How Did Frank Sinatra Influence American Pop Culture

Music is often considered “the universal language.” Throughout, history it has symbolized love, brought people together, and has been the cornerstone of many lives. In the 1950s, a new form of music entered American mass culture that drastically changed the culture of the United States (U.S.): rock music. In the U.S., it began as Rock ‘n’ Roll, a originally “black” music genre that was then taken and promulgated by white Americans. Post WWII, many Americans—especially teenagers—struggled with the newfound societal conformity and normalcy, and rock provided them a form of retaliation. From its beginning, Rock united the younger generation of Americans, stirring up a sense of community amongst teenagers and troubling many adults by their actions—heightening

There is no doubt that Elvis Presley’s impact on American society has revolutionized the world of music and movies, which eventually earned him the name . From truck driver to Rock and Roll icon, Presley’s charismatic attitude and dance moves became forever remembered in American history. His record-breaking career set a higher bar to many more musicians. Talented in both vocals and acting, his image alone speaks for its self.

Elvis’ impact on the American youth consumer market was noted on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. A business journalist, Louis M. Kohlmeier wrote, “Elvis Presley today is a business.” Elvis did indeed impact the United States massively, and changed the music industry forever. He was the first to step out from “traditional” music and created a new genre without the fear of rejection or

sang all kinds of music and that he didn’t sing like anybody else. Elvis’s singing career started when

He started developing a line of fans who were drawn to his unusual musical style and good looks (“About Education”). That same year, Presley signed with RCA Records, a deal worked out by Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager (Bio.com). Soon, Presley was everywhere- on the radio, television, working as a musician and acting (Keogh). He is believed to have sold more than one billion records worldwide, about 40 percent of those outside the U.S. (Bio.com). Elvis opened doors for both black and white music artists. He was by far the teen idol of his decade; greeted everywhere by screaming fans of young women (“Notable

The third and final way that Frank Sinatra influenced popular music was through setting new trends within the music industry, which continue today. The industry acquired two trends which later became the mainstream: the first was the decision for a vocalist to start a solo career, and the second being the popularization of the American Popular Songbook.

The foundations of today’s popular music were built by an unlikely source: a poor white

Chuck Berry had a distinct sound that gave him an edge in finding his audience. He began using the call-and-response with his volume pumped up guitar. He would evoke not just image but raw skill where he can make his guitar do the singing for him while he’s accompanied by his backing band. Elvis Presley never did write many of his songs. Most were written by his bandmates yet Elvis gave the music its charm and eventually its glorified time.

Have you ever heard of the Beatles or Elvis Presley? Well, I bet you have. Do you know who it was who helped give both the Beatles and Elvis Presley their debut in the music industry, and played a key role in the Beatles great success? Well, it was Ed Sullivan and if you want to find out more about this iconic figure in the history of entertainment then keep on reading. Ed Sullivan got his start by working as a newspaper columnist and then later getting chosen as the host of the variety show Toast of the Town which largely influenced popular culture and the entire music industry through its telecasts of Elvis Presley and the Beatles and by having all forms of entertainment appear on the show.

When the British showed up on the scene all chaos broke loose and Beatle fever made its way into every young girl’s heart of the generation. Britain had a very significant effect on the American music industry and the general population who listened and enjoyed their music. The main spearhead for this “Invasion” was The Beatles. One product of that invasion was Tom Petty who remembers it being “absolutely earthshaking," he also said "Culturally, it changed everything in America, and probably the world. The influence on every part of our lives was huge, from social issues to fashion issues to music issues.

Elvis Presley was the King of Rock N’ Roll (Doll 2014), when further analyzed, we believe he has also emerged as an influential leader and idol in today’s society because his music, Hollywood entertainment, and charitable donations (Doll 2014). As a poor southern boy he grew up being inspired by other cultures’ music and people and used that inspiration to encourage a generation to express themselves by exploring their freedom and finding their own identity (Wallace N.d). The findings are based on research compiled from archival data that we found via internet, books, journals, magazines, articles and newspapers. From that research we found emerging themes based on patterns in characteristics, implementations and the data. Ultimately

Elvis Presley was an icon for the Rock and Roll musical genre. He began recording in 1953, and remained popular throughout the sixties and seventies (Elvis Presley 1). Vernon and Gladys Presley from Tupelo, Mississippi welcomed Elvis Presley into the world on January 8, 1935. He was accompanied at his birth by a twin brother named Jesse Garon that was stillborn; and buried at their home. His family was not very wealthy, so his love for music started at his church - a place where he sang gospel music.

He tapped into the young teen market and thrilled audiences with his original style of music and hip-gyrating ‘bad-boy’ image. Entertainment was very much influenced by the American culture.

Did you know that prince wore man high heels? This made him stand out then all of the other singers. Prince made a huge impact on the Pop Cultural. And oh by the way prince’s name isn’t just actually prince its Prince Rogers Nelson. And Prince was a songwriter, American singer and played multiple instruments.

Frank Sinatra’s songs helped Italian Americans embrace their heritage. Sinatra brought various, diverse experiences and, through music, made them relatable to both United States citizens and non-citizens. The lyrics in which Sinatra sang allowed Italians to feel a sense of belonging in America. This project will focus on Frank Sinatra and how his music influenced Italian Americans. Though I do not have a personal stake in this subject matter, I believe it is important to tell this story in hopes that anyone going through change will start to realize that they are not alone. In this project I am looking to emphasize the role that Frank Sinatra’s music played in influencing Italian Americans and allowing them to not feel isolated.