Amazon.com
Think of Elvis by the Presleys as the ultimate souvenir guide from your tour of Graceland. The 256 pages are packed with family photos, reminisces, and still-life photography of Elvis's possessions. The book is also a companion volume to the multimdedia event that brings the personal side of Elvis to the masses from the recollections of just six family members: wife Priscilla; daughter Lisa Marie; cousin Patsy; along with Priscilla's mom, dad, and sister. Many of the words written here were not in the TV show but one assumes what will make this a keeper are the photos. Along with candid shots, there are stills of the home movies seen on the CBS special (and subsequent--and expanded--DVD), and the still life shots by Henry Leutwyler get your mind racing. Here one can dwell on Elvis's guitar and think of all the music that came out of it. You can spy his phonograph with the record that was on it when he died, his wallet, an autographed Bible, his first contract, a hand-drawn football play, even his FBI badge along with pristine views inside Graceland. Some shots seem like filler (a boot, "with the original mud," Lisa Marie's crayons), but the overall impression is you are viewing pieces from the Museum of Cool, circa 1970. Several of Pricilla's passages and some of the images allude to Elvis's dark side: the massive reference book on pills and three guns are shown (plus the TV Elvis shot) looking like items from a murder investigation. Ultimately, do we really learn anything new about Elvis? Perhaps not, but there are several segments where Priscilla (the main voice) draws us in with her emotional recollections. The book (and program) is never better than telling the courtship in Germany when a homesick solider found an older-than-her-age 9th grader. Elvis by the Presleys does not try to be compressive; it succeeds as a warmer, more heartfelt tribute to The King. --Doug Thomas
Book Description
For the first time, the inside story of legendary entertainer Elvis Presley’s life as a husband, father, son, cousin, friend, spiritual seeker — Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, and other family members, come together to memorialize our greatest star in this stunningly illustrated companion to a major television special and longer-form documentary.
Elvis by the Presleys is a uniquely fascinating treasure and serves as the essential companion to a major television special on CBS and, from Sony BMG, a longer-form documentary DVD and its related CD. Culled from hours of new family interviews conducted for the television special and DVD (much of it appearing exclusively in this book), enhanced with Elvis quotes, and illustrated with private family photographs and images of personal memorabilia from the archives of Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises, Elvis by the Presleys is an extraordinary document about an extraordinary figure.
In all, the book is the compelling result of a historic gathering of voices of those who not only witnessed from the wings Elvis Presley’s public life, but also knew the superstar out of the spotlight. His former wife Priscilla Presley, their daughter Lisa Marie Presley, his cousin Patsy Presley Geranen, Priscilla’s parents, and members of the combined and extended families sensitively and candidly share their intimate perspective on the real person, while at the same time celebrating one of America’s greatest stars.
As Priscilla Presley puts it in Elvis by the Presleys, “Who can think of Elvis without thinking of Graceland?” Here Graceland is seen as a teeming family retreat, where the kitchen was the center of operations; where tag football games were played in the yard; where folks drove golf carts up and down the hills; and where Elvis spent many of his happiest times.
Elvis by the Presleys reveals life at Graceland like never before. We witness the arc of his love affair with Priscilla; Elvis as a father to his adored Lisa Marie; his obsessions and passions; and the strength of his musical legacy, which continues unabated to this day. There are Christmas cards here, too; contracts and invoices; selections from Lisa Marie’s childhood scrapbook; and even a picture of the champagne bottle (signed) from Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding.
Here, now, is the tumultuous story of the life of a lovely yet complex man; a portrait of the career of a brilliantly accomplished yet often frustrated artist; an insider’s tale of enduring love, related with warmth and unguarded candor . . . and a story told the way only a family can tell it.
2-hour CBS special airs May 2005
4-hour Sony BMG documentary DVDand its companion CD in stores May 2005
The DVD is a longer-form presentation of the footage edited for the special. Both the special and the DVD are comprised of the family interviews, private home movies, performance footage and interviews, and photography — some of the material rare, some never before available to the public.
The CD of Elvis’s music features Elvis classics, hidden treasures, rarities and family favorites.
Customer Reviews:
Good, but Jerry Schilling is missing from this book..........2007-04-10
This book is a very good companion to the DVD set. I enjoyed both and felt I got to know lots more about Elvis and Priscilla (a talented and charismatic woman in her own right). However, I was wondering why there is so much of the excellent Jerry Schilling in the "Elvis by the Presleys" DVDs and nothing from, or about, Jerry in this companion book. Jerry was clearly a great and devoted friend to Elvis for so many years and he is mysteriously missing from this book -- even in epidodes which we know he was involved in (as he tells the stories himself in the DVD's). Most notable of these episodes is Jerry's relating of the time that he and Elvis went to see President Nixon at the White House so that Elvis could volunteer his services to combat drug abuse. Jerry tells the story so well in the DVD, yet his presence at this event is omitted in the book. Priscilla fans will be delighted by a fascinating photo of a long letter written by the teenaged Priscilla to Elvis from Germany when she was about age 16. Anyone who reads it can never believe any of the nonsense out there about Priscilla's parents wanting or encouraging her to live with Elvis at such a young age. The letter makes it clear that she is most determined to do this despite strong resistance by her father (especially) but she intends to persevere until she convinces him to let her leave Germany and finish high school in Memphis. All in all, the "Elvis by the Presleys" book and DVD set are highly enjoyable for the true Elvis fan.
