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How Did Elvis Influence American Culture

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“Music has always been both a barometer measuring and responding to society's problems and possibilities, and the twentieth century was a period that witnessed the emergence of a diverse range of musical styles and genres, each seemingly in reaction to the dominant sociopolitical concerns of the day” (Morgan). Presley, Dylan, and Joplin had the greatest influence on American culture in the 1960’s. Elvis had a great influence on American culture through his influence on music, affect on American culture, and his legacy. Elvis also known as “the King” or “the King of Rock and Roll”was very popular in the 1960’s. Presley created new styles by gyrating his hips and dressing differently. When presley first appeared on television it sparked a controversy within his career. This happened when Elvis sang “Hound Dog” while he was singing he shook his pelvis. “Television critics across the country slam the performance for its "appalling lack of musicality," for its "vulgarity" and "animalism." (“Elvis”). Television shows thought that it would be better to show Elvis waist up, so that the viewers would not be offended. Elvis also starred in some movies; where he would sing and dance. These roles that elvis starred in set new limits …show more content…

Most of Dylan’s song lyrics were focusing on one of society's main problems. Dylan wrote hundreds of pieces even if he did not actually sing them. One of Dylan's most famous lines from the song was During the Newport Jazz Festival Bob sang the song “Maggie’s Farm.” Instead of accompanying it with a guitar he decided to play with electric guitars. “it has been stated by some who witnessed the historic performance that some the yelling from the audience that night was about the terrible sound quality of the performance—overloud in general and mixed so poorly that Dylan’s vocals were unintelligible.”

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