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Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley Paperback – September 1, 1995
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A New York Times Notable Book
Winner of the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award
"Elvis steps from the pages. You can feel him breathe. This book cancels out all others." --Bob Dylan
From the moment that he first shook up the world in the mid 1950s, Elvis Presley has been one of the most vivid and enduring myths of American culture.
Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley is the first biography to go past that myth and present an Elvis beyond the legend. Based on hundreds of interviews and nearly a decade of research, it traces the evolution not just of the man but of the music and of the culture he left utterly transformed, creating a completely fresh portrait of Elvis and his world.
This volume tracks the first twenty-four years of Elvis' life, covering his childhood, the stunning first recordings at Sun Records ("That's All Right," "Mystery Train"), and the early RCA hits ("Heartbreak Hotel," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel"). These were the years of his improbable self-invention and unprecedented triumphs, when it seemed that everything that Elvis tried succeeded wildly. There was scarcely a cloud in sight through this period until, in 1958, he was drafted into the army and his mother died shortly thereafter. The book closes on that somber and poignant note.
Last Train to Memphis takes us deep inside Elvis' life, exploring his lifelong passion for music of every sort (from blues and gospel to Bing Crosby and Mario Lanza), his compelling affection for his family, and his intimate relationships with girlfriends, mentors, band members, professional associates, and friends. It shows us the loneliness, the trustfulness, the voracious appetite for experience, and above all the unshakable, almost mystical faith that Elvis had in himself and his music. Drawing frequently on Elvis' own words and on the recollections of those closest to him, the book offers an emotional, complex portrait of young Elvis Presley with a depth and dimension that for the first time allow his extraordinary accomplishments to ring true.
Peter Guralnick has given us a previously unseen world, a rich panoply of people and events that illuminate an achievement, a place, and a time as never revealed before.
- Print length576 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBack Bay Books
- Publication dateSeptember 1, 1995
- Dimensions6.13 x 1.38 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-100316332259
- ISBN-13978-0316332255
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From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Elvis steps from the pages. You can feel him breathe. This book cancels out all others."―Bob Dylan
"Altogether splendid...It is the particular and spectacular achievement of Last Train to Memphis that it holds both the making of the history and the beginning of the myth in firm, simple, and compassionate focus."―Jay Cocks, Time
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Back Bay Books (September 1, 1995)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 576 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0316332259
- ISBN-13 : 978-0316332255
- Item Weight : 1.55 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.13 x 1.38 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #37,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #61 in Rock Music (Books)
- #69 in Rock Band Biographies
- #328 in Actor & Entertainer Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
"Peter Guralnick is widely regarded as the nation's preeminent writer on twentieth-century American popular music. His books include Feel Like Going Home, Lost Highway, Sweet Soul Music, Searching for Robert Johnson, the novel Nighthawk Blues, and a highly acclaimed two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love."
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and informative. They appreciate the thorough research and context provided in the biography. The writing style is described as well-written and down-to-earth. Readers describe the story as fascinating, enlightening, and mesmerizing. They find Elvis talented and extraordinary, with unwavering faith in his music. Overall, the book portrays an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of the entertainer.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book informative and interesting. They appreciate the quality writing and feel like they know Elvis. Readers say it's a must-read for Elvis fans or anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
"...Reading the book was a real treat, a journey back in time which for the five days it took me to read, immersed me in the time of innocence, discovery..." Read more
"...His voice tells the whole story. But this was a great read and it has enhanced my knowledge of the man and his music." Read more
"Interesting tome with a lot of details and extensive interviews. Much of which included machinations by Elvis' managers, PR reps, etc...." Read more
"A good read gave one insight to his developing career I shall look forward to the follow up book." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's thorough research and insightful writing. They find it comprehensive, with details about Elvis' early life and his struggles presented in context. Readers also mention that the author provides little-known facts and traces his slow rise to stardom.
