The Rebel and the King

by Nick Adams, Allyson Adams (Introduction)

If you're an Elvis fan, then you'll love this feel-good, quick read, about his early days when he was on his way to becoming the King of Rock and Roll. Academy Award-nominated actor, Nick Adams, details his close friendship with Elvis Presley and gives the reader an insider's view behind the scenes of when Presley returned to Memphis and Tupelo for his Homecoming Concert in 1956. Susan King of The Los Angeles Times writes, "The Rebel and the King chronicles Adams and Presley's adventures in Hollywood and eight days in Memphis with a youthful exuberance and innocence." "This is one of the most honest, touching, and truthful books I've read about Elvis." Tom Brown, Turner Classic Movies Posthumously published by Nick Adams’ daughter, Allyson Adams, after she discovered the unedited manuscript in a box of her father’s memorabilia, The Rebel and the King is the first and only book written about Elvis during the actual time the events were taking place, with Elvis' blessings. It's as if they are both speaking from the grave still trying to set the record straight. This expanded edition includes the edited manuscript, 33 classic photos (some never before seen), a foreword by Allyson Adams, a new introduction by historian Roy Turner, and an essay by bestselling author, Elaine Dundy. "I would rather live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb. And that was the first thing that came to my mind when I sat down to write this story about Elvis.” Nick Adams, 1956

Genres: Music, Memoir, Biography

157 pages, Paperback

First published September 3, 2012

Reviews

[Sharon]

When Allyson Adams opened what she calls her "Daddy Box," she didn't know what to expect. Her late father, actor Nick Adams, had left very few personal possessions after his untimely death in 1968.

One of the things she found was an unedited manuscript about her father's friendship with Elvis Presley. The two men met and became friends while Elvis was making movies and Adams was playing Johnny Yuma in "The Rebel."

The book contains some of Adams' personal photos, as well as a reproduction of the unedited, typewritten work with Adams' own notes. The edited portion at the beginning of the book is not only a loving memoir of a friendship that Adams clearly treasured but also an intimate look at what spending time with Elvis was like. Adams talks about Elvis' material generosity (which is well-documented in other places), his family life, and his faith.

I enjoyed this special look into a friendship I knew nothing about. Well done and highly recommended for fans of both Adams and Elvis.

[Rcavictory]

Very good book written by Allyson Adams, Nick Adams daughter. Allyson finally opened her father's box of memorabilia and found the writings of his and Elvis' friendship. Nick Adams wanted to tell the world what a wonderful down to earth Elvis Presley was, but never finished the book. The two had a great friendship up until 1968 when Adams died. The book is mainly about 7 days that Nick spent with Elvis at the Presley home on Auburn Drive in Memphis.

If I would of had time, I would have read this in a day, it's a good read!

[Kevin Giles]

This extraordinary memoir is one of those treasures that beckons us to the author's original voice in a different time and place. Nick Adams was an aspiring movie actor when he met Elvis Presley as he rose to fame. The Adams manuscript was discovered by his daughter Allyson years after it was written. Adams writes of his close friendship with Presley in diary-like style. It's an unpolished and sincere tale, untainted by publicists. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Erika Braswell]

Great!

Fantastic read. Definitely shows what Elvis was about and how he really was! Must read for all Elvis fans for sure

[Barack Obama]

SHES A MILLLLER KILLER QUEEEN CLOWN DONET PRINCESS

[Jeffrey Daugherty]

Damn Daniel back at it again with the white vans

Zoink made ya look hahah loser

[E.H. Nolan]

As a member of the board for the Hot Toasty Rag Awards, I was immediately drawn to read this mini-memoir written by Nick Adams, who took home a trophy in 1963. It’s a very sweet accounting of the beginning of Nick’s friendship with Elvis Presley, written in 1956. Packed away with his belongings after his untimely death, Nick’s daughter Allyson only recently came across his pages and decided to share them with the world. Quite a chunk of this book is Allyson’s own thoughts upon finding, reading, and digesting the story. As someone who watches Picnic every year and has seen The Interns, The Hook, and Pillow Talk many times, I was captivated just as much by the information about Nick as Elvis.
​
What struck me the most about this touching tribute was the sense of innocence present in both boys. A major superstar, detained for hours signing autographs wherever he went, Elvis was still a sweet, little boy. Polite, respectful, devoted to his family, trusting, and full of good intentions, it’s impossible to imagine that Elvis would have gotten into trouble later on in life – and Nick as well. Nick took his friend’s advice to heart, and it was very sad to read his inspiration and vows for a healthier attitude when I knew what would happen to him in 1968.

To Elvis, driving around town and picking out furniture for his parents gave him the biggest thrill. He melted at the sight of cute puppies, and he called everyone “sir” and “ma’am”. He loved eating crispy bacon and drinking milk before bed. This sweet, sweet kid seemed to be still ten years old – and that’s a wonderful thing. As Nick so perfectly described it, they had “good clean fun” together. It’s too bad kids today can’t enjoy good clean fun as much as 1950s teenagers did. Check out this quick read if you’d like to see a nicer, less explosive side of Elvis.

https://hottoastyrag.weebly.com/the-r...

[Victoria Nicholson]

The 50s really honesty seem innocently progressing n society moving forward partly because of Elvis or did to me when I read what I considered to be this fun memoir.Nick Adams was on uppers n downers early on then due to Presleys influence Adams quit. They had a lot of fun groundbreaking times together.
Sadly Elvis went in the army what can be a redemptive experience for some was not for him in it. Prez got on uppers n downers himself.Nick Adams who seemed to
hero worship Elvis got back on drugs n OD'd. Elvis probably felt guilty.
This all made me believe the Presley family much including Priscilla.

[Tessa]

A short, enjoyable read. Nick Adams clearly hero worshipped Elvis and it’s very sweet to see Elvis in his early, happier, innocent years before his mum died.