Unveiling the Legend: Alfred Wertheimer and Elvis Presley
Weaving's ConciergeIn the early days of rock and roll, a young photographer named Alfred Wertheimer was assigned a task that would change the course of music history. In 1956, he was asked to photograph an unknown crooner from Memphis named Elvis Presley. Little did he know that this assignment would lead him to capture the essence of a legend in the making.
Wertheimer's lens became a fly on the wall to the intimate moments of Presley's life, resulting in nearly 3,000 photographs that documented the transformation of a shy young man into an international superstar. His work offers a rare glimpse into Elvis's early career, showcasing the passion and charisma that would define rock and roll.
The book, Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll, compiles Wertheimer’s most striking images from that transformative year, alongside a selection of historic shots taken in 1958, capturing Elvis before he was shipped off to serve in the army. Each chapter is beautifully illustrated with posters from Hatch Show Print, a revered letterpress shop that played a significant role in promoting Elvis during his early years.
Through Wertheimer's photography, we not only witness the emergence of Elvis as a cultural icon but also the birth of a musical revolution that would resonate for generations. This collection serves as a tribute to a time when rock and roll was just beginning to carve its place in history, eternally linking the photographer and the star in an unforgettable narrative.
Alfred Wertheimer. Elvis and the Birth of Rock and Roll
