The Legacy of Elvis Presley
explanatory Essay
2508 words
Many of us have a dream in life to be remembered by all for something great. It’s a lofty goal that only few have, or ever will achieve. Elvis Presley was one of the few people in our American history that achieved this status. Known as “The King of Rock and Roll”, his achievements have influenced our country like none of its precedents. This paper will explain Elvis Presley’s life, his death, and his profound influence after life.
On January 8th, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, the “King of Rock and Roll” was born. His name was Elvis Presley. He was the son of Vernon Presley who was a truck driver, and his mother was Gladys, a sewing machine operator. He had a twin brother named Jesse, but he was still born, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. His father was hardly around, and he was imprisoned for three years for forgery. Surrounding him as a child though, was the gospel music of the Pentecost church, where his love for music first took roots in his heart. In the fifth grade his teacher Oletta Grimes asked Elvis to participate in the talent contest on Children’s Day at the Mississippi – Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. At age ten, he donned his cowboy hat and slipped into a cowboy suit to sing in the talent show, but he was in need of a chair in order to reach the microphone. He sang his personal rendition of Red Foley’s “Old Shep”; it won him a second prize and a free ticket for all the numerous rides in the park. His following Birthday, he received his first guitar from the Tupelo Hardware Store and took lessons from his dad’s brother. In 1948 his family picked up their life and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. It was there that he was exposed to the rhythmic sound of the blues, as well as Jazz on Beale Street, where he grew up...
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...'Embarrassing' Case of Chronic Constipation - FoxNews.com." FoxNews.com - Breaking News | Latest News | Current News. Web. 6 May 2011. .
Rohter, Larry, and Tom Zito. "WashingtonPost.com: Rock Idol Elvis Presley Dies at 42." The Washington Post: National, World & D.C. Area News and Headlines - The Washington Post. Web. 6 May 2011. .
"Top 10 People Rumored To Be Alive After Death." Top 10 Lists - Listverse. Web. 6 May 2011. .
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Zeinert, Karen. Celebrate The States. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 1998. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains elvis presley's life, his death, and his profound influence after life.
- Narrates how elvis presley was born on january 8, 1935 in tupelo, mississippi. his father was imprisoned for three years for forgery.
- Narrates how elvis was cut because he wouldn't trim his side burns and ducktail. after graduating from high school in 1953, elvis chose the memphis recording studio to record his voice.
- Narrates how elvis dazzled and emancipated the teenage audience with his historic string of hits, including "don't be cruel," "hound dog", "love me tender", and "jailhouse rock."
- Analyzes how priscilla knew she was marrying elvis, but also his group. the couple had one child, lisa marie, who was named after her.
- Explains that elvis was hospitalized for health problems in 1973, 1975, and 1977, which resulted in the cancellation of some shows. elvis continued to do what he's always done.
- Explains that elvis was pronounced dead at 3:30 pm and it was estimated he died only 30 minutes after entering the bathroom at 10:00 am.
- Explains that elvis's physician, dr. nichopoulos, claims that the real cause of death was actually his constipation.
- Describes how elvis's music was played 24/7, and the air waves were filled with the reaction to his death. he was inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame.
- Opines that elvis is a musical inspiration for many artists whose life and death have influenced the country we are today.
- Explains that "culture shock: flashpoints: music and dance: elvis presley."
- Describes elvis presley's biography, the rock and roll hall of fame and museum, and its inductees.
- Explains that elvis presley dies; rock singer was 42. the new york times, breaking news, world news & multimedia.
- Narrates elvis death - elvis presley death and elvis' death, which took place on 16 august 1977.
- States that elvis presley's doctor claims he died of an 'embarrassing' case of chronic constipation.
