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That's Alright, Elvis recounts the life of Scotty Moore, one of the early men behind the legendary Elvis Presley. Moore was already an accomplished musician (Rolling Stone Keith Richards says that Moore's music inspired him to play rock-and-roll) when, at the behest of Sun Records executive Sam Phillips, he took young Presley under his wing. It didn't take long for Moore's seasoned ear to discern the young singer's talent, one that would soon explode into the rock sound. Moore's relationship with Elvis deepened through the years as he managed Presley's career and played in his band, the Blue Moon Boys. But as Elvis's popularity skyrocketed, Moore's managerial role was usurped, and the professional relationship between the two ultimately soured over money and miscommunication. Moore continued his musical career and is now considered the quintessential rock guitarist by many in the industry. He maintains an admirable objectivity about his life with Elvis as he tells his story through writer James Dickerson. That's Alright, Elvis is a fresh take on a seminal period in both Elvis's life and in the history of rock-and-roll. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Required reading even if you're not an Elvis fan
Although not a technical genius, or a flambouyant showman, Scotty Moore is the first Rock and Roll guitar hero. He can be considered a discoverer, an inventor. He provided support, on and off stage, to a musical phenomenon, Elvis Presley. They both found a way of making three instruments and a vocal sound big. His riffs and syncopations inspired millions. Too bad he didn't make...millions.
His story is told in a warmly engaging way, filled with panorama; and not once does a bitter tone prevail.
As Elvis progressed, it seems that he (along with the powers that be) decided that Scotty's licks were not sophisticated enough, so Moore apparently was an occasional studio player after 1961. It's interesting that Big El summoned Scotty for his crucial TV Special - the word "Comeback" came shortly after December 3rd, 1968.
It's facinating to read about Mr. Bill Black, Elvis' first bassist. Black was another instinctual musician, limited but perfectly attuned to the new art form. He died a young man, but found a way onto the charts with the Bill Black Combo and strong instrumental workouts. He died in 1965 and it's too bad that Elvis did not mention his name on the TV Special section where he demonstrated how they got the big sound with just three guys.
I do not enjoy the storytelling in the second person: it would have been much more effective to have Scotty's words up-front throughout. Just like his guitar playing.

Excellent biography
James Dickerson did a great job of telling the story of Scotty Moore. I was as impressed with the writing as with the subject. I read this as research for the biography I'm writing about Faron Young, and I must admit to disappointment--but not surprise--at the lack of mention of him. That aside, this is a book worth reading. Scotty Moore is a man I'd like to meet.

Excellent, simple tale of a world-class musician and Elvis
Scotty Moore is one of the unsung heroes of rock 'n roll and his writing style reflects his playing style- simple, precise and to the point. In a humble, matter-of-fact style, guitarist Moore recounts his experiences with the King in an eminently readable and interesting way. I have read many Elvis books and this is one of my favorites. After reading it, you just wished you could bump into Scotty sometime, buy him a beer and talk the night away. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Elvis & Billy Stanley - good read!
I found this book to be rather interesting. It's obvious that Elvis had a special relationship with his step-brothers. All Elvis fans should read this book. Why are so many people jealous of the Stanley boys and Dee Presley? They give these bad reviews of the books they wrote. I'm sure they would have loved to be in their place. And what a good way to honor their brother by writing a book. At least they didn't make Elvis look like a monster as Priscilla Presley did in her book, Elvis & Me!

A STEPBROTHER OF A BOOK
I enjoyed this book and so I gave it a star boost in spite of being boring and without depth. Billy is open and candid, but the story ranbles. the big bombshell is that Elvis took his wife (and others) to bed. once that comes and goes it's a whitefish. It's not like Billy penned this tome, so it's on the writers. The book ended strong and the writer should have explored the turmoil more intently. It felt like it was slapped together to be ready in time for the holidays. It's too chronicled and stiff. It reads like "Elvis and me got a pizza; Elvis and me watched T.V." And way way more about hot rods than needed unless it was a book about hot rods. I learned more about the Stanley bros reading the novel AROUND ELVIS. Billy, not only wasn't the star running back on the Hillcrest High football team, he didn't even play for the team. Not only that, he and Ricky were the waterboys!!! None of the brothers ever played on the team. Shame on you Billy! And how come you never told how you were arrested by the Constable of Desoto County, T. Burma Hobbs for taking a leak behind a liquor store? Billy Stanley!! I would recommend this book, because he did have a unique perspective of Elvis' life that manages to peak through now and then and it has moments that are absolutely charming.

