WHY was Elvis Presley SO popular?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ค. 2024
- Tonight we're attempting to answer a question with a few points about Elvis!
TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Intro
0:50 Cover Songs
1:47 His Influences & Divides
3:16 Looks Aren’t Everything (But They Help!)
5:51 Authenticity
9:19 Colonel Tom Parker’s Push
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Elvis just smouldered, he was devastatingly handsome with a beautiful unique voice, was charismatic, yet humble. What a man, there will never be anyone like him, EVER.
WOW... Sounds like true love 😀
@tasoulagoodrick2767...You perfectly answered the question of why Elvis was so popular. It was the unique combination of the man himself, his talent, and his powerful performances.
He also was very sexy in his movements...he moved like no other.
Yes perfect description of this great man 💐💕
Leanest yougo
Elvis not writing songs is irrelevant when you consider - Bob Dylan when asked about covers of his songs; “Elvis’ recording of Tomorrow Is A Long Time is the one that I treasure the most.” Paul Simon on hearing Elvis perform Bridge Over Troubled Water in 1970; “it was unbelievable, I thought how can I compete with that?” Elvis didn’t cover songs, he reinterpreted them as ‘Elvis’ songs.
True! As far as I know: To this day Bob Dylan hasn't recorded a "proper" studio version of "Tomorrow Is A Long Time". Wonder why?🙂
@sydmccreath4554 Dylan said a highlight of his life was Elvis recording his song. That when he first heard Elvis, it was like busting out of jail.
That is so true. He made the song his own! If Elvis sang it, it was a bit no question about it!!
Actually?
Ella Fitzgerald didn't write her songs either, YET she and elvis are two of the greatest artists of the past century, regardless of race or any other criteria.
@sydmccreath4554
Actually? By any standard of measure, it's a good song. It's made even better by elvis's beautiful yet understated interpretation.
Elvis’s physical beauty and his charm were irresistible to the mere mortal.
So true, he mesmerized me when he sang. I felt like I was a trance.
A good singer presents his voice and music. A superstar singer presents his heart. Elvis was a superstar singer.
I read a comment that said “when God made Elvis he was just showing off” - I love it. Elvis had it all, even with his flaws, it just made him even more lovable.
❤
I love that!!!! Thanks❤
Elvis was the embodiment of the American dream. He went from dirt poor to the most popular entertainer of the 20th century. I think that about covers it. 💥
It genuinely makes me so sad that he died the way he did, and that one of his fears was he wouldn’t be remembered…. If he only knew ☮️💜
Elvis was the whole package... just look at him...gorgeous... Elvis could take ANY song and make it better. His voice was velvet and his charisma and stage presence was was unbelievable. Also, Elvis loved his fans and interacted with his audience. ELVIS captured not only the female base but appealed to men too.
You nailed it! No entertainer has ever been loved so much by their fans as Elvis. Besides all the other things mentioned here, that is what stands out to me. I have thousands of pictures of this man signing autographs. He was always among those fans. Always gave the fans the credit for what he had. I see him with a 10 year old and with an 80 year old. It mattered not. He dearly loved them all. And we all knew it and loved him like family.
That's true about men. My husband loved Elvis too. He bought all his albums.
Elivis took the song “How Great Thou Art” and completely rearranged it! Elvis was a musical genius too! 🎸🎸🎸🎸
Elvis took every song he recorded and completely rearranged it!
@@michael1997 No, he didn't. Some of the songs he recorded were almost identical to the demo or original version.
@@hawaiiusa6147 Early on there were a few. I personally wished he hadn't done them at all, though they always were popular. I enjoyed Elvis doing Elvis. Not something even close to someone else. He was too unique unto himself.
Amen to THAT!!!!!
@sydmccreath4554 My goodness, I really wish you would do some research on all the heavyweights, that, to this day say they wouldn't be where they are if not for Elvis. I could get into each one, show you videos of what they say, but I can't right now. I read this stuff about him almost every day. I don't know who you encountered but Elvis fans really do love him passionately. I never heard of what you say.
Elvis had a voice like no other, also he had charisma, stage presence. great looks. etc. I do believe songs written by many would never have been hits with other artists singing them. Elvis's voice was unique. bass right up to top C and more, his tone could never have been done by another. Anyone can sing a song Elvis "felt" the songs, his interpretation was "felt" by the listeners. There is no one who could ever match Elvis's voice, not in a million years. He was the the King of Music, never to be forgotten.
Yes !!!
Elvis was blessed
@@SamuelKuppan Yes he was blessed Samuel and we who loved him and still do, have been blessed to have had him in our lives. His talent meant he could sing any genre of music, a true gift from GOD.
