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Source: Greenwood Press
This link added: 09 November 2006 Note: review is copyrighted by website owner
Review:
Description:
Almost 30 years after his death, Elvis Presley remains one of the most influential
performers and recognized pop culture icons the world over. His then-unprecedented
musical style-a fusion of blues, country, pop, bluegrass, and gospel-ushered in the
age of rock n' roll and paved the way for generations of musicians and singers to
follow. A diverse array of performers-from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen-cite
Elvis as an integral musical influence and inspiration. Not only did Elvis usher
in a new genre of music, he also came to represent the growing dissatisfaction young
people had with the mores and conventions of the restrictive 1950s. At a time
when the top pop stars were Pat Boone and Andy Williams, Elvis' blatant sensuality
on stage and his smoldering presence off it made him the anti-establishment poster boy.
This biography offers a seldom seen glimpse into the life and career of Elvis,
tracing his family life, musical career, films, and legacy. The volume closes with a
timeline and bibliography. Today, the King lives on in popular culture-on Top 20 lists,
in film and television, on the radio, in cyberspace, and yes, even in the countless
performances by Elvis impersonators throughout the world.
