Reviews (1)

Does the author have a secret message for his readers?
The pictures in this book are great. A must-see for any Elvis fan. It includes a timeline of the King's life, and a discography and filmography from "the rebel years." I enjoyed the photographs very much; they give a lot of insight into the King's early performances, although Mr. Bangs' introductary essay is so crude that I cannot imagine his reason (other than for a financial profit) for compiling these photos. The captions for the pictures are informative and overall, this book is good, if you don't mind the author's disrespect toward his subject. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An engaging trivia guide
Elvis: The #1 Hits: The Secret History Of The Classics by rock music historian Patrick Humphries is an engaging trivia guide that reveals the inspiration and history behind Elvis' most famous rock songs, from the real location of Heartbreak Hotel to mafia involvement in the popular tune "Can't Help Falling In Love." Black-and-white and a few color photographs enhance the amazing anecdotes in this excellent giftbook which will be greatly appreciated Elvis fans everywhere.

Good for beginners but so so for fans
Elvis the #1 Hits features the stories behind every Elvis #1 on the US and English Pop Charts including "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" which was left off the recent chart topping CD compilation of hits. Humphries addresses each hit song by song. Sadly, despite the promising subject, for anyone who has read even a few books about Presley the book doesn't have a lot to offer.

The book's subtitle is the "secret history of the classics" but secret is a strong word to describe the stories in this book. There is virtually nothing new in this tome compiled from previously published texts with little original research by the author (save a nice but brief interview with Paul McCartney). Worse many important facts and stories are left out like Elvis saving "Can't Help Falling in Love" from the scrap heap after his buddies tossed it out as "a song Presley wouldn't like". All of the stories that are in here have been told and mostly retold in books like Peter Guralnick's two volume biography (which should be your first stop for Elvis reading) and Jerry Hopkins' books among others.

The only thing in here that wouldn't be known to many of your hardcore Elvis fans is the evolution of the remix of "Little Less Conversation". To be fair, outside of the songs there are also some interesting pieces on margins of the Elvis legend including Elvis' possible Welsh origins and an insane woman who thinks she is Lisa Marie.

And the familarity of the stories doesn't mean the book isn't passable reading. If you are not already familiar with Elvis these stories are probably very enlightening. Humphries is a serviceable critic. He doesn't instill the reader with a burning desire to hear the music like a master like in the style of Greil Marcus, but he does a good job of describing the songs and their impact. And once in awhile he does have an insight or two. (Some readers may be shocked at his contention that Elvis' work provided the framework for the art of Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola etc.) Sadly, he discusses little of Elvis' music beyond the #1 hits, even in passing.

The book is nicely illustrated with a generous helping of pictures. However, most of the pictures are familiar and there is at least one huge [...]in the captions. (On page 37 there's a picture of actor David Scott in "This is Elvis" that is mistakenly identified as the king himself.)

Overall, this is not a bad introduction to Elvis and his music. But, even a beginner would be better off with Guralnick's books or Paul Simpson's "The Rough Guide to Elvis". The latter book has a similar format to this book but much more insight and relevant information. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document, covering the life and work of Sylvia Plath, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thomson Gale. The length of the entry is 4926 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Book Description

Long Live the King!

It is hard to believe that forty years have passed since a shy, handsome Southern boy with an extraordinary talent and a deep love of gospel, country, and the blues first skyrocketed to the top of the pop charts.Today, Elvis Presley is still King--living on in the hearts and memories of those adoring millions worldwide whose lives were all shook up by his stirring, soulful ballads and exhilarating, house-shaking rockers.Now, even those devoted fans who thought they knew everything there is to know can learn a thing or two more about the life and loves of the original rock 'n' roll icon--with this fabulous compendium of fascinating facts and little-known lore about the one and only, the eternally enduring mega-entertainer, ELVIS!

-the early Sun days...

-the "lost" recordings with Jerry Lee, Carl and Sam Perkins, and Johnny Cash...

-the public outrage over "Elvis the Pelvis"...

-how the King really felt about his fame and the phenomena...

-the Hollywood years...

-the millions he made--and lost...

-the true, untold love story of Elvis and Priscilla...

and much, much more!

From Lonely Street to "Burnin' Love," this is a must for the casual fan and the die-hard fanatic alike--an eye-opening, heart-pounding bonanza of fascinating particulars and tantalizing trivia about the legend, the man, and the music that will never stop rocking. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Only for Elvis Novices
I have read so many books on Elvis, that I found this book to be a compliation of information already obtained from other authors. This book is strictly for the "beginner", looking to amuse themself with tidbits of unrelated information. Therefore, if you have been a reader of several books on Elvis already, don't waste your money here, for you have already come across this information. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

J.D. Sumner shares about his time with Elvis Presley
You've read about Elvis' love of Southern Gospel music. This book tells how The Stamps Quartet and others came to be a part of the excitement we knew as "Elvis". It tells of the ups and downs of travelling. the business end of things, the generosity of Elvis Presley. You'll gain knowledge from this book and you'll be glad you have it. I too am glad, but mine is signed to me by Mr J.D. Sumner. You'll see pictures of the Stamps Qt and Elvis, the Stamps tour bus with TCB on the side. Even a picture of the check Elvis signed, to J.D Sumner, as a down payment on the tour bus. Add this to your collection, you'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The King Of Soccer Pele
Reading about The King Of Soccer Pele is very exciting.
You'll get to find out his history. It is very amazing he wontwo world cups for brazil. Read this book and find out more! ... Read more

Book Description

Matching folio with 17 songs, including: That's All Right *Baby, Let's Play House * Mystery Train * Just Because * and more. Includes an introduction with photos and the historical significance of the Sun Sessions. ... Read more