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Elvis and Black Music, 2007.
This paper looks at the influence of black music and culture on Elvis Presley.
3,985 words (approx. 15.9 pages), 15 sources, APA, $ 108.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in order to examine the genuine roots of Elvis's music and its close connection to African-American musical traditions, several areas must be explored. First the writer provides a closer look at the black musical tradition of Elvis's own period. The writer then offers an examination of musical blending of these various strains and influences that occurred within Elvis's early career and lifetime. The writer analyzes Elvis's childhood and the influence of black musical traditions upon his later music. Finally, this essay offers analysis of his actual musical contributions and legacy to black Southern culture, the growing civil rights movement of his day, and mainstream American culture in general, then and now.
From the Paper
"However many black musical; cultural, and other historians claim that Elvis's theft of their musical tradition is the epitome of the racism inherent within that era. The whole Elvis phenomenon in rock'n roll music yesterday and today only serves to further underscore, they contend, the foul way so many black writers and performers, such as Little Richard, were treated by the music industry in Elvis's own heyday. The enduring image of Elvis is a constant reflection of
Society's then-refusal to accept anything other than the non-threatening and subservient Negro. The legacy of Elvis as King of Rock and Roll has to be re-examined, those critics suggest, especially in the wake of better and more accurate scrutiny nowadays of the true origins of rock 'roll. These stem from deep African American musical traditions in blues and gospel music. Elvis himself admitted that his music is heavily influenced by the gospel of his childhood."
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Elvis and His Music, 2007.
An analysis on the musical successes and the personal downfalls of Elvis Presley.
843 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the life and music of Elvis Presley. It describes his background, his upbringing and his introduction into a career of music. The paper then describes Elvis' successes as a musician, both in the United States and internationally. It also looks into his personal downfall into drugs and alcohol and discusses the effect that celebrity had on him.
From the Paper
"Although a gifted and musician and a good and generous human being, by the end of his life, Elvis had fallen into a state of decadence, drunkenness, drug abuse, and physical deterioration (Simon 1995). He had become bitterly disappointed with his life, and almost a desolate person, for celebrity had basically chewed up his creativity (Simon 1995). Guralnick writes that there were "fewer and fewer opportunities to withdraw from the spotlight, and with the ability to withdraw from the spotlight," he simply became consumed by it (Simon 1995). Ironically, his manager Colonel Tom Parker understood that one of the key elements of success is limited exposure of the artist to the public, otherwise, the public will consume the artist. However, Guralnick notes, "I think that it didn't work for Elvis because his creative outlet were not maintained at the same time...but some one like Bob Dylan, for instance, sought to recreate himself over and over again," thus he withdrew from the spotlight to do different things, to do new things, and this is perhaps the only way to survive in a celebrity-consuming age (Simon 1995)."
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Negative Impact of Popular Music and Music Videos, 2003.
Investigates the negative impact of popular music and music videos on youth in the United States today.
3,623 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 100.95
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Abstract
The music industry spends enormous amounts of money to create music videos that will make a profit, and the one ingredient they have consistently found that helps sell their products is violence; this violence is usually directed toward women. The AAP notes that there is a paucity of research concerning the impact of such gratuitous violence on children and adolescents. To this end, this paper demonstrates this relationship through a critical review of the literature, followed by a summary of the research and recommendations in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"The definitions concerning what constitutes entertainment and what is protected by the 1st Amendment do not necessarily address the underlying problems of violence in the media and sometimes only serve to merely contribute to the statistical haze that surrounds an already complex situation. The recent appearance of national leaders on MTV attests to the importance and power of music videos in shaping the nation?s conscience. Further, while many non-black observers feel that rap music is just ?so much noise generated by angry black youths,? rap music or simply ?rap,? is in actuality a reflection of the current affairs within the communities in which it is performed. Rap is a ?genre of rhythm-and-blues music that consists of rhythmic vocals declaimed over musical accompaniment. The accompaniment generally consists of electronic drum beats combined with samples (digitally isolated sound bites) from other musical recordings? (Bowman, 2003). From this perspective, rap is an extension of the Black Power movement of the 1960s, and has embodied the essence of the young black culture. The first rap recording was made in 1979 and the genre rose to prominence in the United States in the mid-1980s. Although the term rap is often used interchangeably with hip-hop, the latter term encompasses the subculture that rap music is simply one part of. The term hip-hop derives from one of the earliest phrases used in rap, and can be found on the seminal recording ?Rapper?s Delight? (1979) by Sugarhill Gang. In addition to rap music, the hip-hop subculture also comprises other forms of expression, including dance methodologies, art, vocabulary (in the form of slang) and fashion affectations. Despite these contributions to the popular culture, many observers suggest a connection between the music and personification of violence evinced in music videos and rap as a factor contributing to the incidence of violence by young people in the United State today."
