...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...
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...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...
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...EElvis Presley When someone says “The King of Rock n’ Roll” we all automatically know whom they are talking about. No matter how old or young we all know the King is Elvis Presley. Known for his good looks and amazing talent, he shook the newly found rock n’ roll world. Ladies adored him and guys wanted to be him. However, Elvis had a tough growing up but once he hit it big in Memphis, he shot right off to stardom carrying his gospel and R&B influences with him on a journey that no one would expect. Elvis Aaron and Jesse Garon Presley, twins, were born January 8, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Jesse was a stillborn and was buried the next day leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. Things were hard in the Presley house as Elvis grew up. His dad and uncle had been “sentenced to three years in Mississippi State Penitentiary for altering a $4 check from Orville Bean in payment for a hog in 1937” (Guralnick 2). In 1939 Vernon was released early on good behavior but by then Gladys had lost their house due to not being able to make payments on it alone. Work was hard to find and Vernon jumped from job to job. In 1942 when Elvis had just started the first grade, his father had to leave again. This time it was to move to Alabama for work leaving Elvis and Gladys in Mississippi. A year later Vernon returns to his wife and son and finds work in their hometown, Tupelo. Things started to look up for the Presleys by 1945. They had moved into a new four-bedroom home, Vernon had...
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...Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935, to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Elvis had a twin brother, Jessie Garon Presley, who died at birth. Elvis was raised in a small two bedroom house in Tupelo, Mississippi. The towns people called Tupelo, which was located near the Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi Hills. Elvis grew up in a very poor side of town and where he mingled with the black culture. This exposed him to rhythm and blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz and pop. Elvis didn't dress like a typical white middle class young man. He dressed with a rebel edge which included leather jackets, open shirts, and upturned colors. He slicked his hair back and grew long side burns. Elvis was a mixture of the black and white cultures that he grew up with. Elvis began singing at an early age in church, at local assemblies, camp meetings and revivals. While in elementary school his teacher convinced him to participate in a talent contest at the Mississippi/Alabama Fair and Dairy Show. Elvis wore a cowboy suit, had to stand on a chair to reach the microphone, and he sang a Red Foley song, "Old Shep". Elvis won second place and a $5.00 prize. Shortly after this Elvis' uncle bought him a guitar and gave him lessons. The Presley's moved to Memphis when Elvis was thirteen. He graduated from L. C. Humes high school in 1953. Elvis went to work for Crown Electric Company as a truck driver. He was planning to get a job as an electric repairman and took evening classes towards that end. During...
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...Glapion Course: English 301 June 11, 2015 The King Elvis Presley was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as "the King of Rock and Roll. Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis Aron Presley came from very humble beginnings. (He later changed the spelling of his middle name to the biblical form of Aaron.) Presley was supposed to be a twin, but his brother, Jesse Garon (sometimes spelled Jessie) was stillborn. Elvis Presley grew up to become one of the biggest names in rock 'n' roll. By the mid-1950s, he appeared on the radio, television and the silver screen. Presley received his first guitar as a gift from his mother on his 11th birthday in 1946 and had his first taste of musical success a few years later when he won a talent show at Humes High School in Memphis. Throughout his amazing career, Presley helped popularize rock 'n' roll music in America. He also won three Grammy Awards for his gospel recordings. A major musical force, Presley had 18 No. 1 singles, including "Don't Be Cruel," "Good Luck Charm" and "Suspicious Minds," as well as countless gold and platinum albums. He was one of the first performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1986). But Elvis has been recognized for his contributions several musical genres, most notably rock, country and gospel. In 1998, Presley was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall...
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...Topic: Elvis Presley General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the life and career of Elvis Presley. Central Idea: Today, I want to take you to a trip in the time line, and tell you about the history of a king, the king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. I want to show you how a poor guy with grade C in music class became one of the most famous and rich singers of all the times. Introduction: I. “Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today”...(John lennon) II. “Before Elvis, there was nothing.” “Nothing really affected me until I heard Elvis. (John lennon) III. Today I want to take you to a trip in the time line, back to 1935, when everything began, so we can know better the history and carrier of one of the greatest singers of all the times, the king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. IV. After today’s presentation I hope that you all not simply know the name Elvis Presley, but also what made Elvis so great, that he still being alive today. Transition: So, Let’s start from the begging. Body: I. Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Mississippi, He was an only child, and his parents were very humble. When he turned eleven he got as a gift his first guitar, but he was hoping something else, maybe a rifle or a bicycle. In the School Elvis got a C on music class, and was discouraged by his teacher. A. He began to find out his...