Interesting enough.......2007-03-29
Fairly interesting. Some side stories from family members & friends some photos that weren't very interesting (photos of everyday objects with no real importance to the story of Elvis). Funny that they focus so much on his spiritual side, considering that they are into the "Church of Sciencetology" (or however you spell it). Can't imagine anyone being serious about that group. But it makes me wonder how Elvis would have felt if he'd known about his ex involving his daughter in such a group. I hope on some level these women believe in something other than aliens conjured up by some science - fiction writer. Anyway I just thought it was funny that these two would focus so much on that side of his personality. The book was ok but not as interesting as I thought it would be when I ordered .
Elvis by the Presleys.......2007-03-09
Very interesting read. Gave to life long fan of Elvis.
The King.......2007-03-09
Great book,every Elvis fan should have it. In pair with the DVD it makes a great collection. It makes Elvis even greater entertainer and person. Long live Rock and Roll!
Great book, wonderful insight! Loved it!.......2006-03-22
Loved the stories from Elvis' loved ones - it's nice to hear their version instead of from biographers and jaded celebrities.
Book Description
An intimate memoir of a friendship with the greatest artist in rock and roll history, taking you from late-night parties at Graceland to the bright lights of Hollywood sets and glittering stages of Vegas
On a lazy Sunday in 1954, twelve-year-old Jerry Schilling wandered into a Memphis touch football game, only to discover that his team was quarterbacked by a nineteen-year-old Elvis Presley, the local teenager whose first record, “That's All Right,” had just debuted on Memphis radio. The two became fast friends, even as Elvis turned into the world's biggest star. In 1964, Elvis invited Jerry to work for him as part of his “Memphis Mafia,” and Jerry soon found himself living with Elvis full-time in a Bel Air mansion and, later, in his own room at Graceland. Over the next thirteen years Jerry would work for Elvis in various capacities—from bodyguard to photo double to co-executive producer on a karate film. But more than anything else he was Elvis's close friend and confidant: Elvis trusted Jerry with protecting his life when he received death threats, he asked Jerry to drive him and Priscilla to the hospital the day Lisa Marie was born and to accompany him during the famous “lost weekend” when he traveled to meet President Nixon at the White House.
Me and a Guy Named Elvis looks at Presley from a friend's perspective, offering readers the man rather than the icon—including insights into the creative frustrations that lead to Elvis's abuse of prescription medicine and his tragic death. Jerry offers never-before-told stories about life inside Elvis's inner circle and an emotional recounting of the great times, hard times, and unique times he and Elvis shared. These vivid memories will be priceless to Elvis's millions of fans, and the compelling story will fascinate an even wider audience. BACKCOVER:
Advance Praise for Me and a Guy Named Elvis
“This book kept me up late into the night as I turned the pages, reliving every situation and every story as if I were there all over again, until I finished. Jerry Schilling's words brought tears to my eyes, making me smile and nod as it filled my head with things I had forgotten but thankfully he remembered. Jerry tells his story with the freshness and purity of a man who truly loved his friend. Me and a Guy Named Elvis is not only authentic, honest, and truly moving—it is a marvel.”
—Priscilla Presley
“Jerry had the keys to the kingdom, the keys to the King's houses, to the King's cars, to the heart of what made Elvis a King in the first place. Here he unlocks every door and his own heart to boot. In this book, Jerry Schilling brings grace to Graceland.”
—Bono
“Jerry Schilling has captured the beauty of my father's spirit in a way that has never been done before. I will admit that I was nervous to read another book on this subject, especially by a friend (there are not many who remain in my life from this time period, as Jerry does), but this book is by far my favorite. It is a captivating, well-written, and un-crucifying account of many historic moments that shows the real birth and evolution of Rock and Roll and how it bridged the racial divide. Jerry tells his story of a young boy growing up poor with no real family before fate changed his life during one Sunday afternoon game of football—and he tells it with humility, honesty, and dignity.”
—Lisa Marie Presley
“What Jerry Schilling has written in Me and a Guy Named Elvis is an account of one man's experience, a personal memoir that, while it places its narrator squarely in the midst of historic events, never claims credit for those events in the way that so many self-serving memoirs are inclined to do. It is a balanced treatment of a complex subject . . . What I think distinguishes the book most of all, though, is its emotional honesty, the generosity of spirit with which Jerry seeks to emulate his friend and mentor.”
—Peter Guralnick, author of Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love
Customer Reviews:
Thanks, Jerry! Best Elvis book ever written!!!!.......2007-09-19
I couldn't put the book down. After reading this book, I feel as if I know Elvis, the man, not just the entertainer. Jerry, you had quite an exciting life being there with Elvis through the good times and the bad. Elvis was lucky to have a loyal friend such as you. I recently was on the first ever "Elvis Cruise" to the Bahamas and was honored to have met you and have you autograph the book for me. I recommend this book to all Elvis fans. You won't be disappointed.
One of the Best I've read.......2007-09-17
Me and a Guy Names Elvis is a wonderful read. It was nice to read a book about a true friend by a true friend. This 30 year mark hit home big time. With my age being 42 I felt so heart sick to think of Elvis dying so young. His talented life in front of him and a future with a daughter he never saw grow up. Jerry Schilling did a wonderful job writing this book. I hope Elvis fans stop reading the rest of the crap that's out there and sit to read this. He lost a good friend indeed.
