZbin for showing it, The bodyguards all seemingly except for 'Lacker and Schilling' did not criticize Parker as far as I heard. Parker made many millions out of Presley. Managers find ways to help their artists. They help yes, but they don't take as much as Parker and work with their artists as much as Presley was when Parker knew he was ill from 1974 until Elvis died in 1977. Parker kept up the booking schedule for Presley because he was greedy, not because he cared. Parker helped himself more than any other manager ( taking 50%) by exploiting the artist under his care. In particular, preventing Presley from touring globally. Presley was offered a huge amount of money to perform in Saudi Arabia for example. Globally his fans wanted to see him live, and Parker stopped him. Parker was responsible for this and many other bad decisions in Presley's career. The bodyguards knew it and even after Parker's death refused to truly criticise him. Parker made millions and lost millions gambling, he was a fraud and a very ordinary spin doctor. The bodyguards who were interviewed were usually pushing their own barrow promoting their own books on the topic of Presley. Lamar Pike answers are typical.

[@peterm1826]

Lamar and Marty Lacker. Were straight talkers. They didn’t BS anyone they said it like it was.

[@kathy73160]

It’s not what you say, but how you say it. They both are rude, some times, not all the time. Makes them seem like j arses

[@sherrydockery9933]

Yes, but Lamar was obviously in a bad mood and should not have done this interview. He was looking for trouble.

[@edwardvelez2926]

TOTALLY AGREED!

[@peterm1826]

@@sherrydockery9933Larmar said it. How many times do you want to talk about it how much information do you want to know. He’s not in a bad mood He’s a Straight talker. And it’s probably painful for him to remember back. When He and Elvis were friends.

[@abc-wv4in]

Than why do an interview? @@peterm1826

[@terry883330]

What Lamar meant was,He didn't want to talk about Elvis' death because he wasn't being paid to do so.

[@Hannah-Clarke-uk]

I don’t like lamar, you really had the patience of a saint. I bet there were many times that you had to bite his lip, well done for carrying on 👌🏻

[@carikent7345]

I’ve heard rude interviewers and rude interviewees. No wonder Elvis kept Lamar in his place.

[@kathrynenderby5997]

I’m a huge fan of elvis Presley’s and I love 💕 elviss music and flims too elvis will always be the king 👑 I’d rock and roll 🎸 my dream is to visit Graceland and communicate with elvis and Lisa. Marie I respect elvis and his family and friends too I always live elvis tcb ⭐️⚡️🕺7:14pm

[@jayneroysden3067]

He obviously didn't want to do the interview. I don't why he accepted to do it. Joe you handled it amazing well!

[@abc-wv4in]

I agree.

[@kevinbarry4325]

Cillas last interview with Piers Morgan was mind baffling she claimed Lisa Marie was with her in California when Elvis died,we all have memory lapses as we age but thats a doozy..

[@gussygatlin3093]

I HATE that Lamar didn't want to discuss so many things about Elvis.... I respect him for it I guess.... But the history of it all NEEDS to be on record.... He just wasn't biting.... It's frustrating as a fan. 😢😢❤ BTW.... I call The Elvis Comeback Special... The ',68 Special.

[@jkrein82]

Its frustrating as an interviewer . loll

[@elygia]

​@@jkrein82I like that "iham" "aham" reaction to indicate you participate with discussions

[@82566]

Was this interview before or after Lamar wrote his book 📖 w Goldman 🤔 very interesting interview thank you

[@lindsandkev]

Geez Lamar has the rags on in this interview 😮

[@zucan100]

Joe I've watched several of your interviews, this one wasn't one of your best although I'm appreciative of you recording and uploading it to here. I don't know how well you knew the Elvis story at the time of the interview or even Lamar but it's a shame some really sharp questions weren't asked.

[@jkrein82]

I am far from being an Elvis Expert ' but because not any . Ask a memorabilia question then i can help you out. Sorry i let you down .

[@jennamelville7007]

Wow he was so rude. No need for that at all.