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The Impact of the Beatles, Elvis and Woodie Guthrie, 2001.
A discussion of the lives and influence of The Beatles, Elvis and Woodie Guthrie on music and an analysis of one song from each.
1,845 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 4 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
A discussion about the contribution to the music world today of influential musicians, "The Beatles", "Elvis" and "Woodie Guthrie", including short biographies of each. Analyses the songs "Yesterday", "Jailhouse Rock" and "This Land is Your Land".
From the Paper
"The Beatles are quite possibly THE single most influential band that ever lived. They emerged into a music world that thrived off of conformity, and everyone was trying to be like everyone else. Because there was no room for extreme creativity, artists made their living off of music written by people who were paid to write, and did covers of other artists songs. The Beatles changed all that, and set the foundation for the musical world that dominates today. The Beatles? legendary writing duo composed of John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote songs that were covered numerous times, and the songs they wrote lasted the test of time. They opened the door to creativity and introduced the notion of the band as a self-contained unit who could stand on their own and control their music."
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Elvis Presley , The Legend, 2006.
An exploration of Elvis Presley, the man and his music.
3,194 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 92.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author takes an in-depth look at Elvis Presley from his roots and early childhood right through until the day he died. The paper explores all aspects of Presley's life, including the influences that made him the legend he became. The author highlights many of Presley's songs and movies and the attitudes to them from all walks of life. The paper concludes with the undoubted opinion that Elvis Presley was the first rock and roll star and remains a legend today.
From the Paper
" Meanwhile Presley's personal life had become the subject of countless tabloids. In February 1972, Presley separated from Priscilla and on his birthday in 1973, filed for divorce. Less than a week later the TV special Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii was broadcast over satellite to over a billion people in forty countries, an indication of his international appeal although, with the exception of three dates in Canada in 1957 and an impromptu performance in Paris while on leave in 1959, Presley never performed outside the United States. "
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Elvis Presley, 2002.
A debate on whether Elvis Presley really died in 1977 or is still alive today.
789 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how despite the many accounts detailing the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, speculation is still rife about whether ?The King? really died. It discusses how many people believe that Elvis Presley faked his own death and lives a considerably quieter, simpler existence today. It explores the evidence proffered by supporters in doubting the plausibility of Elvis Presley?s death by looking at circumstances surrounding Elvis?s death and burial, the circumstances leading up to his death and the events that occurred immediately after his death. It concludes that if one looks at the events before and after his ?accidental death,? in conjunction with Elvis? strange behavior in the weeks leading up to it, it does seem plausible that Elvis?s death is a sham and he continues to walk amongst us.
From the Paper
"Then there is the inordinate weight gain. Upon death, Elvis was reported to weigh 250 pounds. But, when the pallbearers carried the coffin, it weighed 900 pounds. The ?Wax Body? theory currently circulating posits the possibility that a wax body was made in the likeness of Elvis and put in the coffin. The extra weight of the coffin is a result of an air-conditioning unit installed in the coffin to keep the wax body from melting. This theory does provide an explanation for all the little discrepancies aforementioned. Then there are the discrepancies in the death certificate. A different weight figure is noted on the death certificate. It has Elvis down as 170 pounds instead of the 250 pounds Elvis is known to have weighed. In life, Elvis?s vanity was renowned."
