...Elvis Presley: A Revolutionist Gage E. Trollinger Elvis Presley is the single most significant figure in rock and roll history. He completely changed music and he also changed entertainment through his influences. In the 1950’s Presley’s music broke past these racial barriers. He allowed Caucasian and African Americans listen to the same type of music. Elvis challenged the social and moral values because his music and his dance moves created a new generation. By 1955 Elvis had gone to a national sensation. People quickly fell in love with his style of music and dancing, Critics loved and hated him at the same time altho girls were in awe with him. The fact that Elvis shook his hips, thrust his pelvis, and danced passionately on stage, turned parents against his music. Elvis posed a threat to the values and morals of wight american cicity. Presly “set in motion a style of music that dominated the world for the rest of the century. It was the beginning of youth culture, the breakdown of sexual inhibition, and the end of racial segregation.”...
Words: 1119 - Pages: 5
...Rock and roll music started with this one quote: “I don’t sound like nobody” (Marsh). Elvis Presley uttered this phrase when he first met Sun founder Sam Phillips, during a recording session that Elvis was making for his mother’s birthday. Elvis’s voice and singing style pleased Phillips so much that he believed Elvis was a black man! The public would also have this theory about him until they actually saw him. Of course, when Elvis Presley walked into Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, even he could not predict that he was about to change the course of music history forever. “Elvis Presley is the true definition of a rock star. He has basically had music all around him his entire life. From first hearing the depressing blues from the Mississippi...
Words: 1116 - Pages: 5
...you who think Elvis is a cultural icon because of his ways of persuading his audience, are correct. In fact, I want to argue that he’s a champion cultural icon, the King of Rock and Roll, the Eternal Great. There are many reasons why this is true and I will lay these out in this paper. Elvis Presley is in fact, the ultimate cultural icon. He will never be replaced by anyone for many reasons. Thus, in this paper, I will argue that Elvis Presley is the ultimate cultural icon. For example, Elvis Presley and The Beatles represent the two poles of pop music superstardom. “On one side is the patriotic American truck driver with a voice that conquered the world over a two-decade career, and on the other hand, there are the four sharp-tongued Liverpudlians who came and went with the 60’s” (Webb). Former Beatle, John Lennon, once said, “Before Elvis, there was nothing” (Elvis Presley Quotes). “The question is, why Elvis? Why is Elvis—more so than Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and J.F.K.—consistently held up as an ‘icon of the twentieth century’” (Doss 2)? The reason Elvis is an icon is because he made an everlasting impression during his time. He was revolutionary. He influenced the teenage culture of the fifties and his music has shaped the styles of many recent artists. Musician Rod Stewart said, “Elvis was the king. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps” (Elvis Presley Quotes). Presley still has admirers...
Words: 2270 - Pages: 10
...time has moved forward, Elvis Pressley remains the greatest entertainer of all-time because of his award winning talent and the good looks sensuality, charisma, good humor, humility, respect, and kindness that endeared him to millions of his fans. Life and Times Elvis Presley was born to very humble beginnings in, Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. “The Presley family was very religious and regularly attended an Assembly of God church where Elvis sang gospel music in his youth,” (Petersen, 2005). At the tender age of 10, he won second prize at a fair in a singing competition that was backed by a neighborhood radio station. At 11 he received his first guitar and taught himself to play. Throughout his high school years he performed in talent shows, which inspired his career choice in the music industry. During the summer of 1953 Elvis made his first recording at Memphis Recording Service as a gift for his mother. When the owner heard his songs, he helped Elvis start a band and record another record that sold 6,000 copies within a week. One year later Elvis released his first nationwide hit. In August 1955, Elvis hired a manager “Colonel” Tom Parker, who helped him sign with RCA records. In one year’s time sold 300,000 copies of his hit release “Heartbreak Hotel,” along with five other number one hit songs and would maintain a place at the top of the charts for the next two years until he was drafted into the Army. Over the next 20 years Elvis would be given the title...
Words: 1051 - Pages: 5
...The two biggest icons in the modern music industry, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley ironically both dead of heart failure. Gone but not forgotten these to artists left a great impression in the music industry. The effects left on the music industry by both artists was their original music that combined various types of genres, their iconic dance moves that set them apart from other artists, and the positive influence they had on future artists all resulting in the titles as “The King of Pop” and “The King of Rock and Roll.” Both Jackson and Presley faced similar hardships in reaching the title as Kings in their genre of music. Jackson was a black man facing obstacles in an all-white industry while Presley was a white man trying to exceed in an African-American based industry. Both artists were able to overcome the obstacles and bring all different races together through their music. Each gave a unique and original sound that gave them the...