[@DumpTrump4TRE45ON]

Thanks Joe. I love and admire Lamar Fike. I love his way with words, its practically prose. Great stuff he said in the book Memphis Mafia. Can't wait to read his book. He's a no bs guy.

[@saphireblue3563]

He is one of the worst creeps.

[@diankreczmer6595]

Elvis said his daughter, Lisa Marie, was the love of his life

[@trish12]

First time I've heard anyone close to Elvis admit that he OD'd

[@abc-wv4in]

He didn't technically OD, though. I don't doubt the abuse of Rx drugs caused his health to deteriorate and led to an early death, but it wasn't an actual OD according to the doctors and medical standards.

[@mindimiller9786]

Yeah I liked Lamar he had a great sense of humor and E was forever joking about him. Like most Southerners, he tells it like it is.

[@jeffmitchell9863]

And Lamar has said 100 times. He didn’t like new people and this was by phone.

[@peter61967]

Wow Lamar’s being pretty arrogant here

[@jkrein82]

Boy you are not not kidding ; i almost did not put it up. But it shows the way he was

[@peter61967]

@@jkrein82I felt sorry for you the way he was carrying on

[@TCB0816]

​@@jkrein82I felt the same way....he did books and interviews years ago and said so many different things and now he's acting totally different and doesn't wanna answer at all. You tried real hard Joe. Thank you for trying to get him to talk. It's not your fault, it's his.

[@peterm1826]

Can you blame him ? Elvis was his friend. Last thing he wanted to talk about was Elvis death. Nobody wants to be asked questions about losing a friend.

[@peter61967]

@@peterm1826well he sure as hell used to talk about it a lot to other people so what’s his problem here? Don’t do a fkn interview when you know what’s gonna be asked. All he done was gave Joe a real hard time

[@roymarksberry4152]

❤ He didn't like priscilla

[@mirandatomasic2532]

Maybe becouse he knows lot including placing the graceland under lean for additional money she wanted and what she conrtibuted toward making that money? . Pretty face or cashing as she had his child ?

[@zucan100]

He had good reason, how quickly we all forget how Priscilla milked Elvis for as much as she could. Coerced her way into becoming a co-trustee. Priscilla is all about image, status and money. If fans can't see that by now then they never will.

[@abc-wv4in]

I don't like Pris either. Elvis never meant her to be in charge of his estate; his will named a bank if Vernon was unable to do it. She presents herself as a "widow" instead of the EX she is, and their marriage was actually a brief one. She was going to sue the MM for the money Elvis gave them until Marty filed a countersuit on her. She's also treated her grandchildren awful since Lisa's death. She needs to bow out and try to grow old with a bit of dignity, if she can muster any. I'm so sick of her BS trashing of Elvis.

[@saphireblue3563]

@@abc-wv4in How could she sue them for the money Elvis gave them?

[@craigknight9693]

That's how you get this photo of sitting next to a young Elvis

[@82566]

25:04 do u know wich book this was ? Thank you for this interview u handled it very well 😊

[@opencurtin]

Did Lamar finish the book he died in 2011 this interview was around 2007 ?

[@waynegoodger7115]

"Lamar is a straight shooter"!!! "You'd be a fool to not respect a man for being very honest"!!! "Thankyou very much"!!! "Wayne Goodger"!!! "Australia"!!!👍🌞😉🤠🇦🇺

[@robmiller3464]

I’ve read numerous books on Lamar, I’ve heard him speak many times in interviews and quite honestly it seems to be an imposition on him to be nice. He’s a very contentious person. I don’t like the man and wonder what camaraderie he even gave Elvis honestly. Many other members of the so called Mafia were far more beneficial to Elvis life. I don’t judge him from this interview but everything I’ve seen, read and heard. Joe should have said goodbye immediately, because you can tell by his voice inflection he felt uneasy with certain topics. Smart guy yes, but his personality blue that out of the water quick.

