Elvis Presley An I-Search Paper

Brianna Bynum Modern America May 24th, 2011

INTRODUCTION
When this project was first assigned to me, I thought: I have to do music! Music is something very close to my heart and Im always looking for an opportunity to show how much I know and love about it. I thought it could be very fun to find out what the music was like in the 50s and who enjoyed it. I wanted to see who everybody was listening to, and how they danced to it. I didnt realize that all of the music in the 50s was too broad of a selection to write a detailed research paper on. However, I did still want to find out who was popular during the 50s and who everyone was listening too. I ended up learning a lot more than I ever expected to. Something happened in the 50s that changed music forever. That something was Elvis Presley. Not only did Elvis influence the 50s, he influenced all of music in America and the rest of the world. Elvis changed the way people saw things. He created a whole new original style of music, he also revolutionized dancing; so much so, that people almost didnt receive it.

There has never been another artist quite like Elvis. He did some incredible things in his too short life that I will tell you about shortly. But Elvis changed the world. If Elvis hadnt come through, music might not have turned the corner that it did; and peoples minds might not have been opened in the way that they were.

I never really knew much about Elvis until I started this project, just that he wore flashy clothes at one point, and I didnt really like his music. But what I learned has given me a shiny brand new respect for the man that I didnt have before. I still may not love his music, but I do love what hes done for music and the world.

As I started my research I had some questions that I wanted to answer along the way. The questions were:

Why did Elvis die so young? Explain how his career revolutionized music. Investigate why Elvis wanted to be a singer. How would you rate Elvis on a 1-10 scale? Explain. Predict what might have happened if Elvis were still alive today.

I really enjoyed learning all these things, and I hope you enjoy reading what I found out.

My Search
The primary places that I did my research were at the school library, and at home. The library didnt have a ton of things on Elvis, but it had enough to get me what was required in terms of print resources. I came across a book called The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll. I had never heard of such a thing. I thought to myself Since when do bands start not only writing books, but a whole Encyclopedia??? I was pretty confused, but I read it anyway. There were some very interesting things in it about Elvis. It talked about his early childhood (which not many resources do) and his accomplishments pre-stardom. I also used the

Encyclopedia Americana Deluxe Library Edition. I was really disappointed with that book. For an encyclopedia, it was quite significantly lacking in useful information. There were 2 paragraphs tops that I found in that book, and they were about things I knew already.

My research was much more fruitful through the internet. I found a little website by the name of elvis.com. Its the official Elvis Presley web site. It had just about everything you could ever want to know about Elvis on it. I found probably 80% of my information from that website, but I knew that I couldnt have just one website, so I searched on. In the school library, I had found a Time magazine that had an article on Elvis from 1957. But I couldnt take the magazine home, and I didnt make any kind of copy of it, so I couldnt use it. That was unfortunate, but I went to Time magazines website and found something even better. I found two other magazines that had articles about Elvis in them. Well actually, one was about Elvis, and the other was even more interesting because it talked about a rival of Elvis.

My research pretty much stayed at home for the most part. I only did my other research in the school library. I dont have much time to run around to different libraries between school and work and everything else. But the internet had more than enough information for me to make use of. Im very pleased with the results I got. And Im also excited about

What I Learned
Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi in on January 8th 1935. His parents were Vernon and Gladys Presley. What most people dont know about Elvis is that he had a twin brother. Unfortunately, Jessie Garon Presley was still born leaving Elvis to be raised as an only child. In 1945 Elvis singing career took off under the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis.

Towards the end of 1955 his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor and by 1956 he was an international sensation. Elvis created a brand new era for American music and pop culture. He starred in 33 different very successful movies and made history with his controversial appearances on television and record breaking live performances. Elvis has globally sold more than one billion records. No artist has ever sold that many. His records have won him gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. Everyone knows his name and he will always be known as one of the most important figures of the 20th century pop culture, possibly just the culture overall. But Im getting ahead of myself. I want to talk about everything that led up to Elvis becoming the icon that he was. Lets start at the beginning

