Joe Esposito has always been one of the best known "Memphis Mafia" members,  and a sought after VIP at  Elvis events throughout North America, and, indeed, the world.  However, very shortly, he will be involved in a new venture --  moving  from California to Las Vegas,  and becoming “Casino Host” at the Wynn Resort, owned by Las Vegas businessman and entrepreneur, Steve Wynn (whom Elvis also knew and liked).  Joe tells us that Steve Wynn has built many of the hotels in Vegas, including the Mirage, Bellagio and Treasure Island, but the new Wynn Resort, opening April 28, is the most luxurious of all.   Joe looks forward to seeing his friends and fans in Las Vegas, but assures us that we will still be able to catch him at Elvis

Going back in time, Joanna asks Joe what it was about Elvis that he liked so much -- remaining friends from their  first meeting, while in the army, until Elvis’ death in l977.  Joe replies that just based on their first handshake, he knew they would be friends from there on in -- just the  positive vibes, and the feeling he had about Elvis.

Joe goes on to describe the fun they all had in the early days.  Joe, himself, was from Chicago -- so to be transplanted into Elvis’ world, starting in l960, with all the traveling, the movies, TV shows, the Hollywood studios,  and seeing famous movies stars,  was exciting and something he never imagined he’d be doing.

As Joe says, being a friend of Elvis’, and  also working for him, meant that you were on call 24 hours a day.  It wasn’t an 8-hour job.  But he also says that Elvis was a wonderful human being -- kind, caring, and loved people.  He gave a lot of love and commitment to his friends and employees, and, in turn, they wanted to be there for him.  Joe says that although  there were the normal discussions and disagreements  over the years, and even the odd time when they would part company for a while, they always ‘got back together.”

When asked what he feels is the biggest misconception about Elvis, Joe  says that that there were some horrible stories written about Elvis and as, always, people and the press trying to tear him down as they do with anyone who becomes famous or a superstar.  People liked to say he was just a “country boy,” “not too smart,” and so on,  but, as Joe emphasizes,  Elvis was very intelligent, read books all the time, had a photographic memory, and was a genius when it came to music.  

Joe also discusses his latest  DVD, “Elvis, His Best Friend Remembers” which, as  he says, shows the world Elvis was a good person and shows the good side of life with Elvis.  He says,  “I was there, and 99.9% of the people weren’t...and as we all know, in this world garbage sells.”    Joe is also quick to clarify  that, although he is often referred to as “Elvis’ best friend” by others and that it is the title of the DVD, he  has never referred to himself that way and, instead, Joe considers himself blessed to have had Elvis Presley as his best

As far as “regrets,” Joe says that they all regret they couldn’t have helped Elvis more than they did, but even though he died at age 42, Elvis had  already lived a great life which most people would have to live to 150 to experience  -- and that Elvis loved to perform and to make people happy through his music.

Looking back on Elvis’ concerts,  Joe recalls that the band rehearsed hundreds of songs, and that part of the fun was that even though there was a set list, Elvis liked to change things around, keep the band members on their toes, and make sure things didn’t get boring --which made the shows exciting and fun.

After Elvis’ death in l977, Joe went on to work with other celebrities, including the Bee Gees, John Denver (who had hired Elvis’ band....so it was nice to work with all of them again),  Karen and Richard Carpenter, and Michael Jackson.  He also ran a limousine company and was involved in several other projects.

When asked about the recent transactions between Lisa Marie Presley, EPE, and Robert Sillerman, Joe says he feels it’s a good situation -- a good business move -- and that none of us will ever know all the details as it’s personal, but that it’s designed to promote Elvis world-wide and increase his popularity.

In summary, Joe says he’s been very fortunate to have had Elvis Presley in his life and as a friend.  He hopes the fans will come to see him in Vegas at the Wynn Resort --  time permitting, he’ll also see the fans at Elvis events.   As Joanna says to Joe, in closing:   “The Elvis community wishes you well in your future endeavours.”

You can hear all Joanna’s questions and Joe Esposito’s complete comments and answers in this month’s live interview.  Many thanks to Joe Esposito.

Details:
www.tcbjoe.com


Live interview conducted by Joanna Johnson
Foreword written by Carol Hunter

When asked about the “Elvis magic” and why Elvis has been so popular all these years, Joe replies that it is  Elvis himself -- and his music, which is good music, happy music and music which just makes people feel good when they listen to it.

Discussing the worldwide  “Elvis phenomenon" and his Elvis-related travels around the globe, Joe reminisces about the great time he had traveling to Chile, South America with promoter Mario Giordani and ETAs Garry Wesley and Travis LeDoyt.  He recalls that it was an amazing experience -- with close to 10,000 fans all singing Elvis’ songs -- and says, “I’ll never forget that one.”

Speaking of ETA’s,  Joe says he appreciates the good tributes such as those by Garry Wesley and Travis LeDoyt,  Shawn Klush, and Ryan Pelton, to name a few,  and feels that those tributes make it seem real -- the closest you will get to seeing Elvis.   He also says, when asked, that as of right now, he  feels that probably one of the best overall tributes he has seen is Trent Carlini’s...The Dream King.   What Joe doesn't like, however,  is to see tribute artists walking around off stage after the show as if they were Elvis -- he feels they "just want to be noticed."  Joe says, “A tribute to Elvis is OK, but be yourself off stage - you’re not Elvis.”

Explaining how he  came to be known as “Diamond Joe, ” Joe  says it was as a result of a Chicago newspaper article about a mafia member named Diamond Joe Esposito.  Joe says  he also wore a lot of diamonds at that time, so the name was a natural!  And the term “Memphis Mafia” came about after Elvis’ entourage started wearing dark suits and shirts.  The press dubbed them the “Memphis Mafia” which Elvis liked, although they didn’t refer to themselves that way.