by Gary Rushworth

Created on: July 14, 2009

Elvis changed music and life as we knew it - without the technology. Think about the early days of Elvis. The guitars were good; Better than many today. But the electronics were horrible. The amps may have had a smoother sound but they overheated and the tubes blew. The pickups were fragile, temperamental things. They were meant for a different kind of music. Then along came Elvis; and look what happened.

Here came someone with a voice that never failed him, with a body that moved in ways that would make a Baptist minister blush, with music that made you move - a bluesy rhythm with a back beat. Elvis did things that no-one had done so far. He weaved and bobbed his way into the fabric of our lives. He changed us. Without him, music would be much different now. He influenced everything. He was in the roots of the Beatles. Without him they may never have been; and without them the entire Rock industry, NO! The entire Rock Ethic may not have ever been. Which means Michael J would never have been. It becomes a question similar to "Who built the Pyramids" vs "Who maintained them."

This is not to say that Michael Jackson was not a king in his own niche. Nor is it fair to say that he did nothing new and different. He had exceptional talent, a voice that wouldn't fail and a body that moved in ways to make a Baptist minister cringe and say, "Not again!" And there it is, "Not again." There was someone before; someone who made it all possible. Elvis made it all happen without the "Special Effects." He was the first. Elvis was the catalyst that created the fire; that brought light to the Blues; that brought the Beatles and the Stones; that brought Fleetwood Mac and Jefferson Starship; all the great bands and, ultimately, Michael Jackson. Without Elvis, life would be very different; Rock n' Roll would be different or, maybe, not even around. Elvis will always be the King of Rock and, as such, the Grandfather of POP. Michael was the offspring and a king in his own right. Elvis broke the mold but allowed other to build their own.

Yes, give the devil his due, Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented individual with a body of work that surpasses Elvis in volume but not in impact. Elvis opened a door to a new world, the rest built the house where each had a room. Michael decorated his with a style all his own and one that will not be forgotten. But even Michael owned a pair of blue-suede shoes.

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