Elvis portrait by Peter Mars

The winner of the contest will receive 56 prizes valued at over $7,500, including: a trip for two to Memphis, TN for Elvis Week 2011 a cabin for two on the 2012 Elvis Cruise (airfare not included) two tickets to Viva ELVIS by Cirque du Soleil and two nights at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas (airfare not included). The contest celebrates the year 1956, so the artwork should reflect that.

Entries should be sent to EPE by April 28, 2011 in jpg or pdf format. The contest is only open to U.S. residents.

Further information on the contest is available at Elvis.com

Elvis had made his first record in 1954 and had built a solid following throughout 1955, but 1956 was the year he become a national star, making his first television appearance, his first movie and having his first of many million selling records. Wertheimer travelled with Elvis Presley throughout 1956, capturing both the public and private side of the young rock star, including legendary television and on stage appearances.

‘Elvis 1956′ is a 128 page hardcover book featuring 72 of Wertheimer’s photographs in very high quality, as well as recollections from the photographer and essays by E. Warren Perry, Jr. and National Portrait Gallery historian Amy Henderson. The book serves as the catalogue for a nationally travelling exhibition developed collaboratively by the Smithsonian Institution Travelling Exhibition Service, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, and the Govinda Gallery to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birthday.

After 1956, no photographer would be granted such intimate access to Elvis again. Thankfully, Wertheimer was there to capture some of the most important moments in the history of 20th century popular culture.

If you don’t have a collection of Wertheimer’s photos in your collection, this is a great place to start.

‘Elvis 56′ is available from Amazon US and Amazon UK. Both are currently offering around 35% off the RRP.