Words: 791 - Pages: 4
...During the 1950’s African American migrated over to the United States to get jobs. Because we lived so close we picked up their style of music and mashed ours with theirs. Rock and Roll was born in the 1950’s by the overlapping of blues and rhythm. During the 1950’s many parents did not allow their children to listen to Rock and Roll because they thought it was going to cause teen rebellion. But because their parents did not want their kids listening to it, it only made them want to listen to it more. Many parents in the 1950’s feared that their children would start acting and dressing as if they were rockstars such as Elvis Presley. So, parents actually tried to ban this genre of music because of the rational fear of their children rebelling against them. But the Rock and...
Words: 530 - Pages: 3
...We have studied many different aspects and artists of Rock and Roll this semester in MMC 1702; however, the part that I found by far the most interesting is the material on Elvis Presley. More than two decades after his passing, the presence of Elvis is as prominent in our society as if he were still alive. He is known only by his first name, and that name is quoted in numerous references in today’s world (“bigger than Elvis!” etc). Elvis’ impact reaches far, far beyond his music. This is a fact that differentiates him from so many of the other notable artists in history. However, his music alone has had a great personal impact on me, and at the time of its release, changed the industry more than anyone had ever seen. He single-handedly popularized rock and roll by blending white country music with black rhythm and blues. He made his music fun to listen to and acceptable to listen to by everybody, no matter what race you were. After studying this, I’ve realized how much Elvis has changed my life. The “creation” of rock and roll has had an impact on so many artists in every single genre. Music has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy tastes in country, rhythm and blues, and rock (in today’s usage of the terms). Furthermore, the creation of rock and roll among other things has helped spurred on the development of an international pop culture. This pop culture, through magazines, newspapers, television, and other forms of media has shaped the youth of America...
Words: 976 - Pages: 4
...picked were Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Nirvana, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. We chose these musicians because they all left a lasting impact on America, not just on the music industry. All of these musicians are remembered for both their music and their impact on society. Michael Jackson was born in 1958, part of the first generation of Americans who never knew a world without TV, Jackson didn't just grow up with TV. He grew up on it. He was the first great televisual entertainer (Atlantic). You could say that because of Michael Jackson, music videos mean more today. Michael...
Words: 1286 - Pages: 6
...Australia have been strongly influenced by America during the 1950s, and overtime became richer than ever where communications and transport technology was advancing rapidly. Not only this but America have also influenced Australians in music, radio, television film and fashion. Australian music during the 1950s was heavily influenced from American music, where individuals fell in love with American-style rock 'n' roll. In 1955, American Bill Haley's hit song ‘Rock Around the Clock’ spread throughout Australia, and the radio broadcasting station were soon full of other American acts like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. During this time, Australian performers like Johnny O'Keefe was impacted by these overseas trends. During this time, radio stations increasingly relied on individuals and their new 'teenage' thirst for American music. Radio announcers in the 1950s often used American accents to make...
Words: 442 - Pages: 2
...through the Middle Ages and Beyond IWT1 Abstract In this essay I compare the art of Middle Ages period to the art of the Pop Art period. I begin by explaining each period and the social and cultural factors contributing to art during the era. I then give examples of musical works from each time, a liturgical piece from Guillaume de Machaut, and a rock and roll song from Pop Art icon Elvis Presley. A summary includes a compare and contrast of the styles in whole and of the specific pieces, noting the impact of rock and roll on modern day music and society. Art and Culture through the Middle Ages and Beyond The subject of art throughout history is one that is widely debated and highly subject to interpretation. One thing that isn’t debatable is that cultural influences from centuries ago are as relevant as ever, from theming box office movies to manipulating the way we see the world around us. Of course, art forms are available in a wide variety, but I find music to be perhaps the most influential. To further elaborate, I will give an explanation of two separate periods of music through history in the following essay. The Middle Ages The Middle Ages, also referred to as the Medieval period, was a time when science and technology were being pursued perhaps more than ever, yet humanism wasn’t quite in the lead. “We are inclined today to romanticize the Middle Ages as a time when things were simpler, but in reality medieval society was highly complex” (Forgeng, 1999)...
Words: 1406 - Pages: 6
...Modern America Matrix Ash HIS 145 Modern America Matrix From the following list, choose five and identify their significance during the Korean War. Japanese occupation; Soviet position after war; 38th parallel, Truman; Syngman Rhee, NSC-68; Soviet support of North; UN position; Chinese involvement; Inchon; Talks at Panmunjom; Martin Letter; General MacArthur; Stalemate; POWs, Armistice agreement |Event |Significance in Korean War | |38th parallel |The 38th parallel was the prewar border between North and South Korea. It became the struggle point of the | | |Korean war. North Korea crossed the 38th parallel and captured Seoul twice. At one time North Korea controlled | | |most of South Korea; U.N. forces always pushed them back north of the 38th parallel. | |Truman |Truman made the decision to aid South Korea. He also fired MacArthur for insubordination. | |NSC-68 |The National Council Report 68. A study done by the National Security Council that influenced foreign policy. | |Inchon |The location of a surprise American invasion that pushed North Korea back across the 38th parallel. | |Martin Letter |The letter that MacArthur wrote to Joseph Martin that lead to his dismissal ...
