Elvis Presley

Not just another Elvis biography, this work explores why the shy, young Southern singer won America's heart. Simply put, Elvis was cool before anyone knew what cool was. Anna Fields's energetic yet objective voice is an excellent fit. We sense the innocence of young Elvis and his unsophisticated family; through Fields we are introduced to young Priscilla, who surely didn't know what she was getting in to but became tough enough to handle it. Fields avoids a stereotypical Elvis impersonation but provides just a hint of his voice. Unfortunately, the listener misses the visuals: Elvis's instinct for flamboyant clothing and his passion for decorating Graceland cry out for photos. Too bad we can't see the pictures. N.M.C. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

July 1, 2004
In this slim illustrated volume, icon biographer Keogh (Audrey Style; Jackie Style) presents an homage to Elvis from a unique perspective, explaining how his inimitable style-not just the way he dressed, but also the way he spoke and behaved-influenced the music and the sensibilities of Americans unlike anyone before or after him. He was "the original Slim Shady," Keogh writes; "his appearance on Ed Sullivan ripped the 1950s in half." "Before Elvis, there was nothing," John Lennon said. Keough breaks down the Pelvis's life into chronological chapters, from Elvis's early days in Memphis through his last days at Graceland. Keough highlights major milestones as well as small, personal anecdotes, and includes essays such as "Elvis' closet," which recounts his style choices. ("Things the King Never Wore-Baseball caps, Dockers, golf shirts, boxer shorts with funny patterns, rep ties, clogs, a Snugli, Earth shoes, a fanny pack, you get the idea.") And she gives an especially moving account of the early relationship between the singer and his 14-year-old love, Priscilla Beaulieu. Appealing though uninspired photographs of Elvis at moments of celebrity and privacy round out this intimate portrait of a man who was larger than life.