Outstanding.......2007-09-13
This is a poignant biography of Elvis Presley written by a true friend who never betrayed him.
Review of book.......2007-09-05
I received the book in a timely manner and the condition of book was as stated which was in very good condition. I am very pleased the this transaction and would highly recommend seller.
Very entertaining and Good Book.......2007-09-04
I've read alot of Elvis book. Jerry Schilling seems to tell both sides, not all great things about Elvis because even Elvis was not perfect , but Jerry seems to tell the truth. I like that in the book. The book takes a few chapters to really get going but once it does, I was glued. I think I read the entire book in a weekend. getting ready to read it again.
This book is a must read for Elvis fans. Jerry Schilling is a great guy.
thanks
Adam
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.
Amazon.com
Until Peter Guralnick came out with Last Train to Memphis in 1994, most biographies of Elvis Presley--especially those written by people with varying degrees of access to his "inner circle"--were filled with starstruck adulation, and those that weren't in awe of their subject invariably went out of their way to take potshots at the rock & roll pioneer (with Albert Goldman's 1981 Elvis reaching now-legendary levels of bile and condescension). Guralnick's exploration of Elvis's childhood and rise to fame was notable for its factual rigorousness and its intimate appreciation of Presley's musical agenda.
Picking up where the first volume left off, Guralnick sees Elvis through his tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, where he first met--and was captivated by--a 14-year-old girl named Priscilla Beaulieu. We may think we know the story from this point: the return to America, the near-decade of B-movies, eventual marriage to Priscilla, a brief flash of glory with the '68 comeback, and the surrealism of "fat Elvis" decked out in bejeweled white jumpsuits, culminating in a bathroom death scene. And while that summary isn't exactly false, Guralnick's account shows how little perspective we've had on Elvis's life until now, how a gross caricature of the final years has come to stand for the life itself. He treats every aspect of Presley's life--including forays into spiritual mysticism and the growing dependency on prescription drugs--with dignity and critical distance. More importantly, Careless Love continues to show that Guralnick "gets" what Presley was trying to do as an artist: "I see him in the same way that I think he saw himself from the start," the introduction states, "as someone whose ambition it was to encompass every strand of the American musical tradition." From rock to blues to country to gospel, Guralnick discusses how, at his finest moments, Elvis was able to fulfill that dream. --Ron Hogan
Book Description
Until Peter Guralnick came out with Last Train to Memphis in 1994, most biographies of Elvis Presley--especially those written by people with varying degrees of access to his "inner circle"--were filled with starstruck adulation, and those that weren't in awe of their subject invariably went out of their way to take potshots at the rock roll pioneer (with Albert Goldman's 1981 Elvis reaching now-legendary levels of bile and condescension). Guralnick's exploration of Elvis's childhood and rise to fame was notable for its factual rigorousness and its intimate appreciation of Presley's musical agenda.Picking up where the first volume left off, Guralnick sees Elvis through his tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, where he first met--and was captivated by--a 14-year-old girl named Priscilla Beaulieu. We may think we know the story from this point: the return to America, the near-decade of B-movies, eventual marriage to Priscilla, a brief flash of glory with the '68 comeback, and the surrealism of "fat Elvis" decked out in bejeweled white jumpsuits, culminating in a bathroom death scene. And while that summary isn't exactly false, Guralnick's account shows how little perspective we've had on Elvis's life until now, how a gross caricature of the final years has come to stand for the life itself. He treats every aspect of Presley's life--including forays into spiritual mysticism and the growing dependency on prescription drugs--with dignity and critical distance. More importantly, Careless Love continues to show that Guralnick "gets" what Presley was trying to do as an artist: "I see him in the same way that I think he saw himself from the start," the introduction states, "as someone whose ambition it was to encompass every strand of the American musical tradition." From rock to blues to country to gospel, Guralnick discusses how, at his finest moments, Elvis was able to fulfill that dream. --Ron Hogan
Customer Reviews:
Wow! What a book on the greatest musical artist of modern times.......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 the footnotes are fascinating reading.
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 700 pages. Mr. Guralinick's 1st book on Elvis ("Last Train to Memphis: the Rise of Elvis Presley") is a must read also.
And I wasn't even interested in the King - until now.......2007-08-31
Elvis had always been a cliché to me. "The King" - yeah, yeah, that old fat guy that tabloids claim to still be alive (Impressionists going, "Thank you, Momma baby..."). To me The Beatles and The Beach Boys were rock and roll . . .
But the anniversary of his death inspired me to pick up this book. I wasn't really interested in early Elvis; I wanted to know about the 1960s and 70s Elvis - the one who was on t.v., the one who bought cars for strangers, the one who created Graceland. 50s Elvis was "cool", but later Elvis was "weird."
I knew that Peter Guralnick's Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley was well-regarded, so I took a chance on this, the book that that just happened to overlap the years I wanted to know about. I figured I'd skim and skip about. WRONG! I could not put this book down, and now I am listening to Elvis's music and watching his movies.
"Careless Love" covers the late 50s (Elvis in the Army) up to his death in 1977. And it is definitive. The activities of practically each day are spelled out. Guralnick's research is top notch. He has used video and audio recordings, memoirs (extracts from Priscilla's autobiography are particularly effective), and interviews with those who were there to give us not just the facts, but genuine insight into the man. We see how the demands of performing drove him to stimulants, which then required downers to get him back to normal, and the vicious circle that began.
