I listened to the Radio 4 programme, The Elvis Effect, this morning. David Stafford began his journey in Tupelo at the Tupelo Hardware store and was basically underlining why, 30 years after his death, over 18,000 UK fans each year, still make the journey to see where Elvis was born. He talked about his humble beginnings and his growing up, listening to the blues and how and why, he is still regarded as one of the greatest Americans of the 20th century :D

 

I think one of the important messages which came out of this documentary was the impact Elvis had on American society in the 50s. We in the UK did not experience the out and out racial segregation that the States did and the South was seen as the lowest of the low. The programme mentioned the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis (the museum is housed within the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King was assassinated and also across the street from where the fatal shot was fired). This was one of the highlights of my first trip to Memphis (after Elvis, of course ;) ). It brought home to me the stark reality of the inequality of life for the American Negroes at the time. You may wonder what Elvis has to do with that, but, as the programme suggested, Elvis’ ‘That’s All Right’ was seen as a ‘shocking, sneaky act of subversion.’ A white American boy was daring to sing in the ‘style of a black man,’ although for all those who suggest that he ’stole from the blacks,’ Elvis listened to all styles of music, but ultimately forged his own sound. He was unique. The emergence of rock ‘n roll came at the same time, as the Civil Rights Movement. He’s seen as a pioneer, shaping culture, yet at the same time, in the 50s, was violating southern etiquette. Elvis never ‘betrayed his class’, he remained humble all his life, never forgetting his roots, born in abject poverty and with no racial prejudice. He understood what it felt like to be ‘looked at’ by other people for being different.

‘If I Can Dream’ hit upon the universal dream and the American dream was possible with talent and drive. Elvis was blessed with a great talent, a beautiful voice and ‘That’s All Right’ was a pivotal role in music history. There’s no doubt at all that Elvis was the inspiration for so many of those who followed him, attested to by the likes of Dylan, the Beatles and Springsteen to name just a few. Bob Dylan is quoted as saying,' Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail.' B)

 

 

When he died, even the American President, at the time, Jimmy Carter, said of Elvis, in his official statement,

‘“Elvis Presley’s death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique, irreplaceable. More than twenty years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equalled. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense. And he was a symbol to people the world over of the vitality, rebelliousness and good humour of this country.”

 

He was a mass of contradictions, yet he has become, in many ways, the embodiment of the American character. At his birthplace, someone wears a t-shirt with the logo ‘The legacy begins but never ends.’

 

That is the Elvis Effect.

 

Don't think many artists get a mention from a president after they die.

 

Pretty good article Carole. :)