Elvis understood his audience. Critical to success is connection. There are many handsome singers out there. But the fact that he knew we would love what he loved because it came from his soul, and it talked to ours. Whether it was gospel...he reached the religious. Thematic, the poor boy rising to riches so appealing to the masses. Patriotic by loving his country, touching other patriots. Sexy and raunchy, well, look at his moves and his smoldering eyes burning into yours. Thoughtful as he sang lyrics like "If I Can Dream". Activist as he sang " In the Ghetto". He just hit every single fan between the eyes and in the soul because he spoke to each one of us on some gut level. Black, white, rich or poor. A real phenom.
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True
Well said.
When Elvis sings a song i don't just hear it i feel it. He put all his emotions into his music, so even if some one else wrote it , does not mean they can convey the emotions. No one could match him as all these years have proven.
Elvis was a unexplained phenomenon that shook the world like no other.
Agreed. Even now he is bringing his genre of music to our youngsters. Did everything the way he wanted. Just slayed it
The Beatles kicked his arse
@@voxac30withstrat They never came close
@@voxac30withstrat John Lennon said " Before Elvis there was nothing". Quote was at The Beatles Museum, Liverpool, UK when I was there in 2017.
@@voxac30withstrat There were four Beatles. It took them several TV appearances before young men copied their hair. This is: UNTIL Elvis did his "68 Comeback Special." THEN all the men were wearing sideburns. From 68 until Elvis's death in 77.
Elvis could sing, dance, act and play musical instruments. Not too shabby. So what if he didn't write songs? His body and voice were his instruments. As for popularity just watch him sing "If I Can Dream" especially written for him. In a white suit, statuesque and eloquent. I have never in my life, seen such an intense, passionate performance. Elvis gives it everything he's got. You totally believe the man. He moves mountains with that gospel voice. You feel like you have been through a marathon of emotion with him as he builds the song until it reaches its climax. Oh yes, authenticity. No one comes close to Elvis.
you should try to find a private recording with him, Jerry Lee Lewis & Johnny Cash singing gospel songs, it's quite an eye opener & it used to be easily available for download.
@@paulmorgan8254 you mean the Million Dollar Quartet.👍 It’s universal historical significance is solidified by the fact that on the same day I reached the age of 10 years.😁✌️😉
When he sang gospel you felt like praising God, and like you had been to church
ELVIS was a versatile singer because he could sing all types of music and Great arranger, He was.a gift to mankind by the Most Hight People closed to him quoted Elvis wrote few songs before he died but it was never recorded. Elvis was a musical Genius, Humble and one of a kind when it comes to Generosity.
His charisma was overwhelming. And a voice that was unbelievable ❤
My dad saw him perform live in the 1950’s, said it was amazing.
Elvis had the whole package. He had a great voice & could sing all genres whether ballads, gospel, country, blues, R&B, rockabilly & rock. He had charisma, a great stage presence, a sense of humor, he was good looking & could act.
And he was one of a kind. Not a cookie cutter. .o0
He was the real deal!
@Syd McCreath Yeah he might have been that also in his personal life but on stage he was the real deal
Not so sure about the “could act” part, but agree on the rest! Also great pitch.
thought you were referring to BURL IVES
His popularity extended even to his peers. Blues legend BB King said they werent wrong to call Elvis the king, Chusk Berry said Elvis was the best there ever was or will be and the King of Soul James Brown said Elvis kept him from being number one but he loved him. John Lennon said before elvis there was nothing and even Bob Dylan said the greatest thing in his life was that Elvis recorded some of his songs.
1. Lennon was poking fun at Elvis because Elvis wanted Lennon deported.
2. Dylan was happy, he made money.
Never had a male singer had the whole package as Elvis.
- Voice and the ability to sing just about everything, including opera if he wanted to (Placido Domingo, the opera singer, said "His was the one voice I wish to have had")
- Charisma and stage presence on a different level
- looks, original style and moves
- the ability to deliver the messages of the songs in a way that people felt he was singing to them personally
Not as full a package as Tom Jones (Naughty and Tongue in cheek...of course) 😀. Actually, they met in Vegas and at Elvis's home. And were good friends. Actually, Tom comes from Wales where I live.
@@cleret1407 You must be kidding (about the full package)😅
@@Norwegian733 No, not kidding. I've seen Tom Jones close. Palladium. London. 🥁🥁🥁🎶🎶🎶🎶😎
That individual is Michael Jackson. Literally....the end of the story. lol
@NorwegianOne , I know right. 🤣
I saw Elvis twice! HE WAS PURE ELECTRICITY!!! You could feel the SEXUAL energy. If you touched the person next to you, both could feel the shock. Amazing voice! Amazing dancer. His smile, his movements, and the way he dressed. He was the most charismatic person I have ever seen. I've been to about 200 concerts...from Jackson Browne to the Rolling Stones to Temptations....no concert ever compared to Elvis!!! One of a kind. That is why he was the King of Rock and Roll!!!
Lucky you 🤗❤️
I have heard his stage performance described, by a person who saw him before he became famous, as being “like somebody spilled lightning on the stage.”
