| Elvis Presley has had an extensive cultural impact | | | | lot of people have accused Elvis of stealing the black |
| since the start of his career. According to Rolling | | | | man's music, when in fact, almost every black solo |
| Stone Magazine, Elvis made rock 'n' roll the international | | | | entertainer copied their stage mannerisms from Elvis." |
| language of pop. Elvis Presley was described at one | | | | White cover versions of hits by black musicians often |
| point as an American music giant of the 20th century | | | | outsold the originals; it seems that many Americans |
| who single-handedly changed the course of music and | | | | wanted black music without the black people in it, and |
| culture in the mid-1950s. His dance moves, recordings, | | | | Elvis had undoubtedly derived his style from the black |
| attitude and fashionable clothing came to be seen as | | | | rhythm-and-blues performers of the late 1940s. The |
| embodiments of rock and roll. His music was heavily | | | | U.S. government reported that Presley has been |
| influenced by African-American blues, Christian gospel, | | | | accused of "stealing" black rhythm and blues, but such |
| and Southern country. | | | | accusations indicate little knowledge of his many |
| But did Elvis Presley steal black music? In the 1950's, | | | | musical influences. However much Elvis may have |
| legal segregation and discrimination against African | | | | "borrowed" from black blues performers like "Big Boy" |
| Americans was common. During Presley's interview in | | | | Crudup, "Big Mama" Thornton, he borrowed no less |
| New York City in 1956, it was noted by one of the | | | | from white country stars Ernest Tubb, Bill Monroe and |
| reporters that Elvis named several blues singers who | | | | white pop singers, and most of his borrowings came |
| obviously meant a lot to him. The reporter was very | | | | from the church; its gospel music was his primary |
| surprised to hear him talk about the black performers | | | | musical influence and foundation. Whether or not it |
| down there and about how he tried to carry on their | | | | was justified, the fact remains that distrust of Presley |
| music. Black artists had sold very little amounts of their | | | | was common amongst the general African-American |
| recorded music relative to the national market potential. | | | | population after the accusations of racism were made |
| Black songwriters had mostly limited avenues to earn | | | | public. |
| a living. But after Elvis purchased the music of African | | | | So did Elvis Presley steal black music? I don't think so. |
| American Otis Blackwell and had his "Gladys Music" | | | | Black music will always be part of their own culture |
| company hire talented black songwriter Claude | | | | and history and no one else can take that away from |
| Demetrius, the industry underwent a drastic change. | | | | them. Any popular singers and rappers nowadays, |
| Elvis invited black performer Ivory Joe Hunter to visit | | | | white, brown, or asians who perform and sing black |
| Graceland and the two spent the day together. | | | | music do not intend to steal from African American |
| However, certain parts in American society, including | | | | culture; it basically just showing a mere admiration of |
| many black people, have branded Presley as no more | | | | their music. Little Richard once said that Elvis Presley |
| than a racist Southerner who stole black music. | | | | was an integrator. He was a blessing. They wouldn't let |
| However, black R&B artist Jackie Wilson said, "A | | | | black music through. |