Interview with Larry Geller

In the early '60s Larry Geller was one of those elite few known as, hairstylist to the stars. In 1964 he would become Elvis Presley's private hairstylist. Their business relationship would soon become much more involved as Larry became Elvis' spiritual mentor.

Now without further ado (sorry couldn't resist), I'll turn the keyboard over to Larry.

Tell us a little about your life before you met Elvis, and how you felt when you received the phone call.
Before meeting Elvis I was a hair stylist working on the top celebrities in Hollywood. Stars such as Robert Wagner, Paul Newman, Warren Beatty, Henry Fonda, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, George Hamilton and many, many more. Nonetheless, on the afternoon of April 30, 1964, when I received the phone call inviting me to come over to Elvis' home in Bel Air, I was very excited. Even though every day I was working with the most famous names in show business, to me Elvis was the number one legend of them all - the King!

Describe that first time. How did it feel to actually be cutting the hair of the King of Rock 'n' Roll? Do you remember what you actually did to his hair that day?
When I arrived at Elvis' home and we were introduced to one another, Elvis invited me into his bathroom and explained to me that he was finishing a picture called Roustabout, and that his hair style had to match the way it was in the movie. The first order of business was to shampoo his hair, with my own special formula that is very natural, pH balanced and does not contain harsh chemicals. Although I dyed Elvis' hair black for years, on that day it wasn't necessary. Next I proceeded cut his hair. Not a word was spoken, as Elvis intently watched in the mirror as I worked. Finally, as I finished and blow dried his hair, then applied hair spray (Elvis had a beautiful head of full hair, but it was weak, requiring body and strength) I asked him if he liked my work. Elvis said yes, then turned around in his chair and asked me about myself, "Larry, what are you really into, what are you all about?" His straightforwardness really surprised me! He was honest and to the point, and at that very moment I realized just how down-to-earth and genuine he was.

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