The surprises never stop coming: Colonel Tom Parker's amazing background - as an illegal immigrant, the origin of the jumpsuit look, Elvis the Pelvis was surprisingly not that sexual . . .
If you grew up watching him this book will show you what was happening behind the scenes. But if to you he's just a guy on a stamp that your mother talks about, there is no better introduction to a man who shaped music (despite the Beatles and the Stones). "Careless Love" addresses all the music (re-creations of recording sessions let you in on the creative process), love-life (hello Ann-Margaret, hello Priscilla), and behavioral (what he liked to eat and when) points you want to read about without ever being trashy or exploitive. Indeed, the book is almost scholarly. It's book about The King that you can read in public without feeling like you're a tabloid hound (dog).
THE GREATEST ON THE GREATEST.......2007-05-14
Following straight on from 'Last Train To Memphis', Guralnick's exhaustive account of Elvis Presley's life is a benchmark of biography. With its hundreds of pages, it may look like it's going to be a long haul. But in truth, it's a quick read because the author expertly places you right alongside Elvis and his fellow travellers. Guralnick is the definitive Elvis author.
CAELESS LOVE.......2007-05-11
A REALLY GOOD LOOK AT ELVIS'S LIFE. WELL WRITTEN AND EASY TO READ. I WOULD RECOMMEND READING "LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS" BY THE SAME AUTHOR BEFORE THIS BOOK. THE TWO GO TOGETHER, AND TELL THE STORY FROM START TO FINISH.
a great elvis story.......2007-03-09
A terrific story from beging to end...you sense you are there with the real elvis...a bit hard at first to get to grip with all the people in elvis's life but a well worth read...bring on the second book...
Average customer rating:
- what a genius idea !
- This is a fun, fun book!
- A humorous and compelling visual story starring The King
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Elvis & Presley
Robert Huber
Manufacturer: Kruse Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Photo Essays
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Portraits
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 3934923062 |
Book Description
''The King is Alive!''...The journey of the photographers Robert Huber and Stephan Vanfleteren began in New York somewhere along 42nd street. It ended three weeks and eleven states later in Death Valley. Everything the two artists did during their journey, they did dressed as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock'n'Roll. The artists photographed each other, with Presley (Vanfleteren) in black and white, and Elvis (Huber) in color. ''Elvis'' and ''Presley'' crossed the country riding Greyhound buses and subways, hitch-hiking, strolling through malls or ending up in small town bars where strange women embraced them. While as photojournalists they were accustomed to remaining behind the scenes, here Huber and Vanfleteren found themselves suddenly thrust into the spotlight of their own work. What emerges is a hyperreal road movie, a media-damaged update of Robert Frank's "The Americans ", in which two Europeans step into the boundless television screen that is America. Hardcover, 11 x 11 inches, 98 pages, 45 color and 45 b&w illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
what a genius idea !.......2001-09-01
stephan and robert, both powerful photographer came up with a simple idea making this project unique.
they both challenge their own vision of amerika and have photographed each other wearing elvis clothes along the road from ny to las vegas.
more than a book for the fan of elvis, it's a new photojournalistic view and a item that anyone loving photography should have.
so now, buy it !
This is a fun, fun book!.......2001-07-11
The photos are terrific and the little story behind the project, which is told in the end pages, made me laugh out loud. If only the book weren't so expensive. But if you can afford it, and you have a fondness for seeing jumpsuited Elvis look-a-likes in very un-Elvis situations, you will treasure this book.
A humorous and compelling visual story starring The King.......2001-04-07
Hubert & Vanfleteren Took a month to cross the US dresses like Elvis and photographing themselves, the country and its people. The two different photographic styles complement each other and make this book well worth buying. It shows the US and its people confronted by a "legend", the result is a beautifull and humorous visual story.
Book Description
On October 3, 1945, ten-year-old Elvis Presley climbed atop a chair to reach the microphone and performed the song "Old Shep" for a crowd of several hundred at the Tupelo fair, coming in fifth place in the talent contest. Ten years later, the King created his first full-scale riot after an appearance in Jacksonville at a baseball park. Girls poured through an overhead window, catching the police off guard, and stole or shredded almost every stitch of clothing Elvis had on. He scaled the shower area and clung to the pipes overhead while fans clamored to touch and take home a piece of him.
Now Graceland has opened the doors to its extensive archives for the first time ever, allowing previously inaccessible historic documents and memorabilia to be reproduced in facsimile, collectible form. With biographical text by acclaimed Elvis expert Robert Gordon,
The Elvis Treasures tells the King's life story through handwritten letters, press releases, movie scripts, photographs and additional artifacts. Where else can you get a ticket to "Frank Sinatra's Welcome Home Party for Elvis Presley," evaluate the King¡¦s hand-drawn football plays, read his first RCA contract, and check out a book that he borrowed from the Humes High School library as an eighth-grader? Published to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Elvis¡¦ death, this unique interactive book also contains a 60-minute CD of interviews spanning his career, providing a formerly unavailable portrait of the King in his own words.
