Hodge was discovered by Presley while the former was
performing with a band called The Foggy River Boys in
Memphis. Hodge had caught the singer's attention
at the time partly because, at 5'3", the guitarist had to
stand on an empty Coke crate. After meeting up again
when both men were in the U.S. Army, the two became
friends, and the guitarist subsequently became part of Elvis'
entourage, Memphis Mafia.Hodge is said to have been
hanging out with Elvis when the latter met his
 wife, Priscilla.

Hodge would later be part of Elvis' backing band when
'68 Comeback Special. In addition to playing rhythm guitar
and contributing background vocals, Hodge would also hand
Elvis his water and scarves onstage. Sometimes, Hodge
would also hold the microphone when Elvis was playing the
piano (sometimes when he was also playing the guitar)
During his tenure with Elvis, Hodge was a resident
at Elvis' estate, Graceland. He was at Graceland when
Presley died in 1977.