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Guillaume Dufay Music from Medieval and Renaissance Music, 2006.
An examination of Guillaume Dufay's music and its origins.
34 words (approx. 0.1 pages), 6942 sources, MLA, $ 17.95
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Abstract
In this paper the author looks at what Guillaume Dufay's music meant in terms of music history. The author starts with a look at the Gregorian chant from Medieval times which was the main form of sacred music, how it developed and what it gave to modern music. The paper continues with a look at the other forms of music that have developed over the years and contributed to the work of Guillaume Dufay. In particular the author highlights the development of church music in the Renaissance period which, as he points out was the basis for Dufay's music compositions. The author discusses the life and works of Dufay's music as a move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure. The author believes that this helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments in music of the following century. In conclusion the author reminds us that we are lucky to have the musical pieces that have been curated and restored. A number of Dufay's as well as other composers from that era had masterpieces destroyed because of the political climate.
Outline:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Gregorian Chant
Motet
Troubadour Influence
The Development of Musical Notation
Polyphony
Machaut
Guillaume Dufay a Biography
Dufay's Music
Dufay and Faux-bourdon
Dufay's Motets
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Dufay began composing at a time when musical style was in a period of relative stability and changing that style was not readily accepted. Dufay cannot be thought of as one of the great revolutionaries in Western music; the term 'originality' in the classic sense of the word was not familiar to him. This is not to say, however, that Dufay was in any way lacking of originality or he was in any way reactionary. Quite to the contrary, he played an integral role in the development of faux-bourdon and the cyclic mass. He was one of the first composers to handle four-voice texture with any kind of convincing skill before the end of the 15th century. Furthermore, his attempt to move towards a clearly defined tonal and functional harmonic structure helped prepare one of the most important stylistic developments of the following century. Dufay's works and compositions have come to be known as the supremely polished works of a long period of slow and serene stylistic change."
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African Music's Influence on Pop Music Culture, 2005.
An ethno-musicological study of African music's influence on western society's popular music culture.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 4 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper by examines various western artists, such as Paul Simon and David Byrne, and shows how African music plays an important part in how popular music is interwoven within the western musical tradition. The paper concludes that western music in North America has been greatly influenced by the music of South Africa and other traditional musical traditions from the African continent.
From the Paper
"This ethno musicological study will examine the various African music influences that have become imbued within western pop music culture. By examining various western artists, such as Paul Simon and David Byrne, one can realize how African music plays an important part in how pop music is interwoven within the western musical tradition. In essence, western music in North America has been greatly influenced by the music of South Africa and other traditional musical traditions from the African continent."
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Elvis - The Social Changer, 2001.
This paper shows why Elvis Presley rose to fame so quickly. It examines the social, race, political and youth issues of the time and explains how each one of these factors had a major influence on his success as a rock star.
2,350 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 9 sources, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper shows why Elvis Presley rose to fame so quickly. It examines the social, race, political and youth issues of the time and explains how each one of these factors had a major influence on his success as a rock star.
From the paper:
"Though some like to recall it as a time of innocence, it was in 1956 that the U.S. Supreme Court declared segregation on buses and trains unconstitutional, and the year of the Montgomery boycotts. Elvis, as he once told an interviewer, did not just happen to ?come along at the right time.? There is a social and cultural context to his success. Elvis mirrored the contradictions of the South. According to John Reed of the University of North Carolina, ?Aside from the way he moved his lower body, hell, he was a gospel-singing mama?s boy.? Perhaps he also mirrored the contractions of post-war American youth seeking an identity apart from their parents."
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Elvis Presley: A Cultural Icon, 2002.
This paper discusses the influence Elvis Presley had on American culture.
1,210 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
An examination of the effect of Elvis Presley's career and life had on American society and culture. It discusses how his music transformed rock n' roll not only in how it sounded but also in his appearance and sexuality. It further looks at his movie career and how he influenced musicians and entertainers including Madonna.
