II. the Topic Is How Elvis Grew Up/Got His Start in Music

Outline:

I. Introduction

a. Hook Elvis Presley enjoyed a long reign as the King of Rock N' Roll. He succeeded in not only stealing the hearts of every teenage girl in America, but also in redefining pop culture.

b. Thesis/topic statement: Not only did Elvis redefine the world of pop culture, but he helped to create the genre of Rock-n-Roll.

i. Elvis changed American culture with his look/style and he was a key figure in making Rock n’ Roll a popular genre of music.

c. According to Horace Logan, a radio producer for the music show the Louisiana Hayride who helped to launch Elvis's career, "Elvis changed everything. He changed the way popular music sounded, the way it looked, the way it acted-everything about it" (Logan and Sloan 9) *Also use Logan quote about Elvis and John Lennon?

II. The topic is How Elvis grew up/got his start in music

a. He was the son of a sewing machine operator and a truck driver (George-Warren 775)

i. Elvis came from simple beginnings

b. When E. was three years old, his father was imprisoned for writing bad checks.

c. Family was religious - First Assembly of God Church - Elvis first got a taste for Gospel music

i. Family was humble but Elvis still managed to become hugely successful despite troubled and very simple childhood

III. The topic is How Elvis felt about himself going from everyday person to rock star

a. Had acne, wanted to be noticed but also just wanted to be accepted- "He was an outsider who stressed his apartness by refusing to conform" (Mason 24)

b. "flashy clothes to compensate for his deep dissatisfaction with his looks" (Mason 24)

i. Elvis was self-conscious growing up.

c. "Despite the way he acted on stage, he had a lot of insecurities bottled up inside him-insecurities that no amount of wealth and fame could ever erase" (Logan and Sloan 144)

i. Elvis was a legend. During his time he was treated like a hero by his fans, but he never felt this good about himself

ii. Even though people “loved” Elvis, it wasn’t enough for him. Did he ever find the love and attention he was seeking? What would have been enough?

d. Elvis began using drugs frequently to cope with the pressures of fame (Mason 120)

Essay by (Modified from): "Elvis Presley." 123HelpMe.com. 02 Apr 2012

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