Where are they located?
Can you please tell me how I can get in touch with Billy, Ric ,or David Stanley? ... Read more

Reviews (10)

WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP
Gimme a break.......people, this book is nothing but the result of some woman in need of some cash--end of story.

First of all there are a number of "facts" in her book which are verifiably not true.During one of her supposed secret meetings with Elvis (during his trip to meet with Richard Nixon), she describes him as being dressed "wildly" in a purple suit.She obviously lifted this piece of info from Albert Goldman's book, because both Elvis' bodyguards at that time and photos clearly show that he was dressed in black, not purple.

Secondly, she writes that one day in 1953, she rode a rented horse up to the mountains in Memphis and lo and behold here comes Sir Lancelot (Elvis) riding up behind her where the spend the night together up there.Uh, the only place you could rent a horse in Memphis in 1953 was the local fairgrounds and the horses were NOT allowed off the property.

Plus, it is a well-known fact that Elvis had a major problem having sex with a woman who had had children.Something inside him, just turned off.This subject was dealt with in the books "Elvis, What Happened"? by his bodyguards, and in "Elvis and Me" by Priscilla Presley.Elvis was greatly attracted to innocent young girls, not women who looked like they had been run through the mill.Sorry, but that was just his way.

what really nailed her coffin is when she was on a talk show several years ago with her daughter Desiree.Someone asked what colour Ms. Barbin's eyes were. She said "brown". She was then asked what colour Desiree's eyes were. She said "green". It's a well known fact of course, that Elvis had blue eyes.What's not so well known is that it's genetically impossible for someone with brown eyes and someone with blue eyes to have an offspring with green eyes.When this fact was presented to Lucy de Barbin on national TV, she stumbled and stuttered over her words, tried back tracking and said "well, her eyes are really blue."Can you say: 'Liar'?

Another problem with Lucy de Barbin's "story", is that not one single person who was close to Elvis all those years can verify anything about what she claims. Elvis was rarely alone and if he indeed had an affair with Ms. de Barbin, SOMEONE would have been able to say "yep, I remember all those times when E was meeting with Lucy."Guess what?Not one single person remembers her.

Plus, Elvis couldn't keep his mouth shut---about anything.He would blab to his bodyguards about anyone and they knew about all the girls he was fooling around with.Guess what? He never mentioned her ONCE to anyone.

Seeing as this book was written before DNA testing was around, I would be very interested to see if Lucy de Barin's daughter would be willing to submit to a DNA test, and compare it with Lisa Marie Presley's to see if it's a match.I guarantee that it won't be.

Overall, this book is ridiculous and if you believe the nonsense that Ms. de Barbin tells, then I've got some swamp land in Florida to sell you.

lonely book
As an avid Elvis fan, I was really disappointed with this book. I went in very cautiously, not wanting to believe a word of it. The more I read, the more I started to believe Lucy's story. As the book went on I got bored with the same story telling,the same lines, the same everything. By the end of the book, I was still skeptical. Nowhere is Lucy mentioned in his life. Any other biographies omit her name completely. With that many people in Elvis' life at that time someone would know something more than what is told. I'm not sure of the story being true. I am sure of the story being pretty boring at times. Worth reading? Sure, if you can get it for a penny plus shipping.

well i tought it was bad
First of all i didnt believe the book for one minute.It was false.Its the worst book ive ever read.I cant belive pppl liked it.

Tear Drop Heaven
I just finished reading "Are you Lonesome tonight" by Lucy De Barbin, Elvis' secret love. I am only 16 but I felt as though I was living with Elvis during his fame and with Lucy during her sorrow. I couldn't believe the things that happened. I cried more times than I can count on both hands and I couldn't get over the book at all. It made me so mad that Elvis couldn't come back because he has so much unfinished businnes with his life and his long lost daughter. Those men that destroyed him should have been convicted of murder because that is what they did. They murdered him. Elvis is an Au Natural singer who will always live in our hearts. GO ELVIS!!

