Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis

Book Description

In 1956, a twenty-one-year-old Elvis Presley was at the beginning of his remarkable and unparalleled career and photographer Alfred Wertheimer was asked by Presley’s new label, RCA Victor, to photograph the rising star. With unimpeded access to the young performer, Wertheimer was able to capture the unguarded and everyday moments in Elvis' life during that crucial year, a year that took him from Tupelo, Mississippi to the silver screen, and to the verge of international stardom and his crowning as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll.” As Alfred Wertheimer photographed Elvis during 1956, and again in 1958, he created classic images that are spontaneous, unrehearsed and completely without artifice.
Wertheimer’s photographs of Elvis are extraordinary and he appears almost ethereal, whether reading a newspaper while waiting for a cab, or washing his hands during one of his many train trips. After 1958 and Elvis’ induction into the army, the world seemingly forgot about Wertheimer’s magical photographs- for nineteen years- until Aug 16, 1977, the day Elvis died and Time Magazine called. “The phone hasn’t really stopped ringing in the last thirty years,” observes Wertheimer.
Many of the photographs in this visual treasury are previously unpublished and some have become almost as famous as the man himself.

Customer Reviews:

Elvis at 21 Book.......2007-06-30

i Love this Book it has very good quality photos of the king in his prime!

THE Best Elvis Book.......2007-04-11

If you only have one Elvis book in your library, or one photography book, let it be "Elvis at 21"...you will never buy a more sumptuous volume. The printing of the images is phenomenal, with wonderful use of gatefolds. It is one of the very few art books I've bought that I didn't balk at the retail price.

Wertheimer's photographs are collectively an artifact of our cultural history. It's amazing to see so many of them gathered together and in sequence. A much smaller selection of this body of work was published about 20 years ago as "Elvis '56"--this was my one-book-in-the-library, even back when I only had a photocopied edition. With this expansion, a whole new king is crowned.

2007 is of course the 30th anniversary of the King's passing. The world should expect a vast onslaught of new and revised offerings on the man. "Elvis at 21" throws down an early gauntlet so firmly, the other publishers might just as well crawl back into their niches.

Buy it, and wear a bib so you don't ruin the pages with your drool.

spectacular.......2007-02-14

the photographs are spectacular, but where is the non-limited edition that i've seen retail in the bookstore for $65?

Elvis at 21 book.......2007-01-20

This book is beautiful. The pictures are excellent and it is nice to have as a collectors item for any Elvis fan or give as a gift to any Elvis fan.

Elvis at 21.......2007-01-17

Alfred Wertheimer's photos is this book are FANTASTIC! It is a rare treat to be able to see Elvis at this stage in his life... when he was doing what he loved while still able to go in to restaurants, walk the streets, etc. and be recognized and appreciated by people around him, without being mobbed. What a wonderful time to cherish in these photographs.

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Elvis and the Memphis Maphia from Nash
Sad Revelations Indeed--I feel sorry for Elvis!
A Touching Account
YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN. . .
Money Talks

Elvis and the Memphis Mafia
Alanna Nash , Billy Smith , Marty Lacker , and Lamar Fike
Manufacturer: Aurum Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1845131282

Book Description

This vivid oral biography of Elvis Presley is based on the recollections of three members of the “Memphis Mafia,” the entourage who accompanied Elvis every day, from 1956 to his death in 1977. These were the men closest to Elvis, the ones who knew him best—Billy Smith, Elvis’ first cousin; Marty Lacker, foreman of the Memphis Mafia; and Lamar Fike, who joined the army with Elvis. Together, they offer rare insights into the greatest legend of them all, from the phenomenal successes to the long, devastating decline. It is a uniquely revealing portrait of a tragic figure whose immense talent changed the course of American music and culture. Alanna Nash writes for The New York Times and Entertainment Weekly. She is the author of The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley.

