The King of Rock - Elvis Presley

Since his first recordings at the age of 18, Elvis was on his way to becoming a music sensation. Elvis would quickly top music charts and was already well on his way in writing music history. When Elvis took the stage he shook the world with his unprecedented performances, becoming the most recognizable ‘sex symbol’ of his time. Elvis would legitimize the Rock ‘n’ Roll genre through his career until he again shook the world with his untimely death in 1977 (Elvis Presley 2007). Nine years later, Elvis’ contribution to Rock and Roll would be recognized with his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and his legacy would live on.

As quite possibly the most influential person in Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis quickly earned the title of ‘The King of Rock’, a title that will unlikely ever be passed on or shared. Although there is quite a consensus that Elvis was the ‘King’ of rock and roll, he is not as easily given the title of the founder of rock and roll (Newfield 2004). This credit is not given to any one person or group, but instead dispersed over a number of artists who all contributed to the origins of the genre. Although not officially recognized as such, these ‘founders’ include the likes of Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Ike Turner, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly as well as Elvis. Some of these artists have been given credit by Elvis himself as major influences in the making of his own music (Newfield 2004).

Elvis also lived the flashy, fast paced life of a rock star and ended up being the epitome of the popular stereotype, sex, drugs and rock and roll. Elvis first captured the hearts of millions with his new sound and soon after caught the attention of the world with his flashy outfits and unconventionally provocative moves on stage (Elvis Presley 2004). It was these moves that gave Elvis the recognition of a sex icon. In the end it was Elvis’ apparent drug habit, that arguably killed him. Although the official report was that he suffered a major heart attack, it has been thought for years that this diagnosis was to cover up a drug overdose (Elvis Presley 2004).
References:

Elvis Presley, 2007, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, viewed 17 May 2009, http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/elvis-presley

Newfield, J. 2004, ‘Who Really Invented Rock 'n' Roll’, New York The Sun, September 21, viewed 17 May 2009, http://www.nysun.com/arts/who-really-invented-rock-n-roll/2037/.