The Elvis Treasures contains 22 removable documents, including:
-rare promotional photos issued by Sun Records in 1954-55
-a 1958 Christmas card from Elvis and the Colonel (as Santa)
-Elvis's letter to Anita, his Memphis girlfriend, expressing his love and commitment to her while he was stationed in Germany
-an invitation to the premiere for Viva Las Vegas
-telegrams Vernon received upon Elvis' death from Johnny Cash, Isaac Hayes, Governor George Wallace, B. B. King, Little Richard and others
Description of the 60-minute CD of interviews
The first interview, track 1, was conducted in 1955 by Mae Boren Axton, months before the song she gave him, “Heartbreak Hotel,” would become his breakthrough hit. Track 2, recorded roughly a year later, finds Elvis admitting, in an unguarded moment, that his performing style was inspired in part by the gospel quarters he’d always loved; it’s a confession that comes back to haunt him in the following interview, conducted in August 1956 by Paul Wilder of TV Guide (track 3). When Wilder uses the term “holy roller” in asking him about the religious influence on his music, Elvis interrupts him–“I have never used that expression”–with the hair-curling command of a preacher. The TV Guide interview makes for fascinating listening, as Elvis uses charm, biting sarcasm, and the sheer force of his conviction to parry Wilder’s interrogation. Tracks 4 and 5 are far more joyful in spirit, as we hear first Elvis’ parents and then the singer himself tossed about in the maelstrom of his triumphant Tupelo homecoming concert in 1956. (“Baby Play House,” his mother responds unforgettably when asked her favorite Elvis song.)
Then we jump ahead to Elvis’ Army years and a montage of clips reflecting his life in the service, America’s reaction, and his return home (track 6). Elvis speaks earnestly about working the same details as the other soldiers, but by the end of the selection seems quite happy about returning to his “normal” life. Track 7 finds him back at work, in a brief interview on the set of Blue Hawaii. But what follows, an excerpt from a long conversation with Lloyd Shearer of Parade magazine (track 8), is perhaps the most introspective interview Elvis ever gave. (Elvis’ half of this conversation was released on the RCA boxed set Elvis Aron Presley as “An Elvis Moonsong;” fans may enjoy hearing this excerpt in full, with Shearer’s quiet questions intact.) And the final two recordings, tracks 9 and 10, find Elvis at new conferences before his landmark shows at the Houston Astrodome (1970) and Madison Square Garden (1972)–disarming the press with clever quips, and expressing his love of good old rock ‘n’ roll–that undying love of music that had always been with him.
Customer Reviews:
Pricey but collectable.......2005-07-28
Takes you on a journey with copies of artifacts such as letters, programs, cards etc. Beautifully presented with a CD of interviews.
The King's treasures.......2003-07-05
Mr Gordon does a decent job of telling Elvis' life story, although it's a story that is well known by now. The real treasures here are the rare documents and memorabilia from the Graceland archives. There are a lot of things that will be of interest to the Elvis fan. Oh, and there is also an audio CD featuring interviews with Elvis. The interviews are worth listening to once, but I don't think many people would want to listen to them multiple times.
The Elvis Treasures.......2003-02-18
Someone had purchased this book for me. I was so impressed with its contents/documents/photos and information that I ordered the same book for a person I know who is an Elvis impersonator. He was over-joyed to receive it and claimed he had never come across such a great book! It is a book to treasure.
Great Choice for Elvis fans.......2002-12-05
When I purchased this book, I really couldn't put it down. It has some amazing stories and literature in it. It also contains letters that he wrote, letters that were sent to him, tickets, etc. This is a perfect gift for the Elvis fans!
Admitted Elvis Junkie.......2002-10-03
This book I received as a gift. A most welcome one at that. The text is highlights of his life. For us knowledgeable about Elvis there is nothing new here. The neat thing here is all of the removable memorabilia. So let me talk about that. Some interesting notes he wrote on the back of a press release for his upcoming 1970 season in Vegas; black tights, fix bracelets, record player for dressing room, scarves blue, etc. guitar reef (anybody know what that is?) for dressing room and new flowers for piano, gator aid for stage, a list of songs for his show; The Fair Is Moving On, The Grass Won't Pay No Mind, Without Love, This Is The Story, Only The Strong Survive. He goes back and forth from printing to cursive writing. He did not have very neat handwriting. And how about seeing the script for the karate documentary Elvis wanted to make in the late 70's - that's here too. It looks to be written in/by different hands.
Then there is the 10-track interview CD. The interviews range in date from 1955 to 1972. Included here is probably the longest Elvis interview I ever heard. The date for the interview is Sept. 1962 with Lloyd Shearer for Parade Magazine. He talks about sports; football is his favorite sport, karate, and boxing. Books he's read, mostly educational, some philosophy and a little poetry. His friends, his father, the death of his mother, his cars, possible future marriage, his loneliness, his own mortality, how he feels about himself, his temper. His image and how it has changed and his desire to improve all aspects of his career. It's not all serious. He and Shearer joke and people can be heard laughing in the backround. Another noteworthy interview is the 1956 Paul Wilder Tv Guide interview. Wilder reads to Elvis selections from Herb Rowe's drag-'em-through-the-mud-review of Elvis' music, his performances, his fans and his religion. You can also hear Gladys and Vernon interviewed in 1956. Glady's favorite songs are: Baby, Let's Play House and Don't Be Cruel. Vernon likes too many to name but he comes up with Hound Dog.
Book Description
"Elvis fans the world over constantly dream about what their fantasy would have been if they had been lucky enough to have known him. Imagine having been Linda Thompson's best girlfriend and being with her the night she met Elvis. Then imagine becoming Elvis' friend, being kissed by him, working for him, and the ultimate dream: having sleepovers at Graceland with Linda (actually sleeping in his bed) while Elvis was away, traveling with Elvis and Linda on concert dates, and taking pictures of the upstairs area at Graceland. This book tells the story of how it all began and gives you a look at the incredible (some never-before-seen) pictures."
