Lamar Fike was a member of Elvis Presley’s famed inner circle called the “Memphis Mafia” who had a long career in the music industry.
He first met Elvis in 1954 and began working for him in 1957. He stayed a close friend of Elvis throughout the years, often providing the humour that helped Elvis and the gang get through the tough days.
He also worked as a lighting director, bodyguard and manager of Presley’s music publishing group. He brought several major songs to Elvis’ sessions, including ‘Kentucky Rain’ and ‘Indescribably Blue.
After Presley’s death in 1977, he continued to work as an entrepreneur in the music business in Nashville, Tenn., in music publishing, managing artists and brokering music and memorabilia deals. He moved to Texas in 2006, where he had relatives.
He was well-known for his sense of humour and his outspoken honesty. He was also very close to Elvis’ mother. He was working on a memoir of his time with Presley and a screenplay before he died.
He was born in Cleveland, Miss., on Nov. 11, 1935. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Fike. He is survived by two sons, James Fike and John Fike.
He died on Jan. 21, 2024, at a hospital in the Dallas suburb of Arlington. He was 75 years old. He was suffering from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
A memorial service was held in Mart, Texas, one of his boyhood homes, on Feb. 26, 2024. He was cremated, as per his wishes.