Elvis Presley
All hail the “King of Rock ‘n Roll.” For a man who never wrote a song, nor even played an instrument, Elvis Presley defined the sound and culture of rock ‘n roll: powerful voice, music that adapts folk and African-American music, and adds sex appeal. Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. As a teenager he moved to Memphis. Legend has it that Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, wanted a white singer whose sound could bring together back country with African American blues. In 1954, he put together a group with Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and Presley singing the songs. Their first record, That’s All Right Mama, was a hit, and in 1955 the group hit the road to tour. During this time, Presley developed his performing style. This style was so radical for the times that on a television appearance (Ed Sullivan Show) on September 9, 1956, the cameras only showed him from the waist up to prevent the home audiences from seeing his swiveling hips. (Hence the nickname, “Elvis the Pelvis.”) With his close confidante and manager, Col. Tom Parker, Presley became an American icon -- in over thirty Hollywood movies, television specials, and the hits that kept coming. Can you even read these titles without hearing Presley’s voice? “Jailhouse Rock,” “Hound Dog,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds.” Listen to the early singing of John Lennon and you will hear Presley’s direct influence on the Beatles. By the time Presley died on August 16, 1977 at his “Graceland” home, perhaps wearing one of his signature jumpsuits, Presley was indeed the King. And like all Kings, its hard to believe he is no longer here: Presley sightings continue to this very day.