Customer Reviews:
Elvis, Linda and Me.......2007-06-05
The contents of the book itself are very good. Book flows easily and I actually read the book in one day. It is overpriced but I bought mine, new, from an online auction site for 1/3 the price. The photos are nice but thought they could have been printed on better quality paper or in color if the originals were as such. This book is good for the Elvis fan who just wants to hear about only the positive things Elvis did in his life as she only just touches on the negative. Just wondering if Linda will write a book (everyone else has), though I would be very interested to read her accounts since she was alone with Elvis the most during that period.
Elvis, Linda and Me.......2007-05-15
One of the few Elvis books that is easy reading as well as entertaining for those of us who are often too busy to get into a complicated book, yet we want to read up on Elvis. It is also refreshingly positive (most of it)yet truthful. The author doesn't criticize & condem, just expresses an opinion & moves on. She does repeat herself throughout & some of the people mentioned in the book are not portrayed as being too bright; otherwise, it is a pretty good book.
Elvis Linda and Me.......2007-04-10
This book is good but not as good as Inside Graceland.
Jeanne tells us all about life with her best friend Linda and Elvis.
She tells a story of when Elvis was talking about his mother and yelled out momma and all the lights in graceland went out for a few seconds.
Then they came back on as he went on talking about his mother and yelled out momma again the lights went off again for a few more seconds I thought that was really strange but interesting. I thought Linda had left Elvis because of all the drugs Jeanne tells us that was part of it but also that Elvis was cheating on her with many women and also getting pretty serious with Ginger his last girlfriend. If you are an Elvis fan and have a collection of Elvis books then you should add this one to your set it is pretty good.
Elvis, Linda and Me: Unseen Pictures and untold stories from Graceland.......2007-04-10
This is a great book. There were times I would find myself laughing and times I would almost be in tears. It showed a side of Elvis no one got to see except those who were close to him. It has some great pictures of Elvis and Lisa Marie and some of his famous bedroom. Jeanne Lemay Dumas told about her life, the ups and downs, with the King of Rock and Roll. This is a must for any Elvis fan.
OVER PRICED.......2007-04-07
The book is great --- the price is about double what it should be.
Average customer rating:
- Give Me a Break........Please!
- Can't Get Anymore Inside Than This....
- Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business
- Sonny Finally Sets The Record Straight!!
- Still Taking Care of Business
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Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business
Sonny West , and
Marshall Terrill
Manufacturer: Triumph Books
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Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley
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This Is Elvis (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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ASIN: 1572439394 |
Book Description
Sonny West had a front-row seat on the roller-coaster ride that made up the last two decades of Elvis Presley's life. In his poignant and loving account, West gives Elvis fans a rare glimpse into the everyday but far-from-ordinary life of one of the most revered and beloved figures of all time.
Customer Reviews:
Give Me a Break........Please!.......2007-10-18
You couldn't give me this book to read. The guy broke Elvis' heart and is once again making money off him. I will never forgive him, his cousin or their friend for EWH!!!!!!Ever!!!!! They should have kept their mouths shut then and now. I will give his cousin credit for making a life after EWH and keeping his mouth shut for the last 30 years.
Can't Get Anymore Inside Than This...........2007-10-13
Having read just about every other major book about Elvis Presley, I honestly didn't think I couldn't find out anything I didn't already know until I picked up Sonny West's new biography.
Told in a lean and conversational style, Sonny writes how he came to become one of the original members of Elvis's Memphis Mafia after Elvis's return to the States in 1960 after his military service until Sonny was fired along with his cousin Red and Dave Hebler near Elvis's untimely demise in 1977.
Filled with fascinating anecdotes, Sonny gives the reader an inside look into the private world of the King of Rock-n-Roll, the ups, the downs, the ins and outs, the uppers and the downers. Even if you're a jaded Elvis fan, this book will have things you've never heard before, like the time Lucille Ball visited Elvis and ended up confronting him about his rampant drug use. It's also very informative about what happened behind the scenes with the "Elvis: What Happened?".
Definitely worth reading. This book is from someone who knew Elvis and obviously cared for him.
Elvis: Still Taking Care of Business.......2007-09-29
Must be ole Sonny's running outta money and feels the need for another handout from the man he took advantage of many, many times - Elvis.
His collaborative effort with Cousin Red "Elvis What Happened?" was hatched as payback to an employer (Elvis) who had been more than tolerant with Red and Sonny's antics. Their bullying of Elvis fans and resultant law suits led to their dismissal nothing else.
Sonny and Red were as guilty as anyone else in ignoring the fatal reliance of prescription drugs that led to Elvis' demise - becuase they loved the fame and fortune!
If you want to read a truly honest account of the life of Elvis Presley, read Peter Guralnick's masterpieces, "Last Train To Memphis" and 'Careless Love".
Sonny Finally Sets The Record Straight!!.......2007-09-09
Thank you, Sonny West, for finally setting the record straight about the book, "Elvis: What Happened", with this book. From the moment I read the first page I did not put the book down until I was through with it...the book is brutally honest and Sonny tries to explain the reasons for writing "EWH" with Red West and Dave Hebler and I commend Sonny fully for writing this book---it's a great read and one that you do NOT want to miss!!
