Who has influenced music more: King of Pop or King of Rock?

Elvis

5 of 13

by Melody Landeros

• 

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

"I ain't no saint, but I've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God...I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world." Elvis Presley commenting to a reporter, 1950's.

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll will forever be immortalized by his songs such as "Hound Dog," "Return to Sender," and "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" Elvis with his boyish good looks and gyrating hips arrived on the music scene in a transition time for music. Girls cried and swooned, and the older generation frowned their disapproval of his sensual body movements when he sang. Does he have more influence than The King of Pop? More than thirty years after his death, the King of Rock and Roll continues to set the standard for many musicians.

Elvis sold more than billion records and no other entertainer has surpassed him in sales. In his career Elvis produced one hundred and fifty albums. He had eighty-one albums, fifty-three singles and sixteen extended play albums. Elvis sang rock and roll, country, and gospel. He received fourteen Grammy nominations and received three Grammys for his music. His concerts are legendary, and who can forget the controversy around his performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show?" "The Ed Sullivan Show" filmed Elvis from the waist up because television censors would not allow the legendary gyrations of his lower body.

Yet Elvis started singing with gospel music in the South in churches. He recorded gospel music that exposed mainstream Elvis fans to the eloquence of his voice as a gospel singer. Elvis singing "You Saw Me Crying In The Chapel" or Peace In The Valley," brings many a tear to a listener's eyes. People may be surprised to learn Elvis depended on gospel music to relax him. Others may not be aware that one of his most famous recording sessions in 1956 was with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis singing gospel music. Talk about major musical talent all together in one room, here were five of the greatest singers of their time singing gospel.

Charles Caleb Colton said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." His music is immortalized more than fifty years later, by legions of Elvis impersonators who entertain people worldwide. The Elvis impersonators come from all walks of life, as young as four, thin, obese, tall, short, and from many races. They keep the King alive by singing his songs, and copying his words and dress. Getting married and love Elvis? A wedding chapel in Las Vegas can grant your fantasy Elvis who will ask you to take this person to be your "Hunk a Hunk of Burning Love."

Through the Elvis impersonators, the King remains alive. There are concerts, festivals, contests and a whole array of activities to keep music and presence of Elvis immortal. One group called the Elvis Tribute band have the unique claim to have performed with every major musician that Elvis employed in his singing career. Considered the premier Elvis band, their performances have included at least six hundred songs.

Elvis's unique voice was a combination of intimacy and vibrant sincerity and he easily brought many people to tears with songs such as "If I Can Dream." How many musicians claim to have this ability to captivate an audience with song, without some spectacular light show or dance routine? Where Elvis lacked in pop flash, he more than made up with his presence, smile and charm. No one said Elvis didn't struggle with success or was addicted to prescription drugs. No one condones his use of these drugs, and his death by overdose was a tragic end for a talented singer.

Elvis sang and the world listened. He never used his fame to be treated special and served his time in the Army, as required by the young men of his generation. His life wasn't filled with bizarre moments or behaviors the world did not understand. He was at heart that simple country boy who loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches, his mother and his fans. Elvis died and the world mourned, but never forgot the greatness of music and the presence of the simple boy from the South. Elvis remains The King of Rock and Roll and continues to influence music more than any other musician dead or alive.

Learn more about this author, Melody Landeros.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.