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Why was Elvis Presley called the King of Rock 'n Roll?Alright, so today's the 28th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. What I have never figured out is: why is he considered the "king" of rock 'n roll when there have been so many better rockers since then? What's your opinion? Ah yes, we should all stop and pause for a moment to remember Elvis Presley. Not the strung-out overweight sad sack after he and Priscilla split up in 1973, but the young, vibrant man who brought rock 'n roll to the masses in the 50's. Prior to Elvis, remember, it was primarily black musicians who were championing this radical new form of music, but without much success. Much more popular in the late 40's and early 50's were performers like crooner Frank Sinatra, who was a wonderful singer but boring by comparison. While there have been better musicians since Elvis - and certainly better overall performers - Presley brought a sense of showmanship, of being the center stage in a way that the big bands and 40's singers never did. And he brought sex on stage, with his pelvic gyrations and dance steps that shocked and titillated youngsters while horrifying their parents. (Rock hasn't lost that aspect either, though the cutting edge has splintered into punk, industrial, metal, and various other genres that continue to excite the audience and horrify their parents to this day) June 5, 1956 was the first time that Elvis Presley really scandalized the public, specifically the audience of the The Milton Berle Show, with suggestive hip movements while performing his second RCA single "Hound Dog." Television critics across the country slammed the performance for its "appalling lack of musicality," "vulgarity" and "animalism", but this was the first appearance that generated significant publicity and, of course, his primary audience, teen girls, were too busy swooning to see anything vulgar in what Elvis was doing on TV. In his long, illustrious career, Elvis Presley had over 110 top 40 hit singles, including 18 number one songs. He also starred in 31 motion pictures, notably Jailhouse Rock, Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas and King creole. No other performer has come closer to this amazing record of success and critical acclaim. So is Elvis still the King of Rock 'n Roll? Oh yeah!
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(Article 4131,
Written by Dave Taylor)
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Elvis blows. He was the court jester of rock and roll. Didn't write his own songs....couldn't play guitar for shit and bailed out of "rock and roll" as soon as those crappy movies and Vegas offered more money. Wanted to spy on teenagers for J. Edgar Hoover (crazy). There are so many real kings of rock and roll and he ain't one of them. Posted by: gwd at July 24, 2006 4:20 PMBlows? Give me a break. Elvis brought it live and paved the way for every other rocker to come after him. Yes the blacks were truly first and felt their music like no one else but it wasn't in the stars for them to achieve what Elvis brought to the world. (He never denied that he got his 'feeling' from black music) He could play a guitar but didn't have to, that's not what we needed or wanted from him anyway. As far as spying on kids....GROW UP, haven't we all done something out of character? Let that rest. As far as KING,...I agree there is but one king and he happened long before civilization but Elvis was a true pioneer for the music industry. A 'road paver', and without him, the ones to follow wouldn't be who they are! Posted by: Susan at September 4, 2006 10:53 AMI was brought to this country April of 1961. As a little boy of 5 years i had a hard time relating to my surroundings and understanding the language. But then i heard a sound coming out of my big brohters transister radio it was Rock&Roll "Before Elvis there was nothing" To even think that Elvis isn't King is utterly sickening to read. Let's face it, those small few who rip him because of his weight problems and his bout with prescription drug addiction, seem to think they have never done a damn thing wrong in their lives !! Elvis Presley was human, I mean my goodness, I'm sorry the man wasn't a perfect person like you critics who think you walk on water are. Like or not, history records the achievements this man as accomplished and you can't take away from record setting & record breaking concert attendance throughout the 1970's. not to mention the grueling grind of performing 2 & 3 shows a night sometimes 15 straight days/nights in a row. If you think your going to be a picture of perfect health trying to keep up with that hectic schedule your a flat out liar ! The man did over 1000 concerts in the 70's, more than any rock star or group to this day so, if he was so whacked out on drugs like some of you people think he was, think again, it would be impossible to stand on ones feet if you are stoned all the time. Give Elvis his due credit, he is and always will be the King of Rock & Roll !! Get over it.... Posted by: Dan at March 30, 2007 7:59 PMelvis was just a ordinary man. yes he did great things and women swooned. but he is called king by many people. BUT THEIR IS ONE KING ONLY AND THAT IS JESUS CHRIST. AND HE SAYS HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME. elvis is like every other musician he is not any better than any one else. these musicians are not GODS to be worshipped by people. they are just for entertaining. Posted by: CANDI at August 18, 2007 12:03 AMElvis is not King and in any regard close enough to be King... The way i see it is that Bill Haley released a song in 1953 and Elvis didn't release a song until 1954... SO that alone explains that by far, Bill Haley is the RIGHTFUL KING... BUT if you can find out that someone released a song before Bill Haley, then they in turn are the RIGHTFUL KING OR QUEEN of rock n roll... So to ANYONE that believes that Elvis Presley is KING... Do your research and you will be SURPRISED that he is not the so called king that you BELEIVED he was... TO THE KING: BILL HALEY Posted by: Punisher at August 25, 2007 4:02 AMElvis was called to heaven because god wanted to stand down, who better to take his place. ELVIS IS GOD!!! Posted by: jaydog at September 6, 2007 9:43 AMAt one of Elvis Concerts a Lady Yelled Out Elvis screamed back " No I'm Not - There's Only One King! But.. Elvis IS The """ KING OF ROCK N ROLL! """ Posted by: steve lynch at October 24, 2007 2:01 AMElvis has sold more records than anyone, even after his death. I own several of his 45's from the 1950's, and I own all of his gospel music from the albums he made in 1967 and 1968. His Christmas music from 1957 has sold 9 million copies. Posted by: Gloria Hutchins at December 22, 2007 9:20 PMwhy hello there. elvis the pelvis was a cool cat. Much like yourself for making this website. =] Posted by: Stephanie at January 7, 2008 6:18 AMLITTLE RICHARD IS THE KING OF ROCK.POINT BLANK Posted by: deezy at May 7, 2008 1:03 AMAll the greatest intertainers black, white, brown, yellow, have at one time praised the talents of Elvis. Let's see; Rick Nelson, The Beatles, Creedence clearwater Rivival,Elton John, James Brown, Eddie Murphy, Even famous fighters like Alli, Tommy "Hit Man" Hearns have admitted to being Elvis fans. Elvis set records that still have not been touched! a good example is his concert back in the early 70's "Alohoa From Hawaii" were 1 billion people all over the world witnessed his greatness. Elvis presley has to be the most beautiful, and talented man ever. If elvis hadent made his somgs the say he did, we wouldent have any other of these song's. I loved the way he moved his hips on the stage and his cool clothing. His cloar up. There is a lot of rubbish being spoken by critics of Elvis. what age did elvis presly die at The quote of John Lennon: "Before Elvis, there was nothing." says it all about that great artist of all times. Here I've tried to collect all notable tributes paid to Elvis Presley by peers: http://www.tributespaid.com/category/e/elvis-presley Posted by: Dawood at September 1, 2009 11:59 AMBill Haley; are you out of your mind. Elvis sold more records than anyone in history. He has more number 1's than anyone in history, not only here, but in the UK also. Almost a million people tour his Graceland mansion each and every year. That will never happen for any other star ever. Not even close. He was the coolest looking star ever... He combined blues, country, pop, Gospel and R&B in one coherent tone, and no other single perormer combined all of that the way Elvis could. These are facts, and you can't argue with facts. There will never be a greater star than Elvis...He is King in every sense of the word.. Others are born into it, but Elvis was it. Humble, magical, and talented beyond imagination... The world needs more like him, but unfortunately we will never see the likes of this great man again.. Ask any thinking human being, do your research, and you'll have no choice but to agree with everything said above... Posted by: Craig at September 20, 2009 10:12 PMunfortunately for all you programmed Elvis fans, he is NOT the King of rock and roll. If you want to witness Elvis in today's corporate musical hayride, watch a Britney Spears concert, she's the reincarnation of Elvis. Unoriginal, a stage whore who sells his/her image for the popular white teenage masses. There are dozens of artists whom Elvis ripped off, Muddy Waters, Wynonnie Harris, Chuck Berry, and they could all be considered the true Kings of rock and roll. Elvis was a product of the corporate music industry, and hell they obviously did an amazing job, but as i clearly point out, like the Britney Spears' of today's music industry, he's a product, that is all. pay some respect to the true blues and r&b artists who helped shape rock and roll as we know it today. Posted by: david mac at September 29, 2009 7:32 PMFirst and foremost Elvis Presley is not only the King of Rock N Roll but for anyone who knows the history of Rock N Roll he was the one who as a teenager introduced his own style of sound and style that was unheard of and shunned upon by the establishment. He had death threats and was constantly harrased for doing what he beleived in and presenting that to the music world. When Elvis came out nobody had ever heard anything like his music, the man started it all. Everything he touched turned to gold so to speak, on top of that he was a great human being, kind and genourous, served his country, was really responsible for the Pearl Harbor