The Impact Of Elvis Presley And The Civil Rights Movement

The 1960s were a time of great protest, public opinion, freedom for music, invention, and racism. In America in 1960 the Civil Rights Movement was underway and the Vietnam War had already been going on for 5 years, where approximately 900 American troops were already serving. The 1960s produced some of the greatest musical artists seen in history, and one in particular was Bob Dylan. Bob Dylan is thought to be one of the greatest influence on popular culture in all time, and is one of the main and influential protest song artists of the 1960s. Dylan grew up in a time of great change, and he lived through many different significant events in American history such as World War Two, the development of the television, the increase of radio use

Rock n’ Roll was originated in the 1950’s. It mainly consist of black rhythms, blues, and white country music. At this period in time, it was a sensation released into society that was raved by everyone. Some of the most famous names in music history have been a part of this decade such as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. These are just a few examples of people who made this period in time unforgettable. Although often times, there would be several cases where singers such as the king himself, didn’t always use original material. One of his more popular songs, “Hound Dog” was actually written and sung by a black artist that many aren’t aware of. As time progressed, singers like Elvis continued to increase in fame and these

According to Wallace, the Presley family lived near the poor African American neighborhoods, and as a young child he heard a lot of blues and gospel sounds from the churches in his neighborhood. Among the white American society it was not acceptable to listen to black music, but Presley broke through these racial barriers (Wallace 14). “People definitely recognized the fact that Elvis’ music was heavily influenced by African Americans which made them very hesitant to allow their children to listen to it.” (Wallace 14) However, Elvis was not born the charming and talented singer everyone sees him to be.

He was a poor man who became rich, a white boy who dressed and sang like he was black, and a mamma’s boy who was also a rebel. Elvis scared white children’s parents. They saw this child who could be their kid acting like a juvenile delinquent and they feared his music would ignite rebellion in their children. The teenage population was huge and the people were well enough off that the kids had money to spend and a desire to spend it. When Elvis started singing, suddenly they knew what they wanted to spend their money on. They wanted everything that Elvis had and they wanted to do everything that he did. He inspired a whole generation to be different. He showed them they could dance and they could be feminine and manly at the same time. Elvis showed the kids that they could have fun and they could have fun together regardless of race. Elvis inspired a graduation and he consequently became known as the King. He was the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and the King of the baby boomers generation. Not only did Elvis encourage blacks and whites to get along together and have fun, inspire the fashion and musical tastes of a generation, and demonstrate that not all men must be manly, but he also started America on the path of children and their parents listening to different music. The teens of the 1950s loved rock music and that started the trend of each generation having their own music that they felt spoke to them. The 60s folk music, the 70s

Ellvis Presly was the “white man with the Negro sound and the Negro feel” that Sam Phillips was looking for. Elvis, using the modern TV and radio to spread his music, became a figure head for the rebellious new teenagers of the mid-twentieth century. His image was of a sexy rebel who challenged the sexual and social conventions of the times instigating much social change. (Gillon, n.d.) While Elvis did have a devastating impact on the culture of America so, too, did the Harlem Renaissance, which made it possible for Elvis to sing the type of songs he did by setting the stage not just in music, but in many other areas of American culture.

At the start of Presley’s career, his privilege is displayed in his first and only performance at The Grand Ole Opry. Elvis Presley was not invited to perform at The Ryman Auditorium but rather “given a chance” after Sam Phillips begged Jim Denny to let Presley perform. While the audience did not receive Presley’s style well, it did not hinder his career, Jim Denny simply confirmed that Elvis did not fit in The Opry Style that he had the desire to pursue. Regardless, that this was not Presley’s audience he still obtained the performance opportunity.

There is no doubt that Elvis Presley’s impact on American society has revolutionized the world of music and movies, which eventually earned him the name . From truck driver to Rock and Roll icon, Presley’s charismatic attitude and dance moves became forever remembered in American history. His record-breaking career set a higher bar to many more musicians. Talented in both vocals and acting, his image alone speaks for its self.

Elvis Presley’ musical career has many differences from Frank Sinatra’s, while they still share some similarities such as their fan base and their middle lower social status. The differences between them are affected by many factors such as the development of technology, social environment and so on.

Elvis’ impact on the American youth consumer market was noted on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. A business journalist, Louis M. Kohlmeier wrote, “Elvis Presley today is a business.” Elvis did indeed impact the United States massively, and changed the music industry forever. He was the first to step out from “traditional” music and created a new genre without the fear of rejection or

This is why a regulation that censored the media because it was believed to cause young teens to act like juvenile. The music was blamed for when teens would act out and parents could not be controlled, teens would also act out and feel more juvenile due to the way rock n’ roll music changed the ways of teens lives. It gave them the means to change their whole life style by how they dress and act. Elvis is indeed a cultural icon of the highest order, a global popular who continues to attract adulation and fanatic devotion throughout the

Since his first single, Elvis began attracting fans with his style of music, his dancing hips and his good looks. He was known to have a unique voice that somewhat sounded similarly to a ‘black man’. This was another reason why people began listening to him, because in the 1950’s black music was growing popular but it was racially looked down upon.

Elvis presley followed rock and roll but change it around a little bit with to his own style. The bad side of Rock and Roll was finally seen. “A generation of young teenagers collectively rebelled against the music their parents loved….Appalled by the new styles of dance the movement evoked, churches proclaimed it Satan's music.”(Us History). Kids were also influenced on how to dress; from poodle to pencil skirts. From sandy wears to rizzon wears the rock and roll dress style was being different from the dark cloth you would wear in today’s

Elvis Presley’s effect on the world of music has been felt for more than 40 years after his death. Before his death he was ”the teen idol of his decade” (Britannica). He was widely known as the king of rock ‘n’ roll. He was always the “top attraction in the USA”(Britannica). Although he was popularly known for one genre of music he still inspired thousands of musicians to follow their love of music.

Her opinion about Elvis was very clear. " However much Elvis may have 'borrowed' from black blues performers like ‘Big Mama’”(Stevenson). Twenty-five years to the day after his death at the age of 42, Elvis Aaron Presley's name fairly droops under the weight of its acquired cultural significance. Briefly tagged a teen idol, the “King of Rock and Roll” swiftly transitioned into a category-defying superstar. Today, college professors devote whole careers to examining Elvis' influence on America's cultural mores, his impact on American sexuality and most of all, our apparently unflagging passion for his music.

His sexually provocative performance style horrified the public and was regarded as vulgar and inappropriate, but Presley’s smooth looks, voice, and charming personality eventually won society over. Elvis Presley Enterprises states Elvis had forty top ten hits. Presley is now considered one of the most symbolic cultural icons of the 20th century. Elvis Presley is referred to as “The King of Rock and Roll”. Society does not understand how to process individuals like Presley who are not a “carbon copy” of itself.