The King took this blues tune by Junior Parker, and turned it into one of the most iconic early rock ‘n roll songs ever. Bringing ‘race music’ into the rock vernacular is one of Elvis’ most singular accomplishments:
To give you a sense of how transformational Presley’s version was, here is the original:
This is a good time to mention. I hate Elvis Presley.
While the “British Invasion” acts paid homage to their heroes and even had the living legends play with them as they became famous Elvis pretended his shit was original. Fuck Elvis and fuck that honky manager too.
Clapton, Jagger/Richards, John Mayall, Jeff Beck, Eric Burdon, Jimmy Paige, etc. always paid tribute to the masters. Elvis never did.
Of course you do. Have you listened to this, or does that even matter? Is it all about cultural politics with you?
You got me. I’ve never heard Elvis before….
I’m not saying he didn’t have talent. Many artists have talent. I can respect talent and hate the art.
It’s not that complicated.
My friends and I have a standard response to this sort of situation. I don’t dig it but I understand why others do.
I also notice you didn’t disagree with what I said. You just don’t care about “cultural politics” (whatever that is).
Fuck Elvis.
RE: You might want to read this before you continue with your categorical misinformed rant about Elvis. Or you might just want to wrap yourself in your own prejudices:
https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/11/opinion/11guralnick.html
Did I call Elvis a racist? I don’t believe I did. I’m talking about the way he was presented and marketed in public.
You guys are so fucking sensitive. I have position firmly based in history and I’m wrapping myself in my own prejudices.
I don’t like Elvis. I didn’t like Elvis before and I still don’t.
It’s funny because you know the difference I’m talking about. You’re just stanning for Elvis because you think he’s “the King” and I think he isn’t.
I don’t know which I find funnier.
a) My engagement in “cultural politics”
b) My wrapping myself in my own “prejudices”
You guys sound like weirdos.
Loved the movie! One of Jim Jarmusch’s best. And as far as I know, the only movie appearance by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
There are times when you proudly proclaim your ignorance, and this is one of them. I’m not an Elvis fanboy. But, to you, I think he’s ‘The King’. Based on what?
This is one day where your white noise is nothing but white noise.
Pre-Colonel Parker Elvis was important stuff. Which is what today’s song is/was.
I must like the things El Som likes.
I must think they are “important”.
I’ll make a note of it.
I do very much enjoy that when we disagree it has something to do with me personally. I’m “ignorant” “prejudice”…
Fuck off. Elvis is irrelevant to me.
Wow!
I thought my hat of hair bands was unrivaled. I stand corrected. In my youth I asked my father why Elvis was such a big deal? He laughed and told me everyone hated Elvis the Pelvis till he released his gospel re makes, then it was o.k. for your folks to like him to. Prior to that you were going to hell. lol