The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll

This week, we got our podcast episodes done and are now awaiting feedback. This project is coming to an end, and so is the school year!

Now as for this weeks post, when you think about the music in the 1950s, you can’t help but think about Elvis Presley. So let’s talk a little about his life. 

Born in Tulepo, Mississippi, in 1935, Elvis is known as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century. He was reffered to as “ The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, but this genre of music had actually already been around. His music was actually inspired by African-American music. Elvis started recording in 1954 at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips. He was on rhythm acoustic guitar with lead guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black.  

Something super impressive was that because Presley grew up poor, he actually never recieved any real music training and could not read music, so he studied and played by ear. 

Presley’s first song “Heartbreak Hotel” was released in 1956 and became a #1 hit in the US. 

In his music, Elvis’ lyrics contain alot of vulgar words and references to sex, which attracted teenagers growing up at this time. However, parents weren’t the biggest fans of his music. Believing that it was a terrible influence and would corrupt their children. So, this career led Elvis to have great success, but initial controversy. He did concerts, made alot more music and appeared in films and tv.

Interesting fact, I had interviewed my grandma for this project, and she mentionned that not only did she love Elvis Presley but so did her mom, who had no problem with it. Although they were french-canadian, and probably didn’t understand most of the words. 

Family wise, Elvis Presley married a woman named Priscilla Beaulieu in 1967, but they sepperated 5 years later. They also had one child together named Lisa Marie Presley who also had a career in the music business, recording 3 albums. She has also been married 4 times, including to Michael Jackson. 

Unfortunately, years of prescription drug abuse seriously damaged Elvis’ health and he died suddenly in 77’ at the age of 42. 

To this day, Elvis is the best-selling solo music artist of all time. He won 3 Grammy Awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (age 36) and has been included in multiple music halls of fame. He also holds several records: the most RIAA ceritified gold and platinum albums, the most albums charted on the Billboard 200, and the most number-one albums by a solo artist on the UK Albums Chart.