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Brittany Smith
1/24/16
Rough Draft 1
English 112-39
Music Essay
Professor Intawiwat

Elvis Presley
Thank ya, Thank ya very much, is one of Elvis most popular sayings. Many people
know who the amazing Elvis Presley is and that he was a famous singer, but many people dont
really understand what he contributed to popular music to earn his outstanding fame throughout
the entire world. Elvis combined many different types of music to form a specific style that he
called Rockabilly which became one of the key sounds of Rock n Roll which we now have
today. Elvis had a huge impact on America, pop culture, and a lot of individuals themselves
through the lyrics of his songs. There is no doubt that Elvis Presleys impact on American
society has chnaged the world of music and movies which helped earn him his name which is the
king of rocknroll, or simply just the king. Elviss audience consisted of all races, ages and
gender, his style of music combined gospel, country, blues and rock n roll. ("All music) Elvis is
the main contributor who made rock n roll the international language of pop which we all still
love today. Many people praise him as a great music icon and look up to him.

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Elvis started a new genre of music some would say. He combined gospel, country, blues
and rocknroll together was his style of music which formed his new genre. To form Elviss
musical style he fused the country western music with the rhythm and blues and the pop music
that dominated the radio and recording industries. He was the first person to reach out to white
and black communities with his music. The combination of musical genres and sounds into a
new style of music was Elviss true gift and his contribution to popular culture and society. The
sound of his music was so sincere and so peaceful and just so genuine that it made many people
fall in love with his style and how he portrayed each and every song. These musical styles took
place just prior to the civil rights movement, prefiguring social integration, makes this moment in
pop culture history seem momentous. ( Kemp, Mark.) Every time I listen to his music they all
tell a story and you can relate to each one of them. I love all of his music, hes very easy to fall in
love with, well at least I think so.
Elvis impact on pop culture was incredible with all the different kinds of music he
combined together. Even though Elvis wasnt the first singer to sing in a rock n roll style, so he
cant be credited with inventing it. But, his version of this new music became extremely popular
during the mid-1950s. He spread rock n roll music across the world, making it popular to a very
wide audience, especially teenagers. He was a true innovator. Elvis also had a strong influence
on youth culture. During the 1950s, teenagers began to think of themselves as being different
from their parents generation. Because of the economic prosperity of the period, teens enjoyed a
disposable income that they could spend on themselves instead of contributing toward family
survival. ("Elvis' Impact) With that money they dressed themselves in the different fashions and
unique clothes in their age group, went to movies that featured stars of their age and generation,
and listened to music that they all loved. So it wasnt a surprise when Presleys rock n roll

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music, his hairstyle, and his fashion sense became a huge part of this new culture for teenagers.
Later in his career, Presley changed his musical style and his personal look to keep up with the
times and gain popularity among older people. Elvis became a movie star during the 1960s and
then returned to live musical performances during the 1970s. His career went through so many
life changes; he was popular with different types of people for many different reasons. Even after
his death, his popularity remains strong among a wide variety of people. This wide popularity, as
well as his important role in American musical history, makes him a cultural icon. He is one of
the most loved singers of all time I would say. Elvis will forever be remembered for the impact
he left on the world.
One of Elvis songs that impacted the people is called Cant help falling in love with
you. It is one of the most influential songs of all time landing in the top 5 at number 3. This
song was written in the 70s ("How Did Elvis Affect Society?") Many people use this song to
dance to for their first dance as husband and wife and for many other things; its just a very
romantic song. It became an emotionally sentimental favorite that even years later, has left a
passionate memory in the soul of millions of individuals. The lyrics that are well known in this
famous song is take my hand, take my whole life too, but I cant help falling in love with you.
Another one of Elvis influential songs is titled If I can dream it was influenced by the lasting
words of Martin Luther King Jr If I can Dream it was recorded by Elvis just two months after
the assassination of the king. The influential song lives on today and still gives chills to anyone
who happens to view it or listen to it. I myself am a big fan of this song, it has so much meaning
and it is just a very beautiful and touching song.

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As you can see Elvis was a major part of society and he had an influence on many
different things. He had an influence on all of America, pop culture and even individuals
themselves. Whether it is through his music lyrics, by the clothes he wore, or by how he created
a new sound for music that touched so many hearts. He is known all over the world and people
still are influenced by him today. Elvis is relatable he came from having little to becoming
famous; his music is relatable to all people. He thought that all people should be treated equal
like the song Walk a mile in my shoes. Since Elvis was so famous this would influence
everyone across the world hoping that they would see that just because your skin color is
different doesnt mean you dont matter because you do. Elvis will always be one of the most
influential artists to me. He is well known throughout the entire world and people are inspired by
his music which we all still know and love today. He is definitely an American heart throb.
Elvis Presley is a legendary icon and his music will impact many others who are able to hear it
for years to come. Now I will leave you with one of his quotes Until we meet again, may God
bless you as he has blessed me.

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Works Cited
"How Did Elvis Affect Society?" Elvis Presley. Weebly, n.d. Web. 22 Jan. 2016.
Kemp, Mark. "Elvis Presley Biography." Rolling Stone. Simon and Schuster, 2001. Web. 22 Jan.
2016
Friedlander, Paul. "Elvis' Impact." Rock'n'Roll : A Social History. N.p.: Westview, 1996. N. pag.
Print
"Elvis Presley." All Music. Richie Unterberger, 1984. Web. 21 Jan. 2016