Memorial being built. How manmy of todays singers would or could do what Elvis did? He introduced the black leather look that so many rockers of today emulate and his guitar inspired many to play as he inspired many to become Rock N Roll Stars like Sammy Hagar, Tom Petty, Alice Cooper..etc.. Anyone who does not appreciate what Elvis Presley means to music just doesn't know about music themselves. Read up on Elvis and get your facts straight, the man was a giver, helped break the color barriers so the Otis Reddings, James Browns, Jimi Hendrix's of the World could have a chance. He helped eveyone, signed all his autographs, donated to so many charities, had a great upbringing and in todays World we sure need Elvis today. The King of Rock N Roll, the kindest and giving person the industry has ever known and his following is second to none! Posted by: JC at September 29, 2009 9:22 PMWhat guitar? Are we talking about Elvis or James Marshall Hendrix? The reason Elvis is called the king is because we live in a bias, prejudice world.Who gave him this crown anyway?Certainly not Black Americans who inspired the sound,created the sound and played the music we now know as rock n roll.Dave the author of this blog states"Black Americans marketed Rock n Roll but without much success" and why is that do we think.Is it for the same reasons that they couldn't use the same bathrooms,or go to the same schools,for the same reasons they were beaten into oblivion, man,women,and children murdered just for kicks? So surely if these Niggers,Coons,Spooks were making this music White America couldn't indulge because it was Nigger music.Elvis's manager said"If I can find someone with that Black"Nigger"feel who Wasn't Black, I could make lots of money".Then there was Elvis who would allow White Americans to enjoy rock n roll without being a Niggers loving race traitor.Truth is Elvis was just a human jukebox with a few moves.Sure he sang his cover songs very well and to perfection left the young girls lusting after his perfect image,Elvis is the retro P Diddy he covers songs delivers them beautifully and sells sells sells,But it's a slap in the face to all the others.He opened the doors for black Americans why I outta,It's the other way around you see,black Americans could open the doors but couldn't walk in before Elvis.I'm sure all you Elvis fans are irate just about now,but the truth is not always nice to hear.Elvis was manufactured for perfection and that's hardly what rock n roll is or was about, sorry to say Elvis, your Kingdom is only an illusion for those who choose to be blind to what's really going on. Posted by: Kraiden at October 2, 2009 11:12 PMA KING WOULD NEED TO WRITE HIS OWN SONGS OR AT LEAST MOST OF THEM, ELVIS NEVER DID SO. ELVIS IS JUST A PRETTY FACE WHO COULD ONLY SING WELL, IS N JIMMY HENDRIX ON A GUITAR AND NO MICHAEL JACKSON IN DANCING. ELVIS LEFT NOTHING TO LISA MARIE AND HE DIED BROKE. THAT IS WHY SHE WAS FORCED TO MARRY MICHAEL JACKSON. IT TOOK ELVIS 20 ALBUMS TO BE THE KING, AS FOR MICHAEL ONLY 4 ALBUMS TO BE CROWNED KING AND GOD OG MUSIC. MICHAEL JACKSON WAS NO FAN OF ELVIS, I READ LISA´S STATEMENT AND SHE OLY SAID HE WAS OBSSESED ON HOW HE DIED NOT ABOUT ELVI´S MUSIC. MICHAEL DID NOT WANT TO DIE LIKE ELVIS. MICHAEL JACKSON WAS INFLUENCED BY JAMES BROWN AND SINATRA AND SAMMY DAVIS JR AND GENE KELLY AND THE BEATLES. HE NEVER MENTIONED ELVIS IN HIS LIFE. Posted by: JOJ at October 18, 2009 8:45 AMIM SORRY TO BRAKE ALL YOU "ELVIS FAN'S" HEARTS.....BUT ELVIS IS NOT THE ORIGINATOR OF ROCK N' ROLL. LITTLE RICHARD WAS!!!!!!! HE WAS THE ONE WHO BLEW THE TOP OFF OF THE 50'S AND PAVED THE WAY FOR MANY OTHER ROCKERS INCLUDING ELVIS PRESLEY ALMOST 4 YEARS AFTER LITTLE RICHARD STARTED HIS CAREER. HE IS THE ORIGINATOR LOOK IT ALL UP!!!!! MOST PEOPLE GOT THEIR STYLE FROM LITTLE RICHARD. IT IS UNARGUABLE THAT LITTLE RICHARD IS THE KING OF ROCK N' ROLL. WHEN MTV INTERVIEWED LITTLE RICHARD IN THE 80'S, THEY ASKED HIM HOW HE FEELS ABOUT NOT BEING DUBBED THE REAL KING OF ROCK. HE STATED," YEAH I WAS RIPPED OFF OF A TITLE, ALTHOUGH IM NOT TAGGED WITH THAT NAME, PEOPLE FROM EVERYWHERE KNOW I AM THE REAL KING. IM JUST AN ENTERTAINER HOPING TO SHARE MY MUSIC WITH EVERYONE ELSE. WITH THAT SAID, I AM THE UNDISPUTED KING OF ROCK N' ROLL." Posted by: Joel Hignojoz at October 31, 2009 2:58 PMIf it was not for Elvis there would not have bee n Rock&Roll. He was around during the very early days of rock&roll when the adults were trying to stop it. He came around just in time and made rock mainstream to white america. No one says Elvis created Rock N Roll but he was the one person that represented it most. If you asked anyone to name the most popular Rock N Roll star ever, most would say Elvis Presley. King of Rock N Roll was just a title generally attributed to Elvis in recognition of that fact.Its rediculous to compare it to Jesus Christ, no one ever compared Elvis to Christ, not any sane person anyway. Whether you like Elvis Presley's singing or not you cannot deny his impact on the world of music. And yes he was human and like all humans he had his weaknesses. But whatever your opinion of Elvis remember this, Elvis has been dead over thirty years and he's as still as popular as ever. It cannot be denied that Bill Haley and Little Richard had an impact on