‘Elvis: An American Trilogy’ is the work of professional Presley impersonator, Dennis W. Forbus. Disgruntled by the abundance of misinformation, misunderstanding and often blatant lies surrounding the life and death of Elvis Presley, Forbus decided to compile a series of books that would set the record straight – with Elvis’ life told through the star’s own eyes. The first volume, ‘Family’, deals with Presley’s tumultuous childhood and the characters that shaped his future. Research was gathered through over seventy interviews (including classmates, family members, and childhood friends) as well as photographs, historical documents and public records.
Blairsville, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/15/2014 -- While nobody can deny Elvis Presley’s history-changing influence on both music and popular culture, six-hundred-million record sales still result in a man few actually understand. In fact, many career Elvis experts and impersonators such as Dennis W. Forbus are steadfast in their belief that most existing information about ‘The King of Rock-n-Roll’ is misunderstood or skewed. In an effort to showcase the real man behind the music, Forbus has set out on a worlds-first and most unique literary project.
‘Elvis: An American Trilogy’ tells Presley’s accurate and compelling life story, through his own eyes. The three books are poised to clear up the confusion and assumptions made about the legend, while shunning the public’s mold to expose a man whose personal life was equally as fascinating as his extroverted stage presence.
Volume one, ‘Family’, starts right at the beginning.
Synopsis:
Our story takes you on a journey through the eyes of Elvis himself, as he introduces us to his grand grandparents, all the way up to his own birthday. From then on, we find true stories from those that were there and told us many things that happened to or with Elvis in his childhood growing up as a poor boy from East Tupelo, Mississippi. The challenges involved in moving from house to house, a father being sent to prison, becoming the new kid in schools time and time again, are but a few of the problems he faced everyday. Dreams and imagination were his doorways to escape, and music was the vehicle which he used to travel. Readers will discover great areas of his family roots, birth, education, childhood in Tupelo, move to Memphis, his high school years, recording at Sun Studio, and the purchase of Graceland.
“Many of the Elvis biographies that are out today, and even new ones being released, are constructed from existing information, the same stories and photographs. Some even contain misleading information, which only raises more doubts in the minds of others, admits Forbus. “So, I set out to gather primary information directly from the documents and people that knew Elvis the man, not the Icon. My journey spanned nineteen years, taking me on nine trips to Memphis, seven trips to Tupelo and into the homes and offices of over seventy people who knew Elvis best personally including house staff, friends, band members and business acquaintances. All accounts were backed up through countless hours scouring historical documents, school records, public records, and over three-hundred photographs – each of which is printed in the book. I can put my hand on my heart when I state that I have learned more about Elvis than ever before, and wrote this book with integrity not for popularity. My personal rewards have been the added knowledge of becoming an Elvis Historian over the past decade of studying the life of this great person that continues to change our world.”
Continuing, “All of this is now poured into a new series and available for anyone who wants to learn more about the Elvis Presley, his purpose in life, and the man himself. So many people today, only want to remember Elvis’ struggles with addiction and tend to forget the good things that he did while living. We all suffer with problems and I’ve always felt that folks dwell on Elvis’ personal failures to lessen the load of their own. So, I am now exposing the story of the real Elvis Presley, with the help of many that really knew him. This is his story, and he’s giving you the chance to get to know Elvis Presley.”
Early reviews for this first volume have been overwhelmingly positive. Marian J. Cocke, Presley’s private nurse, comments, “I have finally read, in its entirety, your book. I found it to be very well done, and felt his presence throughout. Well Done. Thank you."
Presley’s cousin, Mackey Hargett, adds, "Thanks for the time you spent gathering information, spending hours interviewing and learning about our family, and then investigating the stories and photos you chose to use in your book. I'm so proud to be a part of such a wonderful project, and you've done such a great job putting things together.”
The star’s hairdresser and Spiritual Advisor, Larry Geller, sees wide appeal for the book. He writes, “Dennis, I love the book! Everybody has an Elvis book, but I've never seen one designed, laid out, and written like yours. This is a very unique Elvis book and I would recommend it to all Elvis fans and collectors."
‘Elvis An American Trilogy - Volume One Family’, published by DenKar Publishing Group, is available now: http://www.elvisanamericantrilogy.com
Publisher’s website: http://denkarenterprises.com
Two further volumes are scheduled for release later this year.
About Dennis W. Forbus
Dennis W. Forbus was born and raised in Anniston, Alabama, to a middle-class Christian family. He grew up with strict morals, going to church, and parents that wasn’t afraid to correct him. He realized a talent he had at a young age of being able to write poetry and short stories. He completed his first published book in 1981, at the age of seventeen, and continues with this project being his thirteenth to go to press. He has been working a job since the age of thirteen, lived on his own since eighteen, and owned businesses for over twenty years. Many times he has worked three jobs at once. He holds degrees in the fields of Psychology, Christian Counseling, and Criminal Justice from Liberty University, and has worked in many areas throughout his life. He worked in local Law Enforcement, started three non-profit organizations, worked with At-Risk youth in the Juvenile system, and is a minister of over 34 years. He calls that experience!
He is married to a wonderful lady, Karen, has four children, three grandchildren, and now lives in the Northeastern Georgia Mountain; a small town called Blairsville, Georgia. It is there that this first book of the Trilogy was completed after spending four years of writing. He enjoys sitting on his cabin porch with his side-kick, Reese, (Shiatsu), drinking coffee, answering emails, and doing his writing. He also enjoys riding horses and watching deer walk and play in his yard.
Many may know him as D. Wayne Forbus, a 2013 Award Winning Professional Elvis Impersonator, also known as the “Alabama Elvis.” He enjoys traveling to shows and book signing events and meeting new Elvis fans and fans of his own along the way. His requests for you, is to come out to one his concerts, or book signing events and say hello and tell him your Elvis story since he is sharing his with the world.