What's So Great About Elvis?
Was Elvis really The King? Or just a poser? I’m going to dive into his music and career to find out.
So much of my perception of Elvis, is largely based on the legacy he’s left behind. Before this exploration I felt like I was more familiar with the “character” of Elvis, rather than actual, authentic Elvis himself! The dancing, the clothes, the hair style, his chiseled chin and vibrato, all ICONIC! But for the longest time, I perceived him as more of an actor acting like a rockstar than a real rockstar… but I can admit now that I was wrong.
So much of what I knew of Elvis existed only within modern pop culture references. I needed to strip away these assumptions and leave behind all my preconceived notions. My goal became to listen to his music with fresh ears, and witness his live performances with fresh eyes. There is no denying why he has such a profound influence on rock music and what it means to be a rockstar. Although he did not write his own songs, he was a great “song interpreter” of earlier Black songwriters. He had a beautiful voice, and a natural knack for guitar and a modern, raw take on showmanship.
I believe Elvis is the “King of Rock & Roll” because of his ability to cross defining lines. He crossed genre lines, and generation lines. He crossed into the world of Hollywood, into the world of the United States Army, and even challenged color lines during a time in which there was much racism and segregation happening in America. He brought the sound and culture of African American Rock N Roll to the mainstream, to be not only accepted, but applauded, and appreciated by a larger audience.
Little Richard said of Presley, "He was an integrator. Elvis was a blessing. They wouldn't let black music through. He opened the door for black music." Al Green agreed: "He broke the ice for all of us." (Source: Wikipedia)
When faced with nasty rumors that Elvis said racist things, he said in an interview with Louie Robinson, “I never said anything [racist] like that, and people who know me know that I wouldn't have said it. ... A lot of people seem to think I started this business. But rock 'n' roll was here a long time before I came along. Nobody can sing that kind of music like colored people. Let's face it: I can't sing like Fats Domino can. I know that." (Source: Wikipedia)
Elvis seemed like a very humble person, who came from a humble town, and came from a humble family. The swagger he portrayed wasn’t an act at all, but a spark he turned on inside and let loose freely into the world. He aligned himself with being authentic through his music and performance, and I think he knew his rise to fame was special. The Colonel knew this and worked hard to ensure his sensation was not only profitable, but sustainable. The relationship between the Colonel and Elvis was controversial, and people have different opinions on whether or not it was “healthy”. Regardless of his business ethics, I think we can all respect the fact that he promoted Elvis relentlessly, allowing him to reign for 22 years!
Elvis’ energy transformed the culture of “rock and roll” forever. Not only giving it a name and a feeling, but inspiring millions of young people to slick their hair back into a pompadour, put on a leather jacket and start movin’.
It’s amazing to me that he existed at the same time as Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and James Brown. I think he rose above all his musical contemporaries because of his clean cut, good American boy persona. He is very easy to love and look up to. Beyond his obvious sex appeal, there is an authentic talent that a variety of audiences can enjoy. Elvis is someone you could listen to at a party, on a romantic date, riding around town with the guys, and over tea with your momma!
My fave tracks:
Suspicious Minds
If I Can Dream
Trying to Get To You