The ‘King of Rock and Roll’, the legend, the American Pop Star, Elvis Presley is one of the biggest names in the history of rock. In the 1950’s, Elvis Presley dominated the industry; an international star to say the least. Presley was seen on television, heard on the radio, and seen on music charts. What made him stand out during this time period were his controversial moves and diverse music which created a culture shock to the world. Despite being seen as a successful businessman and a sensation, Elvis Presley holds a powerful background beyond his career. On the 8th of January, 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley and his identical twin Jessie Gaaron, who was unfortunately still born, were born in their parent’s two-room house. Growing up as an only …show more content…
Due to their poverty, they were surrounded by a predominantly black community. In his adolescence years, it was clear that Elvis had a talent, mainly because of his surrounding community. Evidence that predicted Elvis’ promising future was his entrance into the 1945 Mississippi Alabama Fair and Dairy Show without an instrument. Accordingly, Elvis placed fifth in the competition. Shortly after, he was given a guitar from his parents. In 1948, Elvis and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee. Allegedly, Elvis would bring his guitar with him to school every day. It was said that “Students recalled him playing during lunchtime and recess but rarely for any organized activity, since his ‘hillbility’ (country) tunes were scorned by both teachers and classmates” (Ott 10). Elvis attempted to keep a low profile, but he dressed differently than the white kids and openly appreciated the black culture he had grown up around. Nonetheless, his life truly started to take a turn when he performed and impressed his school audience with the rendition of Teresa Brewer’s “Till I Waltz Again With You” in April,