Pat Boone or Elvis Presley? That was the burning question on the lips of Fifties teen America. Certainly, the two were the most successful solo artists of rock’s breakthrough years. But while Presley was the good-looking ‘white kid who sang black’, Boone was married, God-fearing and covered hits by African-American artists to chart-topping if unthreatening effect. Elvis, of course, is no longer with us though his image and influence will never fade. Pat Boone is still alive and there’s no doubting he was responsible for some of the best-remembered classic pop of the era
