Why is Elvis Presley overrated?

Question

I do not understand why the public still fawns over this guy. "King of Rock and Roll?" How about king of the no-talent trailer trash set? He only wrote three of his own songs and they were co-writes at best. All he had was a voice, and that was it. What was so special about this guy?

It is funny that the so-called "king" died on the "throne"!

Yeah, go ahead and tell me Roxy Music, The Clash, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Van Halen, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra suck. Then you'll look really dumb!

Answer 1

he is heavily marketed.

Answer 2

Once again, it was the times. The confluence of several types of music and Elvis happened to be the one that helped rock and roll take off. He was actually as much Rockabilly as rock and roll.

I was fairly young when Elvis became popular but by the time I was listening to my own music, I only liked early Elvis. LasVegas Elvis, I didn't care for. I also was not a huge fan of the Beatles and I was in upper grade school then. As far as money making, Elvis made nothing compared to what people get now, but he wasn't over-rated. He was the "newest in thing" Much like the Beach Boys question.

I am just sorry to see so few questions listed here for the old farts like me. Thanks for putting out a couple I could respond to.

Answer 3

I was around when Elvis first became a Big Thing. His very early recordings on the Sun label are still pretty good! Go to YouTube and listen to tunes like "Mystery Train", "Blue Moon of Kentucky", and "That's All Right, Mama".

But when he became super-popular, his manager, Col. Tom Parker, made Elvis a parody of himself. Bad songs, bad movies - anything that didn't "offend" but still made zillions of dollars.

What Elvis DID do for the world was to bring the black rhythm & blues style to the white consciousness. Cross R&B with Southern "rockabilly" and you have rock and roll.

You're right. Elvis became embarassing after Col. Tom neutered him. But Elvis did provide the spark, so don't be THAT hard on him! Like John Lennon said, without an Elvis there would have been no Beatles.

Answer 4

massively puffed up. purely because of the fact he stimulated rock does no longer mean he became sturdy at enjoying the music. different men should be known for what Elvis is, yet nonetheless, they did no longer placed on the sparkly jumpsuits or thoroughly make the main gospel music and declare it as their very own. And why, oh why do human beings take each achieveable hazard to tutor an hassle-free question into suitable 40 music bashing. human beings, in case you choose a thumbs up so badly, provide a sturdy, smart answer. no ought to strengthen suitable 40 music to get it. **ok Captain Sheridan, a query that began out as an Elvis question has grew to become in to a rant approximately suitable 40 and Queen. hear, I understand you're lonely and choose somebody to speak to, yet do no longer bash bands for the reason which you already comprehend it rather is going to initiate a controversy. you're literally too stupid to insult, based totally on the actuality you stated as Bohemian Rhapsody between the worst songs of all time. you do no longer could like it, yet don't be so ignorant as to assert this is a foul music. you appear to be considered one of those diehard punks this is so very at a loss for words. On one hand, you satisfaction your self that punk music is underground, yet bitter that it would not get an identical spotlight as say, i do no longer understand, a suitable 40 band or a properly conventional classic band mutually with Queen. in case you choose to rant, then rant the place this is suitable, do no longer circulate around choosing fights, once you for sure haven't any thought what you're speaking approximately. **So then i became actual. you're considered one of those indie/underground pretentious assholes. ok, properly then i'm a poser, and that i'm completely positive with that.

Answer 5

It's understandable for people who grew up in that time. For most of post-WWII America, bands and musicians were significantly less important than performers, which was what Elvis was: a person who could sing and captivate the audience. His continued popularity today is equal parts tragic death, marketing, and popular culture, especially parody.

Answer 6

Even Little Richard ('The Architect of RnR') says y'gotta give credit where credits due. No. Elvis did Not invent rock. But he presented it to the world. It's too eay to look back w/ the benefit of time on our side & downplay how big this guy was in his day.

No one had seen anything like him back in the 50s.

I just wish I could've been in his head when he saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, though! ;)

Answer 7

If you don't get it by know , you never will. It's O.K. not to like someone and even think they are overrated. When you make statements as strong as the ones you made , you should at least mention some of your favorite artists so the Elvis fans on here can tell you how bad they suck.

Answer 8

Well , i'm older - enough to say i was alive when "the king" died. I never got it either, i mean...5.000 Japanese Elvis impersonators swear by him, WTF??! He was just at the right place at the right time i guess, otherwise SOMEBODY ELSE would have been in his place. There was a guy named "Hamburger James" who was part of the Elvis posse, and did a book about him. Elvis WAS hooked on pills . Elvis liked 13 year old girls , would have them come over to the house and drink cough syrup strained through their panties (hey! it's all in the book!). He used to throw flashbulbs into the swimming pool and shoot at them with a gun! He swore he was a DEA agent...while hooked on crap! Y'all say what you want, but is/WAS this the mark of a superstar??!

Answer 9

I don't fawn over Elvis. But He was the king of Rock& Roll and had a fantastic voice.Not to mention How goodlooking he was-plus he had a great personality.plus he was giving and kind to people.He was also the first to shake those hips-He had sex appeal.I am a bit young for his generation but my hubby got me to listen to him and NO ONE CAN SING OR LOOK LIKE HIM and I MEAN NO ONE!!!! Too bad he messed his life up with drugs.He probably would still be singing.YOU SAY TRAILER TRASH to Elvis! I think you are Jealous!!!!!He was never trailer trash,are you?

Answer 10

You are right he was not a writter thats not what he's known for. He is simply one of the best performers to ever stand on a stage. He changed music forever if it wasn't for him music would be very different now. Not everyone has to love him but you cant deny his place in history.

Answer 11

I know it is absolutely hilarious how he died finishing up business.....

See I have no idea why either. Other than he was only popular because Hawaiian girls were attracted to him and this so called "King of rock and roll" was also only known for his money. You never know who is the true rock and roll "King" but I sure no he isn't one of my rocker babes, you can forget about that.
>>>Amanda