Before he was the King: Intimate pictures of Elvis aged just 21 and on the verge of changing rock 'n' roll forever

Rarely-seen pictures of a 21-year-old Elvis Presley in the beginning of his career show all stars start somewhere, even the King of rock 'n' roll, The Daily Mail reports.

Taken by photographer Alfred Wertheimer during Elvis' time on the road in 1956, the snaps show that despite his tender years, he already had his legendary movements and Brylcreem hairdo figured out.
Mr Wertheimer, now 83, caught the would-be King's more intimate moments as he records his music, performs on tour and sneaks a kiss with a young fan backstage.

Taken shortly after the legend had been signed by record company RCA Victor, some of the black and white snaps for the new book include a 21-year-old Elvis and a young fan sharing a tender moment just before he goes on stage.
The famous photograph - known as 'The Kiss' - was taken without Elvis' or the young woman's knowledge and had become one of the most iconic of the King in his early years.

The fresh-faced singer actually touches the blonde girl's tongue with his in the spontaneous moment.

Elvis Presley died on August 16, 1977, from a heart attack after battling prescription drug abuse.
His abrupt death at the age of 42 shocked legions of fans still mesmerised today by his singing, sex appeal and on-stage charisma.