From the Paper
"Elvis Presley openly acknowledged that black musicians and their unique blend of soul and blues were a major influence in his career. He grew up in a poor household in the rural South. He understood the problems faced by the poor in the South, many of whom were Black. He listened to their music, visited their clubs and bars, and brought their musical form to the attention of the world when he blended it with his country blues."
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Elvis Presley, 2007.
An analysis of the influence that Elvis Presley had on American culture.
1,597 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
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."
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Elvis Presley, 2002.
An overview of the life and career of Elvis Presley.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper is a biographical view of Elvis Presley. This paper also looks at his importance in inventing rock'n'roll.
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Program Music v. Absolute Music, 2006.
This paper examines the Verdi aria "Ave Maria" from "Othello," highlighting the debate between program and absolute music.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 3 sources, $ 26.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines the importance the aria holds for the opera and for music in general. The paper then outlines the debate depicting how music ought to be considered. Finally it considers whether the aria better fits one or the other of the arguments. The conclusion of the paper is that program music better explains the piece.
From the Paper
"In Verdi's "Ave Maria," from "Othello," Desdemona sings what is perhaps the opera's greatest addition to the storyline already laid out so brilliantly by Shakespeare. In a lilting, soaring soprano, Desdemona presents this liturgical prayer for the humble, the innocent and the oppressed in such a beautifully supplicant manner that the listener feels her purity and honesty pouring through her tender prayer. The story wins the listener over to the character, particularly as the music is juxtaposed to the hard declamations of the evil Iago. Though the character has a name that is purposefully indicative of demons, and the tragedy that befalls her later in the opera stems from the misunderstanding of her connection to evil, the listener knows from the moment that Desdemona has sung the "Ave Maria" that the character is pure of heart and gentle of spirit."
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Elvis Presley, 1991.
The life, career and death of the rock and roll star.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Elvis Presley
Elvis Aron Presley, who was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935 and died in Memphis, Tennessee on August 16, 1977, is still considered "the King of Rock 'n' Roll." According to The Penguin Encyclopedia of Popular Music Presley is "among the biggest stars of the 20th century, for sociological as well as musical reasons" (Clarke 930).
In the South the young Presley attended Pentecostal churches, Me heard country music and black blues on the radio, and these were to influence him as he started to sing. He won a talent contest singing Red Foley's sentimental song "Old Shep" when he was 10 years old, and he received a guitar for his birthday.
As a teenager he worked as a truck driver, saving up enough..."
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Digital Downloading and its Impact on the Music Industry, 2008.
A detailed description of the effects that digital music distribution has on the music industry.
2,375 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the music recording industry and how it has been impacted by digital music distribution. The paper relates that the early success the music labels had against the initial music file downloading sites were short lived, and legitimate digital downloading sites have since prospered. The paper then argues that major recording labels are suffering from the decline in CD sales, not because of music pirating, but because they refuse to recognize that consumers demand digital music downloading for its convenience and portability. The paper further emphasizes that digital music distribution and retailing is the future of the music industry and every relevant party seems to recognize this, except the music industry itself.
Outline:
Overview
Restructuring of the music Industry
New distribution model & Itunes
Online distribution variations
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The music industry, in spite of its ineptitude and obstinacy over the past decade regarding digital music downloading, is finally realizing that whether it embraces downloading services such as iTunes and others, it must evolve with the digital age or face irrelevance. In order to compensate for the loss of revenues, the recording music industry has been examining their base revenues in order to determine if digital downloads can compensate completely for the decline in sales of CDs. Two of the major record labels, Sony and BMG, have even merged in order to expand their catalogues (Recording, 2007). There have been efforts made to encourage EMI to merge with one of the remaining three major record labels but thus far these remaining major record labels have resisted further consolidation. However, EMI undertook its own internal restructuring by merging its two main record labels in the US market during the first half of 2007 and Warner Music was sold during 2004 creating even more churn in the industry (Recording, 2007). Yet, perhaps the most visible change is the industry is the downsizing or disappearance of retail music stores, which has begun to accelerate."
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