Rock N Roll but it certainly wasn't as deep as Elvis and cannot be compared. If they had, then everyone would have a different opinion than they do. Love him or hate him, his legacy lives on and will for generations to come and Elvis will always be remembered as THE KING OF ROCK N ROLL !!!!! Posted by: glen at January 1, 2010 4:01 AMThousands and thousands and thousands of rock bands all over the world have performed or recorded Chuck Berry songs including the beatles the stones the who the beach boys and even elvis beyond this there are other reasons too numers to note that is why Chuck Berry is truly the king of rock and roll. Posted by: Vito Ierullo at February 5, 2010 1:50 PMElvis was the king of rock n roll for the same reasons Michael Jackson was the king of pop. Neither man invented their respective genres, but they definitely ruled them. Posted by: douglas at February 21, 2010 10:22 PMElvis was one of the greatest rock artists that the world has ever known. However he got his name of The King and only the King not the King of rock and roll because everyone in las vegas was and still is the Boss as in the pit boss the casino boss thefood and beverage boss etc.etc.therefore someone in the enterage started calling Elvis the king .If you want the real king of rock and roll I would have to go along with the millions of musicians and rock historians who pick Chuck Berry. When John Lennon said If you/re going to call rock and roll by any other name you may as well call it Chuck Berry he really ment it. Posted by: Vito Ierullo at February 26, 2010 2:34 PMOk yes elvis was good thats true, and he did not create the music.People called him the king because like mj he sold a lot of records and was very very popular because of good promotion.He has avenues that the black artist before him never had.Some of the people down south called rock and roll nigger music at first, and of course when they found a white person to cover the songs then the music played on all the radio stations.
Let it be known that James Marshall Hendrix's album "Valleys of Neptune", released this year, hit no.4 on the billboard and Jimi has officially surpassed Elvis in post-death album sales. Put the crown where it belongs. Posted by: Joe at May 27, 2010 12:24 AMI don't think there's been a better performer than Elvis. Presley. I don't care about the billion albums, 30 # 1 hits, or any of Elvis's stats, the bottom line is the man could sing. The reason Elvis is called the king of Rock n Roll is because he had a string of hits in the 50s and a dj called him that. Chuck Berry wrote songs thats true, but Elvis was a way better singer. Posted by: Bill at May 29, 2010 8:13 PMElvis was originally labeled the King of Rock N' Roll because he was and still is the most popular Rock N' Roll artist of all time. But Elvis in the 50's represented more than just a genre of music. Elvis really embodied expression in the restrained society of the 50's that began the modern day of music and ultimately lead to the sexual revolution. Young people were yearning for something fresh and exciting and they found that in Elvis. Some people look at his body of work and conclude that it couldn't have happened to a more talented man, I think the Elvis phenomenon couldn't have happened to a less talented man either. It wasn't just the music or the time. It was the man. His life ended as a tragedy. The drugs had dulled his brain and expanded his waistline, his wife and daughter were gone, his snappy dance moves and amazing stage performances were a thing of the past. It's especially sad since he never sounded better, the power of his voice only strengthened. I think the Lord gave him a mountain he just couldn't climb. Posted by: Anonymous at June 1, 2010 2:22 AMIf you dont like his music or love his music..His effect on music, style, fashion, pop culture has come unmatched to anyone in the world. It doesnt really matter. People who only talk sh*t about him are only talking about his weight or his image. Which is funny that they cant say anything that bad about his performance and style, because there is nothing bad about that!! Again, love him or hate him.. He changed the world no matter what anyone thinks. He became the highest selling recording artist of all time in one year! And over fifty years later, he still is. Posted by: Hayden at June 5, 2010 12:06 AMElvis got that title by default. Back in those days no person of color was allowed to achieve any great success. Elvis was white, so he was received by the (white) powers-that-be who controlled everything, and who would never have accepted Big Mama Thornton (who died penniless), Muddy Waters or Little Sure, Elvis paid homage to black musicians he knows he plagiarized, but so what! Talk is cheap! While Elvis was raking in his millions, the musicians who created that sound and should have been rich remained poor. Some folks don't want to admit that 'cos it's ugly...but it's true...and the truth is often hard to swallow. Posted by: cosisaidso at June 27, 2010 9:52 AMElvis never copied anyone in anyway! He took everything he heard, and saw, and blended it into who, and what he was, and always will be. Muddy Waters was rhythm n blues. Big Mama Thorton was rhythm n blues. That is all the music they indulged in. Elvis imbodied everything. Rockabilly, Country, Gospel, and Rhythm n Blues. Fused it together, and made something original, and different. If you listen to his music, and how it evolved through the years you could hear the genious he was, and hear just how talented of a singer he was. His voice range was like something you could only dream of. He has sold over 1 billion records. After his death he sold over 300 million in 3 months. From 1956 to 1958.. In 2 years he sold 50 million records. 