This briefcase belonged to Lucas Hays, Elvis’ personal jeweler. The two met in the late 1960s and remained close friends. Hays kept the briefcase full of jewelry, which Elvis frequent bought and distributed to those close to him.
August 16, 2017
Photos of the Weird and Wonderful Gifts Elvis Presley Gave His Friends
Elvis Presley is regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. As the “King of Rock and Roll” he has sold over 1 billion records leaving behind an unforgettable legacy in American music and pop culture. Thom Gilbert’s book, Blue Suede Shoes, reveals another, tangible side of Elvis’ legacy—through the gifts he gave to family and friends.
TV and radio broadcaster George Klein was one of those lucky jewelry recipients, including this gold, diamond and emerald ring. The two met in the eighth grade and remained friends until Elvis’ death in August 1977.
In 1957, RCA opened a recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley made many of his studio recordings. This RCA Victor belt buckle was a common Christmas gift from Elvis’ to his friends during the 1960s.
In 1963, Elvis gifted another RCA Victor Christmas present—this pocket radio.
This record player, with an inscription inside the lid from Elvis himself, was a gift to his longtime friend Louis Harris. The two loved to relax together, going roller skating, watching movies and even taking a ride on Elvis favorite roller coaster, The Zippin Pippin, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Created to commemorate one of Elvis’ favorite phrases, this TCB necklace stood for non-other than “Taking Care of Business.” Elvis gifted his closest friends and associates the necklaces.
Delbert “Sonny” West, was among the longest-serving members of Elvis’ entourage. The two met in 1958 and West became his bodyguard. After years of friendship, Sonny was gifted this personalized pair of 14-karat gold sunglasses. Fellow singer Sonny Turner, lead singer of The Platters, was given this belt by Elvis, which featured a similar design to Elvis’ iconic patriotic eagle jumpsuits.
Fellow singer Sonny Turner, lead singer of The Platters, was given this belt by Elvis, which featured a similar design to Elvis’ iconic patriotic eagle jumpsuits.
Celeste Geller received this robe during a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, in March 1977. Celeste was the wife of Larry Geller, Elvis’ personal hairstylist. The two started working together in 1964 on the set of Roustabout.
This copy of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet was given to Elvis’ personal nurse, Letetia “Tish” Henley. She worked for Elvis at Graceland and toured with him in the 1970s. After reading the book to him, she received this copy, inscribed, “To Tish, My personal savior in the middle of the night.”
