Singer/guitarist Eddie Bond - the man who turned a teenage Elvis Presley away from an audition - has died at the age of 79.

Bond lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease at his home in Bolivar, Tennessee on 20 March (13).

His wife of 60 years, Gladys, tells local publication The Commercial Appeal, "He passed peacefully."

Born in Memphis, Bond infamously rejected an 18-year-old Presley when the wannabe star auditioned as a singer for his band in 1953.

He released his first album in 1955 and went on to make amends for his massive mistake in refusing to recognise Presley's potential by touring with the King and other rock 'n' roll greats during his career, including Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Carl Perkins.

Bond went on to become a popular Dj and local radio host and was later inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.