Customer Reviews:

Elvis and the Memphis Maphia from Nash.......2007-09-25

I am a dye hard fan of Elvis but not a fanatic, this was a well written book in that describes what happened in Elvis life, even the obscure part of his life all expose by the ones he called his friends, this time I will have to agree with Lisa when she blames the MF the way she did. But I must say though that Elvis never took actual control of his life and always let others manipulated him, his own insecurity led him to believe he was invincible, he surrounded himself with the wrong people, he never had at his side people that could really counsil him in the right direction, the MF for the most part were unable to really understand his needs and his real feelings and baby him all the time making him believed that was all love and protection even isolating him from the world. This book exposes everything and many things that we never knew about the inside and out of Elvis's life. Sad and left you wondering why? Why the so call friends wrote a book, Elvis what happen, to later say that was a challenge for Elvis when they even said in a tape, that they were full of anger for being fired by Vernon instead of Elvis himself and even today have the nerve to write books about Elvis and try to cover what really happened in their minds 30 years ago. In the end Elvis was a very intelligent human being, a terrific musician, his legacy says it all, why he confided so much in the wrong people, why he let them get away with so much, or maybe his loneliness led to all that, his rising to fame came so fast he was unable to handle all that in the proper way, if anything this book at the end makes you think what would have happened if his mother had not dye so soon after his rising to fame, and if his father would have been more knowleable to help him, and if he would have had better friends, or maybe he did not listen to anybody because his ego was too big? I listened to an interview from Ann Margaret, and she so respectfully talked about Elvis, and said "He was so talented".

Sad Revelations Indeed--I feel sorry for Elvis!.......2007-07-27

It's no wonder Elvis called what the Memphis Mafia did 'the worst betrayal.' Men who supposedly cared for him turned against him and the contents of this book are unbelievable or perhaps in-credible. A reader learns so much about Elvis that he/she is left in a state of shock. and not only that, but the reader is left confused.
Here is the private Elvis none of us knew. Lisa Marie even credits the Memphis Mafia for raking her father's reputation over the coals for the past thirty years and it's true. This book is a compilation of years of interviews by men who were with Elvis at every given hour of the day. The book shows a side of Elvis who tried to be in control but couldn't be his own person, was volatile, expressed his anger, fears, and tears. It showed his likes, dislikes, deepest desires, hopes, dreams, emotions, and even his weaknesses. In other words, we see Elvis as a human. It's obvious in this book as well as others I have read, that Elvis' life was never HIS. Still, though he surrounded himself with these men who were to protect him, he kept a private part of himself from even his closest friends, and his mafia.
Billy Smith, Elvis' first cousin, was far more sympathetic in his revelations than Lamar Fike and Marty Lacker, and it was good that where Fike and Lacker's details were either sketchy or in half truth and sometimes untrue, Billy elaborated on the truth about the real Elvis we all know and love.
To think that Colonel Parker who took 50% of his earnings at one point! To Elvis, I say, Mister Presley, I would have been mad too.' If you are an enemy of Elvis, you will enjoy this book, but if you are a die-hard Elvis fan like myself, you will be offended. The book is in many ways is heartbreaking. Elvis led a sad life and, it left me wondering: Yes, these men perhaps loved Elvis, but sometimes isn't it better to leave the past in the past and let Elvis' life remain the icon that he is (with a bit of mystery that adds to his mystique. Why not let him have his dignity, and let him Rest In Peace?

A Touching Account.......2007-05-26

This book is obviously a must for any serious Elvis fan since the three men whose stories are printed were so closely associated with him.

No one can remember every detail and date accurately after decades, which explains many of the inconsistencies of the book. What counts is the fact that they all aim - or at least seem to aim - at truthfulness. It is up to the reader to decide what to believe and what not to believe. The men openly admit to having seen and heard things after Elvis died, for example.

Elvis comes off as a very human being with all kinds of complexes and weaknesses, but most of these have been discussed in earlier books as well. The book reaffirms the notion that Elvis knew little about business (and cared even less) and was exploited by his manager throughout his career. As Elvis was basicly just an uneducated country boy, he never dared to challenge Tom Parker, let alone fire him, and pursue a career that would have included things he wanted to do, but unfortunately never did.

One of the most interesting pieces of information in the book for me is the reason why Ginger Alden was fully dressed when she called downstairs that Elvis was unconscious in his bathroom on August 16, 1977. Read the book and find out!

As the story-tellers appear to be uneducated, some readers may find their language offensive and the men could certainly take some lessons in English grammar, but if that is no problem for you, go ahead and buy the book.

YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN. . . .......2007-05-15

This is the re-issue of the original book, ELVIS AARON PRESLEY: REVELATIONS OF THE MEMPHIS MAFIA, only in paperback. This is the one "whole-truth-and-nothing-but-the-truth" book. It tells the whole story, good and bad, about life with Elvis, from the men who knew him best. It's an INCREDIBLE read, and for any true Elvis fan it's a MUST!

Money Talks.......2006-12-24

Oh That Old saying : "MONEY TALKS" ! No wonder Elvis just wanted to be loved, and felt people loved him for his money and his name, and just for whatever anyone could get from him ! Isn't it funny how when Elvis was alive, not one of his so called "friends", would cut him up, They were afraid the $'s would stop. Sonnie and Red only wrote there book on all Elvis dirt for the $'s, because they were fired, and needed a buck ! And anyone who would have stopped getting everything from Elvis would do the same, for a dollar. Elvis always felt everyone was around him for his name and his money, not for who he really was as a person, and oh how right he was. I think it's so sad.........to love anyone for money, and not for there heart, and the person they are. With "friends" like this, Elvis sure did'nt need enemies. I sure don't know how these people sleep at night------Oh ya.........I know............IT's FOR THE MONEY !!!!!!!! Dina

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Elvis Fashion: From Memphis to Vegas
Much more than a photo book
Expensive, but well worth it!
Thrilling New Photos of all things ELVIS!

Elvis Fashion: From Memphis to Vegas
Julie Mundy
Manufacturer: Universe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0789309874
Release Date: 2004-01-03

Book Description

The Rolls-Royce of Elvis books, Elvis Fashion: From Memphis to Vegas is the first to document the extraordinary costume and apparel collection at Graceland®. Elvis fans and fashion aficionados will be unable to resist the book's incredible new photography and sexy design, and fascinated to learn of Elvis' profound love of clothes, as evidenced by his vast array of hats, scarves, belts, and so much more.

Sequined jumpsuits, leather pants, embroidered capes, and an exquisite collection of accessories epitomize this beloved celebrity as his career skyrocketed in the '50s, '60s, and '70s. All-new photography of the costumes and apparel in the book are accompanied by archival photographs of Elvis wearing them, as well as sketches and other original documentation. The text chronicles Elvis' development as a fashion icon and discusses the influence he continues to have more than twenty-five years after his death.

Customer Reviews:

Elvis Fashion: From Memphis to Vegas.......2005-01-27

An absolutely wonderful book! What a treat to be taken into the archives at Elvis Presley Enterprises and be able to see up-close some of the clothing worn by the King of Rock and Roll. Being able to put the clothing with the time and place he wore it is a history lesson. Julie Mundy is a serious Elvis fan who gives the rest of us fans a peek into something we can only dream about.

Much more than a photo book.......2004-04-17

The basic concept of this book is what basically makes it great. Old photos of Elvis in all kinds of different outfits, both for the stage and from his personal wardrobe, are paired with the brand new photos of the same clothes now kept in the Graceland archives.
As simple as that, but it works. The new photos are truly great and together with the high class layout, it makes it a really quality investment - a coffee table book in the best sense of the word. The accompanying text by Julie Mundy is informative and well-written. No need to wonder who made what clothes, when, what the cost was at the time, and when Elvis wore it - all the information is right here. I personally really enjoyed the parts about the people who designed for Elvis, in particular the interview bits with Bill Belew who amongst other things did Elvis' famous jumpsuits.
The book is also a look back through history. It reminds you that Elvis dared to have a fashion style uniquely his own way before fashion dictated that everyone should have their own individual style. The book is a beautiful and interesting document of Elvis' transformation - and the development in fashion as Elvis interpretated it - over his 20 years career and definitely a good buy!

Expensive, but well worth it!.......2004-01-15

Wow -- I love this book!!!!!! Having extensively researched Elvis's wardrobe for my book The Girls' Guide to Elvis: The Clothes, the Hair, the Women, and More!, I am familiar with a great deal of Elvis's clothing -- this book is filled with things I've never seen before! What amazing access to Elvis's closet!! If you're fascinated by Elvis's personal style (and who isn't?!), you'll want to own this beautiful coffee table book. Well, well worth the price!

Thrilling New Photos of all things ELVIS!.......2004-01-14

Great work and collaboration from Graceland executives made this book possible. Julie Mundy brings us closer than ever to many of Elvis's clothes and wardrobes. All photos are well described, professional, and exciting!
This book also shows us some of Wurthmeiers photos that are stunning!
Great coffee table material and Conversation Starter
Would have been a great pleasure to author this book!
Long live the King!

Average customer rating:

Interesting, but not for Elvis fans
A fascinating read, even for we non-fanatics.
Elvis and his homes.
Graceland speak about Elvis...

Graceland: Going Home with Elvis
Karal Ann Marling
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0674358899

Amazon.com

Karal Ann Marling, a professor of art history and American studies at the University of Minnesota, examines Elvis Presley, the cultural phenomenon, through the places he lived. From his place of birth, the two-room "shot-gun house" in Tupelo, to the fabled hilltop mansion, Graceland, Marling shows that despite international acclaim he never lost his Mississippi roots. Elvis often shared Graceland with "the guys"--an entourage of relatives, assistants and school pals--"like a teenager whose parents weren't home" and was not above putting a bullet through the television when he saw something he didn't like. Marling argues that through conspicuous consumption, compulsive refurnishing of rooms and garish decor, Presley knew he was thumbing his nose at good taste and consciously cultivating his own legend.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, but not for Elvis fans.......2006-03-21

The book generally present Elvis and his surroundings as seedy, degenerate. The 35 small, black and white illustrations, with their distorted dimensions, enhance this image.

I thought there might be a lot of information on Elvis's various homes. I was disappointed. The author wanders far afield of things Elvis. There is a significant amount of coverage on the homes of other celebrities, and there is an obsession with external columns. One chapter is devoted to William Faulkner. The final chapter describes the author's trip home from Memphis to her home in Minnesota.

I was surprised at the 12 pages devoted to "Sources". The book's text did not suggest extensive homework on Elvis, but the "Acknowledgments" give credit to four grad students for their assistance.

The page count breaks down as follow: Table of Contents - 2, text - 242 (including 16 chapters and an introduction), Sources -12, and Acknowledgments - 2.

The prose came across as meandering, often depressing, but eloquent blather, packaged under the Elvis name to sell copies. Perhaps writing in this matter purges the author of her own frustrations. Despite it's overall negativity, it was still interesting in its perspective.

A fascinating read, even for we non-fanatics........2002-05-29

My son brought this book home as part of a school project and I absentmindedly picked it up and started reading. It really hooked me from the start and I ended up reading it cover to cover in just a couple of days.

The author has a great way of meandering from subject to subject so that the book encompasses much more than just facts about Graceland. It studies how the houses that we live in represent where we have come from and where we are going, not just as individuals but as a culture and a country.

The book also looks honestly at Elvis Presley's life, without wallowing in the uglier aspects of his life and death.

Elvis and his homes........1998-01-11

Elvis was the unique product of a very specific time and place; a cultural expression of that sweaty, hardscrabble slice of Mississippi River Delta biracial culture which has produced so much of the authentic in American music.
The singer's unusual and deep attachment to his context is well understood in this perceptive biography, whose author views and interprets Presley through his homes, from the shotgun shack in East Tupelo to the "Peckerwood Palace" of Graceland. Highly readable and of value to students of contemporary American culture, but committed Elvis fans will not be comforted by this unblinking examination of the King and his world.

(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

Graceland speak about Elvis..........1996-12-09

Truly great book on the myth of Elvis Presley and also about the history of the past in the United States. We can understand in a better way what Graceland truly mean to Elvis... A superficial time-line concerning his life is also a great source of informations about the man behind the star... Edith Robitaille from Quebec, Canada.

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A must for Elvis Fans visiting Memphis!
The Ultimate Read For Any Elvis Fan!
Authors hit right note with guide to Memphis!

Memphis Elvis-Style
Cindy Hazen , and Mike Freeman
Manufacturer: John F. Blair Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0895871734

Book Description

The definitive guidebook to the King's city_from the places where he lived to the stages where he performed to the restaurants where he ate.

Customer Reviews:

A must for Elvis Fans visiting Memphis!.......2003-05-22

When I started reading books about Elvis, I began to take notes on where he'd lived, played, recorded, etc., knowing one day I'd travel there. Then I discovered this book! Mike and Cindy had done the work for me. The book is not only well written, but there are informative stories AND they tell you if a place has been demolished, or moved -- information that saved me a lot of time. After reading the book I decided that I HAD to take Mike's tour of Memphis -- it was well worth it. I had a glorious time -- Mike is a walking Elvis-encyclopedia (and fun too!). After the tour, my niece, who was traveling with me said, "well, I think we've done it all and seen it all"! And yes, thanks to Mike and Cindy, we had.

The Ultimate Read For Any Elvis Fan!.......2001-11-04

This is the ultimate read for any Elvis fan. Especially if they are going to spend any time in Memphis. It's eerie, even chilling, to walk the grounds where Elvis walked as a teenager, and even during stardom. This is a step-by-step narrative of how to find nearly every address related to Elvis in Memphis, and every one of them with a used-to-be secret. It's really cool!

I had this book on my bedstand for months as a gift from my wife. Once I picked it up and read the first page, I couldn't put it down. Every page is loaded with "Man, If I would've only
known."

But you better hurry! These sites are rapidly falling by the wayside. As we saw in a store window in Memphis, you can contact the authors for a personalized tour. Although we haven't taken it, this would be a way-cool afternoon.

Thank you Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman,
Dave-n-Tina Campbell
Mt. Vernon, Texas

Authors hit right note with guide to Memphis!.......1997-09-17

Memphis Elvis Style Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman A phenomenal number of books have been written about Elvis. Recently it would seem that ever more such books are being published. Some are just rehashes of the same old story; others are the recollections of a five-minute fling, being as much a flight of phantasy as a worthwhile document; a few, a very few, are really worth buying and can be returned to again and again. "Memphis Elvis Style" by Memphis residents Cindy Hazen and Mike Freeman is most definitely one of the latter. It has not been launched under a blaze of publicity, but it is nevertheless an almost indispensable addition to the Elvis library. "Memphis Elvis Style" is, in fact, a guide book of Elvis related sites in and around Memphis. The no less than 129 sites have been cleverly organised firstly by their chronological relationship with Elvis and then further grouped by type. In addition, maps and an index help searching both in the book and in Memphis itself as simple as possible. And if this wasn't already enough, each entry contains detailed instructions on how to find its site and exactly what to expect, many buildings having been flattened or modified in the course of the years. But the book is also for those who have never been or never will go to Memphis. Cindy and Mike have achieved this by expanding each entry with some background information and an anecdote directly relating it to Elvis. This additional information provides some excellent reading and is sometimes quite amusing - I particularly liked the story of Elvis's visit to his local McDonald's with girlfriend Linda Thompson., but there are lots more stories and Elvis lore to satisfy all readers, even those looking for information about Hi Records, car dealerships, and just about everything else associated with Elvis in Memphis. Definitely a book to get! David Neale September 199

Dewey and Elvis: The Life and Times of a Rock 'n' Roll Deejay (Music in American Life)

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A fascinating, smoothly flowing examination of one man's life and contributions to popular music

Dewey and Elvis: The Life and Times of a Rock 'n' Roll Deejay (Music in American Life)
Louis Cantor
Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 025202981X

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating, smoothly flowing examination of one man's life and contributions to popular music.......2005-09-05

Dewey And Elvis: The Life And Times Of A Rock 'n' Roll Deejay is a biography drawn from personal interviews, documentary sources, and oral history collections to give a personal, no-holds-barred view of celebrated disc jockey Dewey Phillips. Indiana University professor emeritus of history Louis Cantor suggests that Phillips zeal for and promotion of rhythm and blues music set the stage for a 1950's transformation in rock-'n'-roll, not to mention Elvis' legendary success. A fascinating, smoothly flowing examination of one man's life and contributions to popular music in the mid-twentieth century.

Last Train To Memphis: The Rise Of Elvis Presley

Average customer rating:

Wow! There is so much in this book, it's hard to describe.
Be one with Elvis
Not the man I thought he was
Superb.
Last Train

Last Train To Memphis: The Rise Of Elvis Presley
Peter Guralnick
Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0756774209

Amazon.com

There's no mention of sequins, drugs, or peanut butter in this understated biography of the teenaged Elvis, a serious and worthy attempt to answer the question, "Who was this guy before he was an icon, the voice of a generation, the King?" The essential clarity and honesty of Guralnick's prose clearly limns the eager, malleable boy whose immense talent changed the course of American music.

Customer Reviews:

Wow! There is so much in this book, it's hard to describe........2007-09-30

I just finished reading this book and am amazed at the insights into Elvis' life that the author showed. He covered a lot of things that have been covered ad nauseum by others yet made it read like a novel. And, he adds so much more detail to the day-to-day life of Elvis that provide a much fuller description of his life. Even reading the footnotes is fascinating.
For a true Elvis fan, this is a must have for your collection. I could hardly put it down and this is not trivial reading, given that the book is more than 500 pages. Mr. Guralinick's 2nd book on Elvis ("Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley) is a must read also.