Saw him twice. I concur...my idol as a teen in the 70s even and as always Fil is entertainingly knowledgable and informative. Fil...you always do your research. TCB buddy!
Thankyou very much,
@@Starlight-ww7pc Yes! His voice was very powerful. I saw him in 73 and 74. In 74 I was on the 3rd row!!!! Some women nearby actually fainted. lol....I don't know if it was because the place was hot or he was hot. I was only 19 and thought he might be too old-fashioned for me. I was WRONG!
I saw Elvis perform 3 times. Each time the audience loved him so much, he didn’t even have to move or sing. All he ever had to do is just stand there. That is how much charisma he had. And, he loved us back. Like no other performer. He loved his fans. Never was mean or felt he was better than us. Beautiful human being.
Black velvet voice, vocal talent, musical talent, dancing style, stage presence, charisma, Southern charm, handsome, ability to convey emotion in his singing, acting talent, kindness and generosity, genuine & humble, and had an onstage appeal to women that cannot be put into words. 💥 Great analysis, Fil!
Very nice and consice analysis of his talents that will not be repeated in my lifetime. Kudos!!!!
I totally agree ❤
@sydmccreath4554 Sorry to disagree, but they are nothing like Elvis. They think they are, but not even close.
Velvet voice, not black velvet voice.
@Syd McCreath they sound like jokes compared to Elvis.
Elvis had the whole package. No he wasn’t a song writer and yes he did do numerous covers but his vocal ability was such that he immediately put his own stamp on it. Combined with that his ability to sing blues rock n roll gospel ballads the personality stage presence charisma I could go on. It’s little wonder he was is and always will be the KING!!!
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his uniquely powerful, emotionally charged voice made those songs his own . He literally owned them to a point no one else could do them justice after .
Colonel Tom definitely used Elvis to feather his pockets. However, you’re right, Elvis was a perfect storm. He was going to make a mark no matter who managed him. Thanks Fil.
Why was Elvis so popular?🤔
Let’s see….There’s Charisma, Amazing voice, Talent, Looks, Humbleness, and Generosity…He was the epitome of Greatness. He will never be topped…👍
Because he was Elvis!!!!!!! Devastatingly handsome, fabulous and sexy voice, was able to laugh at himself and not take himself too seriously... the total package.
Just listen to him....and I mean look at him !!!! His charisma, his generosity, his humanity !!! He could sing anything, he didn't have to write a song...Elvis is the GOAT ❤❤❤
I used to say he could sing the white pages in phone book and make it sound good!
Excellent insight. As a person who was a teenager when Elvis came on the scene, I would say his music was innovative. Prior to Elvis, our music choices were crooners, big bands and country singers. Enter Elvis with the “rock” and “soul” sounds. We adored it. This was “our” sound not our parents. It was liberating, rebellious, and fun!
Gorgeous with an unbelievable voice! Never has anyone come close to his charisma, looks or talent. NO ONE ELSE!!!
Also a very charitable and beautiful personality
awesome, yes St. Jude's in Memphis is still supported by the Presley family, Elvis's generosity is legendary, and he never blew a trumpet before he gave.
@@georgehorner1578 Did not know that about the Presley family supporting St. Jude’s. That is so generous. Hospital does great work in helping children with cancer and their families at a very difficult time. I have heard that Elvis was very generous and kind. Thank you for sharing info.
@@georgehorner1578 His generosity to big causes and complete random strangers can never be counted. It is too vast. Every Christmas he'd have a party at Graceland and if someone came up to him w/ a hard luck story he'd whip out his checkbook and write one for $1000 or 10, 000.00
He was instrumental in getting the Pearl Harbor Memorial (to the USS Arizona) built.
He galvanized the 1956 March of Dimes campaign to end Polio.
All proceeds fr his 1973 satellite broadcast Aloha from Hawaii went to Cancer research.
He gave away over 200 cadillacs, bought other random cars for needy people, paid for stranger's medical bills, operations, wheelchairs etc.
He took rings off his fingers and gave them to strangers if they admired it. He gave millions of $$ in presents: houses, cars, etc to his band, singers & the Memphis Mafia, many who milked their associations w/ E til the day they died.
Elvis had the spirit of Jesus Christ the man and Jesus would be proud of His devoted son who lived a charitable & loving life always caring for others. His kindness is now legend.
@@synchronicity1470 Thank you for this great post summing up a lot of the philanthropy of Elvis. At Elvis Week recently, the managing partner, Joel Weinshanker said to an audience there that the night's attendance $ was going to Maui, and that he, in the name of Lisa, who they were celebrating, was matching it. He then mentioned all the donations the The Elvis Presley Foundation receives. A lot! Elvis would be so proud!
Elvis was a kind, sweet, and generous human being. Also thank you about the mention of the hanger's on around him milking his generosity to the end of their lives, and Billy, to this day. Most never worked a day in their lives. Jerry is the only exception. Elvis Week events are on You Tube. I've been going since 2002. Actually went way before that on occasion.
It's one thing to write a song, quite another to be able to interpret a song. Elvis gets no credit for arranging, because there is no patent on that. But he was one of the best. He refused to take credit for other people writing his songs, though his manager wanted him to. As you know, there are many artists that do that. They will buy the song, maybe change a word or two and claim writing credits. Elvis refused to do that. But when he did record it, he made it his regardless. He was a vocal genius. Just wanted to mention this. Great analogy you gave. 👍
I don't know. Elvis was notorious for singing the sing exactly as heard on the demo tape - even if it was in a bad key for him (!). That's from Lieber/Stohler's book. Also listen to the demo tape for Heartbreak Hotel (here on youtube).
@@EricS16 Well, I guess that's him all bad then.
@@EricS16 I think you'd have to prove that to me. I know several songs he did that were spot on as the original, but he did 700 songs, most of which he sang his way. Sometimes nothing at all like the original. It is pretty well known that Elvis made most songs he sang his own. Also producing them.
Parker wouldn’t let Elvis record a lot of songs if they couldn’t get writing and publishing credits. Elvis would change tempos, arrangements, some words of songs. The writer agreed to give Elvis partial writing credit on those songs because they would be million sellers and make a lot more money-than if he decided not to and Elvis passed on recording their songs.
@@Sergio54321 at first
Looks, unmatched charisma, moves, voice. The king of cool.
Elvis was like a musical sponge, soaking up influences ranging from Dean Martin, opera, black music and about 1000 other musical styles. He was totally unique, a charisma «monster» that made people emotional, just by being. What a tragedy that he never got to tour the world, he would be totally amazed. His voice, as Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys said, «a total miracle, something that belonged to you, not your mum or dad». He bridged the generation gap, uniting people of all countries and races, we could really need an Elvis Now. Great analysis by the way😀
Whether people want to hear it (let alone agree) or not...Elvis TAUGHT a generation of Americans, in mass, to listen to music differently. He had a real ear for music, had a vision as to how it could/should be presented and really opened the doors for so many of the artists to follow. Simply put, Americans (the world) could not resist. Of course those early pioneers and adopters get their due for creating, feeling, and producing much of it first, but it did not cross the Chasm until Elvis put his own DNA and fingerprint into the music. Undeniable fact. Good analysis here.
Absolutely right. His love for music, his soul when he sang, the stage presence .... He started everything in a new way.
@Syd McCreath I strongly disagree. You are someone that wants to knock someone who’s great and tarnish his legendary status. Just go and take you negativity somewhere else. Carry on being a miserable SOB somewhere else.
I would take it a step farther and say that Elvis gave other artists “permission” to explore new artistic personas and methods. Much the same way Picasso gave permission to other artists to move beyond the reigning art forms of the time.
Well said!
@Syd McCreath , please don't use God's name in vain.
As others have said, Elvis took songs and made them his own, even Paul Simon said after hearing Elvis sing "Bridge ..." "how can we ever top that?" Also, songwriters were writing songs specifically for Elvis to sing, a great example is "If I Can Dream". I don't get why people think not writing his own songs should diminish his popularity, a lot of artists today have teams of writers (personally, I think they have their own names added a lot of the time just for appearance sake) Elvis really was the first true superstar. He was so gifted, he was humble, he was ridiculously generous with his wealth and he genuinely loved his fans and made himself accessible to them all the time. He was unique and his voice was just amazingly beautiful and powerful. He was splendid 💕
All I know is this - Besides the main reason - Elvis is why I listen to Gospel/Country/Christmas Music. He changed the culture. He never toured the World and is beloved worldwide. I still enjoy his movies. His generosity showed he knew how blessed he was and he gave back to the public. There will never be another like Elvis. There will never be another Fil, either!
Because he was the best rock and roll singer ever…
One cold night, I listened to all the great singers and ended with Elvis.
It was amazing how much better he was.
I was born and raised and have moved back to Elvis's birthplace and hometown. His smooth Southern drawl could melt butter. There are still plenty of Presleys in the Tupelo area and many of the young men favor Elvis. It freaks tourist out! Often you will see one of them standing for photos by an Elvis statute, sign or Central Hardware where Elvis's mother bought his first guitar. It's in the same location downtown and still sells guitars. The drawl is still as thick as honey.
Another element to the popularity was growing up in poverty, being in the military added some validity to his character, he was living most men's dream life, women were crazy about him so fans of all types, he gave 100 percent in the studio and on stage, he actually was very gifted at taking a song and reforming it to suit his shows, I saw him twice live as a kid, his last show I was at in Indiana, he did his best. He is the King for a good reason.
Elvis loved to perform for his fans, They were the ones that meant the most to him
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.@markii4685....Yes, the love to his fans, like I have never witnessed before or after..
