Elvis Presley Biography

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American popular music originated primarily in the South. New Orleans was the birthplace of Jazz while Memphis was home of the blues. Both of these authentic American sounds had their roots in African sounds and rhythms brought to the New World on slave ships. For generations, Jazz and Blues were primarily associated with black musicians and singers. Many white artists were attracted to the beat of these sounds, but the music industry was controlled by white musicians and white recording artists. Records by black musicians were not played on mainstream radio stations during the day. Then a young white man from Tupelo, Mississippi changed the world of American music. Elvis Aaron Presley signed a deal with Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee, and rock n’ roll music was born. Elvis Aaron Presley was born January 8, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley in Tupelo, Mississippi. Presley was born in a two-room house called the “Shotgun Shack” built by his father, Vernon. It was called the “shotgun shack”” because if you shot a shotgun from the front of the house it would exit without hitting anyone or anything in it. Presley’s parents relied on welfare to ay for the fifteen dollar delivery of Elvis, as well depending on family and friends. Not many people know it, but Elvis was born with a twin, Jessie Garon Presley. The twin was stillborn, and Gladys believed that Elvis got the strength of the other. After the birth, Gladys and Elvis were taken to the hospital. Gladys was told she could not have any more children. In Elvis’s early life, he never lacked for love from either of his parents. Gladys went everywhere with him and was very protective; she walked him to school until he was a teen. He was very attached to his mother.... ... middle of paper ... ...ion records. He had fourteen Grammy nominations with three wins, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age thirty-six, and received one of ten Most Outstanding Young Men of the Nation in 1970. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. Rock n’ Roll was a new era that made people challenge what they could do with their lives. Elvis changed how people thought and listened to music. He changed the lives of many people; especially teens looking for a way to express themselves and find their own identity. His music may not have been appreciated by many adults, but it touched many of them in a way that will never be forgotten. Even though Elvis did many irrational things throughout his life, people still love and remember him for the good he brought to this world and cherish the way he changed American music forever. Long live the King of Rock n’ Roll.

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