1958 to 1960.. It was up to 75 million. He averages 5 million sales a year to this day. If you count all genres of music.. he has achieved 37 #1's (not including albums). He has had over 150 albums and singles certified gold, platinum or multi platinum. Won 3 grammy's for His gospel music. Which the grammys are giving him awards to this day, to make up for what they did'nt give him when he was alive. He performed for over 1.5 billion people in 1973 via satellite. From 1970 to 1977 he performed over 1,100 concerts. All of which were sold out. He still tours to this day, and is in the guiness book of world records for it. He was named the KING of ROCK n' ROLL because everything he would put out would sell, and go number one. If it did'nt go number 1 it was still an amazing song. Elvis Presley Enterprises makes over $50 million a year on the who has died, and is still bringing in the money and no one is even close. For those who said Elvis could'nt play guitar, they need to watch the '68 comeback special. He kicks ass. Did I mention he played piano as well. Not bad for never having lessons. Chuck Berrys' music always had the same guitar licks. Bill Haley had one big hit that everyone remembers. Remember anymore? If you listen to that song closely it has more of a swing feel, not rock, but it does say rock in there doesn't it.. that does'nt make it rock n roll. Someone commented about Jimi Hendrix in this little cascade of bull trying to make Elvis look stupid, but if that person really knew anything at all they would know they're full of it. Back in 1998 Elvis had a new number one with A Little Less Conversation. Elvis did write songs by the way. He co-wrote Heartbreak Hotel, Don't Be Cruel, All Shook Up, and Love Me Tender. He also wrote a song called You'll Be Gone, and I'm 10,000 years old.. just to name a few. Somebody might say he really did'nt co-write the songs. It just made him look good, but if you knew Elvis, and his music like I do.. Elvis would usually change words around if he didn't like the way it flowed. To me that's writing in itself. He was also a great arranger. He produced everything he put out. No one ever told him what to record. He knew what was great music, and he knew what was junk. He did 33 movies in his lifetime.. 2 being concert films. Saying that.. If you would watch his first movies you would see how great of an actor he really was. The producers, and directors are responsible for the lack of great scripts given to him. Elvis is the only artist to be inducted into all hall of fames.. Rock n Roll, Gospel, and Country. Elvis' health was going down from '74 to '77 but his music, and voice was always amazing, and influential. I'm sick, and tired of these fools putting Elvis down because of his weight, and drugs in the end. He always battled his weight. He was human. And as for the drug situation. He did'nt do cocaine, and any of that bull. He had health problems. His lifestyle was different than anybody elses. He was an insomniac. Needed pills to help him sleep. Needed pills to help him wake. He had glaucoma. He had problems. But then again everybody does. That's all these know it alls can dwell on. DRUGS. Elvis would'nt even drink alcohol. Never did. Elvis was sent by God to add something great to the world, and was taken away when he thought he had done enough. Elvis Aaron Presley is the KING of ROCK n ROLL, and as far as I'm concerned the KING of music. Because nobody comes close . Posted by: elvis schreck at June 29, 2010 4:02 PMElvis S. wrote about Elvis Presley: "Elvis was sent by God to add something great to the world, and was taken away when he thought he had done enough. Elvis Aaron Presley is the KING of ROCK n ROLL, and as far as I'm concerned the KING of music. Because nobody comes close." Is Elvis S. high? He has to be smoking the good stuff. Is he really denigrating Muddy Waters, Big Mama Thornton, Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, and so many others in one fell swoop because he believes Elvis Presley was God's chosen messenger of music to all mankind? I'll bet Elvis Presley would have taken offense at those comments...because I'm pretty sure Elvis Presley had respect for the talented musicians who preceded him. Sounds like Elvis S. thinks Elvis Presley was/IS God! But God probably wouldn't have eaten and drugged himself to death. Perhaps Elvis S. had, or has, the hots for Elvis Presley. Perhaps he thinks "The King" is still alive...lurking out there somewhere in the ether. If so, he probably has a pork chop in one hand and a pill in the other! Here's a thought. Elvis Presley was a super-talented, but flawed, artist who achieved great success--in part because he was accepted in the music industry when other super-talented, and probably flawed, artists of color could not get their due in a racist society--and