I have been an Elvis fan for at least sixty-years, and my friend is a professional Elvis impersonator (or "Tribute Artist") in Las Vegas. We have spent many hours discussing this exact subject, so rather than rehash all of his many qualities, I would like to add the single thing you missed about the man, and it had nothing at all to do with his good looks or his incredible talent. People loved Elvis so much because he possessed the singular quality of HUMILITY.
Born from poor country roots, Elvis never lost "the common touch," and always addressed his elders as "Sir" or "Maam." This quality is called, "respect." He was also an incredibly generous person, giving away nearly as much as he ever made- to his family, to his friends, and even to total strangers. In my opinion, this was this single characteristic that make him so singularly beloved by everyone, and what his most loyal fans will remember the most about him. He was not boastful, nor did he ever put anyone down. Would you ever see this kind of behavior from someone like a Kanye West?? To me, it was this factor, having nothing to do with fame or success, that was Elvis' most memorable attribute.
I fell in love with his Music from the age of 8 years. 🤠. Love all of him until this day. Just saw the movie with Butler. Brought tears to my eyes many times. I am 70 now and no one has been even close to him as the complete package. ❤️❤️❤️
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Autin Butler did an excellent job as Elvis. I just loved that movie. Elvis would have been pleased with Austin portraying him!❤
Elvis was a once in a quadrillion phenomenon that just doesn’t happen by accident!!!
There hasn’t been anyone that was able to take looks voice talents and super God given abilities and combine them all together to give a performance to the world and while he sang the world stopped stood completely still and listened watched and analyzed everything that Elvis did.I was only 7 years old when Burning Love came out and I bugged my older brother everyday to buy it for me at the store finally one day I came home he gives it to me and I must of played it 100-200 times in the first 3 days of having it and all along steering at the picture on the 45 record wearing what came to me named and rightfully so his Burning Love Suit and this was after watching him when I was only 4 years old in 1968 and dancing to his 1968 Christmas special in front of the TV.
He was and is the perennial entertainer, he had the looks , swagger , the smile and THE VOICE , the guy was the total package . He was appealing to many people from all backgrounds. His only grammy awards came from his gospel albums which shows his broad talent . As far as " he does not write his own music " , well many great artists do not write their own music . Sinatra , Dean Martin are perfect examples . Hell , there are lead singers of rock bands that write few or any of the songs for which they are known .
@Syd McCreath Ah , did you travel with the king ?
Elvis had the voice, the moves, the looks, total charisma, before anybody had done anything, Elvis had done everything.
Parker didn’t keep all his eggs in one basket. He promoted Elvis in music and film The films helped sell records and the albums help sell movie tickets. Elvis was a kind, generous, and genuine person. Unlike so many artists today. He was just a likable guy.
So glad you’re feeling better, Fil!❤️
He bought everybody he knew cars! What an awesome guy. I wish I had known him.
Agreed Fil. Elvis was the perfect storm of an artist who had looks and talent that was hard to miss!
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Elvis had natural talent, whole package. Great vocal voicem passion and charisma. Amazing reaction. 💕💕💕💕😊
Dude had a perfect voice and the looks to match he was the top of the top! Came from dirt poor Tupelo and set the world on fire for rock and roll
'Dude'. Good thing Elvis was respectful.
Nobody can explain why Elvis was so popular, not even song artist. God created him and anointed him with a great voice, good looks with great heart. God was using him during his lifetime of entertainment to share his wealth with the less fortunate people. He has a generous heart and a friendly spirit, which attracts people to himself. He was not an arrogant man. He was friendly and caring to everyone who was working for him regardless of their race or skin color. God has blessed him with good looks that no man on this planet can compare to his handsome face. ❤️
His music spoke to multiple generations. Women from 8 to 80 loved him, and he loved them back. He catered to his fans and they ate it up with a spoon. He could be whatever they wanted him to be. The boy next door or the untouchable super rock star. He knew his fans, what they wanted and he gave it to them.
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@brendarobinson2154....Perfectly stated! Nothing ever like him. And he REALLY loved them.
First of all, Elvis did not do only cover songs. His first number one, Heartbreak Hotel, was original to Elvis. He didn't write it, but it wasn't a cover. Secondly, back then few people knew or cared who wrote the songs. People like Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland were not known for writing their own songs. There were singers, and there were songwriters, and the twain did not often meet. Also, when a big hit song came out, a lot of people often rushed to record it. That's just the way it was. To dismiss Elvis as a "cover artist" is just silly.
Yes Elvis made every song he sang his OWN!! Nobody could even come close to his interpretation of songs!
The story goes that Mae Axton, mother of Hoyt Axton, told Elvis that she was going to write him a hit song and put his name on it so he could buy his mother a house. Elvis did not contribute to the song. Axton and Tommy Durdan wrote it.
@@stevenbond9201’Elvis did not contribute to the song’ ?? 😅 I suppose then he only turned it into a multimillion seller that profoundly influenced the evolution of rock and roll and influenced many artists after him. His interpretation of the song is profound ,shows his pure genius and will never be bettered.