Related
- explanatory
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- Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Rollexplanatory essayElvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a two room house that was built by his dad, Vernon. Elvis loved his parents dearly and had a very close relationship with his mom, Gladys. He also had a profound faith in God. The family had little money, but Elvis’s parents did their best to provide for him. His childhood, the height of his fame, and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death made him the icon of the 1950’s that he is today.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that elvis' popularity grew instantly and the height of his fame began when he signed his first contract with rca records and his manager, tom parker, negotiated the sale of five unreleased singles.
- Explains that elvis continued recording music and filming for movies. in 1957, he purchased graceland, his house in memphis, tennessee, for $102,500.
- Narrates how elvis was drafted into the us army and stationed in germany, where he met his future wife, priscilla, and shortly after they married, they had their first and only child, lisa marie presley.
- Explains that elvis aaron presley was born in 1935 in tupelo, mississippi, in a two-room house built by his dad, vernon. his family struggled to get by, but they never left their strong christian faith.
- Explains that elvis's childhood, fame, and death made him the icon of the 1950s that he is today. graceland opened to the public in 1982 and serves as a place for elvis fans to go in order to keep his memory alive.
756 wordsRead More - Elvis Presley Influencesargumentative essay...sley performed his music in all types of genres. Presley allowed musicians to step out of the box and be their selves. He had hit songs in gospel, rock, pop, and country. Although he lived a short life, he is still famous in some people’s eyes. I met a woman who had attended one of Elvis’s performances and she said it was the best concert she had ever been to. During the concert she said Elvis was dancing and all the girls were going crazy as always. He removed his scarf and threw it into the crowd she was the lucky one who caught it. She still has his scarf in her house, and will never forget the memories of that night. Elvis passed away on August 16, 1977 in his home from heart failure. The King still lives on in many people’s lives and his music career helped many people. Elvis Presley led the way for many musicians, and has impacted the lives of many people.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that "don't be cruel" and "hound dog" were the longest number one status in rock era. the song was purchased from otis blackwell who wrote many of presley's hits.
- Analyzes how elvis presley was introduced to gospel at a very young age and created several gospel songs, including "how great thou art".
- Explains that elvis's career began to slow down in the 1970s. he recorded the live album "one stage" and released his single "the wonder of you."
- Concludes that elvis presley led the way for many musicians, and has impacted the lives of many people.
- Describes elvis presley as a well-known musician who combined pop, country, gospel, and black r&b to create his musical style.
994 wordsRead More - Elvis Presleyanalytical essay"Numerous singers, guitarists and pianists have achieved popularity since the first decade of rock'n roll, but only one has become immortal: Elvis Presley." (Bangs 1)
In this essay, the author
- Narrates how elvis presley was born in tupelo, mississippi in 1935. his twin brother, jessie garon, was stillborn, leaving him to grow up as an only child.
- Explains elvis' musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church, and at the all-night gospel sings.
- Explains that elvis purchased the graceland estate in memphis in 1957. he enlisted in the u.s. army and spent the next two years in germany, where his lifelong love affair with karate began.
- Explains that elvis returned to the u.s. in 1960, his manager tom parker did everything he could to renew interest in the king.
- Describes elvis's "early years," or as some might call them his "rebel years." he was a nave, charming southern man who slowly lost his innocence.
- Analyzes how elvis gave up live concerts and television appearances during 1960-1969. the hollywood years nearly destroyed elvis's music career.
- Recounts how elvis and priscilla married at the aladdin hotel in las vegas on may 1, 1968, and lisa marie presley was born on february 1, 1958.
- Describes how elvis faced television cameras and a live audience for the first time in seven years. in his 1968 "comeback special," elvis energized his fading image in front of the world.
- Analyzes how a man who has lost himself finds his way back home. he sang with the kind of power people no longer associate with rock n' roll singers.
- Describes elvis' "vegas years" as a time period where he wore jumpsuits in colors of red, blue, white and cold, covered with studs and rhinestones. the 1970's were set with the famous line "ladies and gentlemen, elvis has left the building."
- Explains that elvis performed 1,126 concerts from 1969- 1977, including eight weeks in las vegas per year. the long days and nights took a toll on elvis physically and emotionally.
