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THE GREENWOOD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ROCK HISTORY

The Early Years, 1951-1959

ELVIS PRESLEY: ""

THE MAN AND HIS MUSIC 1951-1959 Presley is the most celebrated individual not only in '50s , but perhaps in the history of the genre. He was the first rock and roll superstar. With his extravagant lifestyle and innovative music performances, he shat- In 1957, as his popularity soared and he tered both societal and musical barriers, changing American culture forever. became the most famous young man in the world, Presley purchased Graceland, a man- Presley revolutionized American by brilliantly melding country, gospel, pop, and blues while fusing these black and white genres to create his sion on the outskirts of Memphis, where unique sound. With his music, he blurred racial borders that dissolved as if they he and his parents could have privacy from never existed in music, while performing with a natural sexuality that made the fans who were becoming unbearable. On the large estate, Gladys returned to her him a teen idol and a role model for generations of rockers. Perhaps the most controversial musician in_rpck histojry, Presley not only simple life of gardening and raising chickens; thrilled but also threatened American society by journeying to the greatest ex- in this huge house, isolated with servants, tremes with his ability to imitate black blues singers and his nerve to cross color her health deteriorated. Depressed and ner- borders, combined with his flamboyant, uninhibited performance behaviors. vous about her son, she always worried for His love of roots music and respect for the past, along with his rejection of it his safety. Presley, constantly away filming and his demand for uniqueness, combined with his desire to raise his financial movies and touring, occasionally returned and social status to give him an intense drive to succeed. Presley signaled to to Graceland for visits, though not often '50s society that it was time to be liberated, that it was okay to listen to and enough for his mother. Also in 1957, his partake in exciting rock and roll music. He helped launch the '50s youth cul- friends and backup musicians, Scotty ture as teenagers acquired their own radios and record players. With Presley, Moore and Bill Black (already excluded "popular music began to challenge conventional tastes, and exhilarating rock from future royalties thanks to Parker) were and roll music began to dominate society. phased out, eventually resigning because Ever since his amazing ascendance in the mid-, every rock and roll per- of financial stress. They recorded with him former has been measured against Presley. Today, many years after his death, only sporadically during the 1960s. Al- though the two were essential to develop- ing Presley's musical style and sound, Parker and RCA preferred to hire studio musicians to accompany Presley (though drummer D. J. Fontana continued to per- form with him through 1968). The King's impressive list of 1957 hits included "Poor in Jailhouse Rock, 1957. Courtesy of the Library Boy," "Too Much," "Playing for Keeps," of Congress. "All Shook Up," "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" (his first gospel re- lease), "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear," "," "Jailhouse Rock," and "." Drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1957, Presley reported for duty in March 1958, unhappy and fearing his career would end during his two-year absence. However, Parker, who urged Presley to enter regular military duty to display patriotism, intentionally kept Presley out of Special Services (which would have used his talents as an entertainer). He took measures to maintain Presley's career and make sure he was not forgotten, promoting Presley as a pa- triotic, honorable man performing his duty and fostering an all-American im- age for him. Parker occasionally released singles recorded by Presley before he entered the army (that sold millions) and would not allow him to perform while in the army (to create even more of a demand for him). After basic