Last Train To Memphis - The Rise of Elvis Presley is the first part of Peter Guralnick's epic, and justly acclaimed, two-volume Elvis biography. I know that when one is faced with a two-volume biography, about any subject, it is advisable to read the first volume before tackling the second. However, in this instance I tackled the process in 'reverse order', as it were. This situation arose because I have traditionally been more interested in the latter stages of Elvis's life and career than in the beginnings. Either way, I don't think that the order of my reading significantly affected my appreciation the merits of the works. I wrote a review of the second volume Careless Love in an earlier article on this blog.
First of all, it is a delight to read a biography composed by someone who is not only authoritative and enthusiastic about his subject, but who can also write engagingly and fluently. From the outset Guralnick immerses his readers in a sense of time and place. One senses his commitment to evoking the historical and social context of events, but he does not obscure the main narrative by forcing those matters unduly.
Ironically, some of the most affecting passages in the early chapters did not concern Elvis directly, but rather offered an atmospheric and detailed depiction of life in Tupelo and Memphis during the 30s and 40s. One of this book's strengths is the way in which the tale is gradually and credibly unfurled, so that the evolution of Elvis the person and the performer is a continuous and rolling tapestry, and not a series of 'contrivances'.
There is a vivid and intriguing depiction of the times and the circumstances into which Elvis was born, and in which he grew up. These chapters are characterised by a lot of detail, and the story is told in a more or less chronological format. A reminder that even seemingly mundane matters can be of great interest when sensitively and adroitly addressed.
Guralnick creates endearing portraits of some of the colourful characters who inhabited the Memphis scene during Elvis's youth. The picture of Elvis which emerged for me was of a complex but very human figure who, although gifted and unusual, also possessed idiosyncrasies and insecurities like everyone else. No case is proffered for him being 'superhuman' in any way.
When reading large parts of this book I detected a mood of cautious optimism and confidence, even among humble folk, in the post-war era, but again this is not overplayed, and there is always the risk of later generations romanticizing something which, to those who were actually there, was nothing out of the ordinary. The author's apparent circumspection in commenting on such matters helps to ensure the book's realism and integrity, in my view.
Learning how Elvis and those around him in those early days navigated their lives and passed through the 'necessary' stages of growth, I was left pondering how much more informal and seamless life's journey appeared to be back then.
The attention given to examining the psyche of Elvis and his motivations and ethos, particularly from the time before he became famous, is a key ingredient in the quality and value of this biography. Some might view the author's observations on these topics as somewhat nebulous, but this might be because there are no simple answers to most things...
As regards the emergence of the 'youth culture', in which Elvis first immersed himself and then personally helped to intensify, this is documented not by outlandish philosophizing but largely by simple but persuasive prose. The excitement and 'novelty' of the early-to-mid 50s is conveyed without recourse to hyperbole or inflated claims of the period's significance.
One of the themes which struck me was that Elvis was no 'overnight sensation'. His impact is properly illustrated, but we are also reminded that this was a gradual ascent, punctuated by minor setbacks, mis-steps and false dawns. The 'transitional' stage, between the singer's becoming a local celebrity and attaining national stardom, is a fascinating phase, and Guralnick cleverly relates the tension and ferment.
The areas of the book which discuss the processes by which Elvis's management structure came about I found very enlightening, and it may surprise some people as to how Colonel Tom Parker came to be the undisputed boss.
For me the picture was augmented appreciably by the care taken to explore Elvis's musical influences, and the way in which he had direct contact with many prominent Memphis singers and musicians long before he made it big. I was also interested to discover that the author was very sincere and even-handed in assessing the genres and styles which actually constituted the Elvis sound.
I loved the accounts of the recording sessions, both at Sun and RCA. Very atmospheric, and peppered with rich and amusing anecdotes and nuggets of observation concerning Elvis's demeanour and manner, and the reactions which he inspired.
Another surprising but revealing pattern which I discerned was how calm and resolute Elvis remained at some critical stages, whilst many of those around him were feeling fretful and apprehensive. It seems that he had a vision and a shrewdness which are not always credited to him.
In the chapters covering the time when Elvis had become an international phenomenon, my perception was that he still seemed to be regarded as a 'second class' star, when compared to movie actors and 'pop' singers. A hint, perhaps, that rock n roll was still looked down on, or viewed with suspicion?
Even as early as 1956, one can sense some of the things which came to characterize the decline of Elvis - difficulty in maintaining 'ordinary' relationships, the beginnings of estrangement from a normal existence, and so forth.
I enjoyed reading the insights into the strategic vision of Colonel Tom Parker and others, about how the Presley career was expected to pan out. People sometimes forget how short his first burst of stardom was, and things may already have been changing before he entered the Army. The hysteria which attended the concerts, whilst initially exciting and gratifying, could clearly become wearisome and unedifying.
Even at a relatively early stage, an entourage was starting to build up around Elvis, and the dynamics and comings-and-goings amongst that group form an interesting sub-plot, which would of course assume greater importance later in the star's life.
Towards the end of this book one can feel change closing in, and the mood is very adeptly captured by the author. The perfect scene is starting to unravel. It is also clear what a pivotal event the death of his mother was for Elvis. It also underlined that nothing was going to be the same again.
Last Train To Memphis is a gripping and illuminating read. Both this volume and its 'sequel' Careless Love are very much recommended.