Be one with Elvis.......2007-07-29

If you want to step inside the life of Elvis, these are the books. Peter makes it a very personal reading. So much so, that after 2 years I haven't finished reading the second book.
Not because of disinterest, but just because it's so personal. I just wish that the ending could be different.

Not the man I thought he was.......2007-07-17

I thought Elvis was the Golden gift from God until I read this book.
I can't give it a 5 because I had such a hard time keeping up with who did or said what. I found the book very hard to read. Some sentences were paragraphs long and so botched up that I had to read them over and over just to finally understand what he was trying to say. (When a person gets at a certain stage in his/her life, things wear out, ie, memory.) Time and again I had to revert back to even 2 or 3 pages ago to find out who said what, ie. "who did he say was talking here?" I asked myself.
And further, not the author's fault, of course, but if what he's written was true, then Elvis was not, per his professed church's teachings, the type of good Christian that we were taught to be. I come from that same type of church. Holiness. We did not use profanity. It was very much a no-no. And it is written somewhere in the bible to not resort to swearwords/bywords. And using God's name in vain is very much a sin per our teachers. Elvis took God's name in vain on at least two occasions that I remember. And then reprimanded one of the "guys", "don't ever take the Lord's name in vain around me again".
And he was constantly using that other most vile word -- the "f" word. I finally was able to skip over those, but not until I had seen them and too late. They embarrass me even as I'm reading them to myself and there's not another soul in the room with me. I know that God knows that I've read them to myself, and I have to just say, "Forgive me God". Makes my skin crawl to hear those awful words. It use to be said that people who resort to swearing were illiterate/uneducated and couldn't make any other type of sentence. Not so these days, at least it doesn't seem to be. I hear some very well placed and educated people resorting to it. It's a crying shame. I can't even watch movies anymore, and it's getting so on TV, and now in THIS book about one of the people I use to admire. My husband and I were sweethearts when Elvis put out that first record, and we really loved his singing. Today is our 51st wedding anniversary. We loved Elvis back in those days for who we thought he was. And, in the coming years, I didn't believe much of the stuff we heard about him. I still thought he was an outstanding person. After all, my own mother told me that a man who loved his mother and treated her good, would love his wife and treat her right. I believed it. My husband and his mom were very much like Elvis and Gladys. Neither thought the other could do any wrong. He's treated me very well over the years. And I will never EVER forget when my husband's mom died. He was as devastated, and more so, than Elvis was, I'll bet. I had never seen him even close to crying before that day. And I have only one more time since then. I have no doubt that Elvis loved his mom. I don't have any issues with him over that. Because I have first hand knowledge of a scenario in that. But, I just don't understand how he could be so loving and devoted to his mom and do some of the things he did.
And about sleeping around as much as he did: He was taught, if he actually did belong to the Assembly of God Church and attended it regularly, he was taught that one doesn't sleep around with persons to whom that person is not married. That's called "fornication", and in the case of when he was married, it's also called "adultery". He should have been studying his bible more, because those words are well defined in any bible.
Call me a prude or whatever you want to, but I was raised in that Holiness church to be as righteous as I could and the way God intended for me to be. I know at times it's hard and I won't say that I don't stray from my teachings, but Elvis didn't seem to be concerned with it.
Then there he is saying that "nobody tells him what to do". Yet, every time Tom Parker or RCA dictated that he do something, he was right there, running his friends (hangers-on, some might say), running them off, and doing whatever would make "Kernel", and RCA happy. For instance, one of his good friends came by to see him, and Parker came by and called Elvis out of the room and told him to send the guy home. Did Elvis say "NO, You don't tell me what to do. I want him here and he's staying"? No he did not. He came back in the room and said "Kernel (that's what I call him since that's what he wanted to be called, but he was NOT a Colonel. That's an insult to even military people, of which I am married to one). Elvis told him "Kernel doesn't want you here so I guess you have to leave". How cruel. Elvis was the one who invited the guy to visit in the first place. Had to be humiliating to the man.
