: 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.
: 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
: The book remains a primary source for biographers and was a central part of the 1970s tabloid explosion surrounding celebrity culture. Elvis : what happened? : Dunleavy, Steve - Internet Archive
: Accounts of Elvis shooting television sets when performers he disliked appeared and his intense fascination with death and firearms.
: The narrative touched on his failed marriage to Priscilla Presley, his obsessive temper, and his physical decline. Historical Significance
: It detailed Elvis's heavy reliance on a cocktail of "uppers" and "downers," including amphetamines and various prescription painkillers.
: 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 .