"...Guralnick gives a detailed historical background which is vital to understanding the cultural influences on the young, impressionable Elvis growing..." Read more
"...I don't sense an "agenda" here, just a really well researched, straightforward telling of the man's life...." Read more
"Guralnick is a brilliant writer - so thoughtful and thorough... he makes you feel like you're transported to the era and able to really know every..." Read more
"Interesting tome with a lot of details and extensive interviews. Much of which included machinations by Elvis' managers, PR reps, etc...." Read more
Customers find the biography well-written and honest about Elvis' early life and career. They enjoy reading about his childhood until going in the army. The author depicts the era vividly and goes into detail time and again. Overall, readers describe it as an interesting story of hard work and perseverance.
"...In fact, I could not put the book down, as the author depicts the era so vividly, it feels as if you are taking a journey back in time...." Read more
"...Thank you, Mr. G., for another spellbinding musical and literary experience like no other." Read more
"...: The Rise of Elvis Presley, Peter Guralnick presents a groundbreaking biography that transcends the myth of Elvis Presley to reveal the man behind..." Read more
"...For a great history of the dawn of rock, read this book. You'll find out about the people who started it, and what they were trying to do...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written, detailed, and neutral. The author's presentation is down-to-earth and straightforward, with a remarkable intuitive sense of which accounts are best.
"...from early childhood to his departure for Germany, was a remarkable feat of writing...." Read more
"...an "agenda" here, just a really well researched, straightforward telling of the man's life...." Read more
"Guralnick is a brilliant writer - so thoughtful and thorough... he makes you feel like you're transported to the era and able to really know every..." Read more
"...It's easy to think of Elvis Presley as a simple-minded, good-looking, fairly talented entertainer who happened to be in the right place at the right..." Read more
Customers find the book fascinating and insightful. It provides a detailed look at Elvis' life, showing that he never lost his roots. The author captures these pieces eloquently and with telling detail. Readers appreciate the thoughtful and thorough writing style. Overall, the book gives readers a revealing portrait of Elvis that helps them understand what women found attractive about him.
"Guralnick is a brilliant writer - so thoughtful and thorough... he makes you feel like you're transported to the era and able to really know every..." Read more
"..."Last Train to Memphis" captures these pieces eloquently and with telling detail...." Read more
"...It's easy to think of Elvis Presley as a simple-minded, good-looking, fairly talented entertainer who happened to be in the right place at the right..." Read more
"Extremely interesting and informative. I can't recall how I decided to make a study of Presley, but indeed I did...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's portrayal of Elvis Presley. They find him talented, human, and extraordinary. The author conveys his unwavering belief in his music and charisma.
"...driving his fans to unprecedented frenzy with his sensational energy, charisma and infectious charm...." Read more
"...ultimately what Guralnick conveys is a very human Elvis, and a very talented Elvis, who really did try to bring beauty and light into the world and..." Read more
"...Guralnick is a talented writer; too bad he didn't get the chance to observe Elvis as closely as his other contacts...." Read more
"...of a young man filled with ambition, loneliness, and unwavering belief in himself and his music...." Read more
Customers find the story moving and heartfelt. They describe Elvis as sensitive, kind, and respectful. The author weaves history and heart together to create a compelling narrative that captures the human experience of Elvis. The book is described as amazing, triumphant, and heartbreaking.
"...Elvis comes across as a poignantly sensitive boy, who silently internalizes the suffering of the family's dismal plight, feeling despondent to help..." Read more
"...complex and emotional portrait of a young man filled with ambition, loneliness, and unwavering belief in himself and his music...." Read more
"...and loved the accoutrements of stardom, he was genuinely a nice and caring person...." Read more
"...145 of this book, but I see a very young man who was spiritual, profoundly kind and respectful to people who was absolutely absorbed in music as if..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's music history. They find it a must-read for fans and music enthusiasts alike, covering the entire music scene from the late 1940s until the book ends. Readers mention that the love of music was one of Elvis' first loves and his basic character. The book provides great insight into the life of a music legend and is well-written and in-depth.
