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How Did Elvis Presley's Impact On American Culture

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Shortly after rock & roll was born, the fans chose a king. His name was Elvis Presley. The mere message of his name conjures up thousands of images. His explosive impact on music, dance and American culture changed the course of entertainment history. When he sang, he sang with both his heart and his body. He moved as if he were being jolted by electricity, scandalizing parents and leaving young fans wanting more. In the 1950’s Presley was obtaining a popularity unparalleled in theatrical history. To the press his every move was a fresh and more controversial story to tell than the last. Such controversy was originally triggered by his nationally televised appearance on The Milton Berle Show on June 5, 1956. At the time, the suggestive nature …show more content…

At this time America was in the era of the baby boomer generation that followed WII. President Dwight D. Eisenhower had just signed the Federal Aid Highway Act, and the construction of an Interstate Highway System was underway. A Hollywood actress by the name of Marilyn Monroe had just been engaged, and Rocky Marciano, a heavyweight-boxing champion, had recently retired with an undefeated record. By this time, Presley was well on his way to becoming a nationally recognized entertainment sensation. It was on June 5, 1956 where his megastardom would ultimately ensue. This was the day that Presley would go on to debut his new song “Hound Dog” on the nationally televised Milton Berle Show. His never before seen hip movements instantaneously caused a national kerfuffle that the press proceeded to pounce on like a lion a lion stalking a …show more content…

Whenever Presley met with the press, we would be asked about the morality of rock & roll, and that’s exactly what happened following his “Hound Dog” debut. The cover of the August 7, 1956 edition of Look magazine featured a tagline between the title and the primary image of Prince Philip’s face that stated: “Elvis Presely: What? Why?” Upon opening to Presley’s section, his supposed sexually charged movements were pictured accompanied by images of hollering female fans. The narrative that went along with these images did not exactly reference Presley in the most ideal

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Elvis and Big Momma Thornton made two similar, yet distinct songs through their personal point of view. Some differences between these two songs are glaring. The Elvis version has more emphasis on the instruments and is more Rock ‘n’ Roll. It has an up tempo rhythm and is easy to dance to. The Big Momma Thornton version was true to rhythm and blues.

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The Louisiana Hayride was a country music radio show airing from Shreveport, Louisiana, during the post-World War II years. It was number two to the Grand Ole Opry during its era of broadcasts. Its style was different than that of the Opry’s, which allowed growth in the country and western music genre. Louisiana Hayride assisted rising American country music stars gain popularity early in their careers. The risings of Hank Williams and Elvis Presley are important pieces in the history of the Louisiana Hayride, which reflect on how rock and roll grew in that time.

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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.

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