My two figures I would choose to compare, and contrast would be Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Elvis Presley was the first real star in the rock and roll, came from nothing to all-time best. Michael Jackson, the leader in the pop scene also started at nothing. However, both artists had their differences and their own path of history, both marked major scenes in history. Elvis Presley, Born January 8, 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi, Presley was the son of Gladys and Vernon Presley, a sewing-machine operator and a truck driver. (Rolling Stones) It all started when Elvis recorded a cover of the old blues number “That’s All Right (Mama)” in downtown Memphis. The recording was a huge hit and was played all the time on local radio stations. From there, Elvis and his band evolved a distinctive …show more content…
Elvis’s music was so prodigious and powerful that it transformed the way teenager’s perceived music. Presley’s music formed a spur amongst teenagers and provided a method for the youth to go crazy and express themselves the way they desired, instead of being forced to act like how their parents thought was right for them. Because of Elvis’s music, teenagers started thinking differently from their parents’ generation and even started dressing differently and changing their life style to mimic the King of Rock. Males would try to imitate Elvis by wearing his hairstyle, growing side burns like him, and even dressing the way he did. Females drooled over Elvis for how handsome he was something that made many parents oppose Elvis’s music. The youth was able to do all this because at that time of economic prosperity, teenagers no longer relied on their parents for money and lived life freely doing what every they wanted. Elvis’s music gave the youth a new way to look at the world and represented a rebellious attitude which they never had before, something no other artist had been able to do before in the world of pop
Music was a part of everyday life for teenagers as well as their parents. As teenagers were given more opportunities in the decisions they were making for their own futures, they also thought they should have the opportunity to listen to whatever music they wanted to. Elvis Presley became very popular during this time period and many of the teens began to imitate him in their daily lives, (Mathieson). With these actions happening, it
Elvis Presley is one of the biggest names in rock and roll. Singer, musician and actor he was an American icon. He is best known as the King of Rock and Roll. His musical influence included the country and pop music of the time, the gospel music he sang in church and the black R&B music he listened to as a teenager (Comprehensive History of Elvis Presley’s Dynamic Life). Elvis has influenced American culture not only while he was living but also in today’s 21st century. It wasn’t easy for him to be accepted; in fact many adults and the older generations of his time were appalled by his performances and his music. In time though, people were able to accept him and he became well-known all over the world. Even after his death Americans are
Elvis Presley was one of the most influential rock and roll singers in the American history. Presley’s work revolutionized the music and brought about significant changes in the entertainment industry. He grew up in an environment where racial segregation between the whites and African Americans was highly pronounced. In fact, Presley schooled in Memphis where he graduated from a whites-only high school. However, he upheld the Black’s music and made it possible for their music to be accessed by the White American youths. Presley’s tracks broke past the racial barrier as many teenagers loved his amazing voice. Through his music, he confronted racism and challenged both social and moral values. Elvis Presley changed the manner in which the Black minority were treated in the U.S. through his music, and this initiated the fights against racial discrimination leading to the civil rights movement.
Elvis Aaron Presley, otherwise known as “The King” was born on January 8th, 1935. He came from simple beginnings; being born into a lower-class family in Tupelo, Mississippi. In 1948, at the age of 13 Elvis Presley and his family moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Soon he launched his incredibly successful music career with Sun Records at the age of 19 in 1954. His music was influenced by both African American and White artists causing his unique blend of country, pop, rhythm and blues, and gospel music. Presley was heavily influenced by artists such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Buddy Holly. Though Presley was widely known for his “provocative” dances moves and his popularization of Rock n’ Roll Presley impacted American culture in a much larger aspect. His influence on Americans and American culture aided desegregation and civil rights during his period of influence and helped create “youth culture”.
