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How Did Elvis Presley Influence Popular Culture

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Elvis Presley Lynn Van Matre, a rock critic, of the Chicago Tribune said of Elvis Presley, “Elvis’s impact on popular culture was like a kick in the head from a blue suede shoe.” Elvis Presley’s impact on music has changed the history of music forever, though he was a rags to riches story. Elvis grew up in the South, and his style of music bridged a gap between blues and country music. He gained millions of fans for his charisma and charm. Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi. His parents were Vernon and Gladys Presley. Elvis was a twin, but his brother Jesse Garon Presley, was a stillborn. It was said that for the rest of Elvis’s days, he was fascinated (and terrified) by the thought that he had possessed …show more content…

Eventually, he served about a year and a half in Germany. While in Germany, his mother Gladys died. He was granted leave to attend her funeral in Memphis, Tennessee. When he returned to Germany, he was deeply saddened, but he met a young teenager named Priscilla Beaulieu, who lifted his spirits slightly. Elvis left the Army in 1960 and continued his career as a singer and actor. He acted in films such as Blue Hawaii (1961), Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962), and Viva Las Vegas (1964). While filming Viva Las Vegas, Elvis had a brief affair with Swedish-American actress and singer, Ann Margret. In between filming and touring, Elvis lived in his mansion that he bought for $100,000 in Memphis, Tennessee that he named Graceland. During the late ‘60’s, Elvis had lost his touch, so in 1968 he recorded his first TV special referred to as the “68 Comeback.” He blew his audience away with his performance. In 1967, Presley married Priscilla and in that following year they had daughter, Lisa Marie. It was a joyous time for the new proud parents, but the Elvis and Priscilla’s marriage was falling apart. The couple divorced in 1973, and Priscilla was granted custody of Lisa

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