[@jeffmitchell9863]

Lamar being Lamar is why Elvis loves him

[@robmiller3464]

@@jeffmitchell9863 the fact is sir we don’t know why Elvis accepted him, all we can do is speculate. Elvis Presley always liked the Trust factor with his entourage and yes he could trust Lamar. Lamar just seems bitter and pissed off every time he speaks of Elvis and was the only member of his circle that acted that way. That’s ok though, they all had their uniqueness.

[@donaldperrotta8514]

Lamar was very intelligent

[@cliffkelley6550]

Listening to many interviews with Lamar, I had the same conclusion. He was a very intelligent man.

[@sandralybrand9425]

And according to Billy and Jo Smith. Very funny! That's why Elvis like him around!

[@maxine7088]

Lamar could be a little difficult sometimes. 😄

[@HeavenlyPresley-Tonya]

*HE DID NOT OVERDOSE* OMG THAT IS NOT FACTUAL

[@mollienixx]

I love Lamar!

[@tlbeman]

Lamar was quite a firecracker in this interview! I doubt that he was that confrontational with Elvis. I don’t blame him for not wanting to talk about the final years.

[@jeffmitchell9863]

Don’t bet on it. He and EP got cross more than once. Lamar was a big guy and Elvis respected him.

[@tlbeman]

His own quote I’ve seen is, “..Elvis always won.”

[@sandralybrand9425]

​@@tlbemanThat's true! I remember Billy telling the story about Lisa telling a tale about Lamar stepping on her puppy( he didn't) she said I'll tell my daddy. Lamar said go ahead,and she did. Billy said the phone rang in the kitchen and he heard Lamar say but, but, yeah ok 😂😂 when he hung up he said The little tyrant! Before Elvis called downstairs, he was going to tell Elvis this and that😂😂 So that tells you, Lamar didn't say squat to Elvis of his thoughts on things. Marty did but only if asked as did Billy. Elvis didn't like beyond what to do by anyone even his father! I think it was because he felt the control that Parker had over him.

[@dennisgregory9970]

Then don’t do the interview if it’s going to upset you with the questions

[@abc-wv4in]

Then why agree to an interview? Lamar was rude.

[@tomdotson6053]

A great series would be lamar and alf living together

[@leeannefeatherstone9961]

Rip Lamar

[@sherrydockery9933]

‘The wives were married, but the guys were not’ .. I’m sure they all paid for that in this life or beyond.

[@Rita.the.Aussie]

Doesnt want to talk about it, but ok for him to write books and make money off them. I couldnt imagine a rude person like this around Elvis and him tolerating that.

[@modernretroradio993]

I don't know why Lamar Fike even bothered to do this interview. Either he'd exhausted his interest in being brazenly forthcoming, as he was known to be, or he was unimpressed with Joe's questions. This is the most temperamental and difficult I've ever heard Lamar Fike be in an interview. I learned nothing from this.

[@jkrein82]

I agree ' he scared the shit out me

[@modernretroradio993]

@@jkrein82 LOL! Yeah, he definitely threw you off your game, but I would've been just as rattled -- mainly, this was so out of character for Lamar Fike.

[@abc-wv4in]

You handled it well but Lamar should not have agreed to an interview if he didn't want to answer questions!@@jkrein82

[@DownFromAbovePodcast]

Lamar is so real! Love him. People can handle someone who is direct when speaking. He's always been honest.

[@catfish24]

Lamar was there to the end.

[@myrel543]

Adore Lamar.

[@user-yz2em5tf3w]

Lamar,,always,spoke,his,mind,

[@jeffgreen1117]

Because every person saw his death differently lamar was just another leach that took from elvis and thought that he was special because he knew elvis. Hillbillies with money always ends bad

[@HeavenlyPresley-Tonya]

I Cannot finish this People LIKE LAMAR Drive me nuts What AN A-HOLE!!! I have never ever liked this man I do not know how Elvis put up with him!!!! He sounds like HE IS MISERABLE WITH THIS LIFE!!!!! I have read many articles with the MM and Fike Changes his stories Left & Right

[@saphireblue3563]

And he spread a lot of filthy lies about Elvis to Albert Goldman.