When Elvis was born, Jessie Garon, Elvis’s twin brother, was stillborn. From then on, Elvis’s mother, Gladys Presley, was so scared to think that she would lose Elvis too, that she didn’t let him out of her sight. When he first started school, it was sad. People judged him by the clothes he wore and that his mom walked him to school everyday. From the very beginning, Elvis’s family didn’t
Elvis Presley was best known for his integration of R&B and country music. The public was scared that not only Presley would integrate music but also the white and black community. Which was something he did actually achieve according to Little Richard “He was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn’t let black music through. He opened the door for black music” (Elvis After 198). Parents were afraid of his music, considering it was said that he had a voice of a black man. He caused controversy, a white man singing black music on the radio.This controversy grew as Presley grew in
Elvis Presley’ musical career has many differences from Frank Sinatra’s, while they still share some similarities such as their fan base and their middle lower social status. The differences between them are affected by many factors such as the development of technology, social environment and so on.
Additionally, people made a change in the music they listened to. Elvis Presley the pioneer of rock and roll changed entertainment forever. Elvis’s fleshy face, erotic physique and sexually suggestive gyrations attracted the baby boomer of the decade. Because of these features and his unique dance moves, he faces controversy in the face of the media and some common American people. Parents did not want their children to adapt to the “King’s” ways. The new attitude followed on youths disobeying order. The same situation would follow on to the next decade and eventually on to the future.
Elvis Presley’s effect on the world of music has been felt for more than 40 years after his death. Before his death he was ”the teen idol of his decade” (Britannica). He was widely known as the king of rock ‘n’ roll. He was always the “top attraction in the USA”(Britannica). Although he was popularly known for one genre of music he still inspired thousands of musicians to follow their love of music.
In 1956, he was the symbol for the youth culture in America, yet “his unique blending of white country and gospel music, black R&B and gospel, white pop music, his particular brand of charisma and talent, and the resulting success and controversy, have helped him ... a cycle of change in music and pop culture and the mores of American society” (Graceland The home of Elvis Presley). Elvis was the courage of youth teenagers, because they loved him the way he sang, dance, and changed music and rock and roll culture to a next
They believed his music was an attempt at corruption by the black culture, and accused Elvis of stealing “the black man’s music.” Elvis revolutionized the way the world looked at music. He starred in movies, made music, videos, and appeared on television in the living rooms of crazed fans all over the country. He wasn’t playing anyone’s music, but his own. He didn’t apologize for anything, and his rebellious attitude developed what we now understand to be the Rock n’ Roll Lifestyle.
Elvis, a guy that lived in a small town with tons of undiscovered talent, soon to be the biggest name in music. Elvis had a good life, from his young age to his death. He had the looks, the style, and the voice all the ladies wanted. His young life was how it all started and how he slowly became huge. Next he was just starting in the music industry and getting his name out there.
Elvis Presley who grew up to be a brilliant star I. Introduction One of the most significant characters in the music history is Elvis Presley, a man who was born to be a star and to earn a widespread fame throughout his musical style. The king of pop “n” roll as he is entitled was born in 1935, Tupelo for a family used to move frequently from place to another. By attending the assembly of church, Elvis raised to have a strong faith in God where the gospel music had a great influence for him and was a main reason that he grew up to be a great musician. Since the beginning of his career, Elvis Presley earned a widespread fame and his music has had a great cultural impact. In this context, Rolling stone magazine described him as an American music giant of the 20th century who changed the course of culture and music in the mid 50th whose music was widely influenced by the Christian gospels , African – American Blues and southern country.
Due to Elvis Presley was first symbol of rock ‘n’ roll his image and songs were extremely popular so everyone started copying his image. His image was to swivel his hips, to wear wide-shouldered jackets. Elvis brought a lot of thing to the rock and roll and teens who embraced rock and roll started dressing imitating him. Things like loose-fitting slacks dress for teen boys, blue jeans with white T-shirts and polished brown or black loafers became a norm.
The public made Elvis Presley larger than life, better known than Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and in some cases God Himself.