Elvis Presley's clever manipulation of his numerous interests remains one of the music world's great marvels. His synthesis of country, rhythm & blues and gospel created an inventive mixture of hair-raising rock & roll and balladry, with one foot in delta muck and the other in a country hoedown. This history focuses squarely on the music of Presley's groundbreaking early years and includes a comprehensive analysis of every Presley recording session from the 1950s. Chapters deftly illustrate how Presley, and his musical compatriots Scotty Moore and Bill Black, fused two distinctly American musical forms--country and blues--to form what would come to be known as rockabilly. Also detailed is Presley's influence on music and how his contributions are still celebrated today.