On Sept. 9, 1956, more than 60 million people witnessed a young entertainer with gyrating hips and a honey-coated baritone voice croon his way into national adoration on The Ed Sullivan Show. With an onstage persona that radiated sensuality and a musical style that drew on rock ’n’ roll, gospel, blues, country, and pop, Elvis Aaron Presley exuded the charm that would make him the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music.

Elvis spent his teenage years absorbing the sounds wafting from the clubs along Beale Street in Memphis as well as the gospel singing at his church. Success was almost instantaneous, transporting him from behind the wheel of a flatbed truck to nightclubs, recording studios, network television, and the glamour of Hollywood and Las Vegas.

American music specialist Robert Wyatt reintroduces you to “The King,” from his childhood through the historic Sun Records sessions, meteoric rise to stardom, 31 movies, dramatic comeback, and death at age 42. Listen to “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Enjoy clips from King Creole, Jailhouse Rock, and Kid Galahad as well as rare archival footage and interviews that clarify the experiences that shaped Elvis’ career.