An interesting opinion of mine.
man, This is a very fascinating book written by Lucy. But to be honest, in my eyes, Elvis was kind of taking advantage of herin order to fufill his desire. Indeed, he was a lonely man, so he needed someone to light the candle to brighten up his life. He also wanted someone who listened to him when his life was at the lowest point of his career. In exchange of this, he spoiled her with beautiful gifts.

Lucy was like other every woman who liked to be believed by Elvis's soft and persuading words. They were the ones who he liked to fornicate with, even though he may not love them. He could have left Priscilla for Lucy if he loved her enough, and looked for her to get her back. If he did, she would be persuaded to stay with him. But, the point is that he didn't.

I believe Priscilla Presley was the love of his life. He knew she was the one he would come home to. But she wanted something more from him. They were both lonely, which their relationship ended up as a disaster.

Basically, all of us don't know what his feelings for those women were like.

Back to the point, the book is indeed good & interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

Based on unprecedented research and interviews, this authoritative biography of Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997) includes new revelations and insights into rock music's most renowned and notorious manager. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I've read it all before
This book is a compolation of every story we've ever heard. The fans have a tendency to blame everyone for Elvis' downfalls and the Colonel is villified for letting Elvis be a drug addict as if he or anyone had any say. The nature of their relationship was established right off. Elvis had the million dollars worth of talent and the Colonel had the ability to cash it in. Elvis went from making $18 a night on the Louisiana Hayride to making $100,000.00 for TV appearances in less than a year. He got Elvis a big money movie contract with an unheard of backend royalty. Elvis had the talent to pull it off; Parker couldn't have done it with Hank Snow. But Elvis was just as talented when he met Parker and was scraping along in the lower strata of middle class. In this book once again the chatracters are stick figures; they're one dimensional in their interaction and the story is worn.

A fascinating insight into The Colonel & into Elvis' career
I like to learn about Elvis from the inside out.This is unquestionably one of the best and most interesting books I have ever read about Elvis' career.It is a fascinating and enlightening insight into Colonel Parker and thus into Elvis and his career also.Dickerson's approach takes you down a road I don't believe has been explored before.He has done remarkable research into (i) what influenced and shaped The Colonel and enabled him to emerge as a revolutionary and unique manager and (ii) into the underlying cultural and political forces of the time that greatly influenced the course of this particular piece of history.If you are serious about learning about Elvis and The Colonel, Dickerson's writing makes you think; it opens doors and suddenly so much becomes clear.The first half of the book is, perhaps, kinder to The Colonel than the second half; but, above all, if you want new and interesting information and great insight into these two gentlemen (Elvis and The Colonel), this book is brilliant.This book is well worth your time and money.

A waste of time.
I don't care to write too much about this book, because it just wastes more time.

Too much effort was put into this book and it was all futile.
Not enough "real hard evidence" supports anything reported in this "tabloid" type of book.
I felt like I was reading the National Enquirer (hardback version) than a book about Elvis and his manager.

This man obviously used a lot of other people's material, from other books, and added his opinion: which doesn't amount to much.

I like Scotty Moore and what he did for Elvis, but he was always kept in the dark about Elvis' business.So his comment about how much this book was an eye-opener is expected.

This was a waste of my money, but even moreso my time.
I would rather read something more substantial.

What the experts have to say!
FROM THE BOOKJACKET:

"James Dickerson's research has confirmed more than I ever suspected"--Scotty Moore, Elvis's guitarist and first manager

"An indendiary, powerful investigative account . . . an explanation, finally, of the twisted, corrupt relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker"--Joe Eszterhas, best-selling author, screenwriter and former writer for Rolling Stone magazine

"This jaw-dropping biography of Tom Parker confirms what I felt for years--that the Colonel was a far more fascinating rascal than Elvis ever became. This is a model of research assembled with crafty objectivity and humor"--Hal Kanter, director of the Elvis film "Loving You"

"Here is the whole sad and amazing story of 'the most accomplished con man since Barnum.' In swift, deft strokes Dickerson has sketched the greed, compulsion, and lies that drove every decision in the making of undoing of rock and roll's greatest talent. This is the book our study of popular culture's most glittering icon has lacked"--Lewis Nordan, author of "The Sharpshooter Blues"

"This riveting biography shines a hard light on the inscrutable Colonel . . . Dickerson has made it easy to understand that if rock and roll will never die, it owes its life to how Parker wrote the rules of the game"--Mark Ribowsky, author of "He's a Rebel"

An Unfair Portrait of Elvis Presley's Manager
Colonel Tom Parker was Elvis Presley's manager for virtually Elvis' entire career.Parker began his career working for carnivals and when he became a successful music manager, first for country singer Eddy Arnold and later for Elvis, Parker maintained his image as a carnival man.In negotiations he played the role of the unpolished but sharp dealing operator who took his adversary by surprise and got a great deal for his client and himself.Parker seemed to enjoy and possibly profit from his mysterious and unsavory reputation.

That mysterious and unsavory reputation draws suspicion to Colonel Parker when Elvis Presley's career is considered.Alot of bad and weird things happened to Elvis as his career went on.He made terrible movies, indifferent records and suffered weight and drug problems.Why did this happen? Colonel Parker is a convenient scape goat, but how much was Colonel Parker really to blame for Elvis' misery?

The answer may never be known.There are many rumors about Colonel Parker.He was an illegal alien so Elvis never toured Europe. (That makes no sense to me.Colonel Parker wouldn't have to leave the country for Elvis to tour Europe.After all, Elvis was stationed in Germany while Parker managed him.) Another rumor is that Elvis was a great and exciting singer until Colonel Parker corrupted him into a cheesy money making parody of himself.The 1968 "Comeback TV Special" was rumored to be one of the few times that Elvis defied the Colonel and showed the public the "real" Elvis.But if Elvis was unhappy with the Colonel, why didn't he fire him?If Elvis didn't like the direction is career was taking why didn't he try to change it? There are many unanswered questions.

Unfortunately this book doesn't provide many answers.Instead it just adds more unsubstantiated rumors.For example, it has been rumored that Parker was born in Breda, Holland and was originally named Andreas van Kujik.The author believes that Parker was born to jewish parents in Russia and only lived with the van Kujik family when he was in his teens.It's frustrating that the author offers no facts in support of this theory.

Another rumor is that Parker was involved with organized crime.Probate court records after Elvis' death show that Parker was losing one million dollars a year gambling in Las Vegas by the early 1960's.Certainly a man with heavy gambling debts would be vulnerable to collection pressures.It's plausible that Colonel Parker was unduly influenced in his managment decisions by his need to raise cash, but that doesn't mean that Parker is neccessarily guilty.The author suggests that Parker was involved with organized crime, but does not offer any proof to convict him.The author even speculates that Parker was close to surrendering his managent contract on Elvis to satisfy gambling debts. No facts are offered to support these rumors.All that is known for sure is that Colonel Parker was a heavy gambler.

This is just a poorly crafted book.Dickerson's writiing is competent enough, but his research work is shoddy.People write books about Elvis Presley all the time.His old girl friends, his family members, his friends, his band members, have all written books about Elvis.With so many books about Elvis out there, why waste time reading this one? ... Read more

Book Description

"During his life, Elvis Presley was idolized; since his death, he has become immortalized.Now, drawing from LIFE magazine's unrivaled archives, Charles Hirshberg and the editors of LIFE chronicle in pictures and text Elvis' transformation from shy teenager to superstar.It is a story best told in the details, and this singular collection of unforgettable pictures reveal all those details - the sad, the funny, and the passionate.

From the magazine that set the standard for photo-journalism comes the definitive pictorial biography of the rocker they called "The King", a man who continues to bring joy and inspiration to his countless fans everywhere.Elvis is more than the stuff of rock-n-roll legend - he is an American Icon.ïIncludes many rare photos pulled from the LIFE Photo Library archives. ïCoincides with the 25th anniversary of Elvis' death.Sure to generate media interest. ïElvis, like the Beatles, remains one of the endearing pop icons of our time. ïAs the first national magazine to cover Elvis, LIFE tells his story as no other publication can, with over 250 heart-stopping photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well presented details
Elvis may have sung songs like "It's a Wonderful World" and "Fairytale" but this book suggests that Elvis' personal life was all too real, plagued by his own excesses and outside forces apparently driven to exploit him, indeed to a tragic end. This subject matter is very disturbing and FBI file information seems to support such speculation.
However, if we accept that Elvis actually had a terminal illness [reportedly bone cancer] and that his personal conversations foreshadowing his own impending death are true then one must think that his passing was not the result of foul play. Yes, it is reasonable to wonder about the described telephone calls to Washington close to the time of a Grand Jury hearing to address his victimization. But I must reiterate that Elvis Presley's health was possibly in rapid decline and this points to a much more common departure from this realm.

