Joe Esposito | |
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Joe Esposito 2013 on stage at 12th European Elvis Festival in Bad Nauheim
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Born |
Joseph Carmine Esposito January 22, 1938 Chicago, Illinois |
Died |
November 23, 2016 (aged 78) Calabasas, California |
Spouse(s) | Martha Gallub |
Children | 3 |
Joseph Carmine Esposito (January 22, 1938 – November 23, 2016) was internationally known as Elvis Presley's road manager and friend. After Elvis' death, Joe became an author and publisher of several Elvis books.
Esposito is 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 both went through basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, but did not meet face to face until a year later when they were both stationed in West Germany, where they quickly became lifelong friends. Esposito became Elvis's road manager and friend beginning in 1960. Esposito served as co-best man, with Marty Lacker at Elvis's wedding while Esposito's wife, Joanie, served as the matron of honor. After Elvis' death in 1977, Esposito went to work for Jerry Weintraub becoming the road manager for greats including Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, Karen Carpenter and John Denver.
Esposito, Col. Tom Parker and Jerry Schilling served as principal consultants in the movie This Is Elvis.
Esposito was a consultant on multiple Elvis projects and was considered one of the most respected sources on Elvis. His home movies are featured in many projects including the CBS Primetime Special, "Elvis By the Presleys".
Esposito has 3 children, Debbie and Cindy from his first marriage to Joan (Roberts) and 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 mentioned the cause to be complications of dementia.