Elvis: Behind The Legend | Daytrippin' Beatles Magazine

Editor’s note: In honor of the anniversary this month of “When Elvis met The Beatles” we are posting this review of the book (written by the editor of Daytrippin’) that was released last year which contains many Elvis/Beatles stories.

Book review
by Shelley Germeaux,
The John Lennon Examiner

The new book, Elvis, Behind the Legend: Startling Truths About the King of Rock and Roll’s Life, Loves, Films and Music by Trina Young, reveals many surprising new stories and viewpoints about Elvis Presley’s life, including several about his association with the Beatles. Young does not attempt to re-write Elvis’ biography, but instead focuses on several behind-the-scenes revelations that few know about, even seasoned experts. The stories are sure to alter the reader’s perception of the man behind the title, “The King of Rock and Roll.”

The John Lennon Examiner has received a digital copy of the book from the author, and found it to be incredibly enlightening, enjoyable, and as the subtitle suggests, “startling.” The author wrote, “Often taking a back seat with historians to The Beatles in terms of rock and roll influence, Presley’s legacy has been marred by misconceptions of the man as an entertainer and human being.” As most Beatles fans are aware, Elvis was John Lennon’s biggest hero, the one he emulated, the one he idolized—until Lennon was bemused with Elvis’ career after spending two years in the Army.

At 145 pages, each of the thirty-two chapters brings to life a different story, written chronologically throughout his life. To name just a few, the book begins with a revelation concerning his speech impediment, a fact that is not well-known. The identity of the mystery woman behind the famous 1956 photo called “The Kiss” is revealed, and how Elvis is responsible for making the Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor a reality. Readers will learn about the secret girlfriend he was going to see in Washington, when he inevitably met with President Nixon.

Young points out that Elvis developed a private spiritual life, and connected with gurus long before the Beatles made their association with the Maharishi so public. His association with the Beatles is addressed in several chapters, shedding light on various aspects, such as: the difference in earnings from their appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, the day The Beatles met Elvis in 1965 at his home in L.A., and the truth behind his “grudge” against the band. The disparaging statements he made to President Nixon about the Beatles—something fans have been angered by for years– are explained from a different vantage point.

In addition, included in the appendix is a comparison of record sales between Elvis and the Beatles, which may surprise fans of both. The book is well-researched, with a sizable bibliography, and a great read. The John Lennon Examiner recommends this book for Beatles and Elvis fans alike. It is an enjoyable and fun read that will shift readers’ perceptions about “The King of Rock and Roll” for the better.

See the official website for Elvis: Behind the Legend. The paperback and kindle editions can be purchased on Amazon.

Follow Shelley Germeaux on Twitter and Facebook

[Note: This article was updated on November 16, 2021]

How can we compare or quantify the popularity of the two biggest acts in the history of the music business? Author Trina Young attempts to answer this daunting question by comparing the record sales of Elvis Presley to the Beatles. As simple as this may seem, the answer is surprisingly complicated.

Although historically The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) did not start tabulating record sales until 1958, in later years, they have gone back and recalculated their figures to include all of Elvis Presley’s certified singles, albums and EPs released before 1958.

The RIAA says that Elvis Presley falls behind the Beatles in terms of total album sales. The RIAA tabulates album sales in the U.S. only. As of November 2021, Elvis has sold 146.5 million albums in the U.S., which is third behind The Beatles who have sold 183 million albums in the U.S. and 10.5 million less than Garth Brooks who has sold 157 million.

However, when exploring the RIAA Gold and Platinum Searchable Database online (RIAA.com), the RIAA figures show that in the U.S. Elvis sold twice as many singles (50.5 million) compared to The Beatles (25 million).

It is worth noting that singles were much more popular in the 1950s and early 1960s when Elvis became popular. The buying trend then shifted to albums in the mid- to late-1960s when The Beatles were at the height of their fame. EPs, which contain 3-5 songs, are included in RIAA’s calculation of album sales, by using a weighted factor depending on the certification level of Gold, Platinum or Multi-platinum status.

However, the record sales figures are constantly changing since The Beatles and Elvis Presley are still selling records in the present day. The last time the RIAA awarded new record certifications was 2018 for Elvis and 2019 for The Beatles.

In terms of numbers, The Beatles have sold 36.5 million more albums in the U.S. than Elvis, yet Elvis sold 25.5 million more singles than The Beatles. Since albums usually contain 10-12 more songs than singles, The Beatles would clearly be the winner in terms of U.S. record sales.

While The Beatles come out on top in the U.S., the true best-selling artist of all time would have to be the top-seller all around the world. When figuring sales of singles, EPs and albums worldwide, many historians believe that Elvis is the best-selling artist period.

“I thought the Beatles had gold records until I had a private tour of Graceland. The Hall of Gold says it all. Elvis has the most Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum sales of all of us… amazing man… simply amazing.” – Paul McCartney, who visited Graceland for the first time in 2013

However, there is no independent agency that tabulates global or worldwide sales of musical artists. Can it really be proven that Elvis is the best-selling global artist of all-time?

The question is explored further in Chapter 10 of the book, ELVIS AND THE BEATLES: Love and Rivalry Between the Two Biggest Acts of the 20th Century.