Can you keep a secret?
Already some years ago, the FBI made the "Elvis-file" available for the public. It's the best-sold FBI-file in history. Elvis-The Secret Files is based on the FBI files and contains remarkable interpretations from John Parker.

The files contain letters (e.g. from people in 1956 concerned about Elvis' supposed bad influence on the American youth), pictures and other "facts" only interesting for the die-hard Elvisfan. Parker comes up with a theory that it is likely that Elvis has been murdered, perhaps even by the mafia. Elvis was swindled for about $1 million with the redecoration of one of his planes and the planned lease of it. The plan went wrong and Elvis was supposed to testify in a lawsuit against those swindlers at the end of August 1977. Elvis died at August 16, 1977...

Read this book yourself and make up your own mind. One thing is for sure: you won't be bored. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not just another Elvis book!! : )
Oh my, where to begin ! : )
I just opened my still shrinkwrapped book of Private Presley today (had bought it years before, put it in a SAFE place and FORGOT about it, till now..that is (could kick myself.) It is a gorgeous, wonderful, funny and endearing little number with loads of great pics with a still relaxed Elvis in all his youthful GLORY! : )
Any Elvis fan should have one, and now ..I do ! : )
If anyone can still find a copy of this ( I am NOT selling mine, thankyouverymuch! ) BUY IT..it is worth every penny! The CD is wonderful..playful Elvis talking and singing spontaneously..well almost spontaneously LOL : ) Not that stiff stuff on American TV,Radio..no, no..just Elvis as we would all have probably seen him in our ..er..living rooms?? Oh, Yeah !!..Riiight! LOL : )
But certainly the way we have WANTED to see and hear him!
I wish people luck in finding this gem. Actually, there should just be another printing, I cannot believe that there are not more than just 100,000 fans of Elvis out there screaming for this book! : )
Tracks include: I Gotta Woman, Tweedle Dee,Maybellene,That's All Right Mama, Blue Moon of Kentucky (my personal fave),There's Good Rockin' Tonight, Baby Let's Play house and those great interviews & just talkin' : )
This book makes up for all those tell-all books out there that were unkind to Elvis! He was, after all, just a human, and probably wouldv'e love to live like one, given the chance. In Germany he had a freedom he would never experience here. As well, he never got back there, either.
Anyway, great tribute to the greatest guy...Elvis Presley! : )
If that Parker guy wouldv'e been smarter, he wouldv'e given Elvis some slack to just live a little, they both would have been better off and Elvis might still be alive !
Bottom line..Buy it if you can find it! Nothing comes close to this book! : ) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The possibilities
This book brings to light serious questions regarding the death of Elvis Presley. Your mind will real at the possibilities and intrigue. This is a must read for any Elvis fan or mystery lover.

Guess What? That Wasn't Elvis in the Poolhouse in '78
Mystery "Elvis" recordings, mystery "Elvis" sightings, the kind of stuff which permeated the author's first book on the subject "Is Elvis Alive", is continued here - and so is the constant reference to her [inexplicably pulled] novel "Orion" about a superstars' plan to hoax his own death, but Elvis' actual role as Agent at Large for the DEA is examined and she convinces the reader that Elvis Presley was not some flake who liked to collect badges, a portrait painted by some from his past who seem to have a huge axe to grind these days. The details of Presley's unusual will are also presented and cause one to wonder if all the facts of Elvis' passing were originally revealed.
Brewer-Giorgio's third work on the subject, "Elvis Is Alive - And He's Coming Back" (The Anonymous Press) is much better. ... Read more