Still Taking Care of Business.......2007-08-27
I loved this book by Sonny West because it was written from an insider's point of view. Very interesting!
Book Description
That voice, those eyes, that hair, the cars, the girls...Elvis Presley revolutionized American pop culture when, at the age of twenty-one, he became the world's first modern superstar. A Memphis Beau Brummel even before he found fame, Elvis had a personal style that, like his music, had such a direct impact on his audience that it continues to influence us to this day. Elvis Presley compellingly examines Elvis' life and style to reveal the generous, complex, spiritual man behind the fourteen-carat-gold sunglasses and answers the question, "Why does Elvis matter?"
"Elvis Presley is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century," proclaimed Leonard Bernstein. By any measure, Presley's life was remarkable. From his modest beginnings in a two-room house to his meteoric rise to international fame, everything about his life -- his outsized talent to his car collection -- clamored for attention. And he got it; even today, Elvis continues to fascinate.
Written with the assistance of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Pamela Clarke Keogh's biography draws on extensive research and interviews with Presley friends and family, among them Priscilla Presley, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, Larry Geller, Bernard Lansky, famed Hollywood photographer Bob Willoughby, and designer Bill Belew. Offered access to the Graceland archives, the author considered thousands of images, selecting more than one hundred color and black-and-white photographs for this book, many of them rarely seen before.
Both a significant biography of the greatest entertainer of our time and a provocative celebration of what Presley means to America today, Elvis Presley introduces the man behind the myth, a very human superstar beloved by millions.
Customer Reviews:
The Best.......2005-12-04
I have read MANY Elvis books and everything you can think of. I cannot put this book down...I am amazed at the details, the dates, the inside stories...it is amazing and in a few hours I have read half the book, and it is 4am! GREAT!
the author didn't know Elvis's birthday?.......2005-09-25
This book by Pamela Clarke Keogh is, in many ways a condensed, water-downed summary of Peter Guarlnick's exhaustive and meticulously researched two-volume biographies on Elvis. I read Keogh's attractive coffee table-style book and noticed how much material she has virtually lifted from Guarlnick's books. Keogh does acknowledge Guarlnick as a source but, really, so much of the text is not her own.
The pictures are lovely, and I did enjoy reading the author's discussion of Elvis's sense of style. Elvis Presley is a cultural icon in our secular world and Ms. Keogh has some interesting comments in this respect.
Having just read Peter Guarlnick's biography on Elvis,I was keenly aware of how much of this book was simply a condensed copy of his detailed work. If you are looking for "the biography" on Elvis, I would recommend Guarlnick's work.
Keogh's book is a "coffee table book" - pretty pictures, easy read, fun to glance at. But, I give it a 2 star rating since the author made a HUGE mistake in my mind - she cited Elvis's birthday as "January 30" 1935. Any fan of Elvis knows he was born on January 8, 1935. I'm not sure how such a goof could be missed but there it is, in black & white. This error made me really doubt the content of the book - there is relatively little text - surely they could have proofed a bit better? It just makes me question the rest of book's biographical "facts" and interviews.
Elvis Rocks.......2005-05-19
Pamela Keogh has an extraordinary talent for tapping into the very essence of style icons through fashion and lifestyle.
In Elvis Presley: The Man, The Life. The Legend--Keogh has a rich subject, which she handles with intelligence and fun. Elvis Presley is the ultimate American icon, reigning in the days before advertising sponsors, product placements and endorsements. The book is a joy to read, a must-have for all Elvis fans or those who just want to have a deeper understand of this larger-than-life artist.
A First Class Book!.......2005-05-11
Ms Keogh does an incredible job of giving us a closer look at the icon Elvis Presley. The book is graced with beautiful photographs and wonderful stories. It gives the reader insights as to why Elvis is still loved and adored by his fans. A must-have for your personal library.
I LOVE THIS BOOK.......2005-05-06
Whether you are just starting your Elvis kick, or you have an A in Elvis-ology, this book is a must have. The photographs are beautiful and the writing is a breath of fresh air- putting you right in the heart of Memphis... and Elvis. You won't find tall tales, gossip, or dirt on Elvis here, just many reminders of why we love the man so much. The style of writing is musical and fresh and it is a delight to read.
Book Description
More than 50 of Elvis' favorite recipes. Includes his mama's recipes for mashed potatoes and lemon meringue pie, peanut butter and 'nana sandwiches' and Priscilla's magnificent wedding cake (make the whole thing or only a tier). With great pictures of Elvis at work and play as well as full-color food photography. 70 photos, mostly color. 64 pages. 8 1/2 X 11. GRAMERCY.
Customer Reviews:
Pedestrian at best.......2007-10-10
Very few recipes, very few pictures of Elvis, very much a slap-dash cobbled together effort. Nothing unique here other than the wedding cake.
Gladys's cornmeal mush......now at fancy restos they call it "polenta".......2007-02-08
Excellent recipes that surprisingly never call for lard. These are all wonderful, from the burnt-bacon BLT to the ham and apple sauce. The chicken-pot-pie, meatloaf and gravy, biscuits, fried chicken, and corn recipes are standard favorites. There is a false note in the "blueberry pie" recipe, since Elvis was from the river delta (the flatlands), not the hills (the foothills beginning near Jackson, Tennessee, where the author is from). The recipe for Elvis and Priscilla's wedding cake is no doubt attached for the "completists' only of Elvis fans, and adds little practical to the book, but is a welcome curiosity of kitsch. The famous fried-peanut-butter and banana sandwich (not deep fried, it is pan fried, BTW) is actually a common winter staple grilled sandwich for certain southern homes: a real kid pleaser. Banana pudding with Nilla vanilla wafers is here too (although true authentic details are left out). And Elvis's love of thick slices of fresh beefsteak tomatoes is alluded to throughout (the one food item everyone aggress on that he loved).