Words: 576 - Pages: 3
...Celebrity Marketing In the Cold War Christopher Sigler History 328 Dr. Reaves March 11, 2014 Post World War II America was a period of massive economic growth in America. Despite a brief economic recession from 1946 to 1947, the years following World War II saw the United States become the world super power that it is today. From 1940 to 1950 the American Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased 50% from $200,000 million to $300,000 million1 and by 1955 sixty percent of Americans identified as middle-class2. The exponential economic growth and social class shift during this period created several important changes to American culture. Many American families now possessed excess money; Money that was spent on single-family homes, entertainment, appliances, and cars, items that the general public could not afford before this period. The result of the influx of money not only changed the American family forever, but the marketing strategies used by companies as well. As Americans began to place a heavier value on entertainment, movie stars, actors, and other celebrities began to have a prominent influence on society. Post war-prosperity and the economic boom during the early cold war began the American, and eventually global culture of celebrity marketing. To understand the United States rise to a world superpower one must look at the aftermath of the widespread war of World War II. World War II was a global war that involved thirty nations and claimed the lives of...
Words: 2092 - Pages: 9
...Time Capsule from the 1960s Christel Monk SS310-24 Exploring the 1960s - An Interdisciplinary Approach July 15, 2013 Introduction The 1960s was a decade full of both positive and negative events. It coincided with the first land on the moon, which was a great achievement. It also coincided with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. This paper describes five items that have been found in a time capsule that dates back from the 1960s. It explains the reasons for which each of these items is especially important in defining the 1960s. Some of these items are events, while other items are objects being representative for that period of time. The paper is written from the perspective of an archeologist who, in 2325, discovered the time capsule containing information that dates back to the 1960s. The Time Capsule According to Goodwin and Bradley (2011), the sixties were the age of youth, as 70 million children from the post-war baby boom grew to become young adults and teenagers. This decade was characterized by a different and very revolutionary way of thinking as the population has moved away from the conservative type of reasoning. As Goodwin and Bradley (2011) point out, the population of the United States was about 178 million, while 3.8 million people were unemployed. The national debt was $286.3, while the average salary was $4,743. A teacher's salary back in those days was near $5,200 while the minimum wage...
Words: 1633 - Pages: 7
...Buddy Holly Buddy Holly: An American music icon that died too soon. Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash in the Midwest when he was just 22 and left behind a wife he loved, and an incredible career that lasted only eighteen months. Charles Hardin Holley was born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas. He was the youngest of four siblings and his mother gave him the nickname “Buddy”. The spelling of “Holly” was the result of a misspelling in his first recording contract. He learned to play piano and fiddle at a very early age and his older brothers taught him to play the guitar. His parents were very supportive of his music and even gave him song ideas. His mother once wrote the local newspaper defending rock ‘n’ roll music listened by teenagers. Buddy was a rebellious teenager who loved rock ‘n’ roll. His minister once asked him, “What would you do if you had $10?” The young rocker muttered, “If I had $10, I wouldn’t be here.” (Biography) After high school, he formed a band and started playing country music. He crossed over into rock ‘n’ roll after meeting Elvis Presley; he was his opening act in 1955. That relationship grew and he was very fond of Elvis and was influenced by him greatly. After switching to rock ‘n’ roll, a record company noticed him performing at a local skating rink and signed him. He began recording demos in Nashville. His band was originally called “Buddy Holly and the Three Tunes”, but was switched to “The Crickets” because naming...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Buddy Holly Buddy Holly: An American music icon that died too soon. Buddy Holly was killed in a plane crash in the Midwest when he was just 22 and left behind a wife he loved, and an incredible career that lasted only eighteen months. Charles Hardin Holley was born on September 7, 1936 in Lubbock, Texas. He was the youngest of four siblings and his mother gave him the nickname “Buddy”. The spelling of “Holly” was the result of a misspelling in his first recording contract. He learned to play piano and fiddle at a very early age and his older brothers taught him to play the guitar. His parents were very supportive of his music and even gave him song ideas. His mother once wrote the local newspaper defending rock ‘n’ roll music listened by teenagers. Buddy was a rebellious teenager who loved rock ‘n’ roll. His minister once asked him, “What would you do if you had $10?” The young rocker muttered, “If I had $10, I wouldn’t be here.” (Biography) After high school, he formed a band and started playing country music. He crossed over into rock ‘n’ roll after meeting Elvis Presley; he was his opening act in 1955. That relationship grew and he was very fond of Elvis and was influenced by him greatly. After switching to rock ‘n’ roll, a record company noticed him performing at a local skating rink and signed him. He began recording demos in Nashville. His band was originally called “Buddy Holly and the Three Tunes”, but was switched to “The Crickets” because naming...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