Book Description

Using exclusive access to the files of the Elvis Presley estate, The King on the Road presents a unique insider's view of Elvis' live performances. It covers his earliest gigs around the rural South, when almost singlehanded he was creating what became known as rock'n'roll, all the way up to his record-breaking spectaculars in Las Vegas. This remarkable collection of never-before-published photos, posters, news reports, and even ticket stubs adds up to a blow-by-blow acount of the entire performing career of the King. Interviews with musicians and entourage, rare facsimiles of hand-written set lists, and the exclusive complete listing of every live date that Elvis Presley ever performed accompany the illustrations to create the definitive on-stage (and back-stage) record of the most dynamic entertainer in the history of rock'n'roll. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A well-researched bio that pulls alot of Elvis info together
Yes, much of this biography has information covered in other books, but this book pulls ALL of that information together into ONE book. Plus,it adds interviews with those who knew Elvis to give a balanced perspective of the King. No, he wasn't an angel, but he wasn't as bad as Albert Goldman's (1980) sensationized bio made him out to be. If you're a fanatical Elvis fan, you will have probably already read most of the books this bio uses. However, if you are just starting out as a "casual" Elvis fan, this is THE book to read to get started knowing about the life of King, from superstar and philanthropist to a poor boy from a dysfunctional family, warts and all. It's a fast, easy read and a book I consider a MUST for all Elvis collectors. The book doesn't hide from Elvis' bizarre side, but also takes a balanced view of his life as the one and only KING of Rock and Roll.

I could have gone the rest of my life not knowing that......
This book is good if you appreciate hear say and gossip. While I know that Elvis couldn't walk on water, there are some things in this book that didn't need to be written. You can never tell if this is a book for or against the King of Rock and Roll. I'm for him, that's why I threw the book away. I'm giving it 2 stars becuse they had some good pictures and everything was spelled correctly.

Great Book
I picked this book of just to have something to read and it floored me. The book gives you ALL of Elvis's life and not just the sanitized versiion. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking the TRUTH about Elvis. From his greatest moments to his lowest.

Routine
If Peter Guralnick's mammoth two volume biography didn't exist, this book might serve more of a purpose. But compared to the Guralnick books this is downright flimsy. There is excruciatingly little new here though there are a few early anecdotes and some interesting interviews with marginal players in the Presley story like co-stars Deborah Walley and Mary Ann Mobley who don't get interviewed in connection with Presley very often. There is also extensive interview time spent with the infamous Dr. Nick. Otherwise the book seems like a collection od press clippings that have been trotted out dozens of times before. To make things worse, it seems that in the photo sections the authors deliberately went out of their way to find the most familiar pictures available.
You would think that there wouldn't be anything new to write about Elvis but the Guralnick books were filled with revelations. He didn't stop at the familiar and wound up turning up dozens of forgotten gems just from information that had been in the public domain but had never been gathered in a contemporary work about the king.
This book has other problems besides familiarity. Elvis' music gets glossed over. For example Elvis' 1969 memphis sessions, that produced From Elvis in Memphis and "Suspicious Minds" perhaps the artistic height of his career, get a page and a half. While the authors have an appreciation for Presley's achievement they don't always appear to have the greatest understanding of it. Reading authors like Guralnick, Dave Marsh, Greil Marcus and even Ernst Jorgenson you can feel and hear the music as you read. In their descriptions the music sets off a universe of ideas. That's not the case here. There is a discography, a filmography and a list of Elvis' TV appearances in the back but these have been done better (sometimes in entire books)many times before. In fact, the discography, because of its arbitrary selections and factual errors, is useless.
So, unless you have to read every single word that has ever been written about Elvis you can miss this one.

Well researched but not the best
A lot of work went into this book, but it lacks objectivity. It is pro-Elvis, though not excessively so, but it seems entirely too kind to Dr. Nick and Priscilla.

Dr. Nick no doubt curbed Elvis's overall drug consumption and minimized the careless peaks that would have occurred had he not been present. However, Dr. Nick was still party to the drug excess. It is difficult not to believe that his interest was primarily money at the expense of caring for Elvis. Despite receiving a hefty income, he found it necessary to borrow $200,000 from his very volatile patient. And then there was the racquetball misadventure resulting in legal estrangement. Still, I received a better appreciation for Dr. Nick's effort by reading this book. He did have a daunting task.

