An only child, a mama's boy--Elvis was a shy kid who struggled to make friends and found comfort singing in church and learning guitar. While in high school, he continued his music but was often ridiculed by students. On a whim, he recorded a song for his mom's birthday at Sun Record Studios as part of a customer promotion. The studio loved it so much that they sent it to local record stations . . . and the rest is history.
Here is the story of how a poor kid from Tupelo, Mississippi, became an American legend.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.
portraying him sympathetically as a nervous kid who loved music. Cons
By Janet Hamilton
Summary: This picture book biography focuses on Elvis Presley’s early years, growing up in extreme poverty in the south. From a very young age, Elvis was drawn to music, and he was surrounded by a wide range of influences. Even though his town was segregated by race and class, the music of jazz, blues, and gospel was everywhere. When Elvis was 13, his family moved from Mississippi to Memphis, and he learned to play guitar. A few years later, he managed to get a recording session with Sun Records. It was turning into a disaster, when Elvis started singing “That’s All Right”, a Delta blues song he infused with country and gospel. That song became a hit, and Elvis Presley was on his way.Pros: Kids today may see Elvis Presley as something of a joke, and this story really humanizes him, portraying him sympathetically as a nervous kid who loved music.Cons: The story ends at the beginning of Elvis’s career, which may leave the reader wanting to know more.
