What was so great about Elvis Presley?

Question

If he didn't even write his own songs, what was everyone's fascination with him?

What did he contribute to our world?

Answer 1

A style that many have tried to emulate and failed miserably,oh and that he died on the crapper

Answer 2

He defines rock music for most of the white culture. Sure, there are many other equally talented people who didn't share with spotlight with Elvis, but to be honest, Elvis was the most popular. He was controversial, new, sexy, very American, and PATRIOTIC.

I personally think he was amazing. As for contributions to our world, I think he showed the public that even the most popular, high-paid celebrities can break down. That's probably not a contribution he meant to make, but it really gave a lot of people a wake-up call. Being famous isn't always what it's cracked up to be.

P.S. You have the choice to be fascinated with him or not. I choose to be fascinated.

Answer 3

Elvis brought rock n' roll, which at the time was only black music, to white America. However this slightly cuts him short, because he didn't just rip those guys off and bring their music to a new crows. He was as good as many of them. I would say only Chuck Berry and Little Richard were better. But Elvis was the greatest mimic Ive ever seen. He could go from fast drums and what was then rocking guitar to a perfect tone Roy Orbison. He was very talented and although he wasn't totally original very few could play all the genres he did that well. He covered country, rock, blues, and fifties pop and did them all at there highest level.

Answer 4

He was the first WHITE singer to truly "sing like a black man" (NOT like Al Jolson, which was an extension of the "Minstrel Show" type of act which was racist - often unintentionally) and inadvertently advanced the cause of racial justice by bringing "rock and roll" (and thereby music by blacks) music to the mainstream, whereas before it was solely being done by blacks. Also, Elvis was the quintessential American "rags to riches" story. He was a guy that showed that with a little luck and effort "everyman" could make it in America. He entertained millions of people, was the first to have a world-wide satellite broadcast of a concert (from Hawaii), and had a career that spanned decades. You don't necessarily need to be able to write songs to be able to sing them - this was hardly exclusive to Elvis. Elvis also frequently rewarded people who did nice things for him by buying them brand new Cadillacs. He lived life the way he wanted to.

Answer 5

Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes.”
-Elvis often used this adaptation of a well-known quotation.
Elvis Aaron Presley, in the humblest of circumstances, was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.
Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager. In 1954, he began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards for 131 different albums and singles, far more than any other artist. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

Answer 6

He contributed much entertainment to our world. He gave concerts and made movies - like many celebrities now. He was considered very innovative for his time. Performers did not get on stage and "shake it" like that back when he first started performing.

He has a wonderful voice and sang many great songs.

Answer 7

He was there at the right time and the right place. At that time, no one would dare to dance the way he did. That was considered too provocative. People considered him one of the rock and roll legends.

You can't compare today's standard and back in the 60'. The lyrics back then also are very simple. People are more sophisticate as time goes by.

Answer 8

excuse me? Elvis helped the U.S. by serving in the military plus he was sooo cute. I am sooo much younger plus he died before I was even born but he's a hottie to look at. I am sad that there's no other guy in the music business who has his handsome looks and eyes...sorry Justin, but you are too bald and baby sounding for me...now Elvis, when he sings, he's gotta REAL MAN'S VOICE...and that pelvis? shake it baby...ooooooooooooooooooh...(giggles)

Answer 9

He was as close as a white man could get to R&B at that time. The Black groups could not get their music out, so they wrote music and he sang it --- Bingo! He was a hit!

Answer 10

He can sing. He helped people find jobs for example people are paid to be Elvis impersonators.

Answer 11

He is an amazing performer. You have to watch some of his live shows I guess during his younger days.