The Humes High School (Memphis) annual for the graduating class of 1953, the Senior Herald, hardcover, 112 pages, 8 x 11, signed in fountain pen near his senior portrait, “Best of luck to a swell guy, Elvis.” The caption below his portrait indicates that Elvis majored in Shop, History and English, and that he was a member of the ROTC, Biology Club, English Club, History Club and Speech Club. Another section of the yearbook includes the “Last Will and Testament” of each student. One paragraph reads: “Donald Williams, Raymond McCraig and Elvis Presley leave hoping there will be someone to take their places as ‘teacher’s pets.’ ???????” The remainder of the interior, including the page signed by Elvis, bears numerous other students’ signatures. In the summer following his graduation, on July 18, Elvis visited the studios of the Memphis Recording Service—home of Sun Records—and recorded two sides, “My Happiness” and “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin.” The recordings (for which Elvis paid $4.00) caught the attention of Sam Phillips, who, in the following year, teamed Elvis with guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black for the young singer’s first released single. Presley performed in public throughout the remainder of 1954 and, a year later, signed the contract with “Colonel” Tom Parker that would mark the coronation of “The King.” Accompanied by a recent limited-edition reprint of the 1953 Herald. In good to very good condition, with wear and a few paint spatters to binding, pages somewhat loose from binding (scattered tape reinforcements to gutters of affected pages, including signed page, well away from signature), signature and sentiment a shade light (though fully legible), and scattered light soiling. Autograph material from this early, pre-fame period of Elvis’ life is of the greatest scarcity. Auction LOA Roger Epperson and R&R COA.
