Radio 2 Elvis Season - Elvis: The Brand - Episode 1

Paul Gambaccini explores the continuing potency of the Elvis brand. Made to commemorate what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday, this is less the story of his music (though we will hear some of that), more an enquiry into his undiminished fame and power as an American icon. In the first programme, Paul unlocks the components of the brand as they evolved in Elvis's lifetime. Paul Gorman (author of The Look) considers Presley's changing but always identifiable styles - from the pink and black suits of the rockabilly years, to the comic book jumpsuits of the Vegas years. Paul also reflects of the mythology of Elvis' life, with the help of "Memphis Mafia" member Jerry Shilling; former girlfriend Betty Burger; and critics Greil Marcus and David Hepworth. He covers the early poverty, Presley's encounter with Sam Phillips of Sun Records, his army career, the profligacy and, of course, the music, to give an account of why Elvis is STILL a highly bankable brand. Tomorrow: Dead Elvis...has not yet left the building.