ultimately destroyed himself simply because he was a flawed human being. Who isn't? i know I am. The lesson here is this: Don't p*ss on other artists' achievements just to make your favorite artist seem like a god. None of them is godlike. We love, and are moved by, their music...but they are not gods. Comments like the ones from Elvis S. just seem small-minded. Elvis S. should try to broaden his decidedly narrow perspective. God knows, it couldn't hurt. Posted by: cosisaidso at July 13, 2010 3:00 AMAs someone who grew up in the '50s in Pittsburgh, I remember that the music on the radio and at the dances was as much by black artists as is was by white. We loved Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, The Drifters, Platters, Coasters, Silhouettes, etc as much as we loved white artists such as Elvis. I don't recall even knowing the race of many of the artists back then, we just loved the music. I think Elvis is "king" not because he is white, but because of his many accomplishments and for popularizing the genre. True, his race gave him an advantage in this, but the black artists I mentioned were all in the top 40s in the '50s and were being heard and enjoyed by whites as well as blacks. The author knows very little about Elvis, he sould spend some thing listing to the songs, unparalled in range, variety and intesity, by Rocks greatest recorded and stage performer. “It didn’t take Americans and the rest of the world long to discover Elvis Presley,” Norton said, “and it is abundantly clear that they will never forget him. His popularity continues to thrive nearly 29 years after his passing, with each new generation connecting with him in a significant way.” Elvis Presley, known throughout the world by his first name, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of 20th century music and popular culture, and his status as a cultural icon appears ever stronger as time goes by. His extraordinary talents produced achievements that remain unparalleled in American and world history. The international superstar was an accomplished and influential artist in several genres of music – rock, pop, country, R&B and gospel – and he triumphed on television, the concert stage and the silver screen. Elvis has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame – the only artist with the distinction of being honored by all three. It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold more than one billion records worldwide. “In recognition of Elvis Presley’s achievements and contributions to American culture and musical history, today we designate his home Graceland as a National Historic Landmark,” Norton said. “This is our nation’s highest recognition for historic properties Elvis was not the King of Rock and Roll. He was an imitation of the man who "inspired" him and wrote some of his songs. Elvis stole his style too.
Love him or hate him, no-one can really dispute that Elvis was the king of rock 'n roll. Not only is he an icon of western culture, he trod where no singer/entertainer had gone before. Despite the fact that he didnt write his own songs he did have an undeniable love for music and charming charissma that was irrisistable to all who came into contact with him. He may not be the King of Kings but he was definitely the King of Rock. Long live the king!!! Posted by: Luke at September 7, 2010 2:07 AMlook im not gonna deny that elvis was good, the man was a genius but he is in no way the king of rock and roll. yes he added to rock and roll and somewhat kicked it off the ground. there has never been and never will be a king of rock and roll its not elvis its not anyone. everyone who has contributed to the concept of rock and roll deserves credit for this wonderful type of music not just one guy who got up on stage and sung songs (he didnt write them) and starred in a few movies, theres no way that makes him the king of rock and roll there is NO "king" of rock and roll. if anything the title should be kings/queens of rock and role to give credit to all rock and rollers elvis dosent deserve all the credit. Posted by: luke at September 20, 2010 11:00 AM@ least Elvis didn't call himself the King of Rock N Roll like Michael Jackson called himself the King of Pop. Mj didn't even invent Pop music. It was around decades before before ! And Michael Jackson did like Elvis. He wanted to top Elvis in popularity. Posted by: Karen at December 31, 2010 9:09 AMI agree with Elvis S. it nice to see someone put in a comment when they have done their history. Elvis will always be on top, yes they is alot of great rock and roller out their but no one will ever match Elvis,so he just helped write three of his songs,big deal alot of artist out there that does not write their songs.For his movies, Elvis would be the first one to tell you he never liked most of the movies,he could not get out of the contract he had to do what he had to do. There will never be another Micheal Jackson, The Beatles, or Elvis,I love them all, BUT LONG LIVE THE KING of ROCK AND ROLL, MR.PRESLEY. GOD BLESS THEM ALL. Posted by: sharon kristof at January 11, 2011 3:08 PMI’m really tired of silly and racist comments. Elvis is King and will remain King. Someone must be blind (or a racist black) to ignore his talent. Few points explaining why the King was a