Elvis Presleys Influence on American Culture Essay

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 RB 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†¦show more content†¦After graduating in 1953 from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis, Elvis worked many jobs to pursue his musical dream (biography.com). Later that year he cut his first demo record at Sun Records, and no t long after that the record label owner and producer was impressed by the emotion in Presley’s voice and decided to help Presley pursue his dream of becoming a musical star (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). In 1954 Elvis recorded â€Å"That’s All Right Mama,† it became his first commercial release selling 20,000 copies (Elvis Aron Presley). This began Elvis’s legendary rise to fame. After five cutting-edge singles, Elvis’s contract was sold to RCA Records and then his career rapidly took off (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). His first number one single was â€Å"Heartbreak Hotel,† and his first album was Elvis Presley (biography.com). By 1956 Presley was an international sensation. Although many of the teenagers of Elvis’s time was very intrigued by his diverse musical styles, sexy dance moves and good looks, much of the older generations were outraged by his gyrating hips and music (biography.com). One of Elvis’s most controversial i nstances was on the Ed Sullivan Show where he sang â€Å"Hound Dog,† for the first time on television (Comprehensive History of Elvis Presley’s Dynamic Life). He was already considered to be a rebel and no one knew whatShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Berry s The King 1169 Words   |  5 Pagesreflect and emphasize why society chose Presley over Berry to be remembered as King. If these challenges would have been eliminated Presley would not be famous today and Chuck Berry would be called the King. America was not ready to idolize an African American due to Chuck Berry, but because of discovering the â€Å"king† Berry was not needed in society and was convicted and thrown away. 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