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...Elvis Presley is the true king of Rock-N-Roll . Even now people of the younger generation who aren’t familiar with him or who he is, know of his unchallenged royalty. One reason he is so big is his life story which is going from rags to riches. Elvis is also one of the youngest stars of his generation to start recording and progress so quickly to number one spots. Elvis stood out more from the rest by being a white artist that made music in black a black dominated genre. His stage presence, overall look and the controversy that followed him helped make him the biggest sensation of the Rock-N-Roll era. Elvis Presley started out at a young age coming from a poor lifestyle, background which was very appealing to a lot of the young audience. His...
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...The Course of Rock’N’Roll Elvis Presley paved the way for many rock n roll artists nowadays. His daring collision of country and Rhythm n Blues is now a precedent to all rock artists here now. He was a big part of getting more black singers out there with everyone else. Those who didn’t love elvis, thought of him as despicable for associating with african american artists. His dance moves were considered raunchy and risque as he was named “Elvis the Pelvis”. Elvis was powerful enough through his singing and dancing to break through those prudish 50’s and 60’s barriers. He forever changed the way of rock n roll and had the biggest effect on how it looks today. Elvis is probably one of the better people that this could have happened for. “Elvis Aaron Presley came from a small humble family who took the Christian messages of all kind being created equal” (Article 3). It’s that fact that makes it sure that he was the best person to give music a make over. He was sympathetic to african...
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...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...
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...Elvis Presley once said, “You only pass through this life once, you don’t come back for an encore.” This quote definitely applied to him, as he strived to make the best of all the negative situations he experienced. Throughout his life, Elvis became an actor, singer, husband, and father. He was most known for his music and controversial dance moves. Although Elvis only lived to be 42, I feel that he accomplished many great things. Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8th, 1935 to Vernon and Gladys Presley. Originally Elvis was supposed to be a twin, but his twin brother died at birth. Elvis grew up and lived a pretty difficult life. The Presley’s had little money and frequently moved place to place. Despite growing up with these circumstances,...
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...Elvis Presley Elvis Presley was one of the, if not the best, rock and roll singers in America. Elvis had a hard childhood but he managed to become one of the best singers ever. He was more than a singer, though, was also an actor and he served in the army. He had some pretty big accomplishments in his career, such as his grammy nominations. There are also some pretty cool facts and information about him as well. We should start at his childhood and his rise to fame and stardom. Childhood Elvis was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo Mississippi. His parents are Gladys Smith and Vernon Presley. Elvis also had a twin brother Jessie Garon but he was stillborn which left Elvis a single child. Elvis started going to Lawhon Elementary School in 1941 at the age of six, he then went to Milam Junior High School. In 1948 Elvis moved from Tupelo to Memphis and he started going to LC Humes High School....
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...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 of “King of rock’n’roll...
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...Have you ever known a person who was called The King? Anyone who knew Elvis Presley knew someone who was called The King of Rock & Roll. Elvis had a life full of adventure and fun. Performing all across the United States, Elvis found himself accustomed to travel. And even though it might have been exhausting, he did it for the ones he truly loved; his ecstatic fans. Even when he was worn out beyond belief, Elvis went on stage to hear the large crowds roar. He was living the life of one of the most powerful, well-known, outstanding people in all of the world. All because of his amazing musical talent. In the lifetime of Elvis Presley, he had won many notable awards and achievements. He was nominated for the Grammy’s fourteen times, but sadly...
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...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...
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...The impact of Elvis Presley on music University of New York Tirana Krist Babani Course: Composition II Instructor: Emily Hill Date: June 4, 2014 There are many factors and events that influence and change the history of a country, be that a war or a revolution. Despite the many areas changed throughout the decades, in America the art was radically changed through the impact a great man did to the pop culture through his music. His name was Elvis Presley. He reached an immediate success and many other well- known artists noticed it. Apart having an excellent voice, with his looks he stole many young women hearts. He created the music from his soul, even being raised with sacrifices and having a difficult past, these things did not stop him from being “The King” of Rock and Roll. Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. He was grown up as an only child because his twin Jessie Garon was stillborn. In 1948 he and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he graduated from high school in 1953. As a child he was shy and his nickname was Little Elvis. By the age of ten he showed his talent by singing Old Shep in a talent contest. Even though later girls would do anything just to touch him, he was rejected by them at this age. By the age of 12 he had the chance to sing live to a local radio but he was too scared to do it, so he gave up. His mom bought him a guitar by the age of 11 obviously noticing the talent of her son, so by the age...
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