As a matter of fact, even his name is a fabrication. However, this man-often described as greedy and duplicitous-is shrouded in mystery. Over the next decade, some of his most beloved hits were born, such as 'Suspicious Minds' and 'In The Ghetto.'Ĭolonel Tom Parker was the manager of Elvis Presley, cultivating one of the most enduring legends of popular music. Elvis had returned, and he seemed to love it. Artistically refreshed, he had slimmed down and styled himself in an iconic black leather suit, doling out rock hits with a country-soul influence. But in 1968, Elvis clawed his way back to the top with a TV comeback special in December. With his singles not even hitting the top 20 on the charts, it seemed like Elvis's peak was over. Related: 12 Immersive Biographies to Lose Yourself In

While the profits weren't rolling in as fast as they had once been, 1967 spelled out a new contract between Elvis and 'Colonel' Tom Parker that gave the singer half of all the profits and royalties. But the films that followed were too formulaic, with soundtracks that were lacking in excitement. Blues and Blue Hawaii were popular additions to his filmography. Once he returned from the army, his reintegration into stardom had started on a high note-his films G.I. In many ways, his entire career was a mission to transcend and transform his nation’s heritage of bigotry.By the 60s, Elvis's career had wavered. Guralnick chronicles the rise of “race music” stations in the Deep South, a world in which Phillips was also deeply involved. Both acts slipped through Phillips’ fingers, as did Howlin’ Wolf, who Phillips considered “the greatest talent, the most profound artist” he ever met, Presley included. Before founding Sun Records, Phillips produced “Rocket 88” - what many consider the first rock & roll record - with young guitarist Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band, who Phillips connected with through a tip from Riley (soon-to-be–B.B.) King, another Phillips discovery. What makes it more illuminating, and arguably truer, is seeing Elvis in the broader context of Phillips’ career. With Presley’s story at its core, Sam Phillips is in some ways the latter’s third volume. This definitive work maintains the high standard of Guralnick’s other books, among them the groundbreaking 1979 country, rock and blues study Lost Highway his 1986 Sweet Soul Music and the doorstop double-volume Elvis bio, Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love. CNN Is Hosting a Town Hall for a Guy Who Tried to Get Me Killed

Peter guralnick elvis books