In 1956, Vinje Dahl was a fifteen year old high school student living in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. On a memorable May evening that year, Dahl, now a Davenport businessman, was definitely in the right place at the right time.
A twenty one year old singer named Elvis Presley from Tupelo, Mississippi was in town. Elvis sent the crowd into a frenzy during two performances. Dahl attended one of the performances and took several pictures of Presley. At that time, Dahl was a photographer for his high school newspaper.
The photos he took are in black and white. For about 45 years, the negatives of those pictures were missing until Dahl located them in one of his old boxes. He picked ten of the best ones and develped them, eventually putting together a classy Elvis portfolio. Dahl signed the pictures.
Presley"s singing career was astounding. He sold over one billion records worldwide. He also sang country, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tennessee, is still one of the most visited in the United States. He also starred in films.
For one evening, in 1956, Vinje Dahl took pictues of an entertainer who will be remembered as one of the greatest performers America has ever known.
