I began to explain to him that, beyond my job as a hair stylist, what was more important to me than anything else, more meaningful, was my search for truth, for the purpose of life. I said to him, "To really answer your question, Elvis, I'm searching for God. Look, I know you're the biggest star in the world and what I'm talking about might sound corny to you, and...", when Elvis cut me off and replied, " Not to me, Larry, that's not corny at all. Please man, just keep on talking, you have no idea what this means to me, this is what I secretly think about all the time."
Well, I then went on about my interest in studying the world's great religions, all the spiritual books I read, my interest in prayer and meditation, as well as practicing yoga and eating health foods. As I went on like this, before I knew it Elvis and I descended into a deep and poignant conversation. We told each other about our lives, our parents, then Elvis began a long explanation about his stillborn twin brother Jesse Garon, his feeling about growing up in the church and many other intimate and revealing aspects of his life. At one point Elvis looked at me and said, "You know there has to be a reason, a purpose why I was plucked (He made a motion with his fingers picking something up.) out of all the millions and millions of lives to be Elvis Presley. I mean there has to be a purpose behind it, it's not just mere coincidence that I've been placed in the position I'm in." This conversation was approaching three hours, and I realized that Elvis and I were really bonding.
I told him that if he would like me to come back to his house and do his hair, and explore some of the topics we touched upon, and also bring him some books on these subjects, that I'd love to.
Elvis looked at me and with that grin of his told me he had a better idea, that I should go back to my shop and quit, and begin working for him full time. Even though I had a fantastic star-studded clientele, and was planning to open my own salon in Palm Springs, I knew the answer immediately...so did Elvis.
Larry continues his fascinating life and friendship with Elvis on July 5.
