Elvis Presley Influences

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Elvis Presley was more than just a singer songwriter from Tupelo, Mississippi. He was a revolutionary and a visionary, who reshaped the very nature of music itself for generations to come. His musical style transcended his time period, and his distinct sound has inspired artists to this day. Elvis’s musical fusion of rootsy blues and gospel rock was a style none had heard the likes of which in his time. He was an intriguing character to all, adored by many and detested by the rest. His stylish wardrobe, instantly recognizable voice, and unique personality as a performer distinguished him beyond a musician. Elvis moved and acted on stage in a way no other artist at the time did. All these attributes and qualities not only attracted Elvis a wide …show more content…

Elvis Presley had charisma, charm, and confidence, and this in addition to his pioneering of the rock music genre is what impacted and influenced so many lives. Without Elvis, the world as we know it would most certainly be a very different place. To understand why Elvis was so influential, you must first fully understand the time period which surrounded the man himself. Elvis was immersed in the previous generation's culture. Beautiful music and jazz were the standard at the time. The sharp contrast of Elvis’s music is the reason why he was globally praised. While Elvis himself never took credit for rock and roll, he certainly defined what its signature sound truly was amongst his fellow rock revolutionaries with his rockabilly sound (“Who Really Invented Rock ‘n’ Roll,” 2004). Although Elvis is often remembered for his funny voice and a tall hairdo, there …show more content…

When a national sensation is made, a national reformation is close to follow. Elvis’s cultural impact was just about unheard of in his day and age. You either loved or hated Elvis, but there was no in between. Some would say Elvis encouraged the American dream. He was the personification of rebellion in a generation of ready rebels. He liberated and freed new thoughts and expressions. He taught an entire nation of young teens how to party, and what more he did so by isolating an entire previous generation. While it was never Elvis’s intention to divide anyone, quite the opposite in fact, he separated critic and fanatic about as far as anyone could. To the fanatics he was the object of their adoration and obsession. To the parents of the fanatics, he was a threat to American society as they knew it. He was considered a moral danger to young women as he not only represented musical revolution, but even sexual liberation to many. The Catholic Church even denounced him in a headline stating, “Beware Elvis Presley” (“Elvis Presley - A Danger to American Culture?” 2007). Riots broke out at his concerts, and armed forces were even called upon to prevent total destruction when he performed. While Elvis did encourage liberation, freedom, and rebellion, at his inception, there was so much more he had to share. This became clear to the public eye when he was drafted into

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