Elvis Presley, often hailed as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in the history of music. His unique blend of rockabilly, country, and rhythm and blues created a sound that revolutionized the music industry. But even the King himself was influenced by other great artists who came before him and helped shape his musical style. In this article, we’ll delve into some of Elvis Presley’s biggest influences and how they contributed to the music that made him a legend.
One of the primary influences on Elvis’s music was the legendary blues artist, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup. Crudup’s raw and soulful blues style deeply resonated with Elvis, who covered Crudup’s song “That’s All Right” in his early recording sessions at Sun Records. The stripped-down, energetic performance of this song marked the beginning of Elvis’s rise to fame and captured the attention of listeners around the world.
Another key influence on Elvis’s music was the country legend Hank Williams. Elvis was drawn to Williams’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery, which inspired him to infuse his own performances with a similar sense of passion and authenticity. Songs like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart” left a lasting impact on Elvis and influenced his approach to storytelling through music.
Elvis also drew inspiration from the gospel music of artists like Mahalia Jackson. Growing up in the church, Elvis developed a deep appreciation for the power of spiritual music and the emotional connection it could create with listeners. Gospel songs like “How Great Thou Art” and “Peace in the Valley” showcased Elvis’s ability to convey profound emotion and connect with audiences on a spiritual level.
In addition to these influences, the rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry played a significant role in shaping Elvis’s music. Berry’s energetic guitar riffs and catchy melodies inspired Elvis to incorporate elements of rock and roll into his own sound, leading to hits like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Hound Dog.” Elvis admired Berry’s innovative approach to blending rhythm and blues with country influences, and he incorporated these elements into his own music with great success.
The influence of blues artist Muddy Waters also had a profound impact on Elvis’s music. Waters’s electrifying performances and soulful vocals struck a chord with Elvis, who drew inspiration from the authenticity and passion in Waters’s music. Tracks like “Baby, Let’s Play House” and “Mystery Train” showcased Elvis’s ability to capture the essence of the blues while adding his own unique twist to create a sound that was distinctly his own.
Furthermore, Elvis was deeply influenced by the stage presence and charisma of performers like James Brown. Brown’s dynamic performances and energetic dance moves inspired Elvis to elevate his own live shows and bring a newfound sense of showmanship to the stage. Elvis’s iconic hip-shaking moves and magnetic presence were a direct result of studying the performances of artists like James Brown and incorporating their influence into his own act.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s music was shaped by a diverse range of influences, each contributing to the unique sound that made him a cultural icon and a rock ‘n’ roll legend. From the blues of Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup to the country stylings of Hank Williams, and the gospel music of Mahalia Jackson, Elvis’s music was a melting pot of genres and styles that transcended boundaries and inspired generations of musicians to come. By drawing on the legacy of these influential artists, Elvis crafted a musical legacy that continues to resonate with audiences around the world to this day.