For many musicians, there is a moment that changes everything for them; they get that one big hit or that one chance to make it happen for them, and they do not even realize it at the time. It may not be how they imagined it or it may not have been what they had wanted for their life, but there were chances to take and go for it.
Elvis was an awkward kid growing up, having lost his twin and being close to his mother and his father, and having his own issues to deal with. He found ways to come out his shell, but what he was really passionate about was music. Growing up, he found ways to get into music, singing with the church choir or to himself, he knew that music was it for him.
When he was ten years old, he sang for a contest in the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in Tupelo.1 He was still too short to reach the microphone so he had to stand on a stool to help him reach. Even though he had no musical accompaniment, he got up and performed; he came in fifth place.2 Even though he lost, he continued to explore music, and eventually he became Elvis. But how did that happen?
For his birthday, his mother Gladys gave him a guitar. His uncle taught him chords, and Frank Smith, a preacher at an Assembly of God Church, also gave him lessons on how to play.3 He was fortunate to have these people to show him how to play, something that would come in handy later in his life. He would later become a regular performer at the Country Music Jamboree outside the Tupelo courthouse.4 He had his guitar and would take it with him to school every day, even though his classmates would make faces and ridicule him for the music he played. He still continued to do what he loved.5 Elvis ignored them and did what he wanted; he had set a goal for himself, and he was going for it.
When Elvis was thirteen, his father moved the family to Memphis; there, Elvis would hear the music coming from the black neighborhood, although he had heard some similar sounds in Tupelo.6 He was always hearing sounds; he had a talent for picking up sounds.7
Nobody thought he would have gotten to that point; he had failed music class in high school, and a teacher had even rejected him from joining the glee club. He was also rejected by a gospel quartet he was set on joining.8 It was a big disappointment for him, and he seemed to be discouraged by everyone around him, even his own father.
In August 1953, Elvis had finally gotten up the nerve to go the Memphis Recording Service; he claimed that he wanted to record a song for his mother. An associate of Sam Phillips was there that day, who liked what he heard and kept a copy of the recording Elvis had done.9 Elvis was discovered when he had already graduated from high school. His breakout occurred late in the evening on July 5, 1954 during a late-night recording session that had proved unfruitful, until Elvis started improvising on the 1940s blues song, “That’s All Right (Mama).” Sam Phillips, the head of Sun Records, happened to be in the studio to hear the improvisation of Elvis with two other local musicians. Elvis had the sound that Phillips said he could make a billion dollars, “if he could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel.”10 Elvis had that sound.11 It was then, at that moment, that Elvis just happened. He was new, something that people were not used to yet. He was not like every other star. Though once he was discovered, he was awkward, self-conscious, nervous, he mumbled, but he was making it.12 No matter, this was the step that Elvis needed in order to be headed in the direction of greatness. He was going to make it, though in those first sessions, they were not successful; they kept on trying to achieve that sound only Elvis had, and finally it all worked out. It came out of nowhere; he did it himself. This time was only stepping stones for him, but nonetheless it was what needed to be taken; heading the direction toward the person we know today as the King of Rock n Roll.
- Bobbie Ann Mason, Elvis Presley (New York: Viking Books, 2003), 17. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 18. ↵
- Glen Jeansonne, David Luhrssen, and Dan Sokolovic, Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel: His Life and Our Times (Praeger, 2011), 11. ↵
- Glen Jeansonne, David Luhrssen, and Dan Sokolovic, Elvis Presley, Reluctant Rebel: His Life and Our Times (Praeger, 2011), 11. ↵
- Peter Guralnick, Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley (Little, Brown & Company, 1994), 27. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 19. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 20. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 23. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 25. ↵
- James Miller, Flowers in the Dustbin: The Rise of Rock and Roll, 1947-1977 (Fireside, 2000), 72. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 21. ↵
- Mason, Elvis Presley, 23. ↵
77 comments
Maria Callejas
This was a very well written second part. It is indeed incredible to see how coming from a very poor background, Elvis looked for opportunities to feed his musical passion, that was without a doubt what made him the “King”. Great use of evidence throughout your article. For example, it is almost shocking that even Elvis, being the greatest performer of all time, had bullies at school, was rejected from the glee club, and failed music class. However, none of that stopped him from becoming “Elvis Presley”. What a great take, on one of the greatest ever! Good job!
Rebekah Esquivel
I find it crazy how he was rejected by so many people. This however is not uncommon with stories of musicians. Many famous artists all started with rejections from big labels or role models that they may have looked up to. The drive that these musicians have is so inspiring as they eventually make their dreams become a reality. I find it surprising how the King of Rock and Roll was so nervous and shy. He had to come out of his shell in order to become the legend that he is known of today.
Troy Leonard
I found it really interesting how he was rejected by so many people but he never gave up. it is inspiring to some people to never give up on there dream and be determined to pursue it also. now he used all of the rejections and negative people and became the king of rock and roll. I’m not a fan of rock and roll but some of his music I must say is pretty nice.
Mario Sosa
It is intriguing how you focused not on Elvis’ entire life, but rather, how he rose to become the king of rock n roll. Great to hear how Elvis was able to overcome his critics and hardships through his determination. To be able to excel and become known worldwide despite many criticisms, along with discouragement, is not something that anyone can simply do. Just like part 1, job well done on the article!
Karla Chavana
The King of Rock and Roll: This article is an example of what could happen if one pursues their true passion. Moving past the ridicules and tribulations presented, Elvis persevered and showed the world that he is worthy of his now remembrance as the king of rock and roll. I think it is also captivating that he is described as an awkward person because during his performances, he was not only charming but he had the ability to completely fascinate all audience. This was a beautifully written article that I very much appreciated.
Abigale Carney
This was such an interesting article! I read part one and I couldn’t wait to read part two! It is comical that the King of rock n’ roll failed music class in school, I bet his music teacher now takes notes from him! Elvis surpassed all of his haters and became one of the greatest musicians of all time, such a good story!
Eduardo Foster
It’s very interesting the article! The story on how Elvis became the King of Rock N’ Roll is very inspirational. I would have never imagined that he was rejected in the music club in high school. It is amazing how he came to overcome and became the legend he is today! Great article and very informative. Keep it up with the good work!
Carlos Aparicio
This article was well written when it talked about Elvis Presley’s childhood. I never knew how the King of Rock N’ Roll was discorvered or how he got to where he was I. His prime. Who would have thought that Elvis was rejected in the music club in high school? This article also explains his determination to become successful singer. I can tell a lot of research was put into this article!
Cherice Leach
Elvis Presley and his persistence is just amazing. I think you do a fine job of leading up to Presley’s “big shot.” It’s interesting to know that Elvis failed at all the things he tried to aspire in. Failing music class, not getting into the glee club? Those seems like absolutely musts to become the King of Rock n Roll. However, it seems Elvis got that title from a different path. Very interesting, great job!
Benjamin Voy
Its so amazing to hear about how a legend came into existence. I am very shocked to hear that Elvis was rejected so many times from music groups and clubs and I garuntee if someone was to tell him at that time, that he would grow up to be the King of Rock n Roll he would have laughed. It just shows that hard work and never giving up will take you further than born talent alone. Great article