BEING ELVIS PRESLEY!!
Introduction: Elvis Presley ushered in a new era of popular culture of Rock 'n' Roll music. Puja Goyal reminiscences the legend on his 70th anniversary
Elvis Aaron Presley, the only child of Vernon and Gladys Presley was born on January 8, 1935. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th century popular culture.
The man behind the famous ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, drew his musical influences from pop and country music of the time, the gospel music from churches and the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a teenager. With a style that combined his diverse musical influences and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a new era of popular culture. Although black musicians like Chuck Berry previously started ‘Rock n Roll’ in the 1950’s, Elvis was the man who elevated the phenomenon. Most people wouldn’t classify Elvis as a blues singer, but it’s obvious that blues was a big influence.
“The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death. I really didn’t know what all the yelling was about. I didn’t realize that my body was moving. It’s a natural thing to me. So to the manager backstage I said ‘What’d I do? What’d I do?’ And he said “Whatever it is, go back and do it again’.” -From a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary Elvis on Tour. Elvis was encouraged by his manager to continue dancing. His swivel-hipped dance moves and distinctive sound earned him the title "The King of Rock-n-Roll". One controversy surrounding Elvis was that he was a good dancer because of his shoes that were shaped to be uncomfortable and resulted in Elvis’s moves.
Elvis, during his music career has received 14 Grammy nominations and 3 wins. At a young age of 36, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by NARAS. It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold over one billion records worldwide of which 40% of Elvis' total record sales have been outside the U. S. Elvis, has given nearly 1,100 concert performances and starred in 31 feature films. His two most critically acclaimed films being, Jailhouse Rock (1957) and King Creole (1958)
The Jaycees named Elvis One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 this is one of Elvis’ proudest moments. This award recognizes outstanding personal achievement and has honored men of achievement in all areas of endeavor - sports, science, medicine, entertainment, etc.
Elvis Presley was famous for giving away Cadillac’s, cash and jewelry, on the spur of the moment. Most of Elvis’ philanthropic endeavors received no publicity. Throughout his adult life, he quietly paid hospital bills, bought homes, supported families, paid off debts, and much more.
“When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times...I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song.' So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you.” -From his acceptance speech for the 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Award. (Elvis quotes from copyrighted material with lines from the song “Without a Song”.)
It is said that the last food that Elvis ate was four scoops of ice cream and 6 chocolate chip cookies. Elvis died on August 16, 1977, at home at Graceland. While there were rumors that he died because of a drug over-dose, his heart had failed him.
Elvis Aaron Presley, the only child of Vernon and Gladys Presley was born on January 8, 1935. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of 20th century popular culture.
The man behind the famous ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, drew his musical influences from pop and country music of the time, the gospel music from churches and the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a teenager. With a style that combined his diverse musical influences and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a new era of popular culture. Although black musicians like Chuck Berry previously started ‘Rock n Roll’ in the 1950’s, Elvis was the man who elevated the phenomenon. Most people wouldn’t classify Elvis as a blues singer, but it’s obvious that blues was a big influence.
“The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death. I really didn’t know what all the yelling was about. I didn’t realize that my body was moving. It’s a natural thing to me. So to the manager backstage I said ‘What’d I do? What’d I do?’ And he said “Whatever it is, go back and do it again’.” -From a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary Elvis on Tour. Elvis was encouraged by his manager to continue dancing. His swivel-hipped dance moves and distinctive sound earned him the title "The King of Rock-n-Roll". One controversy surrounding Elvis was that he was a good dancer because of his shoes that were shaped to be uncomfortable and resulted in Elvis’s moves.
Elvis, during his music career has received 14 Grammy nominations and 3 wins. At a young age of 36, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by NARAS. It is estimated that Elvis Presley has sold over one billion records worldwide of which 40% of Elvis' total record sales have been outside the U. S. Elvis, has given nearly 1,100 concert performances and starred in 31 feature films. His two most critically acclaimed films being, Jailhouse Rock (1957) and King Creole (1958)
The Jaycees named Elvis One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 this is one of Elvis’ proudest moments. This award recognizes outstanding personal achievement and has honored men of achievement in all areas of endeavor - sports, science, medicine, entertainment, etc.
Elvis Presley was famous for giving away Cadillac’s, cash and jewelry, on the spur of the moment. Most of Elvis’ philanthropic endeavors received no publicity. Throughout his adult life, he quietly paid hospital bills, bought homes, supported families, paid off debts, and much more.
“When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times...I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend - without a song.' So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you.” -From his acceptance speech for the 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Award. (Elvis quotes from copyrighted material with lines from the song “Without a Song”.)
It is said that the last food that Elvis ate was four scoops of ice cream and 6 chocolate chip cookies. Elvis died on August 16, 1977, at home at Graceland. While there were rumors that he died because of a drug over-dose, his heart had failed him.
© 2004 Puja Goyal.
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