Customer Reviews

Tryin' To Get To You: The Story of Elvis Presley

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I read this book when I was in 7th grade, which was.... oh, let's see... I'm 30 now... so that means I read this book approximately seven billion years ago. Or so it seems. Anyway, I also wrote a report on this book for English class. The book was okay, but to this day I remember one glaring error: the author named Elvis' first post-army film "G.I. Joe." Of course, that title should be "G.I. Blues." Hopefully that error has been corrected in this new edition.

Several factors distinguish this book from others in the cannon of literature regarding Elvis. It offers firsthand
anecdotes about the "human" Elvis rather than relying on the more sensational mythology that has evolved over
the past few decades. Written in a lively and compelling style, Harms brings Elvis alive in all the various stages
of his professional development and elucidates the contexts that led to his numerous personal challenges.
The book sustains its humanity and compassion for Elvis throughout his triumphs and travails. Most endearing
are the portrayals of his early days from birth and boyhood to roadtripping between saloons in the south
before fatefully signing contracts and having notorious agents and promoters.

In the fall of 1954 I was 14 and living in the very small town Stamford, Texas, where Elvis came to sing, accompanied by Scotty and Bill. Elvis had just recorded "That's All Right, Mama" and Sun Records would produce four more in quick succession, as Elvis toured around in his pink Cadillac. The night he appeared in our high school auditorium (tickets $.25), he wore ivory shirt, slacks and shoes. I had never been to a "concert" before but I was totally crazy about him from the start. A couple of my friends and I rushed backstage and got his autograph. We stayed up late that night gushing about his music, smile, and unusual Adonis-like appearance. In the early morning we heard where the guys were eating breakfast, and we rushed over. He invited us to join them.

As Elvis toured Texas that year, we went too and always were invited backstage. I got to know what Elvis was like then and was even kissed by him. In between stops we had energy to burn and the local disc jockey (wisely) suggested we start a fan club. Elvis gave us photos, signed cards, and read letters that came to me.

This book was first published after Elvis' death and is now restored to print by a special program of the Authors Guild. That's me in the cover photo standing to Elvis' right.

Renaissance came at the end of 1968. Elvis did a Comeback Special for television. He sat in the round with friends and performed the early hits. At the show's end, he appeared in a white suit and sang If I Can Dream. It was his first relevant song in awhile. It fit the rough period of the late 1960s with its Vietnam War, Civil Rights and Counter Culture. Elvis came off as a preacher with a message in this third and final incarnation. Suspicious Minds was his first number in 7 years. He played the International Hotel in Las Vegas, gave up movies and went back to the road. He donned jump suits and bell bottoms. Legendary guitarist James Burton joined his band. Burning Love went to number 2. Then, things began to slide. Divorce was a factor. Elvis was fooling around, and Priscilla left with her karate instructor. Aloha from Hawaii in 1973 was the last big hurrah. Elvis had a special relationship with Hawaii, and his passion was evident. American Trilogy reeks with pathos.