Elvis. The First Influencer. In an era before social media, Elvis Presley transcended the limits of publicity of his time and became the first mass-marketed household name. His image, developed at a unique time in American history and in a city unlike any other, went beyond the Memphis city limits and had a global impact.
Elvis’ music was transformative. Having been immersed in and inspired by several music genres from a young age – gospel, blues, soul, country, rhythm and blues, rockabilly and early rock ‘n roll – he developed his unique interpretation, arrangement and performance of songs that transformed popular music and earned him his place as an originator and influencer of the music that has followed. And Elvis himself and his music continued to evolve throughout his life – his early rockabilly, his rock ‘n roll, the movie songs, his gospel, his ’68 Comeback, and his mature, operative voice in his concert years. Elvis has earned his place in music history as an American Icon.
Elvis is so much more than an icon, however – Elvis is an American Story.
As a performer, musician and a man, Elvis did not exist in a vacuum. He was a product of the time and place he was born and raised. Growing up in Memphis, he was immersed in many uniquely American styles of music that inspired him. It is impossible to understand Elvis without knowing the music and performers that influenced and shaped him. He was a musical genius. But without these prolific influences, his music – and let’s be honest, music was his destiny – would have been very different.
Elvis. The First Influencer
And his own influence was not finite. Instead, it is inescapable. It did not disappear but instead, has permeated every aspect of pop culture including music, style and fashion, and the latter two cannot be over stressed. Challenge yourself to go a day without seeing an Elvis reference. To do so would require you stay away from all media – television, radio, streaming, social media, search engines – and other people for that matter. Otherwise, it is almost impossible to do. We truly cannot appreciate Elvis as an originator and trend-setter without exploring how he affected everything that came after.
If it wasn't for these guys I would not be making music right now."
Elvis Presley was not a static figure who is limited by a ‘date of death.’ Instead, his influence continues to evolve, impacting contemporary musicians and entertainers in an era when influence is transient.
In other words, we cannot appreciate Elvis without appreciating the company he kept, that shaped him, and that he contributed to, becoming a huge part of his legacy. And that’s why ….