"...he helped reshape, making it a must-read for fans and music history enthusiasts alike." Read more
"...and provides a nuanced and sensitive reading of his youth, his musical influences, his personality, and the culture that engulfed him...." Read more
"...This Elvis was a rebel, a threat, a musical and stage dynamo, and a really nice guy who liked to have 'safe' girlfriends that his parents could like..." Read more
"...It shows how he started as a young man, his love of music his first loves and the basic character formation of the older Elvis...." Read more
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Life changing!!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2014Musical innovation is full of danger to the state, for when modes of music change, the laws of the state always change with them. (Plato, The Republic)
I only caught something of the aftermath of Elvis' music as I was a child in the seventies, but recently I became intrigued with people like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and the Beatles who rose from poverty and obscurity to unfathomable stardom. What were the circumstances at the time that sprouted such abundance of talent, innovation and catalytic changes in music?
I decided to begin by exploring the ascent of the King. Peter Guralnick' portrayal of Elvis' life in this first volume, from early childhood to his departure for Germany, was a remarkable feat of writing. In fact, I could not put the book down, as the author depicts the era so vividly, it feels as if you are taking a journey back in time. Every aspect of Elvis's life is dissected, so much so that that one has the uncanny feeling that the author was omnipresent, able to witness it all firsthand. He mentions the clothes Elvis wore on particular appearances, what he had for dinner, what he said on a particular date with a girl, and so on. It is all done so discreetly, however, that while remaining true to Elvis's portrayal he does not offend by providing information that we would wish to remain private. Guralnick gives a detailed historical background which is vital to understanding the cultural influences on the young, impressionable Elvis growing up in the small, agricultural town of Tupelo, Mississippi in the 30's and 40's. The family's constant struggle to find work, the father, Vernon, well-meaning but somehow always failing to hold down a steady job, the mother, Gladys, labouring in the cotton fields, doing the laundry and sewing to keep up payments, the family's humiliation when Vernon is incarcerated for forging a check, are all chronicled on a background of Church music, sermons by ardent preachers and the sounds of gospel and rhythm and blues emanating from the negro quarter of the town. Elvis comes across as a poignantly sensitive boy, who silently internalizes the suffering of the family's dismal plight, feeling despondent to help, but sensing that he will amount to something one day and will therefore be able to relieve his family from their perpetual financial woes, particularly his beloved mother. His mother's unconditional love and unswerving support provide him with the confidence he needs to retain his nonconformist look despite the bullying from his classmates.
But where would such artist be without the visionary Sam Phillips, a talent scout, who opens Sun recording studio in the early 50s, just when Elvis begins to hear his calling for music? Elvis’s first self financed recordings are made in 1954 but rock-et science hits the scene with “That’s all right” and from then on Elvis splits the atom on stage driving his fans to unprecedented frenzy with his sensational energy, charisma and infectious charm. The book is so thourougly researched that most of the names of the musicians contemporary to Elvis are mentioned as well as their influence on the King and the music scene at the time. With the help of the amazing internet I was able to find the ones that interested me, like Big Mama Thornton and her marvelous rendition of Hound dog! Watching videos of the youthful dynamite from the Hayride days, which I had not seen before, justified the stories I had heard about the extreme scenes of adulation, of the young girls wailing and screeching like maenads in orgiastic ecstasy for their Dionysian god. I realized why Elvis was such a threat to the establishment and how extraordinary he must have looked at a time when other performers wore conservative suits and sang sedately with little sexual innuendo.