As regards Priscilla, the authors seem to have bought the image she has been trying to project. Finstadt's book on Priscilla presents a more plausible picture. ... Read more

Book Description

Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aaron Presley was destined to rewrite the history of music almost from the moment he picked up a guitar. He played music that was rooted in blues, gospel, country and rockabilly, and he redefined a generation by breaking down the boundaries that separate white from black.Everyone listened to Elvis. Everyone danced to Elvis. Everyone had an opinion about Elvis. And the fame was nice, but it came so fast. The money. The cars. The screaming fans. Somewhere in all that, the singer from Tupelo got lost-and that's the saddest song of all. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Disappointing at best
The only parts worth reading are the prologue entitled 'Marsha Cup' and the Introduction. The author claims to have researched his subject, Elvis Presley, however after the introduction the book is full of inaccurate information that is believed to be true because it has been printed before. The author's focus is on Elvis' dark and negative side. Elvis is portrayed in his Sun years as a pill popping mama's boy who then sells out his craft (Rock n Roll) to become Colonol Tom Parker's puppet. One sentence is dedicated to Elvis' charitable contributions, and little is said about how many gold and platinum records Elvis had. When Elvis' success in record sales is mentioned it is tainted with accusations of greed.

Reading this book reminds me of the Song Elvis sang in the 70's called "The Pieces of My Life", which I shall paraphrase, 'I read through the bad parts, I read through the sad parts, but I guess the author threw the best parts away.' Reading this book left me with feelings of disappointment and depression. I would not recommend it to anyone let alone young readers.

ALL SHOOK UP: The Life and Death of Elvis Presley
To begin with, this is NOT a book for Juveniles. The Author merely repeats the same old distortions and outright lies that have been published over and over again. Isn't it about time that Elvis Presley was treated with some dignity? He was NOT a monster, but a basically fine and decent man. It's about time that His Daughter and other Loved ones were given some Peace from such garbage as is contained in this and other books of the same type. I am most disappointed with Scholastic Press for being a party to the Printing and distribution of this book.

Certain to appeal beyond the young adult age range
Barry Denenberg's All Shook Up is certain to appeal beyond the young adult age range it's intended for: this history of Elvis' life and death is lively, with black and white photos supplementing text appropriate for grades 6 and older. Any with a prior affection for Presley will find this a fine, approachable biography of his life. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

The King, McQueen, and the Love Machine
I have been a Barbara Leigh fan for MANY years now. Her life story has been so fantastic and exciting, that it should not only be a book, but a major motion picture. She has not only seen the world, but has met some of the very people that have shaped history. When I first heard about this book, I thought it was only going to cover the part of her life that took place in the early 70's. But it was so much more. From her childhood to current times. And her life story is just one adventure after another. This book is a must for anyone that is an Elvis, or Steve McQueen fan. It has such insight to what they were like when not in the public's eye. As I mentioned before, Barbara's life has had some very interesting twists in it. But to see how she handles three of the most powerful men that the entertainment industry has ever known, all at once, is just too exciting..... Hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.

The King, McQueen and the Love Machine
My name is Joe Esposito. I worked for Elvis for 18 years. We were very close.
I was there the first day Elvis meet Barbara Leigh in Las Vegas.
When her first saw her, he could not take his eye's off of her. Either could I. They just connected. They got to know each other very close.
They had a wonderful relationship for a few years. One of the things I liked about Barbara's book is she was very honest about her life. She had some very hard times in her earlier years.

This is the first time she has really wrote about her relations with her special men.

I think she did a wonderful job writing this book on her life. I know it had to be hard on her. It's not easy writing a book about your life. I know.

I really enjoyed reading it. And I know it is the truth because I was there. I have recomended it to a lot of my friends.

It's a great story.

