In May of 2025, the state commemorates seventy years since the would-be King of Rock and Roll performed his first Florida concerts. The relationship between Elvis and the state lasted decades beyond Presley’s sudden death in 1977. To mark seventy years of Elvis and the Sunshine State, author Bob Kealing brings a new perspective on the crucial roles Florida played in Presley’s career as a singer and actor. This program is based on Kealing’s book Elvis Ignited, published in 2017.

Bob Kealing is the author of five books on Florida history and culture. He is a six-time Emmy Award-winning retired reporter and two-time recipient of the Edward R Murrow Award. Also a historic preservationist, Kealing is the founder of Four Florida Heritage Sites, commemorating Jack Kerouac, the Allman Brothers Band, Gram Parsons, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He is a married father of two college-age children.

Free public and handicapped parking is adjacent to the library. Classroom C. Light refreshments provided. Mr. Kealing will be selling copies of his book Elvis Ignited, as well as several others.

Funding for this Florida Talks program is provided in part by Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and in partnership with the Friends of the Ocala Public Library. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.