BBC Radio 2

This is the story of a cultural obsession. Made to commemorate what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday, it is less the story of his music, more an enquiry into his undiminished fame and his power as an American icon. It is the story of brilliant re-invention, how there has come to be an Elvis..for everyone? Hillbilly Cat Elvis. Elvis the Pelvis. Army Elvis. Hollywood Elvis. Comeback Special Elvis. Las Vegas Elvis. Black leather Elvis. Black velvet Elvis, re-incarnated Elvis.

Elvis -arguably the most influential celebrity brand in history - has not quite left the building. Not yet. Maybe not ever.


"We've known for years that death can be a good career move for youngish pop stars, but what's happened to Elvis since his untimely demise in 1977 is something else altogether ... This fascinating two-parter...made the point that posthumous celebrity is untouchable, because the adored one is forever frozen in time, unable to provoke our wrath or disenchantment. Elvis could be bigger yet in a hundred year's time." The Stage

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