Jerry Schilling: The Loyal Confidant Who Kept Elvis Presley Grounded and His Legacy Alive”
Among all the people in Elvis Presley’s inner circle, Jerry Schilling stands out as one of the most loyal and insightful. Their friendship began in the late 1950s, when Jerry was just a teenager playing football in Memphis. Elvis invited him into his world, and what followed was a decades-long bond that went far beyond celebrity.
Jerry wasn’t just part of the “Memphis Mafia.” He was someone Elvis genuinely trusted — not only with his time, but with his thoughts and emotions. Unlike some around Elvis who basked in his fame, Jerry stayed grounded, often acting as a calming influence. He supported Elvis on tour, worked on business matters, and even helped with film and television projects.
What I admire most is that Jerry never took advantage of his connection. He respected Elvis as a person, not just a star. In later years, Jerry became a voice of remembrance, sharing Elvis’s story in a way that feels sincere and loving. His book Me and a Guy Named Elvis paints a portrait of the man behind the music, filled with moments of laughter, frustration, and deep friendship.
Jerry’s loyalty didn’t end with Elvis’s passing. He continues to honor his memory with dignity. As fans, we owe thanks to people like Jerry who kept Elvis grounded and helped preserve his legacy with heart and honesty.
