How Elvis Presley Was and Is Significant to American Culture

Elvis as Icon

Elvis Presley as a Cultural Icon

Elvis Presley as Cultural Icon

Elvis Presley is one of the most well-known figures in rock-and-roll music history. Not only was Elvis a rock-and-roll icon, but he was also the epitome of the American Dream. He came from humble beginnings and skyrocketed to the top of the music charts. Despite being called perform his military duty in 1958, about a year after he launched his film career, Elvis, with the help of his promoter, was able to maintain his status as a music icon and idol.

Some of the most significant events in Elvis's career were his performances on broadcast television. Prior to appearing on television, many of his fans had only heard his songs on the radio. Edwin Richison, an Elvis fan, contends, "It wasn't until Elvis appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show that I got to place a face with the music. What a night to remember. His clothes, the way he moved and talked…he became and instant icon of rock and roll. After seeing him, his music became secondary" (Doss 10). Elvis's television performances were extraordinarily significant because it further publicized Elvis beyond the radio where he was only heard but not seen.

Elvis was described by Judith Adams, one of his female fans from Tennessee as "young, charismatic, charming, a rebel and sooooo handsome, all the things that would sweep a Southern girl off her feet" (9). It was in this characterization that critics found fault with the young performer, especially his infamous gyrating hips that were not only provocative, but also encouraged rebellion. In Elvis Culture: Fans, Faith, & Image, Erika Doss contends, "Elvis's gyrating body was similarly a site of sexual struggle, fully exposed from head to groin to toe during his first two appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1956, but then visually restricted -- contained -- "from waist-up" on the third date, in 1957" (135-136).

1956 was a particularly busy year for Elvis. Not only was he performing on multiple television shows, but he was also at the top of music charts, filming his first movie, and was touring in 25 states (Rock & Roll Generation: Teen Life in the 50s 61). While his first film, Love Me Tender, released in 1956, was critically panned, his fans helped to make the film a success, further cementing him as an American music idol.

There are several reasons Elvis was considered to be a threat to society. First and foremost, Elvis was a symbol of rebellion. "Elvis challenged Cold War containment and invited his fans to do the same. Critics of the 1950s viewed Elvis's body, image, and performances, and the bodies and performances of his fans, with dread: it all blatantly symbolized the sensual subversion of reason and control" (Doss 9). Elvis represented freedom in every facet of the word. He was not afraid to use experiment with his music and sound, he was willing to use his sexuality, and most important of all, he was able to achieve the American Dream by overcoming poverty and helping to provide for his family at a young age. Elvis's generosity extended past his family and to his friends and family. Elvis became considered "a rock-and-roll Rockefeller who gave the gift of music, gave himself to is country, gave away scarves, cars, and expensive jewelry to friends and fans, and gave generously to charity" (15).

It is difficult for many people to deny the significance of Elvis Presley's television performances and subsequent public performances. Elvis's presence in the entertainment industry irrevocably changed it. He was able to successfully transition from radio to public performances to television performances to film performances seamlessly. Moreover, with the help of "Colonel" Tom Parker, Elvis was able to retain his music idol status during and after serving in the military. "Colonel" Parker realized the importance of merchandizing and promotion even while Elvis was unable and indisposed to perform (66).

Despite his popularity and generosity of character, Elvis did not appeal to everyone and was considered to be a threat to the society. In fact, Ed Sullivan refused to have Elvis appear on his show until his archrival Steve Allen's television show beat him in the ratings (Rock & Roll Generation: Teen Life in the 50s 64). While Sullivan attempted to deny the pull Elvis had on a generation, realizing that shunning Elvis from his show only highlights the cultural and social significance of the artist. Moreover, it can be argued that if Elvis did not pose a threat to the "moral fiber" of society, he would not have been as scrutinized as he was, after all he was not the first white rock-and-roll artist, however, he was the most successful.