Someone Everyone Knows
Elvis Presley, the talented King of Rock n’ Roll stated that “rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can’t help but move to it. That’s what happens to me.
I can’t help it. You all may know this wonderful and influential artist by his most popular songs, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Jailhouse.” His stylistic choices to combine rhythm and blues, country, gospel, and pop music evolved rock and roll and created an unforgettable sound. His musical influences were a stepping stone to many artists and bands of many diverse cultures and backgrounds. During the 1950’s-60’s what is now known as rock ‘n’ roll music was considered to be a genre in the “other” category.
Elvis Presley evolved rock and roll by making it so famous that it finally became its own genre. John Landau did a review in 1968 for a TV special and stated, “There is something magical about watching a man who has lost himself find his way back home…He sang with the kind of power people no longer expect from rock ‘n’ roll singers”. Once rock n’ roll became its own genre and many people started playing rock ‘n’ roll music, Elvis Presley changed up the rhythm by adding different genres to it, such as pop music. Elvis never wrote an original song; however, his repertory was full of many different types of musical genres like blues, country, gospel, and pop songs that he was able to mix together with his voice that everyone seemed to love.In 1986, Elvis was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. When Elvis was younger, he liked blues, gospel, R&B, and country music, however, he didn’t mean to mix these together, but he did.
Because he did, it made a unique and unforgettable sound. Sam Phillips, a record executive, had his own Memphis Recording Service and Elvis came to him to record his music. Sam Phillips later became his mentor and mixed these different genres together. Elvis loved the sound it made because his voice fit perfectly with it. “Blue Suede Shoes” was another one of his most popular songs where he mixed together all those different types of genres.
Leonard Bernstein, a composer, author, pianist, and much more, stated that, “Elvis is the greatest cultural force in the twentieth century. He introduced the beat to everything, music, language, clothes, it’s a whole new social revolution – the 60’s comes from it”. John Lennon, a musician for the Beatles stated that “If there hadn’t been an Elvis, there wouldn’t have been a Beatles”. Also, Rod Stewart, a member of the Rolling Stones, stated that “Elvis was the king. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps”.
Dick Clark, a radio and television personality stated that, “It’s rare when an artist’s talent can touch an entire generation of people. It’s even rarer when that same influence affects several generations. Elvis made an imprint on the world of pop music unequaled by any other single performer”. Even though slavery was abolished already, racism was still quite bad. Due to this, many African American performers were unable to get a good audience.
However, because Elvis mixed gospel music and blues within his music, people wanted to hear more of that kind of music. It was because of that very reason, that African Americans were able to make a national audience. Al Green, an African American singer, stated that “Elvis had an influence on everybody with his musical approach. He broke the ice for all of us”. Celine Dion, a beautiful singer, stated that, “Tonight, I would like to pay tribute to the greatest entertainer of all time, Mr.
Elvis Presley. Elvis was Las Vegas. And if it wasn’t for him, so many performers like myself would not have the chance to do what we do in this town. He really was the king”. Elvis Aron Presley captured the heart of so many, helped several people, and changed the way music was thought of.
If it weren’t for Elvis, music and many of the famous singers there are now, wouldn’t have existed. Elvis Presley made unique choices when he combined music together making something truly sensational, he helped rock ‘n’ roll become its own genre, and helped so many singers and bands become what they are today. Elvis sadly died on August 16th, 1977. However, he is still remembered, honored, and loved by billions for his contributions to the performing arts world. So always remember that most of the artists you may love today, were probably inspired by Elvis Presley.