When Elvis was three years old, his father got put in jail for 8 months. He got caught writing bad checks. Ever since that happened, he really struggled to keep a job and the family was always struggling with money, staying just above poverty level. In 1945 he won 2nd prize at the Mississippi Alabama Fair and Dairy Show for his rendition of Red Rikys Old Shep. The following year his parents could not afford to buy him a bicycle that he wanted, and so his mother talked to him and convinced him to accept a guitar for his 11th birthday. Little did they know, that was only the beginning. Elvis played his guitar and sang Leaf on a Tree for his Milam Junior High class in Tupelo as a farewell. In 1948 the family moved to Memphis and Elvis spent most of his time in the black section of the town; especially on Beale Street where bluesmen like Furry Lewis and B.B. King performed. The family lived in poor neighborhoods in Memphis and money continued to be tight. Parents moved from job to job while Elvis attended L.C. Humes High School. As a teenager, Elvis starts to become known for his guitar. Compared to the standards of the day, he was wearing his hair long

and slick. He also grew out his sideburns. He looked a lot different from the other teenagers and some people thought of his as a good natured misfit.

His family was really close and most of his family, extended included, lived close by in Tupelo as well. Elvis was abundantly loved by his family and his parents and was the center of their world. They attended the Assembly of God Church and the music and preaching really registered with Elvis on a deep level. He was also influenced by the black bluesmen that he hung out with in his neighborhood and the country music radio programs that all his family listened to and loved together.

Elvis nervously entered into a talent show while attending Humes High School. He played his guitar and sang for the show. He was amazed when he ended up getting more applause than anyone else and winning. He was loved so much that he played an encore. He really enjoyed the feeling of acceptance. He graduated from Humes High School on June 3rd 1953 and immediately began work at Parker Machinists Shop. That summer he stopped by a recording studio named Memphis Recording Service, and recorded 2 demos. The first was My Happiness and the second was Thats When Your Heartaches Begin. He got paid about 4 dollars for them. He was really excited to hear what his voice would sound like recorded. He had some half hearted hopes of being a singer but hadnt really explored it until then. He brought the recording home and gave it to his mother as a late birthday present. When fall rolled around he was working at Precision Tool Company. Elvis made another demo at the studio but this time, the owner took an interest in him. He was an unusual looking and sounding young man.

Elvis changed jobs again and started work at Crown Electric Company. He did many different things while working there; including, making deliveries. While working there, he attended night school where he was studying to become an apprentice electrician.

A man named Sam Phillips calls Elvis back to the studio to try singing a song. Sam Phillips actually owned the studio and was hoping to put the song on a record. Elvis didnt sing the song Without You to Sams satisfaction. Instead, he asks him to show him what he can sing. Elvis sings several popular songs and Sam is so impressed that he hooks Elvis up with 2 local musicians named Scotty Moore who played the guitar and Bill Black who played bass. Sam wanted to see if they could make something worthwhile by working together.

The band members met, but nothing ever really clicked between them. At least, not until they happened across a song called Thats All Right by Arthur Big Boy Crudup during a jam session. That song, plus Blue Moon of Kentucky became the first of 5 singles that Elvis would release. The group started playing together more and more. Scotty became the groups manager. Elvis continued to work at Crown Electric while the group was playing small gigs at clubs and other local places throughout the South. They were really enjoying the success they were getting. They had a few records now and were making personal appearances. Elvis made one appearance on the Grand Ole Opry. It was a very popular live radio program where they showed the latest and greatest in the business. Unfortunately, the performance didnt go over very well and one of the Opry officials said that Elvis should go back to truck driving. Elvis was devastated by this; it was a huge disappointment in his early career.

The 3 men continue traveling and making records and by October 1954 they had become successful enough that they were able to quit their jobs. That same year they made their first appearance on the Louisiana Hayride. It was a live Saturday night, country music radio show that was broadcasted from Shreveport, Louisiana on KWKH Radio. The show was the rival of the Grand Ole Opry. That first performance on the show led to several regular appearances. Elvis signed a one year contract for 52 Saturday night performances on the Hayride. It was a really big break for him, but also a bit of a hindrance. With his commitment to the Hayride, he wasnt free to explore away from the South and further expand his popularity.

