But Larry Geller claims that his relationship with Elvis Presley went far deeper than superficial concerns like haircuts and style. Over the years he worked for Presley, Geller says that he and the King developed a deep friendship and bond, which developed from lengthy discussions around religion and spirituality, many of which would take place with Presley in the stylist’s chair.
In “If I Can Dream,” Geller recalls that even on their first meeting he was interested in his new stylist’s spiritual beliefs. Geller had long been interested in diverse forms of spirituality, including Scientology and yoga, but ultimately was driven by a need to understand God and the meaning of life. Presley immediately recognized Geller as a kindred spirit, and over the years that followed spoke at length with his stylist on religious and spiritual matters, with Geller also providing Presley with countless books on spiritual subjects.
Presley’s religious convictions have come under the spotlight in recent years, with his stepbrother claiming that he remained highly religious throughout his life and Presley’s personal Bible, in which he had made numerous notes and underlinings, coming up for sale at auction in 2012. It seems that Geller’s impact on Presley may have also had an impact on the King’s beliefs, which reportedly grew stronger shortly before his death on August 16, 1977 at the age of 42.