[@jettsteari3062]

Five was a big contributor to that sc m bgs Albert Goldmans horrific book on Elvis , for me and anyone else that should say it all about fikes BS .

[@zucan100]

Goldman's book was actually well researched but lacked sympathy for the situation. After watching a Goldman interview I think he writes as he presents, quite callous. In saying that, there are distinctions you can take from that book. Elvis was complex, insulated, operated under a different set of rules to others.

[@jodyriggs7859]

This man puts elvis down so much he does about Priscilla too, a friend doesn't do that, if you listen the whole crew does actually the 5 I mean they all did drugs they all cheated. AND THEY ALL LIKED HIS MONEY MATERIAL THINGS AN VACATIONS ETC.

[@paulandrew6457]

Lamar wasn't very forthcoming. You got a lot out of Marti Lacker it's almost the definitive interview with him I guess Lamar was used to people interviewing him and then twisting what he said much like Goldman did. I got the impression he got that you were genuine by the end. You did well to get through this one.

[@saphireblue3563]

Goldman didnt twist anything. These guys were on tv for years telling degrading stories about Elvis.

[@saphireblue3563]

It is really sad to see Elvis posing with Lamar like that...Elvis TRUSTED Lamar and after he was dead Lamar was one of the ones who trashed him the worst.

[@bobc.5698]

The problem is the vagueness of the questions.

[@karenjessup810]

This interview was clumsy because of the poor interviewer.

[@jkrein82]

He was rude as hell. He unsettled me. He would have you as well.

[@user-yz2em5tf3w]

Vernon,,never,had,respect,,for,elvis,,,he,used,him,for,what,he,could,get,out,of,elvis,,,

[@conniebell7987]

Vernon was his FATHER! Of course Vernon was proud of his son and they all enjoyed the wealth that Elvis provided, at the end of the day, it destroyed Vernon when Elvis died.

[@edwardjohnson9422]

Sorry you caught him on a bad day, or maybe he was just old and grouchy. You clearly weren't expecting that.

[@susangorman9396]

If you want Elvis’ opinion of Lamar, check out, “oh, happy day”, Elvis long video on KZbin…after the song, he starts to comment about Lamar…kinda funny..

[@diankreczmer6595]

The movie years prolonged elvis's life because it kept him in a more regular life. The hours were day light hours and sleep at night. Once elvis's life was on the road with concerts, then he had to take sleeping pills to come down fron the excitement and uppers to start again which eventually ruined him

[@celinemoran7045]

I do not like this man talking about Elvis.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Too bad. He had every right. 😊

[@celinemoran7045]

@@FrankieLovesElvis Yes I know he has and I have the same right to find him disingenuous

[@strongman4153]

They all claimed they took no crap please Lamar was the court jester yes boss I am fat yes boss Make fun of me no boss you have no drug problems. When the boss is happy we happy when boss is we sad when boss says bark we bark .

[@doriswilliams6422]

That was Lamar thats just his personality

[@MM-ku2jt]

I would have said, Lamar, this is from your point of view. Fkn the other people asking other people questions...this is me to you, an actual direct person who was around Elvis all the time. So knock the b.s. and answer the fkg question. And yes, it probably eoukdnhave been the end of the interview right then and there.

[@catwhiskers1919]

Why did he agree to an interview? Seriously.

[@barbarabangert6594]

Why was he a prick ? I loved Lamar

[@jkrein82]

The way he acted If he didn't want to do an interveiw then don t agree to do it

[@saphireblue3563]

He spread vicious like about Elvis right ater he died.

[@catfish24]

Lamar was a good friend to Elvis.

