Elvis Presley’s impact around the world

Elvis Presley’s impact around the world

Introduction

Elvis Presley was an American singer, musician, and actor born in 1935. He is widely considered one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll". Presley began his career as a musician in the mid-1950s, releasing hit songs.

Elvis Presley had a profound impact on the world of music, fashion, and pop culture. From the 1950s to the present day, his influence can be seen and heard in various forms of media, from music charts to film. Presley's unique blend of country, gospel, and R&B music captivated audiences, paving the way for the rise of rock and roll. He was also known for his charismatic stage presence, fashion sense, and rebellious image, which helped to break down racial and social barriers. In this presentation, we will explore the impact that Elvis Presley has had on the world, examining his contributions to the music industry but moreover his history, not that joyfull.

1. His childhood

Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, USA. He was the only son of a poor family, Vernon and Gladys Presley. He grew up in a small wooden house with his family in rural Mississippi. As a child, Elvis was raised in a very religious family.

He started learning to play the guitar at the age of 11, thanks to a gift from his mother, and began to sing in churches and family celebration

He was also a studious student and enjoyed playing football and basketball in high school.

However, his passion for music took over

In 1948, the Presley family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis continued to pursue his passion for music by recording his first tracks professionally. He then began to make a name for himself in the local music scene, which eventually led to international stardom and success.

1. First musical encounters

Elvis Presley's first musical encounters were with his family and at the local church. He grew up listening to gospel music and country music, which were important influences for him in his musical style. He was also influenced by rhythm and blues artists he heard on local radio, such as Ray Charles, B.B. King and Little Richard.

In Memphis he met other local musicians and began to explore different genres of music.

He met producers and recording studio owners, who helped him record his first professional songs.

He also met musicians who played an important role in his career, such as Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, who played with him in his live band and helped develop his unique musical style.

One of the encounters that will change his life is with Colonel Tom Parker who was a Dutch show promoter and who met Elvis when he was still an unknown artist. He quickly saw the potential in Elvis and began working as his exclusive manager. He played a key role in building his career as an artist but also in his personal life and we'll talk more about him later.

1. First successes / apparitions on stage

Elvis Presley's first times on stage were in local clubs and bars in Memphis. He started performing in talent contests and playing in bars during his high school days. He also participated in gospel performances at area churches. He then started playing music clubs , such as the Eagle's Nest and the Overton Park Shell.

In 1954, Elvis recorded his first songs professionally, and then began performing as a professional musician, gaining a local audience and growing recognition. He also began performing on local radio and television shows, such as the "Louisiana Hayride" and the "Grand Ole Opry".

He became famous for his stage presence, his powerful voice and his charismatic presence, with provocative dance moves for the time. He quickly established his reputation as one of the greatest live performers of all time.

Elvis Presley's first hits started happening when he signed a contract with RCA Records in 1955.

His first single, "Heartbreak Hotel", went to number one on the US charts and was followed by many other hits, such as "Blue Suede Shoes", "Hound Dog" and "Love Me Tender".

He also released his debut album, "Elvis Presley" which was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US charts and selling over a million copies. His television appearances, such as his first performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1956, also contributed to his growing popularity.

He also enjoyed great success as a performing artist, performing in concerts across the United States and filling sold-out concert halls. quickly gaining a loyal fanbase and becoming a popular music phenomenon He was also very popular in Europe and Australia, where he toured.

In summary, Elvis Presley's early success was fueled by all those points which have helped make his debut in the industry.

II ) During his career

1. Beginning of polemics /military service / death of his mother

With his huge success making him a trend; an icon and a hype, Elvis has been drawing more and more attention to himself.  From the simple small detail to the biggest scandal, he is at the center of all eyes. Every opportunity is good to put him down and people hasten to talk about his style and especially his presence on stage. He is nicknamed “Pelvis” which means “bassin” in French, in reference to all those movements and dance steps that the artist puts forward. Each of his steps on stage is considered provocative and sexualizing for the time when no artist allowed himself to shake on stage, as Elvis did.

At only 19 years old, despite the first criticisms that he begins to receive, he is already the biggest phenomenon among young people and especially among young women who are the absolute fans of the singer. Sometimes he speaks in the media to express his incomprehension to those who wish for the end of his career because of his artistic style. Those who wish to destroy him even speak of “erotic gesticulation”

The success of Elvis Presley is unprecedented, the singer who became the greatest artist of his generation only confirms the reasons for his artistic boom. He is now the singer who sells the most albums.

At the end of 1957, he was called up for military service. His passion is on hold and he is called to serve his country. This is only the beginning of the difficulties for Elvis, during these 2 years, he is at the lowest when he learns of the death of his mother. Elvis is severely impacted by this news as he had a very strong relationship with his mother who supported him in all stages of his life and for whom he had an unconditional love. After this painful ordeal in his life, the pages of Elvis Presley’s life continue to fill, but it will never be the same again.

...