Scotty and Elvis (University Press of Mississippi)

This is the fascinating story of how Elvis Presley and guitarist Scotty Moore changed the face of popular music. When Elvis Presley first showed up at Sun Records studio, he was a shy teenager in search of a sound. The studio's owner, Sam Phillips invited local guitarist Scotty Moore to stand in. Scotty listened carefully to the young singer and immediately realized that Elvis had something special. Along with bass player Bill Black, the trio recorded an old blues number called "That's All Right, Mama." It turned out to be Elvis' first single and the defining record of his early style, with a guitar hook that swirled country and blues together and minted a sound with unforgettable appeal. Its success launched a whirlwind of touring, radio appearances, and Elvis' first break into movies. Scotty was there every step of the way as both guitarist and manager, until Elvis' new manager, Colonel Tom Parker, pushed him out. With both Bill Black and Elvis gone, Scotty Moore is the only one left to tell the story of how the trio transformed popular music and how Scotty created the sound that became a prototype for so many rock guitarists to follow.