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New 1950s radio book includes Elvis photos

Ben Marks over at Collectors Weekly posted a terrific article last week about 1950s Radio in Color: The Lost Photographs of Deejay Tommy Edwards, a new book by Christopher Kennedy.

“The book reproduces color slides that Edwards took of all the music and movie stars who passed through the studios of WERE-AM in Cleveland from 1955-1960. Edwards would project his slides on the walls of high school gyms, where he produced record hops and live shows,” says Marks.

“For many of the kids in those gyms, this was the first time they had seen, for example, that famous photo of Bill Haley and Elvis Presley taken in 1955,” he says.

You can check out what is probably the best quality version I’ve ever seen of that photo over at Marks’ article:

Found Photos: When Rock Lost Its Innocence — Collectors Weekly

“Today that photo is a classic that we take for granted. Back then it made people gasp,” says Marks.

Looks like an incredible book to me. This one’s definitely hitting the wish list! Thanks to Ben Marks for sending this information along.

10 thoughts on “New 1950s radio book includes Elvis photos”

  1. That was a good read, thanks for the post and link Ty. That’s one book I wouldn’t mind having myself.

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  2. Sometimes it’s fun to read about how people used to access culture – we’re spoiled with an overabundance that it reduces the value and content

    quantity won over quality

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    • Yeah, I remember the song “57 Channels And Nothin’ On.” Now, it’s more like 570 channels… and still… nothin’ on.

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    • Hey Wellsy, I love your icon. That’s always been one of my favorite shots of EP. Link Wray’s great. His sound reminds me a lot of Elvis on electric guitar during the ’68 Comeback sit-down sessions, except Link, of course, takes it much further. I’ve got a number of his songs, and I really enjoy them.

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  4. I grew up with “That’s the Way It Is” taped off TV and, yeah, that shot is great – pure joy. His overall look in this era is outstanding. Link Wray I know very little about but as a fan of surf music I’m sure I’d dig his sound. Also, he’s got a great handle.

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  5. Fond memories, indeed – I was dumb and threw the old tape out when I bought it proper. I’d love to see now how I used to watch it – grainy, commercials half cut out…

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    • We have come a long way when it comes to watching movies and TV, haven’t we? We used to love those grainy tapes with mono sound, but now we are spoiled and want everything in high definition and surround sound.

      By the way, I do want That’s The Way It Is in high definition and surround! Both versions, and as many outtakes as possible.

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