Bobbie Anne Mason is the author of ‘Elvis Presley. The book is a summary on the incredible things Elvis Presley accomplished in his lifetime. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about Elvis Presley, or Rock and Roll. This book is a 10/10 because it contains so much amazing information. This book was great because, while we usually admire people for the good they do, it also shows their bad side. For me this is very important because I can relate to it and it’s not just a picture of a perfect person which everyone wants but no one can actually be. This book proves that Elvis wasn’t perfect, even though he is the King of Rock’n’Roll. The relationship Elvis Presley has with the Beatles as well his visit to White House are also cool facts in this book.
The book begins in an intriguing way. Bobbie Ann, the author, begins by talking about Elvis’s death. Bobbie then goes through what Elvis meant to him and how he felt. The book’s first chapter really grabbed me, and I decided to review it. The first chapter explains how Elvis Presley rose to fame ‘overnight. Elvis was born in East Tupelo (a small country town) in Mississippi. In 1933, Vernon Presley married Gladys Presley. His dad was a milk-truck driver, and he also worked hoeing corn and mung beans. Gladys was told she had twins. She named her twins Jesse Garon Aron. Jesse Garon Presley’s stillbirth occurred at 4 a.m. on January 8, 35. Elvis, the only surviving twin, was born at 4.35 in the morning. They protected and adored Elvis. The Presleys believed there was a second child. Elvis was raised to believe that Jesse was half his size and felt guilty. Elvis Presley was a typical 1930s working-class family. His parents enjoyed partying and were generally happy. The Presleys were not wealthy and did not live in a luxurious house. However, they were always smiling and happy. They were friendly people. Elvis witnessed the first lunar landing and first satellite-beamed tv show. Elvis also had to deal with the Great Depression. Vernon was sent to prison for altering a check just before the great Depression started. Gladys, Elvis and their cousins lived in a small house while his father was behind bars. The Presleys were going through a difficult time. The Presleys did not have enough food, water or a house. It was horrible. Disiete Elvis’s difficult circumstances, he discovered he had an inherent talent. Singing.
Elvis’ love of music is evident in Chapters 4, 5 and 6. These chapters show how Elvis’ love of music began and developed. Elvis wrote and sang all of his songs. He performed them in front of his family members and friends. Elvis would often go alone or with his family to WELO’s Jamboree held at the Courthouse. He could also meet his favorite musicians like Mississippi Slim. Elvis loved country music. He took in all music, whether it was the songs at church or the country singers. Elvis was a music lover, but kept it quiet. He sang at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy at the fairgrounds in a competition for a state wide contest when he turned ten. His mom convinced him that he should buy a new guitar when he was eleven instead of buying a 22. His career took off at this point.
Elvis received a RCA Records deal after performing at the Country Club. Elvis’ parents were not happy about it, but they knew it was what he wanted to do. His first record hit was ‘Heart-break Hotel.’ His acne was disguised by his flashy clothes. He cared about his appearance. In the end, he had nine TV appearances. Elvis went to Hollywood and did a test screen before signing a film contract. Elvis made $77,000 in one month (about a half-million dollars today). He made many new songs and appeared in numerous TV shows and commercials. Elvis was ecstatic and everything went quickly. His dad had been released from prison and was able to find a new position. Presley family was no longer indebted. Elvis was in the best of shape by summer 1956. His first real vacation for over two years was in New York. His first film was “Love Me Tender”. The drama was in black and white. In September, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. He sang “Don’t Be Cruel”, ‘Love Me Tender’ ‘Hounddog’ ‘Ready Teddy’. Elvis had become a real star and could no longer backtrack.
My least favorite chapters were the fourteenth through twentyth. The book barely contained any information about Elvis? They barely gave any information about Elvis? He is described as being lonely. He had made 5.4 millions dollars at this point. He spent his money on many different things. He was alone and amazed by himself. The book’s ending, however, I found very interesting. The last section showed his love for his family and the great things he achieved in spite of his difficult childhood. Bobbie Mason’s “Elvis Presley”, a book about Elvis Presley, provided me with a great deal of information. I learned a lot about Elvis as a child and his struggles and triumphs. Elvis is a great role model for all. He shows how you can be happy even in the midst of adversity. This book is a must-read.