In 1955 Elvis signed a contract with Bob Neal who replaces Scotty as the band manager. Even with the new manager, Elvis, Scotty and Bill continue to do their own touring; but they never got very far because the regular Hayride appearances continued. A drummer named D.J. Fontana joins the band. In the spring Elvis is denied by Arthur Godfreys Talent Scouts. It was a network TV show. Elvis might have been different from other kids when he was growing up, but now 20, in his prime, his live performances were always a huge hit with teenage girls. His unorthodox style and suggestive movements plus his good looks were building excitement wherever he would play. From time to time, the crowds would break through the barricades in riots of love. As Elvis becomes more popular, he starts to gain national attention.

Elvis signed yet another management contract with Hank Snow Attractions. Bob Neal stuck around to be an advisor. A man named Colonel Tom Parker was to be his exclusive manager. However, soon after that he was no longer affiliated with Elvis. But before that happened, Elvis signed his first contract with RCA Records. The price of his five singles from Sun Records was negotiated and they ended up purchasing them for 35,000 dollars with a 5,000

dollar bonus for Elvis; which is quite a step up from the 4 dollars he originally got. At the same time, Elvis also signed a contract with Hill and Range Publishing Company to set up his own firm which would be called Elvis Presley Music Inc. He would share with Hill and Range all the profits from the songs that he recorded. Elvis was officially the hottest new star in the music business. Elvis did his first recording for RCA Records 2 days after his 21st birthday. The record was Heartbreak Hotel backed with I Was the One. It sold over 300,000 copies in the first 3 weeks it was out and was soon #1 on the pop charts where it stayed for 8 weeks. It was also #1 on the country chart and #5 on the R&B chart. It was Elvis first single to hit gold, but it was most certainly not his last. Elvis began shooting his first movie Love Me Tender in August of 1956. The movie was originally called The Reno Brothers but since Elvis was in it, they wanted to make sure it was a guaranteed hit. They renamed the movie to go along with music that Elvis made for the soundtrack.

Elvis made 3 appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show which was the top television show of the time. When Elvis was on the show, it made the highest rating of any other television variety show by having 80 percent of the viewers nationwide. On September 26th 1956, Elvis hometown, Tupelo, Mississippi declared Elvis Presley Day. His parents join him as he returns to his home, now a huge star. He performs a nostalgic concert at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, the same show where he won 2nd prize

in a competition when he was 10. There were several National Guardsmen that had to surround the stage to keep the crowds under control. A big part of Elvis phenomenon was all the merchandise that he had. When he got popular, everyone started taking advantage of his image to sell their products. Elvis was used to sell hats, t-shirts, jeans, kerchiefs, sneakers, shirts, blouses, belts, purses, billfolds, wallets, charm bracelets, necklaces, magazines, gloves, bookends, a statue, lipstick, cologne, stuffed hound dogs, stationary, sweaters, crockery, and MORE! The Wall Street Journal reported that his merchandise had grossed $22 million in sales. Elvis had become an icon in MANY more ways than one. Many people know that Elvis appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show only allowed him to be shown from the waist up because his dancing was too suggestive. However, what some people might not know that Elvis had already been on the show 2 times before. It was odd that if they were going to use censorship, that they chose to do it on his last appearance on the show. Ed Sullivan himself however helped diffuse some of the controversy by thanking him saying this is a decent, fine boy on the show.

In March 1957, Elvis bought Graceland for him, his parents, and his grandmother to live in. He spent his first night there on June 26th. In August 1957 Elvis performs in Vancouver. It was the 3rd Canadian City that he had performed in and didnt want to do anymore. He said it was the last time he would perform a concert outside the United States.

In November 1957 Elvis has his first performance in Hawaii. Elvis had a very famous TV special that was broadcasted live via satellite from Hawaii. The mayor of Honolulu also named and Elvis Presley Day for it. He performed for an audience of 6,000 people in the International Convention Center. That show wasnt the actual show. They put on that show to record in case something went wrong with the satellite. Tickets sold out so fast they had to sell tickets the dress rehearsal. And at 12:30 am, Elvis changed the world with the very first world-wide telecasted concert in history. This telecast called Aloha from Hawaii was watched by more than 1 billion people, throughout the world. More people watched this concert than man walking on the moon. It would be his last public appearance before he entered the army.

