Music1956–1977
Elvis Presley
Most of Elvis's FBI file concerns threats made against him, plus correspondence with the Bureau.
Victim or threat reportRead the guide
Category
FBI Files on Musicians
Explore plain-English guides to FBI Vault files and public records involving famous musicians, bands, singers, and performers. These files may include threats, extortion attempts, surveillance, public complaints, background checks, or mentions in other investigations.
11 files
Music1943–1985
Frank Sinatra
One of the largest celebrity files at over 1,200 pages, covering decades of associations and threats.
Unclear or mixedRead the guide
Music1993–2005
Michael Jackson
The released file mostly tracks extortion threats and FBI assistance to local agencies during the abuse investigations.
Mentioned in recordsRead the guide
Music1969–1970
Jimi Hendrix
A short file tied to a 1969 Toronto drug arrest and routine name-check requests.
Mentioned in recordsRead the guide
Music1992–1996 (direct references); family files extend earlier
Tupac Shakur
Released records focus on threats and an extortion plot against him before his 1996 death.
Victim or threat reportRead the guide
Music1997–2000s
The Notorious B.I.G.
Records relate to the unsolved 1997 murder investigation in Los Angeles.
Victim or threat reportRead the guide
Music1964–1980
The Beatles
Most of the file concerns John Lennon; the band itself appears in connection with tours and threats.
Mentioned in recordsRead the guide
Music1971–1975
John Lennon
The FBI and Nixon administration tried to deport Lennon over his anti-war activism and influence on young voters.
InvestigatedRead the guide
Music1967–1971
Jim Morrison
Morrison's FBI file lists ten arrests and documents the Bureau's concern about his provocative performances.
InvestigatedRead the guide
Music1988–1999
Whitney Houston
Houston's FBI file documents extortion attempts and threatening fan mail, not criminal investigation.
Victim or threat reportRead the guide
Music1954–1986
Liberace
Liberace's 400-page FBI file covers a major jewel robbery, extortion attempts to expose his sexuality, and illegal gambling.
Victim or threat reportRead the guide
How to read these files
FBI files and public records may include verified facts, allegations, third-party claims, redactions, press clippings, public complaints, surveillance notes, or correspondence. A file does not always mean the person was investigated or accused of wrongdoing.
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