“Memphis Mafia” Member Lamar Fike Passes
Lamar Fike, an enduring member of Elvis Presley’s so-called “Memphis Mafia,” as well as a Music Row businessman, has died in Arlington, Texas.
Mr. Fike was 75 years old. Born in Cleveland, Mississippi on Nov. 11, 1935, he was briefly a radio disc jockey at KEBE in Jacksonville, FL. He joined Presley’s inner circle in 1957. After Red West, he was the longest tenured of the Memphis Mafia members.
He remained by Presley’s side during the star’s Army service in Germany. Following their return, he became Presley’s tour manager.
Beginning in 1961, he alternated between being in Presley’s camp and serving as the road manager for Brenda Lee. In 1963, Mr. Fike moved to Nashville to run the Hill and Range Publishing office. He continued in this capacity until 1972.
He brought Presley such songs as “Kentucky Rain,” “Indescribably Blue” and “It Hurts Me.”
Elvis and Lamar Fike
When Presley began starring in Las Vegas, Mr. Fike became his lighting director. He remained by Presley’s side up until the star’s death in 1977.
In later years, Lamar Fike returned to Nashville to work as an assistant to record producer and label executive Jimmy Bowen, most notably during Bowen’s tenure as the head of Capitol Records, 1989-1995.
Mr. Fike was the co-author of the 2005 book Elvis and the Memphis Mafia. He also appeared in the documentaries The Elvis Mob (2004) and All the King’s Men (1997). At the time of his death, he was reportedly writing his memoir, Fike: An Uncommon Journey.
Mr. Fike had been hospitalized for lymphoma, on and off, since last October. He died Friday, January 21, according to fellow Memphis Mafia member Marty Lacker. The Brown, Owen, Brumley Funeral Home in Ft. Worth, Texas is handing the funeral arrangements. Mr. Fike wished to be cremated. According to Lacker, a memorial service will be held in Mart, Texas at a date to be announced later.
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I spent some good times in Lamar Fike’s office back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. I never got tired of hearing Elvis stories and even if he told the same one twice there was always something entertaining about the way Lamar told the story. I know Elvis will be glad to have one of his Memphis Mafia join him in “Heaven’s Mafia” now. God bless you Lamar.
I had the distinct pleasure to have Lamar Fike as my first manager while at Capitol in the early 90’s. I was blessed to have the two greats of Nashville, Jimmy Bowen and Lamar Fike to mentor me through this crazy time. I owe so much to Lamar,and I will never forget the memories we made on the road, the friendship we shared, or the many, many things he taught me about this business. Heaven is singing. Elvis and Lamar are together again. God bless you Lamar
I met Lamar in 2005 – what I always loved about him was his candor and honesty. If you played a song for him, he would tell you in no uncertain terms if it was terrible or “you got something there!” I will always cherish our weekly lunches and the insight he gave me in my songwriting. I love you and miss you buddy!
I was disappointed to hear of Lamar’s passing. I knew him since the mid-1970s when he was managing Little David Wilkins, who was one of my clients at the Lavender Blake Agency. I think Wilkins was on MCA at the time. Anyway, I’d see Lamar ocassionally and stopped by his house on Battery Lane in Nashville from time to time. He was a great, straight ahead guy. Anyone who had anything bad to say about him either didn’t know him, or knew what he thought of them, that is, if he didn’t like them. In addition to being a great guy, he was a first hand source of information not only on Elvis, but upon the era. I’ll miss him.
It was Memorial Day 1965 in Bel Air, Ca
You were gracious, funny and a key to
our meeting Elvis and most of the mafia.
I have never forgot and will miss you
perfectstrangr