- Explains that elvis became a chronic overspender in the mid-1970s. born poor, he grew up dreaming of having great amounts of money.
- Explains that elvis' body was filled with flashy gold chains, bracelets of gold and silver, belt buckles and rings on every finger. his favorite ring featured an 11.4 carat diamond and the letters tcb.
- Explains that drugs were elvis's downfall. he took dexadrine to stay awake during guard duty, and since those pills gave him trouble sleeping, he was prescribed sleeping pills. his doctor prescribed 5,684 narcotic and amphetamine pills between january 20 and august 16, 1977.
- Narrates how elvis aaron presley went to bed at four or five a.m. on august 16, 1977. his girlfriend, ginger alden, warned him not to fall asleep while going to the bathroom and his last words were "okay, i won't."
- Analyzes how the world took a renewed interest in elvis's career in the weeks after his death. stores sold out of elvis merchandise and he sold an astonishing 200 million records.
- Opines that elvis redefined the notion of fame with a sound and style that combined his musical influences and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time.
- Describes the works of peter harry and pat h. broeske. down at the end of lonely street.
- Analyzes thompson ii, charles c., and cole, james p. the death of elvis.
1394 wordsRead More - Elvis Presleyexplanatory essayElvis Presley was a legend in rock and roll in life. He still is the king of rock and roll even in death. He was born on January 8 1935 in Mississippi in 1948 his family moved to Memphis Tennessee, where he graduated high school from Humes High School. He was attracted to music at a young age and began his music career in 1954 with Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955 his recording contract was bought by RCA Victor. By 1956 he was an international sensation. He starred in 33 films and did hundreds of shows and specials. This success would eventually lead him to an early death.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that elvis presley was a legend in rock and roll in life. he was born on january 8 1935 in mississippi and graduated high school in memphis, tennessee.
- Explains that elvis was the most popular entertainer in the world, a figure of constant attention who came off as the boy next door while his life grew increasingly bizarre.
- Narrates how elvis' health plummeted as his weight ballooned, and how quickly he arrived at the university of maryland.
- Narrates how elvis was admitted to the hospital for an enlarged colon, which was confirmed years later by dr. nichopoulos.
- Describes how elvis arrived at graceland with his father, joe esposito, linda thompson, and a few bodyguards on january 28th.
- Explains that elvis' enlarged colon and drug detoxification were two serious problems treated during his three-week stay. hepatitis one never discussed publicly showed up in a liver biopsy.
- Explains that the final week in elvis' life was memorable only because it was the last week. he played racquetball in the court behind his house, watched gospel shows on television, and continued to make wedding plans.
- Analyzes how the man started a fast on august 14th to lose weight before going on tour. he didn't take any ionamin, the appetite suppressant he'd favored for so long.
- Recounts how elvis awoke at four p.m. and played with his daughter, lisa, on the grounds. in the early evening, elvis called his dentist at home and asked if he and ginger could see him.
- Describes how elvis arrived in his customized stutz bearcat with ginger. dr. hofman had never met ginger, so elvis introduced her.
- Describes how elvis called dick grob, one of his security men, and handed him a list of songs he decided to add to his concert repertoire.
- Narrates how ginger fell asleep, leaving elvis alone, reading a book on the bed beside her. he told her he couldn't sleep and was going into the bathroom to take some of his medication.
- Explains that elvis had as many as ten different drugs coursing through his body, taking control of his brain, his heart, and morphine and chloropheniramine.
