The year was 1954 and music, style and American culture was on the brink of explosion because of one man; Elvis Presley.
As a 20 year old man growing up in current times,
people often ask about my love for Elvis Presley and why his life has interested
me as much as it has. Truth is, it isn’t just his music or the fact
that he was wanted by every woman in the world and it isn’t because of his
money. While all of these things did fortify the King’s image, my fascination
with this icon stems from one thing, his influence on American culture.
In the 1950’s music was dominated by the soft and
mellow sounds of artist like Frank Sinatra, Perry Cuomo and groups such as The
Platters. While all of these musicians were very successful and talented,
America was longing for something new. The people of this great country needed
a new style, something that liberated and freed all from the conservative
boundaries set on clothing, style, sex and most importantly music. With the
American economy thriving, parents were able to give out higher allowances to
teens. For teens, this meant more freedom to do what they wanted, to dress how
they wished and to buy whatever records they desired. This is where Elvis
Presley comes in.
A crazy haired, bright dressing, hard sounding white
boy from Tupelo, Mississippi was the last thing anyone expected Elvis Presley to
be after hearing his first record, “That’s Alright Mamma” on the radio. With one
song America began its liberation. With his good looks and gyrating hips, he
became known as a sex symbol around the world. For the first time in history, a
musician ignored all the rules and boundaries society had set. Elvis symbolized
freedom for all teenagers. He changed society’s views on style with his long
hair and blue suede shoes. By thrusting his hips and shaking his legs he
altered our outlook on sexuality, and with his hard yet cool sound he changed
music forever. John Lennon once said “Before Elvis there was nothing”. While
you don’t have to love him, you have to agree that before Elvis, America knew
nothing but restraints, upon his arrival came a new sense of freedom.
To this day, Elvis holds the record for the most
songs to make it to The Top 100 List. His number, a staggering 108 hit records.
Not only did he dominate the music industry, but with over 30 movies, Elvis
also brought in millions at the box office. As his fame grew, Elvis’ bad boy image
continued to grow as well. Rumors continued to spread about Elvis and
television shows featuring the star sometimes only filmed him from the chest
up, as they thought Presley’s dance moves were a bad influence on American
teens. With his rebel image continuing to grow, Elvis’ remorse grew as well.
The pop icon didn’t see how his music could have a bad influence on anyone, or
how his performances were in any way evil or vulgar. Luckily, as Elvis gained
seniority in the business, his reputation improved as well as people’s outlook
on his influences. But one thing would never change, and that is that there
will never be a star to cause as much commotion as Elvis Presley did.
Perhaps
my real fascination, as well as many others with the King, is that this
generation has seen nothing like him and most likely never will. The music
industry of today is filled with hundreds of replicas of similar dressing,
acting and sounding musicians. Today’s bad boy icons blow Elvis Presley out of
the water with their tasteless behavior. Despite what many people thought,
Presley was very religious and morally oriented. He donated millions of dollars
to multiple charities, served his county in the Army and had a tremendous respect
and love for authority. Can we say the same about today’s icons like Justin Bieber
or Lil Wayne? The answer is a definite no, and if Elvis was around today, I believe
he would be extremely disappointed in who modern teenagers have to look up to. Looking
back now, many people may agree that Elvis shaking his hips on stage was a
great influence compared to the behavior of many of today’s stars.
Love him
or hate him, it is obvious that Elvis Presley had a tremendous effect on
American and worldwide culture. With his new style, and rebellious attitude
Elvis Presley became the King of Rock & Roll and one of the most important
icons in history. His music influenced many of the greats that came after him
including The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Like Lennon said, before
Elvis there was nothing and his music, style and legacy will live on forever.
