In the early '60s Larry Geller was one of those elite few known as, hairstylist to the stars. In 1964 he would become Elvis Presley’s private hairstylist. Their business relationship would soon become much more involved as Larry became Elvis’ spiritual mentor.

J.M. Tell us a little about your life before you met Elvis, and how you felt when you received the phone call.
 

L.G. Before meeting Elvis I was a hair stylist working on the top celebrities in Hollywood. Stars such as Robert Wagner, Paul Newman, Warren Beatty, Henry Fonda, Peter Sellers, Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, George Hamilton and many, many more. Nonetheless, on the afternoon of April 30, 1964, when I received the phone call inviting me to come over to Elvis' home in Bel Air, I was very excited. Even though every day I was working with the most famous names in show business, to me Elvis was the number one legend of them all - the King!

J.M. Describe that first time. How did it feel to actually be cutting the hair of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll? Do you remember what you actually did to his hair that day?
 

L. G. When I arrived at Elvis' home and we were introduced to one another, Elvis invited me into his bathroom and explained to me that he was finishing a picture called Roustabout, and that his hair style had to match the way it was in the movie. The first order of business was to shampoo his hair, with my own special formula that is very natural, pH balanced and does not contain harsh chemicals. Although I dyed Elvis' hair black for years, on that day it wasn't necessary. Next I proceeded cut his hair. Not a word was spoken, as Elvis intently watched in the mirror as I worked. Finally, as I finished and blow dried his hair, then applied hair spray (Elvis had a beautiful head of full hair, but it was weak, requiring body and strength) I asked him if he liked my work. Elvis said yes, then turned around in his chair and asked me about myself, "Larry, what are you really into, what are you all about?" His straightforwardness really surprised me! He was honest and to the point, and at that very moment I realized just how down-to-earth and genuine he was.

I began to explain to him that, beyond my job as a hair stylist, what was more important to me than anything else, more meaningful, was my search for truth, for the purpose of life. I said to him, "To really answer your question, Elvis, I'm searching for God. Look, I know you're the biggest star in the world and what I'm talking about might sound corny to you, and...", when Elvis cut me off and replied, " Not to me, Larry, that's not corny at all. Please man, just keep on talking, you have no idea what this means to me, this is what I secretly think about all the time."

Well, I then went on about my interest in studying the world's great religions, all the spiritual books I read, my interest in prayer and meditation, as well as practicing yoga and eating health foods. As I went on like this, before I knew it Elvis and I descended into a deep and poignant conversation. We told each other about our lives, our parents, then Elvis began a long explanation about his stillborn twin brother Jesse Garon, his feeling about growing up in the church and many other intimate and revealing aspects of his life. At one point Elvis looked at me and said, "You know there has to be a reason, a purpose why I was plucked (He made a motion with his fingers picking something up.) out of all the millions and millions of lives to be Elvis Presley. I mean there has to be a purpose behind it, it's not just mere coincidence that I've been placed in the position I'm in." This conversation was approaching three hours, and I realized that Elvis and I were really bonding.

I told him that if he would like me to come back to his house and do his hair, and explore some of the topics we touched upon, and also bring him some books on these subjects, that I'd love to.

Elvis looked at me and with that grin of his told me he had a better idea, that I should go back to my shop and quit, and begin working for him full time. Even though I had a fantastic star-studded clientele, and was planning to open my own salon in Palm Springs, I knew the answer immediately...so did Elvis.