The Best Autobiography I've Ever Read
Comming from the same area as Barbara and having many of the same dreams and aspirations of sucess as she,this book really hit home in a big way.I've seen 6 of her movies,one of the Playboy layouts ( slipped over to a friends house to sneak into his dads collection while his parents were away lol) and all of her Vampirella cover appearences.I first saw her on the Vampirella cover and was totaly taken with her beauty.After reading her book and also knowing a bit about her background im just totaly amazed by her.She is truly a remarkable woman in every respect.Knowing first hand how hard it is chasing sucess in the entertainment field(chased a music,writing career for 15 yrs)what she has accomplished thus far is nothing short of miraculous.Her story will make you run the entire gambit of emotions.One moment I was laughing out loud the next I was having to wipe my eyes(and Ga rednecks ain't supposed to cry)and the very next I was ready to fight for her.This book is truly moving to anyone with a heart and a must read for anyone with dreams of sucess in entertainment as her observations are dead on.Barbara sucessfuly takes you on a trip through her life and you truly feel as if you are right by her side during the whole thing from her humble beginnings to 3 of the worlds most sought after men all in a virtual knock down drag out competing for her attentions.I've been a fan of her acting and beauty for many yrs now and after reading this book I have nothing but the deepest of respect and admiration for the person she is.

Why you should buy this book:
From the minute you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. From her humble beginnings, to her exciting Hollywood experiences, Barbara Leigh's story is written with sincerity and honesty. Her relationships are described in a way that conveys nothing but love and respect for the three men (Elvis Presley, Steve McQueen and Jim Aubrey) she shared a time of her life with. I've always been a fan of Barbara Leigh from her film and modeling career, but knew nothing of her personal life. This book not only takes you through her life, but reveals fascinating insights to Hollywood and to some of its legendary people as well. My only problem with this book is that I eventually came to page 320 (it's the last page, and I could have easily read another 320). I absolutely recommend this book! As a side note: In one chapter, Barbara refers to herself as the "original" Vampirella. As far as I'm concerned, she is the ONLY Vampirella!

If you actually read the book, "it ain't about the men"!!!!!
After purchasing this book immediately after it was printed, I was pleased to have a written history of a living icon. Notice I use the term "living". I'm not talking about the "King of Rock and Roll" (Elvis), or the "Cooler King" (McQueen) or the "Lion King" (Aubrey), I'm talking about a "Queen". Barbara Leigh had a career in the Hollywood spotlight that lasted a little over 10 years as an actress, a little longer as a professional model, and for a lifetime the role that she will always be remembered for "The Original Vampirella". She is now and will always be the most stunningly beautiful woman ever to grace this earth. What is best about this book is that looks are not the only graces she possesses. She has lived a tremendous life, fraught with ups and downs that are frankly and openly discussed. There's many books on Elvis, but only one on Barbara. I'll take "The Queen" over "The King" anyday! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Nice title.
Er, excuse me, but wouldn't ANY guide to Elvis have to be for the complete idiot?

Would have put 0 stars but review will not accept
My name is Richard Davis. I am an original member of the Memphis Mafia. Apparently, Frank Coffey, has not researched the subject of Elvis Presley for this book. This book is full of falsehoods and a plethora of errors and every true Elvis fan will see through the book's inaccuracies from wrong dates to out and out lies. I am an authority on Elvis because I am an original member of the Memphis Mafia and have been since 1961. I am one of the only members who actually lived with Elvis at Graceland. I was his movie stand-in, one of his bodyguards, wardrobe manager and part of his "inner circle" of friends. If you enjoy reading fiction this book is for you!

enjoyable
I found this book to enjoyable,easy to read full of lots of information.It was worth the buy.

Fun but flawed
I'm an Elvis fan, I saw him in concert three times, I have ALL his official recordings and many more 'unofficial', I've read every major Elvis biography. As a general fun introduction to the world of Elvis, this book is OK. There are several striking errors in pictures and descriptions of specific records, and some errors in describing the King's life and film work. This book seems to have been written by a real Elvis enthusiast to fit the "Complete Idiot" series format, but it was clearly not reviewed for accuracy by a real and true Elvis collector of many years. (That could be because most of them have or are trying to write their own books! I'm not.) As an overall book in this format it is an easy read, I would say enjoyable except I was dismayed each time I saw an error. This book may lead you to more in-depth and more accurate sources for specific details of Elvis' life and his recorded or filmed works. I did buy this book and I am keeping it. (Recommended in-depth authors: Guralnick--ultimate two-volume biography, Jorgenson--recordings.) ... Read more