- Describes how elvis sat staring at the open book in his lap, his chin dropped to his chest, the big body slumped imperceptibly then shifted and toppled
1415 wordsRead More - How Did Elvis Presley Influence Pop Cultureexplanatory essayThe 1950s had many types popular music with Rock n' Roll being the most influential on the nations youth. Elvis Presley was the greatest Rock n' Roll star and was a symbol of youth rebellion. He was an American singer, actor, and best known as the king of rock n' roll. His successful performances in a variety a genres made him the most popular performer of his day and one of the most influential figures in pop-culture history. "Elvis Presley's 1956 appearance on TV's Ed Sullivan Show touched off a frenzy of teen adulation - and a flood of letters from parents scandalized by his 'gyrations'" (Norton, Mary Beth. Chapter 25: America at Midcentury 1945-1960. In A People & A Nation, p. 767). Other famous and influential singers were Bill
In this essay, the author
- Explains that elvis presley was the greatest rock n' roll star of his day and one of the most influential figures in pop-culture history.
373 wordsRead More - The Elvis Crazeopinion essayThe public made Elvis Presley larger than life, better known than Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and in some cases God Himself.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the public made elvis presley larger than life, better known than jimi hendrix, john lennon and in some cases god himself.
- Analyzes how jack gould's essay "tv: new phenomenon" conveyed that elvis had no discernible singing ability. there are websites dedicated to proving elvis and jesus are one and the same.
- Explains that elvis aaron presley ascended from his dirt poor roots to superstar status, and the diversity in his style contributed to his assorted fan base.
- Analyzes how elvis' mixed gospel, country, and r & b background drew diverse crowds. his songs such as "hound dog" and "don't be cruel" went to #1.
- Explains that elvis started concentrating more on movies after a brief stint in the us army. he made gi blues, blue hawaii, viva las vegas, and fun in acapulco.
- Opines that elvis's "elvis myth" that is discussed in griel marcus' essay, presliad, would not have grossed half the money, and his career would have taken a turn for the worse.
- Explains marcus' theory of the elvis "myth" in his essay, "performing a kind of enormous victory rather than winning it, elvis strides the boards with such glamour, such magnetism, that he allows his audience to transcend their desire for his talent."
- Narrates how elvis began his vegas career with colonel parker's urging, and his wife of 6 years, who was 11 years younger than him, divorced in 1973. the touring and appearances proved too much for the couple.
- Explains that elvis loved down-home country cooking, and would gorge himself when not touring. when it came time to tour again, he would go on ridiculous diets and become hooked on non-prescription and prescription drugs.
- Opines that elvis was a mess onstage, mumbling his words, and trying his hardest to belt out his famous tunes. rupert matthews writes about his june 21, 1977 concert.
- Opines that elvis's public was so consumed with the myth of elvis, they barely noticed or cared.
- Opines that the reason they don't care for elvis may be the times in which they grew up. they have never put anyone on a pedestal and glorified him or her as so many have done with elvis.
- Explains that they had no clue as to why anyone would waste a week of their life to attend "elvis week" and to pay homage to the great "king of rock 'n' roll."
853 wordsRead More - Researchanalytical essayElvis Presley is not known as the King of Rock and Roll for any old reason. He revolutionized the music of his time and greatly affected the music that would come after him. The development of the music style known as Rock and Roll stemmed from many different types of music that were already in existence. Elvis’ musical style was generated from three main genres. He fused African American blues, southern country western and Christian gospel music together to form his unique sound (Jeansonne). His early music fell under a genre known as “rockabilly” which then evolved into his own style of Rock and Roll. Rockabilly is known as one of the earliest, rawest forms of rock and roll. It is the blending of bluegrass and rhythm and blues which led to an upbeat lighthearted musical style and lyrics.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that elvis presley is not known as the king of rock and roll for any old reason. he revolutionized the music of his time and greatly affected music that would follow him.
- Explains that rockabilly was formed in the southern united states with its pioneers being the likes of elvis, bill haley, carl perkins, jerry lee lewis and many more.
- Explains that rock and roll resembles blues and country western, and that elvis strayed to many different ends of the rock-and-roll spectrum as a catalyst for his music.
- Argues that elvis was a cultural pioneer as well as musical pioneer. his ability to connect with audiences gave him an image that was larger than life.
