In 1956, twenty-one-year-old Elvis Presley was beginning his remarkable career. Photojournalist Alfred Wertheimer was asked by Presley's new record label to photograph the rising star. With unimpeded access to the young performer, Wertheimer captured everyday moments in Elvis' life during 1956, a year that took him from virtual obscurity to the verge of stardom and his crowning as "The King of Rock 'n' Roll."

And the perfect accompaniment for the book?  What else, but “Elvis 1956 – In the Beginning”, a DVD featuring the King’s early hits and performances, swivel-hips and all.   

Mark your calendars! “Elvis at 21”, an exhibit based on the book, will open at the National Portrait Gallery on October 23, as part of its nationwide tour that opened in January at the Grammy Museum in honor of Elvis’ 75^th birthday.