Elvis Presley became an icon of rebellious cool by putting a Southern White Boy’s spin on African American rhythm and blues. But his early rock and roll style was also adopted from Black Memphis in the 1950’s. The Graceland estate recently released thousands of outfits that have been sitting in storage since Presley’s death in 1977. The clothing that stamped Elvis’s image is now on public view and the subject of a new book, “Elvis Fashion: From Memphis to Vegas.” Long before the sequined jumpsuits of his later years, Elvis cultivated the look that many Americans prefer to remember him by at Lansky Brothers haberdashery in Memphis. In this radio diary, Bernard Lansky talks about meeting Elvis and the ride his business took on Presley’s gold lame coattails.
Guests:
Bernard Lanksy, co-owner of Lansky brothers clothing since 1946