[@user-qv2cq5kv1h]

Wow. Exactly. Why are you doing an interview if you're going to be so arrogant and not want to answer questions. 25:05

[@lindaf4369]

I've heard that Elvis and Lamar got into it on several occasions and now I completely understand bc Lamar comes off as an arrogant ahole. jmo

[@dereckcumpton3080]

People are saying how rude Lamar was acting. If any of you have ever heard Lamar or knew anything about him, you would know that is just his personality and how he was. Lamar cared for Elvis very much. If anyone was at Lamar's funeral or heard about how he wanted to conducted, you would understand what kind of personality he had!

[@kathy73160]

Nobody said he didn’t care about Elvis, but he has no respect when he talks to someone. He’s one of those that makes people feel like they’re they idiot in the group. Also, Pricilla has always said that she asked for help; she said she needed to get help when it came to Graceland. So he was a complete j ars about that. I bet she loathed being around him. Alana Nash stated she thought Pricilla stayed longer than she thought she would have. I agree 100%.

[@82566]

3080 agree

[@phyllislewis8666]

Rude

[@barbarabangert6594]

God Lamar was a cantankerous son of a gun and kind arrogant

[@dennisgregory9970]

Lamar nononsense

[@tomdotson6053]

Lamar just naturally funny

[@user-rw7sy3ve2w]

Well . Lamar Fike introduced me to Elvis..in Vegas. And hung out with everyone..so I can't say Lamar is a Prick‼️💯😂🕺🎶hey Cherie baby .😅👍

[@jkrein82]

well i am talking about during this interview

[@ShineNoelA]

The interviewer failed to prepare and didn't react to responses. Its not surprising he drew the ire of the interviewee.

[@ShineNoelA]

@@jkrein82 You made a false statement at 9.48 undermining your credibility. I know you are not a qualified journalist but he was gracious enough to give you his time, the least you could have done is be factually aware. The vulgar terminology you use to describe the deceased does not reflect well on you.

[@jkrein82]

@@ShineNoelA Thank you for listening

[@jkrein82]

@@ShineNoelA False statement was a mistake . If he didn't want to answer the questions then he should have not agreed to do it.

[@ShineNoelA]

@@jkrein82 I have great memories of listening to Lee Dawson and yourself back in the day

[@jkrein82]

@@ShineNoelA Back in the day boy that makes me feel old . The shows can still be heard out there .

[@rocksmith3796]

Lamar"cutting through the bull"Fike... RIP

[@kathy73160]

He could be respectful about it. But nope. @@

[@annpann7376]

We got some sensitive people in these comments if they think Lamar was rude. He stated himself about 4 times that he wasn't being rude, you just get what you get with him. I think he didn't like talking about Elvis death because it was still painful to him and he wasn't a big emotions guy, he just left it alone. And he gave his thought on Prissy, I'm sure with good reason. I love this guy, he didn't sugar coat anything. Probably why Elvis liked him too, in a sea of "yes" men, Lamar had some sass! I wish I could've spent some time talking with him, he didn't offend me a bit! Rest well, Lamar. You probably up there in Heaven telling them how to get things done ❤️

[@abc-wv4in]

I agree with his take on Prissy, but being rude to the interviewer and then saying it's "just your way" doesn't excuse it. I don't know why Lamar agreed to an interview if he didn't want to answer questions. I've watched other interviews in which he was plain spoken but was not rude or grumpy. Kudos to Joe for handling it as well as he did.

[@saphireblue3563]

It was not painful to him. He spread vicious stories about Elvis.

[@craigknight9693]

Bullshit Lamar hung out with the girls out the front yard of the house before Graceland ,Elvis would chat to him cos he was the only boy there.

[@lindsandkev]

Lamar needed some of Elvis's diet pills.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

Now that was funny. 😂

[@resa.walters]

NOT funny. Having abdominal fat can be dangerous. I'm surprised Lamar betrayed elvis with that book. Somehow, I like him.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

@@resa.walters Get healthy then. 😊

[@resa.walters]

@@FrankieLovesElvis Hmm, but how'd you know? LOL. I'll try. TY.

[@FrankieLovesElvis]

@@resa.walters Send me your pic !!! 😊