Tennessee was admitted to the Union in 1796 becoming the 16th state of the soon to be United States of America. Once Tennessee became a state, there were many controversies that played a critical role throughout the Union. Controversies such as Jacksonian America, Antebellum Years, Civil War, etc. Nevertheless, these significant events does not change the fact of the individuals who played a important role throughout Tennessee. Individuals such as Alvin York who was a World War 1 hero, Hattie Caraway elected the first woman senator, Bessie Smith whom was a famous American singer, etc. However, I want to shift my focus on the "King of Rock and Roll" Elvis Presley. Elvis Presley was not only a legend throughout Tennessee but, a legend throughout …show more content…
He lived in a 2 bedroom house with his twin brother, Jesse Garon, who left Elvis to grow up on his own. Around 1948, Elvis Presley and his family moved to Memphis, TN, graduating from Humes High School in 1953. On Elvis's 11th birthday his parents bought him a guitar which throughout time he only learned a couple chords but was never the best guitar player. Nonetheless, Elvis Presley had a voice that amazed people and he was only just a little boy at the time. However, once he and others realized how good his voice was he started to perfect his vocal cords to pursue in being a rock and roll/blues musician. Elvis Presley wanted to perfect his voice so he would be able to sing some of the bigger songs around the time he was going up. Song such as "its Now or Never", "Are you Lonesome Tonight", etc. Is clear to see at a young age Presley ad the mindset, will, and dedication to being one of the greatest musicians all …show more content…
The 1955 Sun RCA Deal was the deal that would forever change American popular culture (elvispresleymuseum.com). By 1956, Elvis recorded his first song with his new label in Nashville. The song was called "Heartbreak Hotel". Elvis Presley's music started to break racial barriers throughout the south. His music brought all races together at concerts, shows, small events, etc. However, in the late 1950's it was considered to be one of the most separated times in American history because of the Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Even though, Elvis had a unique sound that brought people together, it didn’t change the tone of this movement. Racism still played as a negative factor throughout the south. Nonetheless, In 1958, Elvis is inducted into the U.S. Army. This is when Elvis gets his famous GI haircut. He Travels to Fort Hood, Texas where he would begin training (elvis.com). In 1960, Elvis is discharged form the U.S.