Elvis is the King of Rock and Roll. I have no idea why.Perhaps Louis Theroux will do a programme on it. What I did hear recently was that Elvis impersonators always dress in those awful white sparkly outfits because you cant sing 'Suspicious Minds' in a GI suit;It seems obvious but it still explained a lot to me. Those out fits are hardly flattering to anyone.
Many other artists claim Elvis as an inspiration, and if you listen to what came before him (and others like Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis) plus look at the popular culture of the time(the rise of THE TEENAGER) you can see why he had such an impact.
Bob Dylan said
"When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody, and nobody was going to be my boss....hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail"
I cant say the Elvis music of my early life was up to much, though I used to like his Hawaii films; "Drums of the islands, you're beating in my heart, you're with me no matter where I roam,Wherever I wonder whenever we're apart, I know that you will lead me home. "
Nuff said?
As far as impersinators are concerned, I suppose Elvis's voice and style are distinctive enough to copy.However, none of them are originals and it was his originality that means he has earned the title King of Rockn'roll. Don't forget though, that the secret of a long lasting legendary status is always helped by an early death. Herion would have been more Rock N Roll than burgers and prescription painkillers, but none of his fans seem to mind.
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