Camryn Williams #7 Blog post - Role of the Performer

 Elvis Presley - King of Rock n' Roll


Photo from Britannica

Who is Elvis Presley? 

    Born on January 8th, Elvis knew he loved music. His passion for music grew when he attended churches. He constantly heard gospel music and black artists singing R&B. 

    In January of 1954, a year after he graduated high school, he was signed to Sun Records label in Memphis. Here he created "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Arthur." Mind you, Elvis Presley did not write any of his songs himself. He either had others create the lyrics or made a cover of a song. The same year, he begins to work for Crown Electric Company where he delivers supplies to different jobs. At night, he was going to school to be an apprentice electrician. Many people helped Elvis with his records. A man named Sam Phillips introduced Elvis to local musicians, Scotty Moore and Bill Black. The three musicians made music and started a group together. The summer of 1954, the group performed at small clubs and local gigs. 

    In November of 1995, he created Elvis Presley Music, Inc, firm under a record company. A few months later, he had his first hit song, selling over one million copies."Heartbreak Hotel" went #1 on the pop and country billboard charts, and #5 on the R&B chart. This earned Elvis his first gold record award. Elvis quickly rose to fame as his first album, in March of 1956, reached #1 on pop billboard charts and sold over $1 million in sales. By the end of 1956, Elvis was using his name to sell products and merchandise such as, clothing, jewelry, stuffed animals, stationary, and more. This changed the game for celebrity marketing. He sold over $22 million in sales. 



"Heartbreak Hotel" By Elvis Presley - released January 27, 1956 in Nashville, TN

    During the year 1957, Elvis purchased the famous Graceland Mansion, went on many tours, and created the motion picture "Jailhouse Rock." Elvis tours outside the United States for the first time. Had four shows in Canada. August 31, 1957, is the last time he would perform a concert outside the United States. Due to his quick rise of fame, many shows had to end early because of wild fans. They would storm the area Elvis was in.  "Jailhouse Rock' was as popular as "The Wizard of Oz." It reached #3 and was considered Elvis' best performance and a classic for "rock opera." This performance gave Elvis the title, "King of Rock n' Roll." October 15, 1957, Elvis released his first christmas album..."Elvis' Christmas Album"




    At the end of 1957, Elvis was chosen to be drafted. His army years ended March 2, 1960 and two weeks later Elvis worked on his new album "Elvis is Back!", which then was released April 8. His iconic classic, "Can't Help Falling in Love ", became a top 5 single. 

    The mid to late 60's were a busy time for Elvis Presley. In the span of 10 years, he produced 7 albums. He recorded soundtracks for many movies. He also got married to a lady named Priscilla and had a child with her, Lisa Marie Presley. He reunited with Scotty Moore, "68 Special", and played features and songs from his first ever band. The International Hotel in Las Vegas, the largest showroom in the city was built in the late. Elvis was booked for 4 weeks straight at the hotel. Before the opening of the hotel, Elvis brought together the best performers he could find. Rock n' roll musicians and gospel groups were apart of his performance. Elvis gave this hotel its popularity, even to this day. He performed over 600 shows over the span of months, with his final shows in 1967. 


    Up until his death, Elvis Presley was constantly on tour throughout the 70's. He earned a total of 3 Grammys due to his gospel-like music. April 1 1977, he becomes hospitalized, but 20 days later he returned back to touring. By the end of June, the world could tell Elvis was strained and unhealthy. 

    He passed August 16, 1977 

Elvis Presley's Musical Impact

    Elvis had a natural but wide range voice. His vocal pitch and range could hit about two to three octaves. He had a higher voice then most opera signers. Due to his vocal control, Elvis was able to switch the tone and bass in his voice quickly. The rhythm in his voice was not monotone, it was soothing. He could bring out the emotion when he sang and performed. People were attracted to his unique musical sound. Artists including the Beatles were influenced by Elvis. Because of his musical influences, he had a unique voice. He was a blend of pop, Rock, country, r&b, and gospel.  His gospel and r&b-like sound "challenged" social and racial barriers. He became a controversial figure but he caused the 60s to have a great change in music. 


King of Rock n' Roll

    I enjoy Elvis Presley. I especially love how he marketed himself and earned the title "King of Rock n' Roll." His influence on music was great. Elvis brought Rock n roll to the mainstream. He crossed mainly black r&b music and white pop music. He was one of the first heart throbs in music. His hip movements and body contortions were scandalous to the older folks. 

Sources:

“Biography.” Graceland, https://www.graceland.com/biography . Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

“Cultural Impact of Elvis Presley.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Sept. 2024,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_impact_of_Elvis_Presley 

“Elvis Presley.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 29 Oct. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Presley 

“Elvis Presley History: Westgate Las Vegas.” WestgateResorts, https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/nevada/las-vegas/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/elvis-presley-history/#:~:text=It%20was%20his%20residency%20venue,Vegas%20Resort%20%26%20Casino%20in%202014.   Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

“Elvis’ Musical Style, as a Musician and Impact as a Vocalist and Stage Performer.” Elvis Australia : Official Elvis Presley Fan Club, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/elvis-musical-style-as-a-musician-and-impact-as-a-vocalist-and-stage-performer.shtml Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Meltzer, Matt. “The Hotel That Elvis Made Famous Is Still Here.” Fifty Grande, 28 July 2023, https://www.fiftygrande.com/the-hotel-that-elvis-built-is-still-standing-in-vegas/




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