Elvis Presley is a pop culture legend who lives on as the “King of Rock and Roll” and for good reason. He is arguably one of the greatest entertainers who ever lived. When his career took off in the 1950’s, he blended African American genres of blues, gospel and country with his natural charisma and rebel style. His music and rebel persona hit the public with waves of pandemonium and embodied rock and roll. Presley first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956, the live audience became enamoured by his presence. Only a month later, he made his second appearance on the show in October, 1956 performing “Hound Dog” generating pandemonium among the live audience and viewers at home. See the video below of his live performance at the Ed Sullivan Show, noting his hip swings, on-stage charisma, style and the audience erupting.
His rise came in a post-war era of the baby-boomers and a stage of social rebellion coinciding with his persona of a musical rebel. In the 1950s, parents raised their children with a child-centered style being more indulgent and affectionate. This allowed the student to be more engaged and enamoured in music, specifically Elvis Presley’s music. All the ladies wants to date him and all the men wanted to be like him- figuratively, of course.
Today, many artists take on influences of Elvis and his music- whether directly or indirectly. The Elvisualization shows the influential music lines beginning with Elvis Presley leading its way to today’s music industry. By examining the lineage presented in the Elvisualization infographic, we will be looking at how the musical line of influence connects Maroon 5- Chart topping band of today- to the 1950’s legend, King of Rock, Elvis Presley (1).
When considering Maroon 5 and their musical influences, the lineage of influence can be linked to Elvis Presley proving his far-reaching influence in music. Maroon 5’s early albums have funk sound along with the lead singer, Adam Levine’s, voice and falsetto. These qualities within their music is comparable to the sound of the Bee Gees (2) from the disco era. In order to catch some of the similarities between these two groups, I have drawn on Maroon 5’s song “Makes Me Wonder” from their second album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long (2007) and the Bee Gees “Night Fever” from their album, Saturday Night Fever (1977).
The Bee Gees and Maroon 5, alike, sing in falsetto which some professionals consider an act of rebellion in the music industry suggesting that falsetto means ” a false and borrowed voice” (3). During the 1970’s, similar to the Elvis Presley era, was a time of social rebellion and this style could be seen throughout various artists in the music industry. The Bee Gees were no exception and sang in falsetto which later became their signature sound. Arguably, the intention of putting singer, Barry Gibbs falsetto voice was to try diminish the myth that disco music was just a genre performed by black musicians (3). Some specialists will argue that Maroon 5 sings in falsetto to defy the suggestions that only woman performers can alter their voice reach high notes. The beauty of the falsetto is that it does not sound like any one race or gender and can be sang interchangeably (3).
Another thing to consider is both groups are considered musical chameleons meaning that the sound of their music changes throughout their sequence of album releases. In the songs presented above, they both have the electronic music vibe integrated within disco and funk genres. The upbeat dance music, falsetto harmonies and catchy tunes grab the audiences attention in similar ways laying out seamless futures of both bands.
After understanding the connection and similarities between the Bee Gees and Maroon 5, we have to consider the musical path that links Elvis Presley’s influence to the Bee Gees. Its not just their talent, charismatic performances or showmanship, both Presley and the Bee Gees dawned flashy stage outfits that enhanced their performances.
Their music appealed to all manners of audiences and even moreso, to the youth of their musical era. With the Bees Gees fashion and music style, they defined disco the way Elvis defined Rock and Roll. With both taking influence from African American music, they steamrolled the country with they’re unique sounds that challenged the status quo. It is even know that the Bee Gees went on to write songs for Elvis Presley (4). They could sing encapsulating ballads, trendy dance beats and hip-swinging songs that mesmerized the nation.
While Elvis may no longer be at the top of the charts to say, his influence on music and culture is undeniable. He holds onto a crucial title as the “King of Rock and Roll” while still influencing today’s musicians, directly and indirectly. While we explored his influence that streamlined to the popular band today, Maroon 5, you can look further into any other band using the Elvisualization graphic provided to explore the lineage of Elvis’ influence. While Maroon 5’s and the Bee Gees’ achievements speak for themselves, it is clear that it isn’t without influence from the King, himself.
Bibliography
(1) The Elvisualization. Accessed August 8, 2018. http://static.echonest.com/insights/elvis/elvisulization.html.