Reading the book was a real treat, a journey back in time which for the five days it took me to read, immersed me in the time of innocence, discovery, promise and expectation. Too bad it was so short lived
- Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2017For some reason I started listening to Elvis when I was in my mid/late twenties, around 1995. With no provocation, I simply picked up a copy of the Complete Sun Recordings and tried to imagine what it must have been like back in the mid/late fifties to hear this coming across the radio. Tried to put myself in the place of a listener back then. Before the Beatles and the Stones and Zeppelin and all the rest. I then bought more albums, the early RCA albums, the two gospel records, the later records like From Memphis and Elvis Country, simply because I liked the music and his voice. I just read the two volume bio by Guralnick and I really enjoyed how Guralnick, in an non-pretentious way, made Elvis seem real to me. The first volume is a little easier to stomach just because of the subject matter. The invention of rock and how it grew organically from humble beginnings in Memphis and then grew into a national and then global phenomenon is exciting to behold-and Elvis seemed truly on fire. The second volume is sometimes tough to read as Elvis seems to become, well, sort of unlikable. Womanizer, boastful, manipulative, ego driven, self pitying, messianic, and then ultimately miserable. Its almost as if the two books are about two different people in a way. And for this, I credit the author. There is no reason to judge Elvis. Its hard to feel sorry for someone as successful as he was; yet, I found myself pitying him. It seems as if he started with all the best intentions, and then got put onto a train that he couldn't control, couldn't stop, until his body stopped it for him. Sad stuff. But, I think ultimately what Guralnick conveys is a very human Elvis, and a very talented Elvis, who really did try to bring beauty and light into the world and entertain people. Guralnick makes a very complicated person as legible as can be reasonably expected. I don't sense an "agenda" here, just a really well researched, straightforward telling of the man's life. I would say that ultimately, the best way to appreciate Elvis is to listen to the music that he made. His voice tells the whole story. But this was a great read and it has enhanced my knowledge of the man and his music.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2023Guralnick is a brilliant writer - so thoughtful and thorough... he makes you feel like you're transported to the era and able to really know every person involved. You can smell the scents of the Deep South, taste the food, feel the heartbeat of America. I am enjoying this book so much because I've been an Elvis fan all my life... but I wanted to get to know more about his younger years after having visited Sun Studios last year (one of the highlights of my life!) ... and just 50 pages in, (as an active songwriter), I was so inspired, the new music started pouring from my soul! Thank you, Mr. G., for another spellbinding musical and literary experience like no other.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2018Interesting tome with a lot of details and extensive interviews. Much of which included machinations by Elvis' managers, PR reps, etc. I found that interesting, but how smart and connected do you have to be when you represent the biggest entertainment phenomenon of a generation? Yeah, they didn't exactly overwhelm me. Yes, the real genius was Elvis himself, at least in the entertainment field.
Guralnick is a talented writer; too bad he didn't get the chance to observe Elvis as closely as his other contacts. Another thing... I was surprised, in many cases, at the petty jealousy and mean spirited put-downs afforded by his fellow artists and acquaintances. Well, maybe not that surprised.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024A good read gave one insight to his developing career I shall look forward to the follow up book.
Top reviews from other countries
- angelika maeser lemieuxReviewed in Canada on October 15, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars highly informative about the rise to stardom and supporting cast
I loved the book; it not only takes us with Elvis from poverty to riches and fame, but it cast a light upon all the supporting cast that was needed to catapult this great talent to the top; without the record makers and the promoters of the Elvis product, he would not have had the national exposure, and the author gives us many interesting characters to learn about who worked with or alongside Elvis. It is really a "who's who" of the music scene in those days.
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FabianReviewed in Mexico on August 22, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno
Muy buen libro
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FoloniReviewed in Brazil on April 19, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars A Biografia
Sou grande fã de Elvis Presley e já li muitas biografias a seu respeito, entretanto nada se compara a "Last Train to Memphis", a qual aborda o início (antes mesmo de seu nascimento) até sua ida ao exército - a história prossegue na segunda parte. Percebi que muitas biografias anteriormente lidas tiveram como fonte "Last Train to Memphis". O livro demorou um pouco para chegar, afinal se trata de compra internacional, mas posso garantir que valeu cada dia de espera, sendo "devorado" em menos de uma semana. Sensacional e definitivo.
- XxReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 6, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Wonderful book, a little sad in parts, lovely read, a must for Elvis fans, I would recommend
- PlaceholderReviewed in India on May 12, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars An intricate deep dive into the Social phenomenon that is Elvis.
Brilliant story weaving bringing to life the trials and turbulence growing up and living in an deeply racially divided Southern US. One can easily forgive the hate that manifested in stories of " stolen music".....
Even though Elvis did not " create Rock n Roll" he was easily the seminal force that created the huge change in music & clothing, in American & world culture that still reverberates to this day.
A very compelling reading, that brings Elvis to life and the myths surrounding him & his legacy.
The Mystery Train rolls on.