@@SteveGrason59 We are not discussing his performance of the song, we are talking about the writing credits.
It's a magnificent discussion.
Part of the reason Elvis Presley was so popular is he rode a wave of technology. Before 1950 most of the music you heard was live or on the radio. Not everybody had record players or could buy records. Elvis had distribution. Elvis was young and he was promoting a new kind of personal freedom. I think also that he was likable and that he was kind to everybody that helped him. I had a dream with Elvis in it. He spoke to me and this is what he said:
"You have to give them something."
I think Elvis was successful because he was a giver. I think he gave more than he ever took. Elvis made people feel good. You may not remember the lyrics or the melody but you will always remember how other people make you feel. Thank you twice.
No one had his voice, no one had a name like him, no one looked like him. He was a phenomenon, As Colonel Parker said and it is true.
Brilliant analysis!
I've nothing to add except- Music was in every cell of Elvis' body.
When Elvis released "Return to Sender," I was 13 years old. Elvis was able to sing anything, and both his voice and his films were thrilling. With the neighborhood girls, listening to his records was enjoyable. I would be in their pink bedrooms listening to records whenever they said, "Let's listen to records." I combed my hair like him and even did the thing with the lip, which was very stupid but the females loved it because they loved him too. I loved his music most of all and the way he looked. My biggest disappointment with him as I grew up and continue to do so is that I believe he might have been a fantastic and serious actor. Parker is a jackass for failing to see that, in my opinion. Once again, I appreciate your regard for Elvis.
Elvis could really tell an story with his amazing warm, multilayered voice with a great range. He was versatile and great at whatever he sang. He looked dangerous, exiting and had an other worldly charisma. He was charming, kind, had a great sense of humour and had a great imagination for interpreting and arranging a song. Most of the songs Elvis covered sounded better then the original artist’s version. His energy in a live performance was off the charts.
Many people believe Elvis was just a "singer" WRONG! He was a muso through and through. He actively took part in arranging and developing songs and when on stage he knew exactly what his band were doing and where they were in the song. Watch American Trilogy in Hawaii and you'll see what i mean. A very underrated artist but always the King to me...
I would add he had tons of Charisma!! You knew when he walked into a room. I saw him twice in concert and it was magical. Being in the room while Elvis sang for an hour is a once in a lifetime experience. Love your videos btw!
I think he was a freak of nature. He sang different he walked different he spoke different he lived different. He had 4 aeroplanes who had 4 private planes in those days. Most in important of all he was the real deal. He felt every note and when performed live he left it all out there on the stage
Yes he was so cute… I wanted to marry him.. lol
Great analysis FIl. It was Elvis's voice that was most important for me. He could sing any song form any genre. Many thanks
Put simply He was incredible. My Sister and I were having a conversation about Young Musical Artists including Elvis being ripped off over bad Managers and their Contracts. Elvis is the prime example, others included in our conversation included The Beatles and Creedence Clearwater Revival (especially John Fogerty). To anybody considering accepting a Contract I highly recommend hiring yourself a good lawyer before signing. The Colonel really ripped him off. As a manager he was only entitled to %10 not 50% and of course he never told him why there weren't any International Concerts. The Colonel would have been arrested if he'd left America. To bad everyone would have loved to have seen Elvis live. Both Elvis and all of those fans would have loved it.
You left out his charisma...stage presence, he was the total package and no one else comes close.
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There never will be another Elvis, he was unique and no one will ever be able to come close, even though many have tried.
A coworkers husband told a story to me. He was a young boy (now an old man in his 70’s). He was sitting outside of his fathers petrol station, his dad had promised him a Coca-Cola and had not given it to him yet. So as a child, he sat their crying. This guy drives up and asked him what was wrong. He proceeded to buy him a Coke and left. This was in a small Arkansas town. When his parents asked him about it later and who had purchased the coke, he pointed to the man on the television. It was Elvis Presley. Elvis was known to have a kind and generous heart. He was known for coming into town buying 5 Cadillacs and randomly giving them away. His music was revolutionary. He was of my mothers generation.
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Elvis had the incredible ability of taking ANY song he sang, no matter who had done it before, and making it 100% his! He heard in his head how he wanted it to sound! He was a great arranger and producer! He was the total package
You nailed it! As an early fan of Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ray Charles and the most famous Blues artist, Jimmy Reed & John Lee Hooker, he was amazing on their covers. He made these uniquely his own! Saw him twice in Atlanta, his live performances were truly electric, and his charisma ap filled the room. There was never anyone like him. As a long time fan in my older years, I have truly come to appreciate his music more over time. Thanks again for a great analysis.
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ELVIS WAS ONE OF A KIND PERSONALITY WHO CONNECTED WITH HIS FANS AND GIFTED OF GOD IN SO MANY WAYS 👍🏻🕎🙋❤️❤️❤️
George Strait never wrote any of his music, yet he's one of the most coveted artists in country music. It's all about delivery and making the best sound out of the song an artist is singing.
yep. Celine Dion, Rihanna, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Frank Sinatra didn't write their songs. Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Procol Harem, Bob Dylan, Garth Brooks, Reba & many Country artists relied on other writers for their songs.
Journey, Chicago - oh my; tons of artists use outside writers for many of their hits. Some on the list wrote NONE, others used writers outside of their band for material.
Many get away with using collaborators who they work with and get shared writing credits: Luke Bryan, Adele and much of the Country artists.
I think what you also should look at is his body language and facial expressions that also matched perfectly to the music and the voice. You could see, how he turned his attention inside and got into the song. Even when he made jokes in between, after a few seconds he was back again into the mood of the song.
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A singer shouldn't have to write his own songs any more than a Formula 1 racing car driver should have to make his own car. Writing and singing are very different gifts.
Elvis changed the world!
Thinking of Elvis takes me back to the 60's in my mind. It was a magical time of music. Elvis personified that time. His voice and personality were so unique. Hard to put a finger on his popularity, but 45+ years after he left the building, people still feel that vibe. When he died, I felt my own mortality. It ended an era, that I and many were a part of. From 50's-70's he spanned a bunch of generations, and those generations are still around.
ELVIS IS THE KING OF ROCK N ROLL!! 🎶🔥💖🇺🇸
Yes, Dagmar S. said it, he was the whole package. He could sing pretty much any genre, his looks, personality , the fact he was so gentle and kind...just everything about him hit all the right chords. And I think you have to figure in the fact we were the generation that just loved everything he had to offer. His fan base was huge and crossed generations. I'm 71 now and was and will always be a huge fan. The day we found out he passed, I was, along with a lot of other people my age, sitting outside a school waiting for our kindergarten kids to be dismissed. EVERYONE got out of their cars as we heard the news on our radios. There was shock, disbelief and yes, tears. Some 'stars', or 'idols' can just never be replaced or copied. He was one of a kind.
Elvis was able to make the listener believe every word he sang as if the lyrics relayed his own experience or feeling. He remains The Utimate Talent. Thanks Fil once again! 👍🏻
No matter what, Elvis fans will tell you that it's his voice. Yes, he has other things going for him but it's the voice and quite frankly, what sound he's going for at any particular point in his career because he mixes his own songs up at different stages. Also, how he makes you feel like he singing just for you. I've never heard about another singer who has that remark as to why people love him. Elvis is this enigma that no one can quite explain.
Elvis, like Michael Jackson, was one of a kind. It’s the singularity of the combination of their attributes that made them so popular. Elvis’s smile and ability to laugh at himself helped increase his appeal. Elvis also donated to many causes, did many concerts for charity, and took his polio vaccination on television and encouraged others to get theirs. Fewer than 1% of the American population had taken their shots. After Elvis showed it was safe to do so, in a few months about 86% of the people had taken the vaccination. He worked for good causes and that increased his popularity.
"Don't kid yourself....he was the King." -Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed also said that he wished he were a woman each time he was in Elvis´s presence because he was so gorgeous
Elvis' sincerity came out of his pores and shows in everything he did...on & off the stage.
Eddie Murphy said it best. When Elvis was on stage you didn't see anyone but Elvis. I did live that time I was 12 years old in 1956. He was earth shattering. He combined gospel, rhythm and blues, country, and had a unique sound. He had an almost 3 octave range. He did music from gospel to opera. He was interpretive and passionate. And Charisma off the charts. Thanks.
Elvis was not only a fantastic vocal talent with great God-given vibrato, but he had God-given heart and soul. He also knew what it took to combine R&B, Gospel, ballads, and elements of early Rock N Roll. Elvis was so very multi-talented. Sam Phillips (Sun records) knew who he had in Elvis and others such as Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. Many thanks, FIL! Merry Christmas, FIL!
Elvis! That’s all that needs to be said. Elvis Presley was the Greatest singer that ever lived, bar none. He had the talent, the charisma, the incredible looks, that unmistakable, incredible, remarkable voice, the smile, the moves, the love he had for his family and the love of his fans. God gave Elvis the whole shebang. There is always more to analyze about Elvis but can be summed up as about as perfect as a person can be. Forget Tom Parker, he could have been managed by the three stooges and he still would have soared to fame. This was really well thought out. Thanks
Also he was kind and caring. We loved (and still love) him; which is no different to any fan who loves any artist, or actor, or singer. The difference is that he loved us back and appreciated us and we knew it. The guys who were with him most of the time said that they never saw him refuse an autograph, or a photo and, when asked why, he said that he wouldn't be where he was without his fans.
He was also very humble. He never forgot where he came from and he never tried to be anything other than what he was. In fact, he would often put himself down. As you said, he played down how good he was on the guitar and the piano and he once said in an interview: 'I'm just an entertainer'.
And that is part of the reason why he was not only so popular then, but why he is still so popular now and is still loved and adored by millions 🥰
I'm so glad you're an Elvis fan, Fil. It was inevitable that I would be, with parents who were Elvis fans, being from Mississippi, and my dad being a musician who had met him as well. I believe that every one of us is blessed by God to have some kind of talent or skill. But every once in awhile I think He decides to give certain people all of the gifts, and Elvis was one of them. Triple threat (sing, dance, and act), charisma, a face like a Greek God, humility, and class.
I was recently telling a coworker about Elvis. When the camera was on him above the waist because how he would shake his hips. That was considered indecent in the 50s. He looked astonished when I told him this. The coworker came back to me about an hour later and asked me what his name was again. I told him the name and recommended he watch some of his videos to show how awesome a performer he was. Hopefully introducing another generation of Elvis fans. Cheers from Ottawa.
Talent, charisma, good looks, and a country boy charm.
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I'm 65 and Elvis died on my 20th birthday. As a child I would literally cry when his movies ended and my parents made me go to bed. Elvis did SO much in the short 20ish years he was in show buiness. He was much more than a Star...he was a Galaxy of his own.
Thank you so much for all the kind and truthful information that you give. I love your British voice and you have a great smile.
In summary, Elvis was SO popular because he was the ultimate total package - greatest vocalist ever, the moves, the swag, the looks.
As an American, I'm impressed with this British guy's understanding of the American social milieu of Elvis' time and place. Well done, Fil!
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Love your channel! Elvis was enormously talented vocally, but he had that elusive “it” factor. He was a lover, brother, friend, idol and entertainer all rolled into one. To your point as a singer, he is unmatched vocally, but I believe that his staying power decades later is his projection dynamic. No one since has had that powerful projection effect on people. He was the total package for sure! Shame that he was financially abused by the Colonel.
Quote from Rufus Thomas. Legendary bluesman. " Elvis came out with a style all of his own"👍
Back in the day, you could hear Elvis and know it was him singing without being told it was him. Nobody else had a voice like him. We would say "Hush. Elvis is singing. I want to hear this." This was on the radio. That is the only time we would get to hear music other than gospel. We didn't have a tv until1959.
Thank you for providing your insight on Elvis’s popularity. I was a baby when he passed and grew up listening to his music because of my mom, but it wasn’t until the movie came out earlier this year that I started doing more research and now have become a fan and now understanding his fame and popularity.
Phil, your dissecting and analyzing all the elements that make Elvis so popular even today is spot on. You touched on all elements perfectly. I love that video where he was being interviewed and was asked if he learned anything from the criticism of his singing and moving physically. He said "no Sir, I did not learn anything from the criticism because I'm not doing anything wrong."
He was a rebel who just imagine wore pink in the 50's. He loved the black sound related to the outrageous clothing and oh yes, what a voice and what an amazing good looking man. Blues, rock, country and gospel. I still don't know how one man could be so "All It." Loved, God, Mother and his country and proud to put it out there. Like you said "He was the Perfect Storm. He looked to die for always especially from videos I've seen in 1973-1974.
Elvis had it all… plus the fact he was known for his generous nature, his connection with people from all walks of life… Elvis never left America but was popular all over the world… 1 billion people from all over the world watched him in Aloha from Hawaii
I will say that Elvis’s covers often sounded so different from the originals that sometimes it was hard to see it as the same song. Thanks for such an in-depth look at the Elvis phenomenon. I was born 1960, so I missed the initial Elvis mania, but I grew up listening to Elvis because of my older siblings and all the records we had. My parents had to have been sick of us playing all those records over and over. My older siblings said he was so controversial at the time, and causing great angst in the older generation. They described Elvis as being like an earthquake or tsunami, sweeping the country, and changing behaviors.
Also many songs were written especially for Elvis with him in mind. And some songs had been out before but were not popular, then Elvis came and sang them and they were a hit. Suspisious minds were released by the songwriter and did nothing, Elvis then recorded it and it became his first number 1 hit in 7 years. Sam Philips (the Guy from Sun Records, who "discovered: Elvis) said, "He(Elvis), seemed like he wanted to put everything he knew into a song. I have heard musical analysts say about Elvis "you really felt like Elvis meant every word he sang" so that abillity to conway a feeling is another really important thing about him that stands out.
In other words, he was just better than anyone else. And in my opinion, still better than anybody else.
When not singing gospel Elvis so often projected charming self effacing humor. His personality winked at you, like “I’m in on the joke, on the flirting, on how this talent affects you.” Smiling while talking & singing is magnetic.
Elvis was a force of nature… and that force can still be felt.
Elvis was the whole package.....good looking and beautiful voice ! He was pure magic he made every song he sang his own ! ! ! Music was in Elvis' DNA ! ! He was such a superstar that we are still talking about him today ! ! !
"He shook it like a chorus girl, he shook it like a Harlem queen, he shook it like a midnight rambler, he shook it like you never seen" (Gillian Welch, Blues for Elvis)