Elvis recorded the tracks on "Made In Memphis" at the home he'd bought for Sam near Graceland in July 1973.
In November 1972, Sam Thompson was introduced to Elvis Presley by his sister, Linda Thompson. An officer with the Shelby County Sheriff's Department at the time, Elvis and Sam fast became friends. While still a deputy sheriff, Sam provided security for Elvis and traveled with Elvis on the road tours from 1973 until 1976 as Elvis' friend and companion. In July 1976, Sam went to work full time for Elvis, as his personal bodyguard and tour advance man, providing security for Elvis on all the road tours, including hotel and airport security.
Sam was present at the recording sessions of Elvis’ last seven albums and the last four Las Vegas Hilton engagements. Altogether, Sam witnessed, from a very personal perspective, almost all of the concert and recording performances by Elvis Presley during the last five years of Elvis’ life.