Elvis Presley – The King of Pop

Introduction

Elvis Presley is one of the most significant figures in rock and roll history. Initially, he grew up as a poor white country boy. Peter Guralnick describes Elvis's emergence as “so sudden, his music so fresh, his personality so evocative that he could not be labeled” (Guralnick, 1994). Rock 'n' roll had been a known genre in the music industry until Elvis revolutionized it and changed the game. Tupelo, Mississippi was his home, and there he began singing with his parents at the local First Assembly of God Church. Later in his life, he decided to record a song at Memphis Recording Studio. A year later, the owner, Sam Phillips, called Elvis to try and uncover his talent; a few hours in, they realized the hidden gem they had stumbled upon. Elvis had a unique style, which he showcased through his attire, values, and captivating dance moves that challenged social norms and soon created an entirely new generation. During Elvis’s career, places like the South were racially segregated. However, his music had such a strong effect that he managed to break through these racial barriers. African American music was exposed to young white Americans, who had never before had the chance to experience it.

Fashion and Influence

Elvis never conformed to societal norms, particularly in his clothing choices, as he loved wearing oversized pieces. He also styled his hair with an extreme amount of grease, making him a sight to behold, though not everyone appreciated it. Many of his classmates, teachers, and even coworkers looked at him with disdain. “Elvis was told if he didn’t get a haircut, he would be fired… and it didn’t help when Dixie’s uncle, who had been telling him to get a haircut all along” (Guralnick, 1994). Unfortunately, this was only the beginning for the poor boy. However, he maintained his composure, building a wall to block out negative comments. As the decades passed, more people began to acknowledge his style. Most adults saw it as odd and bothersome, but his clothing choices gave teens a chance to embrace themselves and wear what they wanted, even if it broke social norms. Not only did he provide them with their own music, but the generation that grew up with Elvis was allowed to experience things that their predecessors did not, such as freedom of expression.

Societal Impact

Adults from the beginning to the end of his career did not appreciate Elvis and the way he presented himself. Some believed he was “the equivalent of a male strip teaser, with the exception that he doesn’t take his clothes off” (La Crosse, 1956). However, this perception was quite the opposite of reality. Granted, he seemed a little unconventional, but he saw no problem with the way he performed. During an interview, he said, “I don’t do no dirty body movements” (La Crosse, 1956). This was entirely true; teens finally dressed in a manner they never thought possible. People thought Elvis was a negative influence, but in reality, he was a positive force. He created a social revolution where sexuality could be expressed in any way a person saw fit. Elvis gave kids the ability to have an identity different from their parents. At the time, the U.S. was very segregated, more so in the South. Groups like the KKK were formed to ensure the separation of whites and blacks. Many events that occurred during the '50s and '60s gave African Americans a voice, but most whites in the South didn't like this and tried to keep them quiet. Listening to black music was strictly prohibited in white society, but with the help of Elvis, that eventually changed.

Musical Influence

This form of music became hated along with its creator, Elvis. He had great “respect for African American performers and their music, and disregarded the norms of segregation and racial prejudice then prevalent in the South” (Guralnick, 1994). Since American youth had never experienced black culture, Elvis's impact was rather profound. Elvis became a pivotal point for this type of music, and he was more than willing to discuss the importance of his inspiration from African American music. “The colored folks been singing it and playing it just like I’m doin’ now for more years than I know. They played it like that in the shanties and in their juke joints and nobody paid it no mind ‘til I goose it up. I got it from them, down in Tupelo, Mississippi. I used to hear old Arthur Crudup bang his box the way I do now, and I said if I ever got to the place I could feel all old Arthur felt, I’d be a music man like nobody ever saw” (Frisco, 1956). People knew this and did not like their kids listening to this type of music. With time, white Americans began to enjoy African music. Indirectly, he paved a path for African American artists, as people were finally willing to listen to artists of color. As both Elvis’s and other African American music grew in popularity, social norms and beliefs began to change in an incredibly positive way. Elvis revolutionized the music industry, but that was not the only thing; his music set the road for many more upcoming musicians. Susan Doll believes that “today’s generation automatically perceives music of the 1960s to be the model they return to for inspiration and influence. They look to artists such as Bob Dylan, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and James Brown” (Doll, 2009). The vibes, beats, and feel of rock 'n' roll started with the man, the myth, the legend, Elvis. Artists such as John Lennon have stated that “Before Elvis, there was nothing.” Greil Marcus believes that “Without the astonishing success of Elvis – nearly 500 million copies of his records had been sold by the time he died – rock 'n' roll might have been a passing fad” (Marcus, 1975).

Conclusion

Elvis was asked, “Who do you sound like?” Elvis answered, “I don’t sound like nobody.” Who knew this would be the defining moment of a new generation, one in which expression is in the eye of the beholder? Although Elvis was called foul names nonetheless, for example, Elvis the Pelvis, his parents referred to his music as devil music. People thought he was a wretched man, distasteful, perverted, etc. Even if adults chose not to embrace it, Elvis tweaked it and became revolutionary as he made his own piece of art, which allowed him to challenge social and moral values of the time. With a perfect mixture of blues, gospel, and country music, or what we call modern-day rock 'n' roll, Elvis was more than an artist; he was an inspiration to all. A light bringer for the hopeless. Elvis Presley, a man who did not judge based on looks but the soul itself, a man who gave a chance to the silenced, a man who gave teens the ability to be who they truly wanted to be. He was a revolutionist beyond belief, a boy who once started off as a mere poor boy living with his parents, moving from place to place, soon became a hero by not only changing the music industry but by altering American history as a whole. He gave us the biggest gift of all: freedom, and upon his death, spread his gift to other artists to continue spreading.

References

• Doll, S. (2009). Elvis Presley: A Life in Music. HarperCollins.
• Frisco, J. (1956). Radio Show Frisco. Retrieved from [source].
• Guralnick, P. (1994). Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley. Little, Brown and Company.
• La Crosse, W. (1956). Interview La Crosse. Retrieved from [source].
• Marcus, G. (1975). Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll Music. Plume.