674 wordsRead More - Society’s Thoughts on Thoughtsanalytical essayFraser, Benson P., and William J. Brown. "Identification With Elvis Presley." Media, Celebrities, and Social Influence. 5.2 (2002): 183-206. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that society should be questioning every opinion out in the world because people produce false statements.
- Analyzes how nbc organized a telethon to raise money for the aftermath of hurricane katrina, and how the producers didn't have time to blur it out.
- Describes the four questions people should be asking themselves in ethics and entertainment. the first is to recognize where the celebrity is deriving their emotions.
- Explains that celebrities have internal relationships with the camera crew, editors, journalists, etc., which alter the original views of a celebrity's belief.
- Analyzes how michael moore's "thank you speech" was one of many ways celebrities communicated to the public for the better of the nation and to invoke debates compared to riots and violence.
- Describes some of the topics covered in the book, "the place of media power, pilgrims and witnesses of the media age."
1535 wordsRead More - How Elvis Presley Brought Racial Equalityanalytical essayLike Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” In the 1950’s the South was heavily racially segregated. Elvis Presley unintentionally put himself in the position to become a valuable instrument in the battle against segregation. “Without casting himself as a fighter for racial equality, Elvis became a subversive standard bearer for cultural desegregation at a time when the codified racism of the South was under increasing pressure.” How did an uneducated white hillbilly from the south influence both black and white teenagers against segregation? It was quite simple, for Elvis Presley had a unique talent of combining traditional black music; such as the blues and jazz, with the traditional white music; like country and white gospel. This unique style of blending different types of music, gave Elvis the edge on the musical racial barriers America was facing; and open the path for both sides to enjoy the music together and therefore desegregated.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how elvis presley unintentionally became a valuable instrument in the battle against segregation. his unique talent of blending different types of music gave him the edge on the musical racial barriers america was facing.
- Explains that elvis presley was born on january 8, 1935 in tupelo, mississippi, to vernon and gladys presley. he learned to play the guitar from family members and sang regularly with his parents at first assembly of god church.
- Analyzes how elvis' "walk a mile in my shoes" tells listeners to try viewing people by their experiences and not what they may believe to be right or wrong.
- Explains that americans in the 1950's were mostly financially successful. they had disposable income and freedom unlike the previous generation. elvis' provocative dance moves, flashy outfits, and diverse music became the master of individuality.
- Analyzes how elvis' unique style of blending different types of music opened the path for both sides, blacks and whites alike, to enjoy the music together.
624 wordsRead More - Elvis Presley's Influence On Pop Cultureanalytical essayThe rhythm and blues that Presley listened to throughout his years, whether in church or on the streets of Memphis, became a part of the way he sang and played. Taking the fundamentals of rhythm-and-blues, giving it a sense of speed, and with a voice full of passion, he popularized this genre of music. With his style of music and stirring performances in concerts, he was a role model for many who would eventually become musicians themselves. With his music that included both white and black-created influences, and his movement when singing, he gathered a multitude of fans and spread rock and roll across America. Elvis Presley changed the way music is today. He gave musicians a more sped up rhythm and exciting motion that intrigued an entirely different generation of fans. Without him, the music that millions listen to today could be vastly or slightly different, but it still would not be exactly what it is
In this essay, the author
- Explains that elvis presley was born on january 8, 1935, in tupelo, mississippi. his interracial style of music and hip-shaking performances on stage created a wider fan base for the genre of rock and roll.
- Explains that presley grew up listening to gospel, country, and blues, influencing his music style, which led him to success.
- Analyzes how elvis presley popularized music by black musicians because he learned how to sing and play with blues inflections.
- Analyzes how elvis created an entirely new type of music with both black and white influences, which led to many being inspired to become future artists.
- Analyzes how elvis presley spread rock 'n' roll music across the country and revolutionized popular culture.
- Analyzes how elvis presley popularized black-originated music, inspired future artists, and spread rock 'n' roll across the country because of the rhythm and blues that influenced him.
1637 wordsRead More