Elv1s: 30 No. 1 Hits

If you’re just now discovering Elvis Presley’s music, this 2002 compilation, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis’ death, is a solid jumping-off point. While it doesn’t include all of Elvis’ notable songs—notable omissions include “That’s All Right” and “Little Sister”—there’s enough good music here to give you a running start, from “Don’t Be Cruel” to “Suspicious Minds.”

Elvis in Vegas: How the King Reinvented the Las Vegas Show by Richard Zoglin

The author does more than document Elvis’ time in Vegas. He makes a convincing case that Elvis’ 1969-1976 Vegas residency changed the face of live entertainment in this town, steering audiences away from lounge acts and showgirl revues and towards musical headliners performing without showgirls and glitz.

TCBcast

This “unofficial Elvis fan podcast” covers some ground that unexpectedly stretches beyond Elvis’ albums, films and concerts. Hosts Gurdip Ladhar and Justin Gausman dig deep into Elvis’ enduring myth, talking about the outsize impression the performer left on the popular culture. For example, one recent episode discusses the actors who have played Elvis, from Kurt Russell to Bruce Campbell to Austin Butler. Tcbcast.libsyn.com.

Viva Las Vegas

This 1964 musical is practically a Vegas travelogue (see “Elvis Slept Here,” page 8), but two things make it worth seeing beyond Elvis’ easygoing and likable character: his performance of the title track, shot in a single, unedited take, and Ann-Margaret, who very nearly steals the movie.

Elvis at the New Frontier, 1956

This is a rare, YouTube-preserved gem: four songs from Elvis’ first Vegas appearance in April 1956. The crowd at the long-gone New Frontier regards the million-selling artist and his trio with outright disinterest, according “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Blue Suede Shoes” only perfunctory applause. Elvis nearly lets his composure slip while introducing a song: “Tonight’s our last night, and we’ve had a pretty hard time. … We’ve had a pretty good time being here.” Youtu.be/j7MrghavRV0.

Elvis: That’s The Way It Is

This 1970 documentary, originally conceived as a closed-circuit broadcast of one of Elvis’ “Summer Festival” shows at Vegas’ International Hotel (now the Westgate), condenses three nights of performances into one buzzy concert film. This is peak Vegas Elvis, with he and his backing players—the TCB Band, The Imperials and The Sweet Inspirations—all in top form.

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