Author Description

In the summer of 1970, Elvis Presley redefined himself for a new decade. That’s the Way It Is was more than an album and more than a film — it was the turning point that transformed Elvis from a fading Hollywood star into one of the most electrifying live performers of the modern era.<br/>This book offers the definitive deep dive into that landmark project. Across 35 richly detailed chapters, it explores:<br/>The origins of Elvis’s Las Vegas residency and how it revolutionized his career.<br/>The behind-the-scenes story of the MGM documentary, blending rehearsal intimacy with onstage spectacle.<br/>Track-by-track studies of the album, from the soaring passion of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to the raw energy of “Patch It Up.”<br/>The TCB Band and the powerhouse musicians who helped shape Elvis’s new sound.<br/>Fan culture, image, and the creation of the iconic Elvis-in-a-jumpsuit persona.<br/>Critical reception, commercial performance, and the long-term legacy of the 1970 project.<br/>From the laughter of rehearsal rooms to the grandeur of the International Hotel stage, this is Elvis as fans had never seen him before — funny, vulnerable, disciplined, and utterly magnetic. That’s the Way It Is captures Elvis Presley at the height of his power and sets the stage for the concert era that would define the rest of his life.<br/>Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious about the King’s 1970 reinvention, this book provides the most comprehensive exploration of why That’s the Way It Is still matters — not only in Elvis’s story but in the history of popular music itself.