giant and the others were just followers (black or white): Thanks Elvis for your voice (especially from 1968 to 1974), your heritage, your faith in God, your help for opening the door for all the black artists who are grateful to you (and not jealous like the new black generation). Thank you King. Posted by: Tom at January 13, 2011 4:00 AMTo Those Claiming that there is only one King and that is Jesus, Jesus was never a King, but a Lord, a son of GOD, A Messenger, A Healer, A Prophet. A King is someone who rules over a particular place and over a certain group of people. Jesus never ruled, he grabbed followers in the name of GOD. Calling Jesus "King" is an Insult. Posted by: James at January 24, 2011 9:29 PMTo cosisaidso: ...and where did it get him? I'd rather die pennyless and happy, then to be smothered and rich... Death threats, Lawsuits, mobs of fans, no privacy...etc....not all what it's cracked up to be is it? Elvis would have given it all up to be one of the normal again..and some say, "he did just that!" Black People in Elvis's days had it bad, but they had families and they were close to them...Rich people sometimes never see there families or the family they do have wants their share of the profit... which results in disputes among them.. Close Families = Priceless... Too Much Money = Misery Posted by: Jack at January 24, 2011 9:45 PMI do believe Elvis was a phenomenal performer, but a King isn't determined/appointed by the jewels in his crown (metaphor for record sales and awards etc.) but his influence on culture, and you really have to give the title to a black musician. I believe every facet of society is influenced by african-american people, the way people dress which was actually started by Little Richard with the eye liner and eccentric outfits he wore, to the way people talk and to the way people perform on stage, which elvis influenced minimally compared to people like James Brown. I believe that without Elvis there would still be a James Brown due to people like Chuck Berry and Little Richard and James Browns fame wouldve remained the same because racial tension were dying down due to the civil right movement by that stage, i think the doors of black music were initially opened up by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X who strived for equality i don't think this had anything to do with Elvis. Michael Jackson would later rip these racial barriers apart to the same system of musical appreciation that we know now, regardless of race and skin colour, or even gender (which was another issue at the time). The fact of the matter is if a King is appointed by actions then give it to someone who wrote their own songs, played their instrument accordingly and could perform incredibly, i'd give it to Little Richard, his songs were well enjoyable and i've never heard anyone in popular music play a piano like he did since. Elvis was a phenomenal singer, but is only called King because he was marketable as a "caucasion male", who had a pretty face. He has influenced the culture but no where near as much to me as Little Richard. Little Richard a.k.a. "The King of Rock 'N' Roll". Peace & Love, P.S: James Brown is the King of Music, and influenced every "other genre" far more than anybody else. Posted by: Crucifix at February 16, 2011 4:42 PMLet me get this straight, You are basing whether or not Elvis was the true king on the fact that a CHILD MOLESTER wasn't a fan of his music? are you kidding me? and to turn it into a black people being oppressed thing, that's just not true. Sure Elvis did black music but he did it BETTER than all of them and sold more than anybody else and overall is the most famous and biggest singer ever. He was huge for 20 yrs before he died and then became immortal. Nobody can touch him.He is the king, all you winey black rights people should learn to live with it. Posted by: Joey at February 24, 2011 11:43 PMElvis was the best and still is the best!:') Posted by: Madolyn at May 24, 2011 5:10 PMLook at the times. Elvis was good, but if we didnt have a bunch of prejudiced a-holes and b.s segregation laws back then, then things would be much different. Im glad his fat ass died broke. Posted by: Joe Jack at June 21, 2011 8:36 PMLol. Michael never called himself The King Of Pop. Elizabeth Taylor did and the fans picked it up so everyone else started calling him that. And to the person who called Michael a child molester. Michael was never a fan of Elvis or influenced by him. He said so in his autobiography Moonwalk. He was influenced and inspired by James Brown. You are just jealous because Michael is bigger than Elvis now. For some reason Elvis fans are just jealous of that. Michael wrote his own music produced and composed it. He came up with his own dance moves. Elvis never did any of that. Elizabeth Taylor called him The King of rock n' roll, pop, and soul. Posted by: Annoymous at July 19, 2011 3:19 AMhow can you say that elvis presley is the king of rock n roll when you know dam well that chuck berry started no matter what you say you can't take away his propts because he start rock n roll People compare Elvis to Everybody People that malign Elvis as just another somebody don't understand. Go to Graceland (In Memphis, TN), take the tour of his mansion, and you will see why Elivs