Elvis Presley Contributions To Society Essay
We know Elvis Presley as the King of Rock and Roll, and although he died more than three decades ago many of his songs are still popular today. In fact, most of today’s generation views Elvis in a positive light. However, in the 1950s when he was first becoming famous he was seen as a rebel who went against social norms.
In 1956 Elvis burst onto the scene in the entertainment world. “Elvis exploded on the American entertainment scene from every angle imaginable. In 1956 Elvis seemed to be everywhere—on the record charts, on TV, in movie theaters, and live on stage” (1956 … The Year Elvis the Pelvis Burst Upon the American Scene). With nearly 90 percent of American families owning a TV set (Foner, 936) it was easy for the entire country to have simple unimpeded …show more content…
“People didn’t know what Elvis’ music was. They didn’t know if it was rhythm and blues, country, or what but whatever it was, listeners clamored for it.” (Wallace) He would be credited with bringing black music to young white Americans who through segregation were not exposed to black music.
Even though Elvis went on to a successful acting career, he will always be known for his music. He released songs from 1956 until his death in 1977 that included 14 number one records, 38 top 10 songs, and 102 top 40 titles. “No other recording act before or since, including The Beatles, can even approach the consistent chart performance of Elvis Presley” (Elvis’s Music: The Foundation Of his Iconic Role in Pop Culture).
Many things can be said about Elvis and it is true that he pushed the envelope and brought many changes in his day. He certainly had an influence in music that is still present today. He shattered racial barriers through his music and he brought something different to American culture. He was a true rebel of his time that made lasting positive impacts on the culture of
In 1956 Elvis burst onto the scene in the entertainment world. “Elvis exploded on the American entertainment scene from every angle imaginable. In 1956 Elvis seemed to be everywhere—on the record charts, on TV, in movie theaters, and live on stage” (1956 … The Year Elvis the Pelvis Burst Upon the American Scene). With nearly 90 percent of American families owning a TV set (Foner, 936) it was easy for the entire country to have simple unimpeded …show more content…
“People didn’t know what Elvis’ music was. They didn’t know if it was rhythm and blues, country, or what but whatever it was, listeners clamored for it.” (Wallace) He would be credited with bringing black music to young white Americans who through segregation were not exposed to black music.
Even though Elvis went on to a successful acting career, he will always be known for his music. He released songs from 1956 until his death in 1977 that included 14 number one records, 38 top 10 songs, and 102 top 40 titles. “No other recording act before or since, including The Beatles, can even approach the consistent chart performance of Elvis Presley” (Elvis’s Music: The Foundation Of his Iconic Role in Pop Culture).
Many things can be said about Elvis and it is true that he pushed the envelope and brought many changes in his day. He certainly had an influence in music that is still present today. He shattered racial barriers through his music and he brought something different to American culture. He was a true rebel of his time that made lasting positive impacts on the culture of