Introduction
Red West was a name that was synonymous with Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. He was not only Elvis’ bodyguard but also his confidant and friend. Red West was a multi-talented individual, who was not only a bodyguard but also a musician, actor, and author. He was a part of Elvis’ inner circle, and his contributions to Elvis’ life and career were immense. In this blog post, we will take a look at Red West’s life and legacy, and his association with Elvis Presley.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Education
Robert Gene West was born on March 8, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Humes High School, where he met Elvis Presley. Red West was a talented athlete and played football and basketball in high school. After graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served for three years. After his discharge, he returned to Memphis and started working as a bodyguard for Elvis Presley.
Association with Elvis Presley
Red West’s association with Elvis Presley started in the 1950s when they both attended Humes High School. They became close friends, and Red West started working as a bodyguard for Elvis in the 1960s. He was a part of Elvis’ inner circle, and his contributions to Elvis’ life and career were immense. Red West was not only Elvis’ bodyguard but also his confidant and friend. He wrote several songs for Elvis, including “If You Think I Don’t Need You” and “Separate Ways.” Red West also appeared in several Elvis movies, including “Blue Hawaii” and “Girls! Girls! Girls!”
Later Life and Legacy
Author and Actor
Red West was a multi-talented individual, who was not only a bodyguard but also a musician, actor, and author. He appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “The Wild Wild West,” “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” and “Magnum, P.I.” Red West also wrote several books, including “Elvis: What Happened?” which was co-written with Sonny West and Dave Hebler. The book was a tell-all about Elvis Presley’s life, and it was published just weeks before Elvis’ death.
Death and Funeral
Red West passed away on July 18, 2017, at the age of 81. His funeral was held in Memphis, Tennessee, and it was attended by his family, friends, and fans. Red West was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis, next to his wife, Pat West.
Conclusion
Red West was a name that was synonymous with Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. He was not only Elvis’ bodyguard but also his confidant and friend. Red West was a multi-talented individual, who was not only a bodyguard but also a musician, actor, and author. His contributions to Elvis’ life and career were immense, and his legacy lives on. Red West will always be remembered as a loyal friend and a talented artist.
FAQ
Who was Red West?
Red West was Elvis Presley’s bodyguard and confidant for over 16 years. He was also a musician, actor, and songwriter.
How did Red West meet Elvis Presley?
Red West and Elvis Presley met in high school in Memphis, Tennessee. They became close friends and eventually formed a band together.
What was Red West’s role as Elvis’ bodyguard?
Red West was responsible for Elvis’ personal security and safety. He traveled with Elvis on tours and was always by his side, protecting him from fans and potential threats.
What was Red West’s relationship with Elvis like?
Red West and Elvis had a close and complicated relationship. They were friends, bandmates, and business partners, but they also had their share of arguments and disagreements.
What was Red West’s contribution to Elvis’ music career?
Red West co-wrote several songs with Elvis, including “If You Think I Don’t Need You” and “Separate Ways.” He also played guitar and sang backup vocals on many of Elvis’ recordings.
What other projects did Red West work on besides his work with Elvis?
Red West had a successful career as an actor, appearing in films such as “Walking Tall” and “Road House.” He also wrote several books, including a memoir about his time with Elvis.
What is Red West’s legacy?
Red West is remembered as a loyal friend and confidant to Elvis Presley, as well as a talented musician, actor, and writer. His contributions to Elvis’ music and career continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
