Elvis is still the king

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout history, many artists have come, and many have gone. Some were popular in their time but ultimately lost their popularity as the years passed on. Some may have produced one memorable song never to be heard of again. Though many are the exception to this trend, Elvis Presley is. For a man who died almost 45 years ago, his name is just as synonymous with music now, as it was then. 

Presley quickly earned the nickname “king” in his career, and for good reason—he had a massive influence on the genre of rock ‘n’ roll. Whereas many in the genre needed full-on bands to produce a show, Elvis Presley was the show. His big personality and ability to move enthusiastically across a stage allowed him to keep an audience engaged in his performances.

If you walk into any vintage diner, you’re bound to see the king’s face on the wall somewhere. While mostly known for his music, Presley acted in many movies as well. These movies typically shared identical plots where he sang several songs, all the while falling in love with a girl. These movies were far from being considered ‘good,’ but they did provide some of his more memorable songs such as “Return to Sender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Love me Tender.”

Presley presented himself as respectable and kind. While the adults of the 50s may have disapproved of his style, he quickly displayed he was nothing more than just an entertainer, looking to make people happy. 

One of the more admirable aspects of Presley was how he presented himself. While this is strictly my opinion and nothing more than a preference, I can appreciate his ordinary appearance. While towards the end of his career he wore colorful and vibrant jumpsuits and sported a very unique haircut, his general look was not anything exceptionally odd. Presley did not create a look for the exclusive reason of standing out. 

While his death was ironically the result of prescription drugs, he was very strongly opposed to illegal, recreational ones. This is an aspect of Presley many can really appreciate, as he was no phony and lived a lifestyle that many could look up to and admire. 

Presley was a musician so talented that he was able to engage in various genres. He was able to perform gospel, blues and most obviously rock ‘n’ roll. His exceptionally great voice enabled him to consistently produce quality songs. 

Presley was also a man who did not like to share his controversial opinions with the public. At the height of his popularity, when the Vietnam War was raging, he shared no thoughts on the subject, even when pushed to do so.

With the new biopic, Elvis, coming out this June, it is safe to say Elvis Presley’s memory is long from being forgotten. His name is synonymous with the 1950s, though it is just as recognizable today as it was then, and that's why he is still the king.