Joseph Carmine Esposito (January 22, 1938 – November 23, 2016) was an American businessman and author known for his close association with singer-actor Elvis Presley. Esposito met Presley when both were serving in the US Army, and Esposito worked for Presley for many years until Presley's death in 1977. After Elvis's death, Esposito continued to collaborate with Jerry Weintraub, who produced Elvis's tours in the 1970s. Esposito also became an author and publisher of several Elvis books.
Association with Elvis Presley
Esposito was best known for his association with Elvis Presley (see Memphis Mafia). He first met Presley while serving in the military in 1958 at an Army base in Friedberg, West Germany. They had both gone through basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, but did not meet face to face until a year later, when they were stationed in West Germany, where they quickly became lifelong friends. Esposito became Presley's right-hand man in 1960. In 1970, when Presley returned to touring, Esposito became his road manager. Esposito served as co-best man, with Marty Lacker, at Presley's wedding, while Esposito's wife, Joanie, served as the matron of honor and Priscilla’s sister, Michelle, was the maid of honor. After Presley's death, Esposito and Jerry Schilling served as consultants on the film This Is Elvis, and Colonel Parker was technical advisor.
Esposito was a consultant on multiple Elvis projects and was considered one of the most respected sources on Presley. His home movies appear in many productions, including the CBS Primetime Special Elvis By the Presleys.[citation needed]
Personal life and death
Esposito had three children: daughters Debbie and Cindy with his first wife Joan, who later married into the Kardashian family; and son Anthony from his second marriage to Martha Gallub, who died on March 19, 2012, after a long fight with cancer. Esposito died November 23, 2016, after a year of declining health. His daughter said the cause was complications of dementia.
He was also portrayed by Ian Leson in the 2005 CBS mini-series Elvis, alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
He was spoofed by Chris Farley as the driver for "Tiny Elvis" on Saturday Night Live in 1992 hosted by Nicolas Cage.
He was portrayed by Wayne Powers (with Dale Midkiff as Elvis) in the 1989 ABC Mini-Series, "Elvis and Me," which was based on the best-selling book by Priscilla Presley, who was also Executive Producer.
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