Elvis

"Jerry Hopkins was the first serious journalist to take Elvis seriously, writing the first biography.  The Elvis bookshelf is crowded now, but don't let that put you off.  This thoroughly revised and updated version of his two classic studies on Elvis deserves a shelf of its own." – Jann Wenner, founder and editor of Rolling Stone.   "Jerry Hopkins long ago established the ground rules for serious biographical consideration of Elvis Presley. With a rare combination of seat-of-the-pants reporting and thoughtful portraiture, he creates a richly nuanced picture of a world in flux, both for Elvis himself and for the broad range of humanity that was – and continues to be – so indelibly affected by his music." – Peter GuralnickElvis Presley is the biggest single entertainment personality in the history of American popular culture. Nearly thirty years after his death in August 1977, he remains the undisputed King of Rock’n’Roll. His talent, charisma, and good humour endeared him to millions. Known the world over by his first name alone, he remains the foremost iconic figure in popular music. Elvis combines Jerry Hopkins two previous classic bestselling Elvis biographies, Elvis: A Biography and Elvis: The Final Years with all-new material to give the definitive detailed account of Presley’s incredible life. Jerry Hopkins has interviewed all those who were close to Elvis; from high school teachers, classmates, old girlfriends, movie directors, agents, recording engineers and disc jockeys; to close friends, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, his doctor, dentist and personal jeweller, to present a comprehensive portrait of this iconic super-celebrity. Elvis recounts the complete story of Elvis’ rise, fall and posthumous legacy; from his poverty-stricken childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, through his musical development and emergence as the first pop superstar, to his ultimate ascension to the throne of rock’n’roll. This work explores Elvis’ unique appeal, his massive influence on contemporary culture and recounts many anecdotes and events that combine to provide a matchless impression of an artist who was – and remains – a genuine legend. Jerry Hopkins has published more than 1,000 magazine articles and 27 books, including three international best-sellers. Best known for his books and stories about popular music, in the past ten years as a Thailand resident he has developed a strong reputation writing about food and travel. • Jerry Hopkins’ Elvis: A Biography was the first book on rock’n’roll to top the US bestseller list. The author was prompted to write the book by former Doors frontman, Jim Morrison. • Elvis has sold more than one billion records worldwide. • In the thirty years since his death, Elvis has never left the forefront of popular consciousness, his ubiquitous media presence is maintained by a posthumous industry that generated an estimated $45 million during 2006. • In January 2006, Sony re-released all 21 of Elvis’ US Number One hits as a unique box set, generating significant media interest, airplay and sales.