Elvis Presley: Analysis Of His Tremendous Impact On The Society

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is the most influential artist of the 1950s. Elvis Presley’s childhood, in Tupelo in Mississippi, was less glamorous than it became in adulthood. His parents and he lived in poverty. Elvis’s early years and his circumstances in childhood influenced his music. Elvis’s unique singing, dancing and persona had a major impact on popular culture. This is evident in areas like sexuality, music and fashion. Elvis Presley has been imitated by many, but none can match his influence and life.

Elvis was raised in difficult circumstances, and his controversial lifestyle had a profound impact on the style of music he created. Elvis’s mother and dad lived in poverty, moved around and settled in Tupelo in Mississippi. The family could not afford the white neighborhoods in Tupelo so they settled in a neighborhood considered to be a respectable one for blacks. Elvis’s family moved from Memphis to Tennessee in his teenage years. Elvis would hang out at Beale Street, and other black areas of the town. Elvis was certainly influenced by the African-American culture around him, as he became known as the “white guy with the negro vibe” (Campbell). Elvis Presley’s family continued to be involved in First Assembly of God Church, and he sang in their choir when he was young. Elvis and some of his friends snuck away from church in Memphis Tennessee and went to a colored church. Elvis used to visit South Spring Street as a child to watch the WELO performers. Elvis was able to perform the two songs that he knew on radio broadcasts with Mississippi Slim on guitar. Slim’s guitar skills inspired Elvis, who asked for lessons and requested that he teach him some new songs. Elvis’s passion grew as he listened to country music on Grand Ole Opry and heard gospel songs at church.

Elvis, while not being the creator of rock androll, was a major influence on its commercial success at a moment when it wasn’t popular. Elvis contributed to rock by giving it a fresh look, sound, and attitude. Elvis’s music was not played by some country-western stations because of its black sound. In one year, however, “Mystery Train”, a rockabilly version of Junior Parker’s rhythm-and-blues song, became the #1 national country western radio hit. Elvis’s original rhythm-and-blues version of “Mystery Train” was a standard Elvis rockabilly. Elvis introduced a country-flavored rock and roll. Elvis’ musical contribution was not as important, even though he had a major impact on the popular culture. He represented a musical style and brought a fresh vocal sound to popular music. But after Elvis, the rock genre took a completely different direction (Campbell). Elvis remained England’s top choice each year, even though America did not export music. Elvis’s music career ended in 1958, after a period of three years. He was inducted into service. Elvis answered a report that “he’d be happy to go wherever they called him” (Guralnick). Elvis remained king of rock ‘n’ roll once he arrived home but he couldn’t recapture that sparkle he used to have before he left.

Elvis’s impact has been felt for decades, and even generations. His influence was not limited to musicians alone but also extended to the entire society. Elvis was a household word for both those who loved and hated him. Elvis did not change despite all the criticism. Elvis enjoyed performing and did not feel embarrassed. He was a “liberating presence” for the new generation of singers. Elvis appeared in 4 movies before joining the army. In each movie, he showed off his dancing ability. Other actors looked more choreographed. Elvis seemed most relaxed. His spontaneity and freedom was the antithesis of other artists who at that time preferred to stand on the stage and sing.

Elvis had a profound impact on society in terms of music, fashion and sexuality. He also influenced attitudes against authority. Elvis was successful in bridging musical and ethnic barriers with his blend of genres. By combining musical genres, he was able to introduce black music to both whites and blacks. Elvis’s blending of cultures and music could have had a profound impact on society. At a time of rampant racism, his fashion sense caused much controversy. Elvis’ rebellious approach appealed to teens. He projected an aggressive singing style, a greased-pomadour as well as a rough-teen dress. His fashion sense and pompadour were copied by many. He wore suits worn primarily by African Americans, but many teens at the time also copied his style. Elvis’s hips were the subject of national debate. His movements were so outrageous they only allowed shows to be shot from his waist. Many parents disliked the practice but it was copied by many young people. Elvis’s sexual blatantity was the seed for the “free-love” attitude in the 1960s. Elvis Presley’s controversy caused many parents to fear their teens would mimic his unsavory actions. The opposite happened, as teens began to flock to his concerts, increasing his popularity. The anti-authority attitude was a key part of rock’n’roll, from punk to rockabilly and heavy metal. (Black)

Elvis’s life was far from ordinary. Gladys Presley gave birth to him as a twin. His brother, however, was stillborn. Elvis was an only child and loved his parents deeply. As a famous person, he made sure to do everything possible to provide for their needs. Before he was famous, he worked to support his family. Elvis was well aware of what it meant to be poor. His father, who was not known to be ambitious and was constantly changing jobs to barely make ends meet, was a man with little ambition. The family fled Tupelo and moved to Memphis, hoping for better times. They had been living in poverty in Mississippi. Elvis lived in Mississippi during a time of widespread racism. Elvis appeared to be oblivious to race. Vernon was quoted just before Vernon’s passing saying that “we had no prejudice.” We never criticized anyone. Elvis did not either” (Guralnick 29). Elvis’s music appreciation grew as he realised he had talent. He decided to make money from it. In 1953, he entered Sam Phillips Recording Service for his demo. Elvis was aware that no one else sounded like him. Elvis gained the fame he wanted since he first started singing. Elvis prospered, despite his personal struggles and the controversy that surrounded his music.

Elvis’s influence on popular culture continues to grow even though his musical contribution is not as important as some would think. Elvis’s musical talents flourished thanks to his love of music, which he developed at a young age. He also received constant support from his family. Elvis’s impact on society is evident by the prevalence of sexuality and opinionated youth in modern culture. Elvis’s influence on music and culture has had a profound impact on our society. Elvis’s influence and fame will never fade away, thanks to Elvis impersonators and memorials. Elvis blended race lines when others thought it was impossible. Elvis’ memory and his impact on culture and music are worth remembering. It’s a shame he didn’t live to see what he could do for society.

Author

  • kaylarusso

    Kayla Russo is an educational blogger and volunteer and student. She is a 27 yo educational blogger and volunteer and student who loves to help others learn.

kaylarusso

kaylarusso

Kayla Russo is an educational blogger and volunteer and student. She is a 27 yo educational blogger and volunteer and student who loves to help others learn.

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