Elvis Presley's Influence On American Culture

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Elvis Presley is an American icon, not only because of his music and film career, but for his influence on social and moral values and his introduction of African American music to the youth of the 1950s. Elvis incorporated his modest Southern Christian upbringing and knowledge of hymns into his own, unique style of music. It can be said that Elvis Presley invented Rock n’ Roll. His influence on America’s youth went far beyond musical styles. The young men wanted to be him so much they imitated everything he did, from his hair and clothes to his dance styles. The young women wanted to be with him so much that they were whipped into a frenzy whenever Elvis was near. Parents saw Elvis as a danger to their children. They felt that his music, provocative …show more content…
He sang his latest hit, “Hound Dog” and danced with intense pelvis thrusts, while using the stand up microphone as a prop and danced with it passionately. “People were disgusted with what they saw, as the sexual symbolism was uncanny. Fans adored him while critics across the country slammed his performance, for they believed it to be vulgar and provocative. American society was terrified and fearful of the possibility that moral values could be changing”(Kemp, Mark). Within a year of his appearance on the show, Elvis was the top selling performer of all time. In order for Elvis to be allowed to perform on any other television show, he was told that he could not do anything that would offend anyone. The Ed Sullivan show would only shoot Elvis from the waist up. Even with all of the censorship, Elvis Presley was a nationwide sensation. The Elvis Presley website says that “his appearance on Ed Sullivan ripped the 1950’s in half and America would never be the same. The rock n’ roll era had officially begun”(Cargilo, Jeremy). This appearance also began Elvis’ career in Hollywood. He became heavily involved in movies, starring in 31 theatrical films. Television was where his career really took off, though. During this time, television was a huge event in a household as the whole family gathered together in the living room to watch. Presley’s television appearances allowed millions of people of all ages to watch him for free. This caused many of the older generation to despise him, while the American youth fell in love with him. Presley’s music spoke to teenagers and provided them a way to let loose and express themselves. “Presley introduced and created a whole new social revolution which included new music, language, clothes, and more. Presley became a symbol of teenage rebellion and was condemned because of it”(Soden, Jack). This powerful influence on American youth was causing great concern among
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