 | |
List Price: $14.95 | | Publisher: Pelican Publishing
Salesrank: 51128
Released: July 1, 2009 |
| Our Price: $8.85 |
| Used Price: $7.96 |
|
| Media: Hardcover |
|
Editorial Review:
Untold stories, candid photographs, and personal memories fill the pages of this ultimate tribute to the king of rock-'n'-roll. From anecdotes about Elvis's high-school years from friend Jimmy Angel to the personal memories of Elvis's best friend, Jerry Schilling, about the Christmas of 1975 and Elvis's cousin Edie Hand's childhood memories of their summertime family reunions, this book is a must-have for fans and collectors of Elvis memorabilia.
This collection features contributions from Elvis's friends and family members, country music star Ronnie McDowell's original paintings, and dozens of remarkable pictures by Al Wertheimer. Highlights include the entries from Pat Boone; Louise Smith, widow of Elvis's cousin Gene; and the never-before-told story of the exclusive 1956 interview disc jockey Charles Watts recorded with Elvis and his mother, Gladys, and father, Vernon.
Genuine Elvis, The: Photos and Untold Stories about the King Reviews:
It's okay 
2009-12-06 - I thought Ronnie was writing this entire book, however, it is a blurp from different people. Perhaps I did
not read the info about it close enough. I have seen some of the pictures before, however, some I had not.
I was not aware that Ronnie was an artist. WOW, can he paint! And, I have always enjoyed his singing. The book
is worth the price.
The Genuine Elvis 
2009-10-18 - I was very pleased with my purchase. I ordered the book mainly for the photos and most of them are very good. The condition of the book and the time in shipping was good as well. Thank you.
An Elvis book that lives up to its title! 
2009-09-03 - Released in July, this new book release is a surprise which lives up to its title.
The stories and recollections come from a diverse group of family, friends and peers. Apart from the authors, the reader is treated to many great stories by names we immediately recognise such as Pat Boone, Jerry Schilling, Ray Walker (Jordanaires) and Alfred Wertheimer (photographer), to those we are not familiar with including Howard Hite (Tupelo Hardware Company), Judy Spencer Nelon (the Judy Spencer Nelon Group), Jimmy Angel (friend/performer) and Charles Watt (disc jockey).
All have something interesting and informative to convey. Jerry Schilling reflects on Christmas with Elvis in 1975; Pat Boone talks about he and Elvis were both essentially "good ole boys"; Judy Spencer Nelon reflects on the importance of gospel music to Elvis and Howard Hite recalls the day Gladys and Elvis came into the store with Elvis wanting a rifle but Gladys wanting him to buy a guitar (and we all know the outcome); while Charles Watts recalls the fans, National Guard, state troopers and local police when Elvis returned to Tupelo for his legendary concert in 1956. These and many more stories keep the reader enthralled.
The text is nicely balanced by a mix of photos, archival material and artworks. There are numerous visuals you probably haven't seen before including Elvis in Sheffield, Alabama during a train stop in the 1950s, Elvis and cousin Gene Smith, Elvis surrounded by black and white fans as he leaves the Hudson Theater in 1956 and a still from the set of Loving You with Elvis, family and cast at lunch.
The real highlight (for me) was Ronnie McDowell's sublime Elvis artworks. These need to be seen to be appreciated but it is clear Ronnie would have a very successful other career should he ever decide to give up his day job. They resonate with rich, vibrant color and each scene depicts an important part of the Elvis story. You will marvel at (Elvis outside the) Roxy Theater; Lonely Street (Elvis and James Dean); A Tale of Two Kings (Elvis and Clark Gable in Hollywood); Reflection of a King, Elvis and Friends and to name just a few. My favourite is The World's Greatest Rock and Roll Band: The Rising Sun Edition which is a joy to behold. McDowell's prowess with the paint brush is prodigious and will be a revelation to many.
The Genuine Elvis: Photos and Untold Stories about the King is a smallish book with a correspondingly small price. The book and page design is strong. Overall, it represents very good value for money!
Verdict: A welcome addition to the bourgeoning Elvis library. Great stories are complemented by some very rare photos and absolutely stunning artworks by the multi-talented McDowell.
Nigel Patterson, Elvis Information Network ([...])
