He would follow with a series of epic, definitive, bestselling and award-winning biographies of rock and roll supernova Elvis Presley, soul genius Sam Cooke and Sun Records visionary Sam Phillips.

His first two collections, “Lost Highway” and “Sweet Soul Music” stand as literary touchstones in the study of American roots music. What a terrible thing it would’ve been to have that book come out and be some teenage wunderkind and have to live up to that for the rest of my life.”Īlthough Guralnick, now 76, has continued to write – and occasionally publish – his fiction, he remains far better known for his work as a music historian and biographer over the last half century. “Looking back, I actually caught a break. She said, ‘Well, ummm, I think we’ll wait a while maybe,” laughs Guralnick. I sent that one to her and she was less enthusastic.

“The catch is I said I’m working on a second novel, too. You write a novel, you send it out and an editor falls all over herself, and the future is assured,” recalls Guralnick. “The first publisher I sent it to, wrote back and said, ‘This is just wonderful - we are so excited about this book.’ I was 18 years old and I thought, wow, this is easy. These biographies feature never-before-seen photos, interviews, and extensive research that paint the most holistic picture of the “Can’t Help Falling in Love” singer’s life.Ĭheck out Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley, Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, and more biographies from our round-up for what would’ve been Presley’s 88th birthday today.Ī version of this article was originally published on July 22, 2022.Peter Guralnick’s career as a writer could have turned out a lot differently had his first novel, “Guilt,” become the success it seemed it might in the early 1960s. Among our list of Elvis Presley biographies, you’ll find first-hand accounts from former friends and a fiancée, journalists, and more. But behind Presley’s inky black hair, sly eyes, and unforgettable voice was a man who struggled under the pressure of the spotlight and met his untimely end at the age of only 42.Įver since Baz Luhrmann’s musical biopic Elvis came out earlier in 2022, people have wanted to know more about him. His music and stardom became a movement among young Americans and ushered in a whole new era of celebrity culture. Presley, also known as the King, changed American culture in the 1950s and ‘60s.

Peter guralnick elvis books