And I'm concerned as well that he didn't seem to show very much loyalty or "payback" to those at the very beginning - from that first record: Sam, Scotty, Bill and Dewey. It doesn't say, though. I wondered all the way through the book, "did he ever do anything nice for them like he did the hangers-on? Giving them cars and houses and such. Maybe if he'd shown a little gratuity towards Dewey, Dewey wouldn't have stiffed him with that song, I've forgotten which one, by playing it too early before it's official release. After all he's the first one to play Elvis's first record so that it got heard by hoards. And he was always mentioning it and Elvis and pushing it. I've heard that it's great publicity and PR.
And there's poor Sam, the guy who knew he couldn't do enough to help Elvis with his music, as much as he'd like to, and as much as Elvis deserved. He faced the fact that he'd done as much as he could do for Elvis due to lack of funds and lack of connections that Parker had, of which Elvis had NONE. And Sam in dire financial straits, about to lose his business, etc. I know he got $35,000 for Elvis's contract; however, look how much Elvis made from that deal. It wasn't enough to save Sam's business. I feel that he owed a heck of a lot of it to Sam and Dewey, even though they both had that "potty mouth syndrome."
And then, poor Scotty and Bill. There they were from the beginninig as well. A TRIO. Just because Elvis twisted his pelvis around, he got all of the attention. Later on after they resigned, he realized that he really needed them. And that's where I am in the book right now. I just had to come and write this stuff down while it's fresh in my mind. And I'm about seething at Elvis. I know I shouldn't have hard feelings about the dead, but he did these things when he was alive. And I'M not dead. YET.
I hope to read that he's going to share a little more of the wealth with them. Scotty was married (children? I've forgotten) but was terribly in debt due to making such low wages with Elvis, even for those days. $100/wk, only when he worked, while Elvis was making thousands???? And spending thousands on his friends???? UNREAL.
One of OUR (in the Holiness Church) 10 Commandments is "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto YOU". I wonder how Elvis would have felt if the shoe were on the other foot. If the band had hired him as their "insignificant" boy singer.
My final thought right at this moment is that old adage "be careful who you trample on your way to the top, because you could fall right on your face on the way down." Or something to that effect. I'd like to have been a fly in that bathroom where Elvis died. On his way out of this world, did he think of those people he didn't treat right? And ask forgiveness. Only God knows.
Oh I know he passed out a lot of charity and stuff, but he neglected at least those 4 I mention. And in comparison with how much he had, the charity wasn't all that significant. Just one of those Cadilacs, or Lincolns or houses or jewels or vacations he was always treating to first one and then another, could have supported an orphanage for a whole year. Or an old person's retirement home. I do remember that he gave 900 DOLLARS to a boys outfit of some kind, and a TV to one of the teachers. BIG DEAL. In retrospect, no, I don't think he was all that generous. I wonder did he give 10% to the church? Like he was taught to do in the HOLINESS Church. That could count as some redemption for him. But I'm afraid not enough. I hope he's up there, for he surely knew the way he was suppose to live his life. I just don't believe he practiced it as well as he should have. In his case, it's good that I'm not one of the judges at The Gate.
And if he made it to heaven, I still feel like I've got a chance, if that same judge will be my judge and forgive me for having such horrible thoughts about another soul.

Superb........2007-06-27

No wonder Priscilla calls this book a favorite as it provides a crystal clear insight to the world that Memphis was for Elvis in the early years. It allows a comprehensive understanding of so many characters in Elvis' life.....his parents and other family members, The Colonel, Sam Phillips, Dewey Phillips, Dixie, June, and Anita and so many more.
It provides detailed information on the stories we've heard and those we haven't, and brings them to life. I have a much better feel for how the rest of the country responded to the wonder of Elvis.
The book offers a mapped view, both psychological and physical, of places in Memphis where Elvis lived, played music, and frequented. I know I will driving by a few old haunts the next time I am there, thanks to Last Train to Memphis.
Finally, for those who enjoy history, period, you'll appreciate this read.
I knew the book must be good when I saw that it was offered for sale at Graceland, but I really didn't have any idea it would be the best and it remains the best I've read on it's intricate subject. A true "must read". Thank you, Mr. Guralnick.

Last Train.......2006-11-13

This book takes you to the early years of Elvis Presley. You feel like you are there living the story with him. The characters are alive and real. It gives you an insight to what life was like for Elvis in the 50s and his early years.

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