Elvis Presley

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the legacy of Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock." It specifically focuses on three areas of American culture upon which he had a tremendous influence. The paper discusses his exposure of African-American musicians to the white, American public, his role in influencing a liberalization of American culture, which allowed other cultural icons to succeed and the awareness he created of the perils of drug addiction through his premature death.

Table of Contents:
Presley Opens Doors For African American Musicians
Presley Helps Liberalize American Culture
Drug Addiction
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Culture critic David Marsh once wrote that "Unless you understand that Elvis Presley was more than anything a spiritual leader of our generation, there's really no way to assess his importance, much less the meaning of his music."20 Indeed, Presley's impact on American culture was transformative. Through his music, which was heavily influenced by black artists, he exposed white America to a new group of performers. By testing social boundaries, such as how America perceived sexuality, he helped liberalize American culture, opening new avenues of discussion and launching new trends in music. Finally, through Presley's tragic and untimely death, he allowed America to have a serious discussion on the perils of drug abuse and how, if left unchecked, it can threaten the lives of even our most valued national treasures."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "1950s Rock - Creating a Revolution." No date. Available from Internet at http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/1950srock.htm, accessed Dec. 3, 2006.
• "Are You Lonesome Tonight." 1998. Time, August 11, 1998. Available from Internet at http://www.time.com/time/community/transcripts/chattr081198.html, accessed Dec. 3, 2006.
• Cunningham, Brent. 2001. "The Elvis Obsession." Columbia Journalism Review, Nov./Dec. 2001. Available from Internet, http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3613/is_200111/ai_n8981370, accessed Dec. 2, 2006.
• "David Stanley Talks to EIN." 2003. Available from Internet at http://www.elvisinfonet.com/stanley.html, accessed Dec. 2, 2006.
• "Elvis & LSD? No, DHE for Migraine!" No date. Available from Internet at http://www.migraines.org/about_media/elvisdhe.htm, accessed Dec. 2, 2006.

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