Elvis

by Jerry Hopkins

Jerry Hopkins’s A Biography was the first book on popular music to top the U.S. bestseller list, and its sequel was equally popular. Long out of print, both books, along with a wealth of exciting new interviews, are brought together in Elvis to form the most exhaustive account available of the King’s life. Telling the complete story of Presley’s rise and fall, from his poverty-stricken childhood in Tupelo through his musical development and emergence as pop’s first superstar to his decline and death, the book explores Presley’s singular appeal, his far-reaching influence, and his extraordinary legacy. Featuring newly published firsthand interviews with people close to Elvis — including high school teachers, girlfriends, directors, agents, recording engineers, bodyguards, sidemen, karate instructors, medical professionals, and even his personal jeweler — Elvis presents a comprehensive and amazingly intimate look at this cultural icon.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, History

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

Jerry Hopkins was an American journalist and author best known for writing the first biographies of Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison of The Doors, as well as serving for 20 years as a correspondent and contributing editor of Rolling Stone magazine.

Reviews

[Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am obsessed with Elvis. Period.

[D. D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want details from an author that is a true fan of Elvis Presley you can't go wrong with any book for Elvis by Peter Guralnick.
If you want a slightly different but also a cruel and harsh biography then you can also read this one as well. You do get the way the fans felt at the time Elvis was alive and the 'outsider' perspective much more than on Peter Guralnick's books but why would you want that side in a biography? You really don't!
The hardest part was, reading about the day Elvis died and the last chapter about all the vultures feeding on Elvis long after he died, as a matter of fact till the present day.
My advice, if you want to read one definite biography of Elvis, steer clear of this one and choose Peter Guralnick's.

[Tzurky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars but rounded up because I have a feeling it doesn’t get much better as biographies go

When I went to Graceland I was looking for a biography that would provide me with all the facts and also psychological insight into Elvis’ character. This seemed to be the longest and most fact-based of the ones available there. So I bought it.

And the thing is, it delivered exactly what I got it for. This is a full account of Elvis’ life, from before his birth to after his death. And it’s full of statistics and dates, well-researched and even-handed in presentation. It still left me unfulfilled because there is no insight and no commentary. While the author’s attitude is always very clearly stated (a prominent example is him calling people “prudish” to objecting to the marriage of a country singer with his 13 year-old cousin; women also don’t come off well in general - much is made of the state of the panties upon seeing Elvis), there is no deeper analysis of the phenomenon and its implications for music marketing and advertising and promotion are only mentioned in passing.

Still, I’m rounding up because I don’t think the insight is to be had in any of these biographies. The family is certainly too positive and the bodyguards and others are too lurid and negative.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and very interesting look at Elvis' life in a brief snapshot. I especially appreciated the addition of Elvis' natal chart, although some may not find that interesting. My only complaint is the fact that Priscilla Presley is not mentioned much, but I suppose those who are interested in her are more likely to have already read Elvis and Me. I also have the edition from 1972, so I didn't exactly get to read how Elvis' story ultimately ends. Other than that, this is the Elvis biography i'd recommend to others.

[Deodand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but I wish I'd read it before reading Peter Guralnik's gold standard 2-volume biography of Elvis. Guralnik drew on this material so for me it's travelling down the same road, only with less detail.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Read: March 25, 2015 - April 19, 2015

Overall, it was a fairly good read. I knew that Colonel Tom Parker was manager and all, just wasn't aware of what kind of schemer businessman he was. What a dick!

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because Elvis is legendary!

Found this book in my grandpa's house after his passing. Papa was a lifelong Elvis fan, so decided to give this a read and see what Elvis is all about. Definitely recommend having Spotify on standby as you read (and play) along. It's easy to see why Elvis is the king; with so many hits over his 20 year career, he's got a little something for everyone to enjoy.

[Linda A Seidman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great read

Loved this book. I found it easy to read and hard to put down . loved reading about all things that happened after his death and the progression of EPE! Elvis was a very complicated man! He is iconic for his music and showmanship. This book is a " must " read if you are a true Elvis fan.

[Frank . · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bon livre sur la vie du King. Un livre qui vous donne envie d'écouter du Elvis même si vous n'avez jamais été fans. Ne cherche pas à faire un portrait inutilement élogieux. Seul point négatif : un peu trop de détails sur sa vie et pas assez sur la musique.

[Ronald House · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books about Elvis

This book is very factual and doesn’t go for sensationalism! Mr Hopkins has done his research! I like how he included the history of Elvis Presley Enterprises and how it came to be!

[Craig McGraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for its time period. First biography of the King

[Mr. Classical · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elvis was a loon. A proper alpha male who always got what he wanted. Very interesting to read.

[Nat88 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Biografia dobrze napisana, ale Elvisa jako osoby nie polubiłam + trochę nudy.

[Louise Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Gets a little overly detailed at times.

[Vincenzo Ridente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the better and most respectful biographies on Elvis a highly recommended book for all Elvis fans

[Sharon Holinstat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was telling of Elvis from start to finish & was very informative

[Barbara Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second biography I've read about Elvis and it was very interesting and informative about who Elvis was as a man and a great performer.

[Monika M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Człowiek legenda i prawdziwy król. Niesamowita historia, choć momentami zbyt szczegółowo w książce opisana przez co trochę mi się dłużyła. Niemniej polecajka, warto zapoznać się z tym fenomenem,

[Monica]

From the fronticepiece: "So Elvis Presley came, strumming a weird guitar and wagging his tail across the continent, ripping off fame and fortune as he scrunched his way, and, like a latter-day Johnny Appleseed, sowing seeds of a new rhythm and style in the white souls of the white youth of America, whose inner hunger and need was no longer satisfied with the antiseptic white shoes and whiter songs of Pat Boone. 'You can't do nothng,' sang Elvis to Pat boone's white shoes, 'but don't you step on my Blue Suede shoes!' " -Eldridge Cleaver
Soul on Ice

[Rcavictory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good and in-depth book about Elvis Presley. I breezed through the first few chapters, then it was a little slow for about three chapters. It then picked up and was very good and easy to read after that. It goes in to more details than others that I've read. It also goes into what the estate is doing and the operation of Graceland. Very interesting and a must read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some surprising things at the time.

[Ochayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very 1st Elvis Bio I ever read - and a very good one. Jim Morrison (The Doors) who the book is dedicated to - actually asked Jerry Hopkins to write a book about Elvis.

[Pallavi Ganti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elvis brought an intensified effect on music and popculture. He was not only a good man, but a truly great one.

[Wendy Rollinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I like this book.It a very good book.Everybody will like this book.I am a big Elvis Presley fan.I really like his music and films.