Rock and Roll Essay -- Music, Elvis Presley

What comes to mind when you think about Rock and Roll? Is it the pulsating rhythms, and upbeat tempo that seemingly sooth the mind? What many don’t realize is this phenomenon was started by a single man that combined various elements he loved. This man, Elvis Presley, not only created Rock and Roll but a new era of attitude and personality which people perceived as they watched him perform. Elvis Aaron Presley, one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century, started a new clothing style for his generation, influenced a new era of dance, and most notably introduced Rock and Roll to the world. Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi into a loving but poor family (Tracy 1). From the young age of 7, Elvis showed a passion for music. He was introduced to music in the family’s Assembly of God church where the southern gospel music became an important influence on his success. When Elvis’ mother Gladys acquired enough money, she bought him his first guitar, he then taught himself to play and in October 1945, he had his first taste of success in music by placing in the town fair talent contest (â€Å"Famous Quotes†. After graduating high school in 1953, he worked various jobs while still pursuing his musical career. Later in 1953, he walked into Sun Studios where he paid four dollars to record his first record. Upon hearing Elvis’ recording, Sam Philips decided to take him under his wing and then became his record label owner (â€Å"Elvis Presley†). In 1954, he produced his first single â€Å"That’s all Right.† From then unt il his death he became the biggest phenomenon ever in the world of entertainment (Morrison 1). From the start of Elvis’ career, he was in the center of the spotlight but before his career even started his appe... ...ers of his time. Elvis is known as the leading artist in R & B, gospel, and American country (â€Å"Elvis Presley†). He has sold over a billion records, more than any other artist known to man. He was one of the first performers ever inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 (Brewster 1). Elvis loved performing live concerts â€Å"A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and onstage,† it’s his favorite part of his business (â€Å"Famous Quotes† 1). Even today he still remains a legendary music icon for popularizing and creating the start of Rock and Roll (Brewster 1). It is impossible to think of a Rock and Roll star who doesn’t owe a debt to Elvis Presley (Ebsco). Today he is still known as the starter of Rock and Roll, and is the most successful recording artist in terms of hit songs and hit albums still today.