Elvis Presley 1956

These dramatic, never-before-published photographs portray a young Elvis Presley during a pivotal year in his career, capturing his magnetic sensuality, physical grace, and innate sense of style.

In 1956, Presley burst into superstardom. His first film, Love Me Tender, opened to mass teenage hysteria. He had his (and the world's) first million-selling album. He broke all viewing records when he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. And Marvin Israel created this potent photographic essay of the 21-year-old star that is now being published for the first time.

Israel captured Elvis in the heat of performance, relaxing backstage, and at the new house he bought for his parents in Memphis. His singular portrait is set within a critical moment in American popular culture, when it was hijacked by a new generation. Martin Harrison, who selected the photographs, provides a brief essay on Israel's work and his stature in the history of American photography.

The late Marvin Israel was a designer and artist, mentor to such important photographers as Diane Arbus and Richard Avedon, and art director of Seventeen magazine and Harper's Bazaar.

Martin Harrison is a curator, critic, and one of the foremost historians of postwar photography.