Is The King of Rock n Roll. We have never seen anything like that. A legend. Posted by: BOB_VW at November 2, 2011 9:47 AM"I do believe Elvis was a phenomenal performer, but a King isn't determined/appointed by the jewels in his crown (metaphor for record sales and awards etc.) BUT his influence on culture, " Elvis influenced culture more than any other African-American musician. He took rock 'n' roll and brought it to the ears of everyone around the world, which opened doors for black musicians. Even though much of his music can be attributed to African-American influences, his music is still revolutionary. If you don't think racial barriers were torn down until Michael Jackson took the stage guess again. Elvis cracked Memphis's segregation laws and inspired the youth to look past racism. Elvis constantly gave credit to singers like Fats Domino and denied the title of king of rock 'n' roll. I think Rufus Thomas said it best when he said "the black man, white man, has got no music of their own. Music belongs to the universe." No Elvis was not the king of rock n roll. He emulated many kings before him. Chuck Berry was the king of rock n roll and his style was high riveted. Racism did not give him his just due. Elvis success came because he was the right color emulating the ones that had the soul. So no Elvis is not the king of rock n roll Posted by: Mimi at November 28, 2011 1:26 AMLiz Taylor says so??? Who is Liz Taylor?? She was a Tramp her whole life, and she was a champion of the weirdos, like those that did the "UnNatural" and UnGodly Things..Gays, Molesters, Etc...who gives what she says any creedance?? Michael is only popular because of the advent of Video, MTV, and VH1...Elvis didn't have all that around in his time. Also, Jimi Hendrix says the defining and biggest moment of his life, was to peek from High on a Hill, in a stadium to get a glimpse of "The King" Elvis Presley in Concert...Hendrix says that made him want to be a star, Elvis was a God to Hendrix, by his own admission. Little Richard, like Michael Jackson, was a Queen, that is why they cant be declared King. Plus, noone ever did anything with music like Elvis did, noone, no black performer was capable. The music of Rock may have had some trace back to black blues music, but sounds nothing like it...just listen to Elvis Music...Sound All of Its Own...The Best Ever!! And Without Video, and Child Molestation, and Skin Dying, and Plastic Surgery to Gain Popularity!!!! He did it all with His Voice, and Hips!! His natural Looks!!! Elvis is and will always be KING! Posted by: Ray R. Love at December 7, 2011 10:07 AMAll of you who think he stole the black man's music are full of it. All of you who think he isn't the king of rock and roll are full of it. Al of you who say he didn't write ANY of his own music are full of it. In fact, he wrote on a lot of his songs, and did almost all the arrangements himself. Posted by: David Smock at December 13, 2011 1:09 PMELVIS IS THE MOST ORIGINAL PERSON THERE EVER WAS. HE HAD LITERALLY EVERYTHING TO FIT THE PROFILE OF A SUPERSTAR, WITH SPRINKLES ON TOP. CELEBRITIES ARE MICE COMPARED TO HIM. THE GREATEST NAMES THE WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN WERE/ARE ELVIS GROUPIES. HIS LIKE WILL NEVER BE SEEN AGAIN. I MAY AGREE WITH DAVE TAYLOR, BUT HE'S A MORON FOR WRITING SOME OF THE JUNK ABOVE. Posted by: Matt at December 17, 2011 11:50 AMELVIS IS NOT THE KING OF ROCK IN ROLL jerry Lee Lewis Posted by: devon channell at December 27, 2011 2:50 PM"No other performer has come closer to this amazing record of success and critical acclaim." Eh...WRONG! Then along came Michael Jackson!!! Michael Jackson??? He/She....was shoved down our throats as a little kid, part of the Family Dancin Around on stage. Jackson was more of a "Freak" show....ALL OF HIS SCANDALS BROUGHT MUCH OF HIS ATTENTION..WANTING SKIN WHITE, PLASTIC SURGERY T LOOK LIKE DIANNA ROSS...PLAYIN WITH LITTLE BOYS ALONE.MASK OVER FACE,GLOVE ON HAND JUST TO BE SEEN IN PUBLIC..ETC..MEDIA, PAPARAZI GRABBING TACTICS!!!..used much of the MTV, and Birth Of TV MUSIC VIDEOS, to Boost his sales, etc...The Amount of Impact that VIDEOS had on the Musicians was and still is "AMAZING"....Elvis didn't have all of that...He didn't even have "Color TV" to be seen in much of his career.....Elvis was talked Down By "Authorities" as Sex Crazed, and Dont Let Your Children see This!!! And in the 1950's, People Listened....No Revolution Yet!!! So, Elvis Has Many More Obstacles in His Way, But With Only His Perfect Voice,"UNMATCHABLE"...and Perefect Looks, and His Gyrations.....He Became, and IS THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL, FOREVER!!!!!!!!!! I think its hilarious to say Elvis is not the King because he didn`t invent Rock`n Roll. And its rasism for black people to hate Elvis because he as white made it with "black music". Elvis did in fact make a NEW sound. He changed the music by himself. Elvis is the King of Rock`n Roll because he sat the standard everybody wanted to follow. He was the front man against the puritanical America. And he won! ur cool man! Posted by: Raquel at February 3, 2012 10:15 AMI have something to say, now that you mention it, but ...
I do have a comment, now that you mention it!
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