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PhotoSynthesis: Elvis -- From 'Hillbilly Cat' to '68 Comeback

Elvis Presley is arguably the most photographed star in the history of rock 'n' roll, and esteemed music photo archivist Michael Ochs possesses one of the largest stores of Elvis pictures this side of Graceland. Guiding us through a selection of Elvis images both iconic and lesser-known, Ochs, in his own words, delivers his impressions of the Hillbilly Cat who would be King.

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1956: I believe this was the first color handout from RCA [Elvis' label]. They gave it to newspapers as 35mm slides. The way they deified him, from the colors to the lighting to the pose, it's totally godlike. If you want an image that sums up the true beauty of rock 'n' roll, this is so beatific it's almost beyond description.

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Hector

I've been a fan of Elvis since I was 6 years old,now I just turn 56 Jan. 4. Four days before Elvis's birtday.Yes,I thought Elvis was the coolest guy around.Don't get me wrong, I like all kinds of music, but when all failed, I would turn to Elvis to entertain me.Elvis was the greatest,and in my opinion Elvis will always be the greatest.Happy Birthday Elvis

January 08 2010 at 10:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BearStar55

To Ms. Tania Stpehens ; You Have It all wrong. Elvis NEVER THOUGHT OF HIMSELF AS A KING OF ANYTHING. When fans during his concerts would holler or make reference to him as a King. Elvis got very upset each and everytime. He would reply by saying that there is only One King, Jesus Christ. The " King " that evryone refers to is the King Of Music, which was Elvis because he has sold more records worldwide than any other recording artist in the history of recorded music ! Over One Billion Plus Records Sold ! Elvis was named Artist of the Century by the RIAA & the AMA

August 03 2008 at 6:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BearStar55

To yourrealfine : Not only are You Black, But Black & STUPID !!! YOU Suck becasue of what YOU said was STUPID !!! Elvis grew up playing with blacks, got his music inspired by the blacks share croppers in Tupleo, Miss. Most of his earlier hits were from songs that were done by the Black R&B performers in Memphis during the 50's . Elvis was a Very close friend of Jackie Wilson, the late great Sam Cooke, and a Very close personnal friend of the Champ, the Greatest, Ali, the Worlds Greatest Boxer. So You Are So wrong with your stupid remarks. Elvis BackUp singers were the Imperials & Sweet Inspirations, all of which were mainly All Black Female singers , of which Elvis was very close and supporting friend with each and every one of them. They all adored him with the most respect , kindness and admiration. Get your Facts straight before you post such stupid assinine remarks !!!!

August 03 2008 at 6:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ron

Someone posted, and said am black, and all blacks think Elvis sucks. I could tell he was black, by what he said. Go on, with your RAP CRAP BLACKIE.

June 03 2008 at 4:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kenny

Elvis Lives.

March 21 2008 at 10:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pmcmommom2twins

I have original 45's from 1950's that Elivis recorded that my were passed down to me....They are so great to listen to...no redubbing...orginal cover jacks in mint condition...Elvis was on the best..........

March 12 2008 at 8:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tigresamom

when i clean the house or just want to relax to some good, clean and refreshing music i listen to Elvis.

March 07 2008 at 2:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
CHERYL KOZY

ELVIS WAS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER ONE LIKE HIM, IN FACT THERE IS NO ONE SINGING TODAY THAT I FEEL CAN COMPARE TO HIM AND HIS VOICE HE HAD AN EXTRAORDINARY VOICE. I REMEMBER ONE CONCERT I SAW AND SOMEONE HANDED HIM A CROWN HE WOULD NOT PUT IT ON HIS HEAD, HE HELD IT IN HIS HAND AND WALKED OFF STAGE, HE NEVER THOUGHT OF HIMSELF AS GOD LIKE HE WAS VERY SPIRTUAL AND BELEIVED IN THE HERE AFTER. HIS FANS STILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH AND I AM PROUD TO BE ONE OF THOSE FANS.

March 06 2008 at 9:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
debbie

Who else has done what Elvis has done. who else is going to be the King of Rock n Roll. Who is going to keep thriving after so many years. This can and will be said about Elvis, there is a one and only you! You are the king forever. Welcome 2 my world for you r always on my mind and I love u so, u gave me a mountain I'll always rest on high because you always told everyone that u did it your way. And there will definitely be peace in the valley so keep rockin in those blue suede shoes, and remember that you r always on my mind and i love u so! Forever I will always remember u!

February 22 2008 at 10:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
debbie

and whos the king? who else is gonna do what he hasdone? have u seen it yet? nope and u NEVER WILL!!!!!!

February 22 2008 at 7:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply