How soon after your first meeting did you become his personal hairstylist and how long did you remain so?
The next morning after meeting Elvis, I joined him at Paramount Studios and began working, traveling with him and living in Memphis. Working for Elvis meant 24/7. Over the next three years I did his hair for the movies Roustabout, Girl Happy, Double Trouble, Easy Come, Easy Go, Spinout, Frankie and Johnny, Paradise Hawaiian Style, Harem Scarem, Tickle Me, and Clambake. After Clambake for personal reasons I quit, and was not re-united with Elvis until August of 1972. For the next few years I did his hair occasionally, spent time with him whenever he came to Southern California, always went to Las Vegas and his home in Palm Springs, and in 1976 began full time once again for numerous concert dates. The last time I did Elvis' hair was for his funeral.
Did you ever cut any of the Memphis Mafia's hair?
Only a few times, and that goes for Col. Parker as well.
Can you be seen in any of Elvis' movies and if so, which ones?
Elvis' hair required constant attention. He was very active in his movies, and sometimes I would blow dry and spray his hair up to a dozen times a day. Actually, I was the only one in the group that was not allowed to be an extra, as I would have to constantly observe each scene, making sure Elvis' hair was in place and matched other scenes. I would typically consult with the director, standing by him off camera on the alert. The very last time Elvis was ever on camera, for the CBS special Elvis In Concert filmed on tour in June 1977, I was in several scenes.
You were signing manuscripts at a few years ago during Elvis Week, called Elvis: In Search of God. Was it ever published and made available through book stores?
I know that Graceland offers the book on their web site as well as across the street. The book can also be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
What exactly does “Spiritual Advisor” mean?
It's a term I never use, but it has been said by others. I was Elvis' mentor when it came to spiritual and religious matters, and he acknowledged it, and I feel more comfortable expressing the word mentor rather than 'advisor’.
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