Book description
"A persuasive argument that Presley's "moonshot" to fame could not have happened without Florida. . . . Deftly captures a pre-Interstate Florida where an anonymous Presley would be traveling for grueling hours down every two-laner in the state in his signature automobile."-Palm Beach Post "I don't think there was a better time and place to be a teenager than in Florida in the 1950s. It was such a magical place. Elvis is part of what contributed to that excitement."-Bob Graham, former Florida governor and United States senator "Kealing tells us the story of what happened when Elvis arrived in Florida and what role the Sunshine State played in his life and musical career. This is a critical era in the Elvis Saga."-William McKeen, editor of Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay: An Anthology "A Florida-centric look at his 1956 breakout state for people who thought they knew everything about Elvis."-Joel Selvin, author of Altamont: The Rolling Stones, the Hells Angels, and the Inside Story of Rock's Darkest Day "Presents a great picture of what it was like to be a touring musician in the 1950s and also of Florida at the time and how the culture was changed by the shock of Elvis."-Joy Wallace Dickinson, author of Remembering Orlando: Tales from Elvis to Disney It was his most electric and influential time as a live performer. The young and hungry Elvis burst onto stages large and small-sexy, controversial, brimming with talent and ambition. One lightning-hot year in Florida fueled his rise from novelty act to headlining megastar. Elvis Ignited tracks the rising star through his tours of Florida, from 1955 when Presley was an unknown to 1956 when Presley played more concerts in Florida than in any other state. In only fifteen months, Presley toured Florida four times, becoming the object of worship, scorn, and controversy. Struck by a new kind of music and performances so different from anything they had known before, Floridians saw how special Elvis was before the rest of the world caught on. Before their very eyes, he transformed from Hillbilly Cat to the King of Rock and Roll. Bob Kealing interviews people who saw the King up close, recalling the time-stands-still memories of hearing his iconic songs for the first time. He speaks with Floridians who helped Elvis along the way: the late Jim Kirk from Ocala, who offered Presley his first headlining opportunity; former governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham, who saw the young rockabilly god at the dawning of Elvis mania; Steve Binder, who produced Presley's '68 Comeback Special; and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin, who opened for Presley in Florida. Kealing follows Elvis after his return from the Army to his homecoming TV special in Miami with Frank Sinatra and through the filming of Follow That Dream in Florida in 1961, offering unique insights into the singer's relationship with co-star Anne Helm, his controversial manager Tom Parker, and the beginnings of his melancholy as a prisoner of fame. This book is a roadmap to Elvis's time in the Sunshine State, a guide to the many small and large venues he played up and down the peninsula, and a spotlight on the people who witnessed, supported, and even opposed his meteoric rise to fame. It was a turning point in American music history; it was the arrival of rock and roll.
Tough Nut
I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal library with me. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Omega Sub
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. Audiobook enjoyment has become an integral part of my routine, thanks to this app's seamless integration and user-friendly design. A must-have! ππ± ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Fantastic app! The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Mad Irishman
I've never been so entertained while doing household chores β this app is a lifesaver! I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! The ability to download audio directly within the app is a lifesaver. ListenBook is incredibly convenient. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly.
Wooden Man
This app is my secret weapon for staying entertained during mundane tasks. ListenBook's variety of ways to download audio makes it incredibly convenient. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Listening stats feature keeps me on track with my audiobook goals. Love it! The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Criss Cross
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient.
Flashpoint
I'm hooked on this app β it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. π§ Making housework more enjoyable β audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. π§Ήπ ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Stud Buster
This audiobook app is a true gem β it brings stories to life with every click. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘ Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings.
StarZen
It's like having a personal library that fits in my pocket β truly amazing! π‘ This app's convenience is a blessing β I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! π±π©βπ³ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances the audio quality to an impressive degree. The app is well-designed and user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a joy.
Martini Flower
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a social audiophile's dream. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear listening in noisy environments.
Paris Boost
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch adds convenience to my audiobook routine. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Psycho Thinker
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Paris Boost
ListenBook's sleek interface and precise controls make it a joy to use during my daily listening sessions. ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience.
Sweet Bacon
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Gullyway
π± An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality β audiobook listening has never been this effortless. ππ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Coffee
ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. Enhancing my daily routines β this app's design makes listening a joy. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access.
HolyCombo
I never thought I'd find an app that supports such a wide range of audiobook formats. ListenBook is a true gem! Adjusting playback speed has given me greater control over my audiobook experience. I can optimize my learning and enjoyment by customizing the pacing. The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Force
I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction is a lifesaver. I can hear clearly even in noisy environments. The app's performance is remarkable β it's fast, stable, and designed to cater to audiobook enthusiasts. It's a pleasure to use. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection.
Moon Solitaire
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Rummy Stickers
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. Chapters make it so easy to pick up where I left off. No more hunting around. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Arsenic Coo
Noise reduction on ListenBook enhances the clarity of dictaphone recordings, allowing me to enjoy content even in noisy environments. I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience