Gospel Music

Eventually, in an almost “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” fashion, Elvis appealed to nearly everyone, drawing fans from all walks of life and from generations that initially were threatened by what his music and his style embodied. Why? Because he bonded with people at an extrasensory level through his personality as much as (if not more than) through his songs. His music had cultural relevance in sound and message; his lyrics, style, and delivery reflected his core market at the time; and he influenced how teens danced and dressed.

Consequently, he was adopted by the culture, becoming an icon dubbed the King of Rock and Roll, and he ruled the music industry for decades. Today, over 25 years after his death, he is actually more successful than he was in the latter part of his career.

Many rock and roll bands followed, striving for the impact and connection Elvis had with his fans. Some were successful; others weren’t. But all were aided by the King of Rock and Roll, who paved the way for the mainstream rockers of the 1960s-from Bob Dylan to the Beatles-and opened the door for the next wave-from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin.

Elvis’s passion never swayed far from his roots. He loved gospel music; it was his favorite to listen to and to sing. Though he gave a generation of fans a soundtrack of music to live by-”Love Me Tender” for romantic moments, “In the Ghetto” for reflective times, and “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Hound Dog” for dancing-he would be most honored and recognized for his gospel works. During the span of his relatively short career, the King of Rock and Roll was nominated for 16 Grammy awards, but ironically never won one for rock and roll.