: Initially dismissed by many as tabloid sensationalism, the book gained massive credibility and skyrocketed in sales immediately following Elvis's death on August 16, 1977. Key Revelations
is a landmark tell-all book published in August 1977 that forever changed the public's perception of Elvis Presley. Released just two weeks before his death, it was the first major publication to shatter his "clean-cut" image by detailing his severe prescription drug addiction and erratic behavior. Origins and Controversy
: It detailed Elvis's heavy reliance on a cocktail of "uppers" and "downers," including amphetamines and various prescription painkillers. Elvis: What Happened?
The book provided a graphic, "un-sugarcoated" look at the darker side of the King's life, including:
: Accounts of Elvis shooting television sets when performers he disliked appeared and his intense fascination with death and firearms. : Initially dismissed by many as tabloid sensationalism,
: The book was written by journalist Steve Dunleavy , based on the detailed accounts of three former members of Elvis's "Memphis Mafia": Red West , Sonny West , and Dave Hebler .
: The trio had been fired by Elvis's father, Vernon Presley, in 1976. While the authors claimed they wrote it as a "plea" for Elvis to change his ways and get help, many fans and critics saw it as a vengeful act by disgruntled former employees. Origins and Controversy : It detailed Elvis's heavy
: It was the first time those in Elvis's inner circle broke the "code of silence" that had protected his public image for twenty years.