All the Way to the River: Love, Loss, and Liberation

Rayya Elias was an American musician, filmmaker, author and hairdresser. Elias was born in Syria and moved to Detroit, Michigan as a child. During her rebellious youth, Elias became addicted to numerous street drugs and endured stints of homelessness. After becoming clean and sober, Elias rebuilt her life, participating in recovery programs and working as a hairdresser while maintaining creative practices in music and filmmaking. Later in life she published a memoir, Harley Loco, about her addiction and recovery. Elias died of pancreatic and liver cancer in 2018.

Gilbert explains that she met Elias when she became her hairdressing client. Eventually, Elias became a close friend and, later, Gilbert’s partner. Gilbert presents Elias as a larger-than-life woman with a gregarious, irreverent personality and intense compassion for others. Gilbert recalls how Elias’ assertive demeanor and skill as a “social magician” made her feel safe and helped the two bond closely (78). Gilbert also acknowledges Elias’ complex inner life as she struggled with managing her addiction up until her death. Nevertheless, Gilbert shares her love for Elias and believes that their experiences together taught her invaluable lessons.