(2) In Defense of the sellout. Accessed August 8, 2018. http://www.dailycal.org/2017/08/31/in-defense-of-the-sellout-maroon-5/.
(3) Maroon 5’s Falsetto Singing: An Act of Cultural Defiance. Accessed August 7, 2018. https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/09/maroon-5s-falsetto-singing-an-act-of-cultural-defiance/262982/.
(4) Interview with the Bee Gees. Accessed August 8, 2018. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0202/02/lklw.00.html
Carly Rae Jepsen performing in Broadway's "Cinderella", 2014
Jepsen on Witness: The Tour with Katy Perry [5]
My photo from the concert on August 7th 2018
My photo from the concert on August 7th 2018
My photo from the concert on August 7th 2018
Selena Quintanilla-Perez was born April 16th, 1971 in Jackson Lake, Texas. She was most famously known for her career as a singer and songwriter, however, she was also an accomplished fashion designer, spokesperson, and model. Considered the “Queen of Tejano music”, Selena was an incredibly influential Latin artist. Tejano is a genre of music which incorporates both Mexican and American styles and originated in Texas and Mexico in the mid 19thcentury. [1] She was celebrated for being an American music influence while always remaining true to her Mexican roots. Selena was introduced to the world of music in 1980 when she began singing with her siblings in their group named “Selena y Los Dinos.” She went solo in 1982 and released her first album seven years later after signing with EMI Latin. Her 1992 album landed the number one spot on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums where it remained for months. This album was considered the breakthrough of Selena’s musical career, sending her on her way to become the top-selling Latin artist of the 1990’s. In the same year, Selena married Chris Perez, whom she would be married to for three years before her death. On March 31st, 1995, Selena was shot and killed in Corpus Christi, Texas. The shooter, Yolanda Saldivar, was both the president of Selena’s fan club and the manager of her fashion boutiques. She was about to be charged with embezzlement and shot Selena in a hotel room after a disagreement about financial documents. [2]
Selena was young and full of life, which made her relatable for the younger audience in addition to the older audience that appreciated her talent. She was a leader of Latinos, and was proud of her heritage. [3] Not only was Selena an incredible musician, but she was also passionate about being involved in her community and was named the Coca-Cola spokesperson for the state of Texas. She left an impressive legacy when she died and was even compared to greats like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Selena was honored with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star on November 3rd, .2017. [4]
Selena’s influence on popular culture was most evident through her music. After seeing Selena (the film about the life of Selena made after her passing), Demi Lovato was instantly inspired by the star. Demi has said, “When I saw the movie, there was just some sort of connection.” [5] Many other artists were inspired by Selena’s work and Latin artists, in particular, were motivated to follow in her footsteps. Her unique musical blend of Latin and pop was carried on through other artists and can even be heard in current hits on the radio. Aside from her music, Selena also influenced modern day popular culture through her style. Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner have all stated Selena as one of their fashion icons. [6] Kim Kardashian even once recreated one of Selena’s iconic looks, a form-fitting purple jumpsuit, as her Halloween costume.
His love songs consist of him being in love, and he sings about the joys, pains and scarifies that one goes through when they are in love. Where there is love, there can also be heartbreak, and Ed has written quite a few songs about heartbreak and how it makes him feel. Love is not just with a soulmate; Ed Sheeran also writes songs about his family and friends that he loves dearly as well.
He knows how empowering and impacting his music is, but he stays humble and does not let his fame take the best of him. He walked onto the stage with his acoustic guitar, a microphone, a loop pedal and minimal lights on the stage. It was the most simple yet powerful concert that I have attended. It was amazing to just listen to his wonderful music and his talent, without big flashing lights, dancers, and outrageous costumes. Most celebrities are stuck in their superficial ways, so Ed Sheeran stands out because of how down to earth he stays.
These qualities make him different from the rest. His phenomenal talent of creativity, and his unique voice and music style has taken him into fame, but his trait of humility makes all of those other qualities more impressive. Ed Sheeran has inspired many artists to sing and perform in a humble manor, which is slowly increasing as the years go on. Many new artists are into slower and simpler songs with passionate meaning, and this is how he is changing the pop industry; he has inspired so many people and their music development.
