Book Review: “Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley” by Charles L. Ponce De Leon

“Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley” by Charles L. Ponce De Leon delivers the relevant facts of the life and career of Elvis Presley in a consise format. The book frames the rise of Elvis Presley in the cultural context of the 1950’s south, where Elvis Presley is “formed” by an unique combination of musical and cultural influences. The musical visions of Sam Phillips are aptly described, as Elvis enters the recording world at Sun Records in the midst of the Memphis musical world of rhythm and blues. Bringing with him the influences of Gospel, and traditional southern music to be combined with Memphis R&B, Elvis and Phillips forged the new sound that was about to change the world.

The author captures the important role of Colonel Tom Parker as Presley’s visionary manager. The personal struggles of Elvis Presley are countered with his love of family and generous, kind manner. The role of the then emerging media of Television and the business side of music from DJ’s, recording companies, and concert venues, are told. Most of all, “Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley”, places the cultural icon, Elvis, in his historical context, while tracing the influences that formed him. It is a reasonable read. Shorter than the authoritative two-volume biography by Peter Guralnick (this book is 243 pages), Charles L. Ponce De Leon is able to capture the essence of the Elvis saga, while framing him and his music in the culture of his time.

Charles L. Ponce De Leon, Fortunate son: the life of Elvis Presley, Hill and Wang 2006, $15.00, (Paperback).