The family enjoyed their first Christmas at Graceland and did not enjoy the draft letter that came at the same time. Elvis knew the day would be coming soon, but it was still sad. While Elvis is in service, his mother is hospitalized with acute hepatitis. He is allowed to leave the army to be with his mother. He spends a lot of his time with her in the hospital, but when he goes home to rest, she dies. Elvis was heart-broken. After his mothers death, Elvis is shipped back out to the army and stationed with his father and grandmother, in Europe. To his surprise, Europeans loved him just as much as Americans did.

A man named Captain Joseph Beaulieu moved to the base near the area Elvis was living. With him he brought his wife, and step-daughter, Pricilla Ann whose father was killed in a plane crash when she was an infant. Pricilla Ann got invited to a party Elvis was throwing through a mutual friend, and thats how it all began. They became friends, and soon quite more than friends. In December 1966 Elvis bought her a house and an engagement ring for Christmas. They

had an intimate wedding on May 1st 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. There were 2 receptions. The first was directly after the wedding, and the second was at Graceland to accommodate family and friends that couldnt make it to Vegas. Together they have a daughter named Lisa Marie but unfortunately, the couple divorces in October 1973. They remain close friends and Elvis got to spend time with his daughter regularly.

In August 1977 Elvis comes back to Graceland from touring to make a visit to the dentist. He had tour details to take care of for a flight to Portland, Maine. He was tired and went to bed at around 7:00 am to rest for his late night flight. But before the day reaches afternoon, Elvis is found dead of heart failure. 2 days later his funeral is held and on October 2nd his, and his mothers bodies are moved to Graceland.

Graceland was opened to the public in the summer of 1982 and Elvis was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of fame in 1986, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2001. There was even an Elvis stamp that was released by the U.S. Postal Service in 1992.

CONCLUSION
I dont think Ive ever been so interested in a research project before. I actually felt like I was learning something and it felt good. I cant believe how interesting his life was. Even though it was short, he did so much with it. It was really inspiring to see how much he accomplished. It kind of gives me hope for the future. There was so much that I didnt know I didnt know. There was almost too much information. I probably could have made this paper 50 pages longer, but I

dont have that kind of patience. But I really feel like I learned a lot. I had to cut out so much information. If I had used all the information I got from my research in this paper, I never would have stopped writing, Elvis was an amazing man who did amazing things. He was an amazing musician, an amazing actor, an inspiration. Ive never been a huge Elvis fan, but that was before I learned about him. You dont have to like an artist music to be a fan of theirs, do you? I hope not. Im still not crazy about his music, but I just love his life. He did some amazing things. He changed the world. Theres so much information that all my questions were answered.

1. Why did Elvis die so young? He died of heart failure. 2. Explain how his career revolutionized music. He changed the way music was. He created a new style of music, dancing, and way of thinking. 3. Investigate why Elvis wanted to be a singer. It was a childhood desire. 4. How would you rate on a 1-10 scale? Explain. I have two ratings: 3, and 10. The 3 is because even though I have great expect for him, I still dont like his music. Its just not my style. The 10 is because hes pretty much the most amazing person to ever come through America and the world. 5. Predict what might happen if Elvis were still alive today. Well I bet the world might not suck quite as bad. But I think a more interesting question is What would happen if Jessie Garon Presley were still alive today? Thats what I would like to know. What would happen if there was someone else who genuinely looked like Elvis and not just some fat guy in a white jumpsuit? I think that is a much better question. But I have no way of knowing the answer to that. I guess it will have to remain a mystery.

Works Cited

"

Sitemap ."

Sitemap . N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://www.elvis.com>.

"Aloha From Hawaii." The Story of the Aloha TV-Special. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2011. <www.elvisinahawaii.com>.

Bashe, Patricia Romanowski, Holly Warren, and Jon Pareles. The new Rolling stone encyclopedia of rock & roll . Completely rev. and updated. ed. New York: Fireside, 1995. Print.

Mayer, Catherine. "Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 May 2011. <http://www.time.com>.

The encyclopedia Americana . International ed. Danbury, CT: Grolier Inc., 1997.