1 SENTENCE SUMMARY: This extraordinary biography chronicles Elvis Presley’s remarkable journey from a humble upbringing in Mississippi to becoming the undisputed King of Rock and Roll.
“Elvis never stopped searching for the true expression of his personality, and it was this dedication that made him a transformative figure in the history of pop music.”
Quick Info
Category: Biographies
Publish Date: 1995-09-01
# Pages: 576
ISBN: 0316332259
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Table of Contents
Overview
Last Train to Memphis, The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick is the first volume of a two-part biography of Elvis Presley, one of the most beloved and successful entertainers of all time.
This book focuses on the early years of Elvis’ life and career, from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his first record contract with Sam Phillips at Sun Records in Memphis, to his rise to superstardom.
It chronicles the development of his unique fusion of country, blues and gospel music, as well as his relationships with his family and the people around him.
It also examines the cultural context in which Elvis emerged and the impact of his music on American society.
This book is a fascinating and intimate look at the life and times of the one and only King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
4 Key Lessons from Last Train to Memphis, The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick
1. Believe in yourself
Elvis Presley was not a typical star from the start; he was a small-town boy from Tupelo, Mississippi, who had big dreams of making it in the music industry.
Despite the odds being stacked against him, Elvis believed in himself and his unique talents, and he was determined to make it big.
His persistence, hard work, and strong belief in himself paid off, and he eventually became a legendary figure in rock and roll history.
This lesson teaches us that believing in ourselves and our abilities can lead to great things, no matter the odds.
2. It’s okay to take risks
Elvis was not afraid to take risks in his career.
He was willing to try out different genres of music, even if they were not popular at the time.
He was also willing to go against the grain of the music industry, and he was not afraid to push the boundaries of what was accepted.
This lesson teaches us that it is okay to take risks in our lives, and that by doing so, we can open up new doors of opportunity.
3. Take advantage of resources
Elvis was wise to take advantage of the resources he had available to him.
He utilized the help of family, friends, and professionals to help propel his career.
He also used local radio stations and venues to promote his music, and he made sure to use all of the resources available to him.
This lesson teaches us that in order to reach our goals, it is important to take advantage of the resources available to us.
4. Persevere
Elvis faced many setbacks during his career, but he never gave up.
He persevered through the rejections and criticisms, and he continued to work hard to achieve his goals.
This lesson teaches us that success rarely comes easy, and it is important to stay motivated and keep pushing forward even when the odds are against us.
Who Should Read It
This book should be read by anyone who wants to learn more about the life and musical career of Elvis Presley.
It is particularly interesting for music fans, historians, and fans of the late King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Where to Get It
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About Peter Guralnick
Peter Guralnick is an American music historian, author, and biographer.
He is best known for his two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis and Careless Love, which are widely regarded as two of the most important books ever written on Presley’s life.
Guralnick’s writing style is characterized by its vivid details and expansive research, which he has used to document the life and career of Presley, as well as other important figures in American music.
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