The combination of author's devotion and the wry art production make this an excellent example of hidden humor. Check out the recipe for glazed donuts and the photo of Elvis making the "ok" sign with thumb and forefinger, and you know for what to look for in the rest of the book. The spaghetti and meatballs recipe with Elvis giving a meatball smile is also too rich to ignore.
Fun and Useful.......2006-11-10
It was really fun learning about Elvis....Also, I have made some of the recipes and they were really good....I really enjoyed this cookbook....
Old fashioned, deep fried goodness.......2005-09-10
Elvis loved to eat. Who doesn't know that? This was a good concept for a cook book, and the recipes are quite good. It's comfort food but they made a point to include a chapter on vegetables subtitled with "Yes, the King ate vegetables". There are many typically Southern foods (grits, biscuits and red eye gravy, fried chicken, etc.), but the main dishes are crowd pleasers.
What prevented me from giving this 5 stars is the fact that these recipes are old fashioned. Elvis lived in the days before time saving cooking devices (the microwave, for example) and a lot of prepared foods. No doubt as the child of sharecroppers in Post Depression Era Mississippi they probably spent a lot of time cooking, canning and storing foods than the average person would today. These recipes are more labor intensive than even the most experienced cook is used to.
It includes the famous peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Deep fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. This sandwich is the singular staple of Elvis's diet that has taken on a life of its own. They're good eating, for sure. Lisa Marie said recently about this odd phenomena that will this will never die, she never once saw Elvis eat a peanut butter and banana sandwich (at least not in front of her).
To me, the crowning achievement of this book was the release of the Elvis and Priscilla wedding cake recipe, but it was also the most ridiculous. This is a tremendous project, and they recommend that if you've never prepared something like this before to not only pick up utensils and ingredients at a wholesale bakery shop but to set aside at least 3 days to assemble it. Why someone who would want to replicate this would do this in their home kitchen is beyond me.
Great concept.......2002-04-10
What a great time to be buying cookbooks! While we have for a long while had access to recipe collections and representations of the cuisine of various nationalities and popular restaurants, recently there has been a growing library of culinary tomes that give us the skills for producing creations of our own minds. Titles such as Sauces by James Peterson, the 1-2-3 series by Roxanne Gold, Culinary Artistry, Great Wine Made Simple, and now this book provide us with the information about tastes and combinations of flavors and textures to deconstruct, reconstruct, and just plain construct familiar and novel dishes.
Are You Hungry Tonight provides a brief introduction to the celebrity subject's theory of flavor. Editor Butler broadly groups flavors into four categories based on the purpose they serve in a dish. Thus, Tastes That Push represent the well-known seasonings that we use to balance sauces, for example: Salty, Sweet, and Picante. Tastes That Pull represent those taste elements that highlight underlying flavors. The authors include here Tangy, Vinted, Floral/Herbal, Spiced Aromatic, Funky (pungents or musky flavors), and Bulby (what have commonly been called Aromatics such as onions and garlic). Taste Platforms represent the textures upon which dishes are built. These include Garden Platforms, Starchy ones, Oceanic ones, and Meaty ones (what the Japanese call umami). Finally, the fourth category is Tastes That Punctuate, basically bitters that stop tastes and cleanse the palate.
This model is very useful one. Ms. Butler seems not to have done her research in examining precursors to this model, and makes little reference to other cuisines than the one Elvis constructed during his lifetime. She neglects to include several important items, especially in the Platforms section (breads, pastries, soy products, seitan, and mushrooms as a basis for other flavors, for example). There are similar, usually less complex models, already in the literature. Butler and Presley's model is more extensive than most, however. Surprisingly, there is little space given in the book to theory. The majority of pages is devoted to recipes that demonstrate their combining philosophy. Butler does not describe how Presley took the elements of taste and mixed them to concoct these dishes. (A reader must refer to Culinary Artistry for such guidelines.) She does, however, provide tasting notes after each recipe that dissect the elements used in the dish.
The recipes are very complex, involving multiple steps and sub-recipes. Even a cook enjoying kitchen challenges would be hard pressed to prepare a full meal using this book alone-- one would run out of burners and pans before the dishes were complete. For example, the Honey Glazed Celeriac involves making the glaze, which is a reduction of wine and acids with sauteed aromatics sieved and kept warm, plus Celeriac slices baked and then broiled, plus a garnish of sauteed zucchini with chives, plus Ginger Curry Sauce, a mayonnaise of reduced wine and aromatics whisked with other ingredients.
The writing is an interesting, not entirely successful juxtaposition of aw-shucks, down-home attitude, sophisticated epicurean philosophy, and fancy foods. The recipes are heavy on the Meaty and Oceanic food platforms, making this definitely a carnivore's cookbook. Produce usually stands as garnish and accompaniment to the flesh. In the end, the most special part of the book represent a few precious pages and is underdeveloped. Perhaps a follow-up volume will expound on this interesting culinary model.
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Elvis and Me
Elvis by the Presleys
