Understanding Elvis: Southern Roots vs. Star Image (Studies in American Popular History and Culture) [Library Binding]

Susan M. Doll (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0815331649 | ISBN-13: 978-0815331643 | Publication Date: December 1998

Although the importance of Elvis Presley's southern heritage has been recognized, few have considered the complex connection between the performer's career and his southern roots. This study investigates how that identity affected each stage of Presley's career.; Elvis Presley's career can be divided into three phases, each of which is signified by a specific image. each image is coded by a certain style of music, mode of dress, and arena of performance.; The evolution from one career phase to another was instigated by a specific event and represented a deliberate calculation on the part of Presley's manager to attract a wider audience.; The first stage spans the years 1956 through 1958, after the singer was introduced to a national audiences and before he was drafted into the army.; His image as a notorious rock 'n' roller created a national controversy and was spurred by negative depictions of Presley in the media - many attributing his controversial performing style and appearance to his southern background.; His music was a fusion of rhythm and blues and country-western; or, two types of music indigenous to the south and foreign to the mainstream entertainment industry based in New York City.; The second phase of Elvis' career included his stint as a movie star, in which most aspects of his southern identity were extracted from his leading man image to enhance his appeal to the mainstream.; And, finally, the last stage of his career focused on his image as a Las Vegas performer. Despite the gaudy costumes, Elvis reconnected to his identity as a southerner in the 1970s by returning to country music and songwriters as a source of inspiration.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 224 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815331649
• ISBN-13: 978-0815331643
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,130,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any Elvis fan., May 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Understanding Elvis: Southern Roots vs. Star Image (Studies in American Popular History and Culture) (Library Binding)

This is a new interpretation of Elvis'career, based on the fact that he was from the South, and that makes this book different from others. Also, it is a serious look at Elvis from this angle, but it does not trash him. It offers a kinder interpretation of his film career than most authors offer. I highly recommend this book to any Elvis enthusiast. Even if you are not an Elvis fan you will enjoy this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ELVIS, May 12, 2009

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2kisses&3scarfs (Long Island, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding Elvis: Southern Roots vs. Star Image (Studies in American Popular History and Culture) (Library Binding)

This is one of the most in-depth and thorough books I've read about Elvis. It examines how the poor Southern boy from Mississippi became "ELVIS", the star who was bigger than life. This is not a biography of his life, but a very interesting and thought-provoking read. You will see Elvis and his accomplishments in a new light. This is a must for any true Elvis fan. I highly recommend if for any one who wants to know a lot more about Elvis.