How Did Elvis Presley Influence Pop Culture

Even though Presley did not have the best childhood, he made the most of it through music. Elvis Aron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi to Vernon and Gladys Presley (Elvis Presley Biography). Presley was supposed to have a twin brother named Jesse Garon, but he was stillborn (Elvis Presley Biography). This is important because Elvis’s life may have been different if he grew up with his brother, Jesse. Presley was raised with poor parents, with

Elvis Presley is one of the biggest names in rock and roll. Singer, musician and actor he was an American icon. He is best known as the King of Rock and Roll. His musical influence included the country and pop music of the time, the gospel music he sang in church and the black R&B music he listened to as a teenager (Comprehensive History of Elvis Presley’s Dynamic Life). Elvis has influenced American culture not only while he was living but also in today’s 21st century. It wasn’t easy for him to be accepted; in fact many adults and the older generations of his time were appalled by his performances and his music. In time though, people were able to accept him and he became well-known all over the world. Even after his death Americans are

Society was not ready for the steamy storm that would be Elvis Presley, but when it hit, they loved it. One of the most fascinating things Elvis has done is change society from prim to promiscuous. In the 1950s , things were on the safe side. No one was

Before the draft he had never traveled outside of the United States of America. Right after he got back from the Army he started on a new album called “Elvis is Back”, and right before he left for the Army his mother Gladys Presley died in August. While Presley was in the Army he met a girl named Priscilla who he later Marries. Then in 1968 Elvis Presley became a father with his daughter named Lisa Marie.

Elvis Presley was one of the most influential rock and roll singers in the American history. Presley’s work revolutionized the music and brought about significant changes in the entertainment industry. He grew up in an environment where racial segregation between the whites and African Americans was highly pronounced. In fact, Presley schooled in Memphis where he graduated from a whites-only high school. However, he upheld the Black’s music and made it possible for their music to be accessed by the White American youths. Presley’s tracks broke past the racial barrier as many teenagers loved his amazing voice. Through his music, he confronted racism and challenged both social and moral values. Elvis Presley changed the manner in which the Black minority were treated in the U.S. through his music, and this initiated the fights against racial discrimination leading to the civil rights movement.

So great was the change, some of the boys in the band had trouble recognizing him. After that, Elvis didn't work for five months.

"I can guarantee you one thing –we will never again agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis.” (Bangs 1) Elvis not only made significant contributions to the music industry, but he became the most famous idol across the world and in the U.S.A. Elvis Presley was regarded as one of most influential rock n’ roll performers of the century. If you say “The King of Rock” everyone will automatically know you are talking about Elvis Presley. Through his music, Elvis paved the road for African Americans to the music world, and he had essentially revolutionized American society and culture. He went against racism and began a whole new revolution for the music industry.

Elvis Aaron Presley, otherwise known as “The King” was born on January 8th, 1935. He came from simple beginnings; being born into a lower-class family in Tupelo, Mississippi. In 1948, at the age of 13 Elvis Presley and his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Soon he launched his incredibly successful music career with Sun Records at the age of 19 in 1954. His music was influenced by both African American and White artists causing his unique blend of country, pop, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Presley was heavily influenced by artists such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Buddy Holly. Though Presley was widely known for his “provocative” dances moves and his popularization of Rock n’ Roll Presley impacted American culture in a much larger aspect. His influence on Americans and American culture aided desegregation and civil rights during his period of influence and helped create “youth culture”.

Paul told Elvis “that if it weren’t for him there would be no Beatles, that he made it possible for everyone else, that he was the king”. Everyone looked up to him when it came to his music, in 1955 Elvis began to develop his fans they were drawn to his unusual musical style with his gyrating hips and good looks. Presley opened the door for white americans to listen to African American music, his popularity increased the opportunities for African Americans which had a positive effect on racial relations. Without Presley nobody would have the courage to form a band or have more opportunities for other

He broke the chains of the puritanical lifestyle of 1950s America. Despite the media constantly ridiculing him for being vulgar, incompetent, and a bad influence on society, the power of his music was too overbearing to suppress. He signaled to the masses that a new age has come. Mark Bernardo points this out in his book “Elvis Presley: Memphis”, in which he writes, “In the United States, rock ‘n’ roll had outgrown Memphis and become a national phenomenon. Elvis’ influence was evident in the new crop of teen idols that appeared on the scene, including Fabian, Frankie Avalon, and Paul Anka. All the while, the Colonel worked feverishly to keep Elvis’ music in the national spotlight, releasing singles at well-planned intervals; for the most part, his strategy was successful. But to the legions of Elvis fans who continued to listen to his tunes and read about his army exploits in magazines, nothing could compare to the thrill of seeing the King return home” (Bernardo, “Elvis Presley: Memphis”, 134). As a white Southerner performing blues mixed with country and gospel music, Elvis united American music in all aspects, including race and color, making him one of the most import social and cultural figures in history. Elvis had a way about him, in that his performances moved the masses, using a natural sexuality that drew teens to adore him, as well as attracting a generations of rebels as an international

Elvis Presley was, is, and will forever be known as the King of Rock and Roll. No matter what the public thought of him, he did what he loved because he believed in his music and lifestyle. Elvis once stated, “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.” This quote sparked a feeling of ambition and drove the dreams of almost every single rock and roll star who came after him. Elvis’ true passion for his music, inspired an inexplicable amount of people to pursue their dreams and be passionate about what they love. Elvis Presley by Tony Gentry explains how Elvis Presley became one of the most iconic figures in music history.

Elvis Presley was best known for his integration of R&B and country music. The public was scared that not only Presley would integrate music but also the white and black community. Which was something he did actually achieve according to Little Richard “He was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn’t let black music through. He opened the door for black music” (Elvis After 198). Parents were afraid of his music, considering it was said that he had a voice of a black man. He caused controversy, a white man singing black music on the radio.This controversy grew as Presley grew in

Elvis’ audience consisted of all races, ages, and gender; his style of music combined gospel, country, blues, and Rock and Roll. His “ Rockability” brought together thousands of people to his shows and events. Elvis’ music related to his thousands of fans, his dancing entertained thousands, and his movies,

When Elvis first appeared in the consciousness of America, rock and roll was still a new

Elvis’s music allowed them to be able to hear the amazing sound that came from this specific type of music. This began to bring the younger generations of different races together by liking one specific thing causing a huge change in society. Elvis’s clothing would also help to change America. White adults believed that Elvis dressed like a black person. He would wear baggy pants, leather jackets and a pink shirt with its collar up. More white teenagers would start to wear more types of clothing like this. White teenagers started to shop in stores that were owned by black businessmen. This was something that was just simply never done. Elvis’s dancing was the last part of him that would cause tension in America. He would dance sexually with hip thrusts and moving that was inappropriate. This would start a tread of new dancing though the teenagers. This upset adults that their children were more open about their sexuality. Simply, Elvis would start treads which can still be seen today. This was the start of the African American culture being mixed with mainstream culture.