"Although flashbulbs were going off constantly during the performance, I knew they wouldn't affect my still shots. Except for one. ...When I developed the film, I discovered a shot of Elvis with a magnificent spray of light in front of him. Not strong enough to reach the stage, the flash in the audience highlighted the back of about thirty rows of heads as well. That random flash was in perfect sync with my shutter opening.... When I saw that photograph, it represented for me this entire experience and was better than anything I had done previously or would do later. Instead of ruining the frame, this unexpected lucky moment game me 'Starburst.'" - Al Wertheimer
The Buddha
Elvis, in deep concentration, sits on the floor of the recording studio listening to a playback of his latest take of "Don't Be Cruel." Everyone was focused on him to await his reaction.
RCA Victor Studio 1, New York City July 2, 1956
Elvis, Steve Allen and The Basset Hound
Steve Allen, and Elvis discuss in rehearsal how Elvis will sing his song, "Hound Dog," to a basset hound on a pedestal wearing a top hat. Allen wanted to avoid the controversy that occurred after Elvis swiveled his hips on "The Milton Berle Show."
NBC Television, Hudson Theater, New York City. July 1, 1956
Elvis and Barbara Hearn
After having taken a shower, and still bare chested, Elvis has his high school sweetheart, Barbara Hearn, listen on the phonograph to the acetate disc with cuts of his songs from the New York recording session.
1034 Audubon Drive, Memphis, Tenn. July 4, 1956
The Kiss
In the privacy of the narrow hallway under the fire stairs of the mosque Theater, while other performers are on stage before 3000 fans in the audience, Elvis is concentrating on his date for the day.
